The Mystery of the Same Body
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Dec 10, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 17, 2023
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. (Ephesians 3:4-6)
Some things that were mysteries centuries ago have become common knowledge. For example, before the invention of the ultrasound machine, the life of the unborn child was a mystery. Some thought it was nothing but a clump of cells until the day of birth. But now, the mystery of life in the womb has been uncovered. We know a baby’s heart beats at 5 weeks. At or before 20 weeks’ gestation, babies feel pain, but once that was all a mystery.
In Ephesians 3:4-6, Paul wrote about the mystery of Christ. The word mystery is musterion in Greek. It means something secret, covered, or not understood. Just as we now know about a baby’s life in the womb, we also know about this mystery of Christ. The people of Paul’s day, however, did not.
The mystery was how Jews and Gentiles could become one body in Christ. This doesn’t seem to be a big issue to most 21st century believers, but in Paul’s day, it was revolutionary!
Judaism separated people, but Jesus brings them together.
Judaism kept the common Jew away from God’s presence. The High Priest represented them, but they had to stay back. But Jesus is the way to the Father for everyone.
Jews looked upon Gentiles as dirty, nasty people who were not much better than dogs. And then, Paul came along and said, “My Jewish brothers, we’re going to be one body with Gentiles!” Such a statement was not only a mystery; it was blasphemous!
Practical Application
Believers have been baptized into one body in Christ. Black, brown, white, yellow, red, tall, short, rich, and poor, from any continent or tribe in Christ, we are one body.
