"And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." (Ephesians 1:9-10)
"This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 3:6)
It is nearly impossible to overstate what a shock it was to the Jews to discover that the Gentiles - the unclean heathen! - were to be included in God's plan for eternal life through faith in Jesus.
Paul calls it a "mystery" that God had only recently revealed (although there were plenty of indications available throughout Scripture).
This shocking twist played a huge role in the book of Acts and the controversies it inspired gave shape to much of Paul's writings, in particular.
If we in modern times overlook the immensity of this revelation and its impact on the early believers, we are missing a key theme of the New Testament.
This must not remain a mystery to us.
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