ROSETTA STONE
Ephesians 3:1-7
vv. 4-6: “In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight in the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 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 of Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 3:1-7
vv. 4-6: “In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight in the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 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 of Christ Jesus.”
Apostle Paul is at it again—freaking out foreigners, like the Ephesians. He blew people’s minds back around A.D. 60 as he travelled around the world to preach the Good News of the gospel. (Regions of Galatia, Ephesus, Corinth, Colossi, Thessalonica, Philippi, and Rome were Paul’s mission ministry).
His gospel message went beyond preaching Christ’s death and resurrection for believers to receive salvation and forgiveness of sins. His message targeted gentiles as being co-heirs to God’s Kingdom, along with fellow Hebrews.
What was the mystery of Christ, is the Good News to all people—from ancient times through today.
Do you want to learn a foreign language? In 1799, in the Egyptian harbor of Rosetta, a French archeologist made a fantastic discovery. He found an ancient stone that weighed 1,676 pounds, and reflected beautiful dark gray, blue, and pink colors. But the stone’s benefit wasn’t in its colors, or what made it remarkable. The stone was inscribed with identical messages in different ancient languages. Translating the stone in Greek unlocked, finally, the meaning of hieroglyphics (hi-ro-GLIF-iks). This was the picture language that was painted on Egyptian ruins—that remained a mystery for centuries.
And for many, the Bible also concealed a mystery. For centuries, people assumed God’s Word was limited for, and to, the Jewish people. Then Jesus appeared on the scene, and God’s promise to Abraham—that he would bless the whole world (Genesis 12:1-3)—finally made sense.
Paul broke the news to people in our ancient world—most of whom had no idea that the gentiles were co-heirs with Israel in God’s plan. Today, the “mystery of Christ” is taught as Good News that God provides salvation, forgiveness of sin, and eternal life to all who repent and believe in His Son. (Galatians 3:8-9, 28).
Take Home Nugget
People from every ethnic group, nation, and language can share in the inheritance of the children of God. (Revelation 5:9). What a glorious future!
The believer’s inheritance—no matter which believer—is guaranteed forever.
Dedicated to Linda Shanks, publisher of BibleStudyForKids.com, who’ll be retracing Paul’s mission steps. Join in her journey to Italy, Greece, and Turkey beginning May 17th 2009. Log onto the website now and check out: http://biblestudyforkids.com/freebiblestudy.htm, http://biblestudyforkids.com/, and www.biblestudyforkids.com/webvideo.htm.
J.D. Griffith
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