… so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ …
Summary: Sometimes there are mysteries within mysteries. In this passage, we are presented with a mystery that involves language. Why did the translators add to God’s Word?
You might have noticed that we sort of skipped over part of this verse in our last meditation. The reason is that I thought it might be good to spend some time focusing on the “mystery of Christ.”
The Greek word for “mystery” is “mystḗrion,” which is very similar to our English word while at the same time sounds even more mysterious!
Which leads me to wonder why Paul used it.
Earlier in his letter, Paul writes, “My goal is that they (all who have not met [Paul] personally) may … know the mystery of God, namely, Christ …” (Colossians 2:1-3).
In this passage, Paul is telling us that Christ is the mystery!
Why is Christ the mystery?
Paul points to what Jesus represents. He is the embodiment of “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). We also know that Jesus himself said that “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Both of these truths speak of mysteries beyond human understanding.
But what does Paul mean by the “mystery of Christ?”
This is where it helps to dive into the original language Paul was writing in. In the Greek text, there is no “of” between “mystery” and “Christ.”
Obviously, the translators will argue that the “of” is implied, and they may be right. But the problem I see is in how we respond to the word “mystery.”
This is a subtle point, but I think it is important.
If I tell someone about the “mystery of Christ,” their mind is going to be drawn to the word “mystery,” not “Christ.” It would be natural to wonder, “What is this mystery he is talking about?”
If we use Paul’s words as he used them, something very interesting happens. Paul actually said, “so that we may proclaim the mystery Christ…”
Now, if I were going to add anything, I might add a comma after “mystery,” so that it reads, “so that we may proclaim the mystery, Christ…”
Do you see the difference?
Sticking with Paul’s original wording keeps the focus on Jesus, not on a mystery. This fits better with Paul’s earlier statement, too. He refers to the “mystery of God, Christ.” Again, the focus is on Jesus, not the word “mystery.”
Details matter, and if we are to understand God’s Word, it helps to avoid adding unnecessary mystery.
Application: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about English translations of God’s Word.
Food for Thought: How can Satan use our focus on the “mystery of Christ” to distract us from the mystery that is Christ?
This was a tough question to answer.
If we focus on “the mystery of Christ” it makes Him to be an abstract entity that we would struggle to have a relationship with. We may be dismissive of who He is, and that He wants to reveal Himself to us.
There is much about Christ that is not a mystery. That He loves us, that He died for our sins so that we can be redeemed and be reunited with the Father. That faith in Him brings us into a relationship with God through Him. One mystery is trying to understand how He can love us that much. When we focus on a relationship with the mystery, Christ, we are saying that we have a relationship with Him but we don’t understand the full measure of His power.
I read something yesterday in Deuteronomy 29. The context is Moses giving final instructions, reminders, and warnings to the Israelite’s before they entered the Promised land to occupy it. Other translations state it a bit differently, but I read it in the New Living Translation, and I liked what it said:
Deuteronomy 29:29 The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.
Who Christ is is a bit of a mystery, what Christ has done and does, is not. Part of a relationship with Him, is to seek Him more and more. To be content with just not understanding, would mean being content with not growing in Him.
Chris,
Thank you — I like the way you have pointed us to the fact that there is mystery associated with Christ, but there are also things we can know — especially Jesus himself! (And yes, that is a bit of a mystery, too.)
How can Satan use our focus on the “mystery of Christ” to distract us from the mystery that is Christ?
As a non-believer, I was accepted into “Mens Bible Study Fellowship” and of course needed a Bible. I went to a Christian Supply store to purchase a Bible, was asked by lady at store, “ What kind? “ My wise response was, “give me any of them, they all say the same thing.” Her response was to provide me with a
“ Schofield King James Reference Bible.”
I got home, opened the box, looked at my beautiful new bible, and realized I did not understand anything it said. I went back and the lady gave me a “ baby “ Bible and I entered BSF studying with both translations. Today my Schofield is held together with duct tape, tiny notes written on almost every page, and my companion almost everywhere I go..
The wisdom of God is a mystery; doctrines are mysteries, particularly those regarding the person, offices and grace of Christ. The mystery of His divine and eternal sonship, His incarnation, the union of His two natures, divine and human, His person, redemption by His blood, justification by His righteousness,
Colossians 4:3, Praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.
John 16:13, However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.
Do not be distracted from our purpose. Live our lives knowing we exist in our Creator God, our hearts beat, our lungs take breath by the power of our Creator God. We also receive His eternal truths according to His timing, by the power of His Holy Spirit, to effectively live in His perfect will, equipped for His preordained purposes.
LUKE 12:12, JOHN 14:26, ACTS 1:8, ROMANS 8:26, 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12
Thank you, Ron!
“Do not be distracted” is good advice!
Great verses!!
I like your response CH. Well stated.
I guess I didn’t see the difference as much as you did, Jeff (I put the comma in 😊). When I think of “the mystery of Christ,” I do think upon Christ.
Nevertheless, I think your point is valid. It is good to do the work and study to see what the original language says. I would be just as happy with “the mystery, Christ.”
Thanks, Rich!
I get it. Your focus on Christ is obvious in your life and your teaching. I think that is a good example for myself and others to know that greater familiarity with Scripture brings greater clarity about Christ.