… 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?
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