Bible Strands
Ephesians 3:5
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.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Ephesian church while explaining his specific commission to disclose the mystery of Christ. He marks this moment as a departure from prior eras, noting that the revelation arrived through the Spirit to designated apostles and prophets.
The words — The Greek verb ἐγνωρίσθη (egnōristhē) literally means "was made known," functioning as a passive form that attributes the disclosure to God. The phrase ἐν ἑτέραις γενεαῖς (en heterais geneais) translates to "in other generations," establishing a clear chronological boundary between concealment and revelation.
The thread — The contrast between concealed prophecy and revealed truth appears in 1 Peter 1:10, where prophets searched for this salvation, and in 2 Peter 3:2, which anchors teaching in the apostolic word. The designation of holy apostles and prophets as revelation bearers aligns with the structural authority outlined in Titus 1:1.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to accept that spiritual knowledge originates from divine communication rather than human inquiry. It demands submission to the apostolic witness as the authoritative record of God’s disclosed plan.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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;
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 1:10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully,
- 2 Peter 3:2 by recalling what was foretold by the holy prophets and commanded by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.
- Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness,
- Jude 1:17 But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ
- Luke 10:24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”
- Acts 10:28 He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.
- Ephesians 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
- Ephesians 3:9 and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
- Matthew 13:17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
- John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.