Sigurd Grindheim, «What the OT Prophets Did Not Know: The Mystery of the Church in Eph 3,2-13», Vol. 84 (2003) 531-553

The purpose of this essay is two-fold. First, it argues that the inclusion of the Gentiles is referred to as a previously unrevealed mystery because it is based upon the abrogation of the Mosaic law and entails a degree of nearness to the Lord that exceeds the expectations of the old covenant. Second, it addresses the question of authorship. Assuming Pauline authorship as a working hypothesis, it shows that the use of the concept of mystery in Eph 3 is intimately linked with Paul’s terminology and thought world attested in the undisputed letters. It is unwarranted, therefore, to find proof of a post-Pauline development in the use of the term "mystery" in Ephesians.

Ephesians 3,2-13 stands at the heart of many discussions that continue to engage the church. For questions regarding the degree of continuity and discontinuity between the Testaments, the relationship between the church and Israel, as well as the authorship of the letter to the Ephesians, this passage is crucial. The purpose of this essay is two-fold. First, it will be argued that the inclusion of the Gentiles is referred to as a previously unrevealed mystery because it is based upon the abrogation of the Mosaic law and entails a degree of nearness to the Lord that exceeds the expectations of the old covenant. Second, we will address the question of authorship. Assuming Pauline authorship as a working hypothesis, we will show that the use of the concept of mystery in Eph 3 is intimately linked with Paul’s terminology and thought world attested in the undisputed letters. It is unwarranted, therefore, to find proof of a post-Pauline development in the use of the term "mystery" in Ephesians¹.

        After examining the content and nature of the mystery in the immediate context in Eph 3,1-13, we will look at how this "mystery" passage fits into the larger context of Ephesians. This further prompts an investigation of Paul’s role as recipient of the revelation of the mystery. Another subsection of the paper is devoted to the relationship between the concept of the mystery and the abrogation of the Mosaic law. Questions regarding the alleged post-Pauline nature of Ephesians will be dealt with throughout this article, where they are prompted by the subject matter. The final section will be devoted to an evaluation of the claim that the "mystery" terminology in Ephesians betrays an author other than the apostle Paul.

1. The Definition of the Mystery

        Having elaborated on the revelation of the mystery in vv. 3-5, Paul gives the definition of the mystery in v. 6: "the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in