When to and When Not to Explain the Fellowship of the Mystery

(Rightly Divided Guidance from Paul’s Epistles)

1. Introduction

The fellowship of the mystery is not a minor side topic. Paul calls it “the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God” (Ephesians 3:9). It is the capstone truth of this dispensation of grace, revealed uniquely to Paul. It explains the unity of Jew and Gentile in one body without distinction (Ephesians 3:6) and the heavenly purpose of the Body of Christ apart from Israel’s kingdom program.

However, Paul himself did not indiscriminately explain this truth to everyone. Sometimes he preached it boldly; other times he withheld deeper explanation because the hearers were either unprepared, unbelieving, or hostile. Understanding when to and when not to explain it is part of wise stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:1–2).

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2. When to Explain the Fellowship of the Mystery

Paul gave specific examples of right timing for this doctrine.

A. To Established Believers Who Are Ready for Meat

• 1 Corinthians 2:6–7 — “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect… we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom.”

Paul did not reveal the mystery to spiritual babes but to believers who were grounded enough to handle it.

• Ephesians 1:17–18 — Paul prayed for believers to have “the spirit of wisdom and revelation” so they could understand their calling.

If the believer has been established in Paul’s gospel (Romans 16:25) and understands salvation by grace alone, then it is fitting to open up the fuller fellowship of the mystery.

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B. When the Gospel of Grace Is Already Clear

Before someone can grasp the fellowship of the mystery, they must first know and trust the gospel of the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Explaining the Body’s heavenly calling to someone who is not even saved can distract from their urgent need for justification.

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C. When the Audience Is Willing to Hear

Acts 28:23–24 shows Paul reasoning with an audience willing to listen. The mystery is a stewardship truth (Ephesians 3:2–3) and should be shared with those open to learning. A hostile or mocking audience may require a different approach (Acts 13:45–46).

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D. As Part of Doctrinal Edification

In Colossians 1:25–28, Paul connects making known the mystery with presenting believers “perfect in Christ Jesus.” Mature teaching strengthens saints against false doctrine (Ephesians 4:14–16).

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3. When Not to Explain the Fellowship of the Mystery

A. When the Person Rejects Paul’s Gospel

If someone denies the gospel of grace (Galatians 1:8–9), there is no point in explaining the Body of Christ’s position and calling. The foundation is missing. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:10 that the foundation must be laid first.

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B. When They Are Carnal and Unstable

In 1 Corinthians 3:1–2, Paul told believers that he could not speak to them as unto spiritual, but as unto babes, giving them milk instead of meat. If a believer is caught in carnality, divisiveness, or legalism, they will likely distort the mystery or reject it outright.

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C. When It Will Cause Unnecessary Strife

2 Timothy 2:23–26 warns against “foolish and unlearned questions” that generate strife. If the mystery will only be used as fuel for argument with no willingness to learn, it is wise to refrain until the Spirit softens their heart.

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D. When It Will Hinder the Simplicity of the Gospel to the Lost

Paul kept his gospel presentation to unbelievers focused on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 20:21). The details of the Body’s heavenly position and Israel’s temporary blindness come after salvation, not before.

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4. Balancing Zeal with Wisdom

We are commanded to “make all men see” the fellowship of the mystery (Ephesians 3:9), yet Paul himself knew when to plant seeds and when to wait. This is not hiding truth out of shame, but exercising godly timing so that the hearer receives it in faith and understanding, not confusion or rebellion.

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5. Conclusion

Explaining the fellowship of the mystery is part of our stewardship as members of the Body of Christ. The key is right timing. Start with the gospel of grace. Share the mystery with saved, grounded believers. Avoid giving meat to those who still need milk. Be patient with the ignorant, and do not waste time on those who openly reject Paul’s message. In all cases, our aim is to build up the hearer in Christ so they too can rejoice in the unity, calling, and heavenly purpose of the Body of Christ.

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Cross-References (KJV):

Ephesians 3:9 — And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery…

1 Corinthians 2:6–7 — Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect…

Colossians 1:25–27 — …to fulfil the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages…

1 Corinthians 3:1–2 — I have fed you with milk, and not with meat…

2 Timothy 2:23–26 — But foolish and unlearned questions avoid…