“When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ…” – Ephesians 3:4 

Scripture reading: Acts 2:1-13

In the verses that follow Ephesians 3:4, the mystery is described with great clarity. The mystery is that Gentiles (non-Jews) are included in the people of God. This was revealed by the Holy Spirit, and we can see this clearly at Pentecost. Thereafter, the gospel begins to spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the Earth. The Apostle Paul is known as the missionary to the Gentiles.

What is clear is that the unconditional election of God from before the foundation of the world reached far beyond the borders of Israel. With the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D., we have further testimony that the church will not be centered in Jerusalem or anywhere else.

Already at the time of Pentecost, we can see from Acts 2 that there were people living in Jerusalem “devout men from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5). We can see in Israel’s history many Gentiles who were included in the commonwealth of Israel. Even in the family tree of our Lord Jesus Christ, we see Gentiles (e.g. Ruth the Moabitess). The mystery is revealed in Christ and is therefore no longer a mystery. God’s plan of redemption continues to unfold, and it involves all peoples on the face of the earth. This is the picture we receive in Revelation of all nations worshipping the Lord. Praise God! Let us pray for the lost in all the nations of the world.

Suggestions for prayer

Ask God for the calling in both unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. Thank God for all that we have in Christ.

Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.