John Calvin Commentary Colossians 1:26

"[even] the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints," — Colossians 1:26 (ASV)

Hidden mystery. Here we have a commendation of the gospel—that it is a wonderful secret of God. It is not without good reason that Paul so frequently extols the gospel by bestowing on it the highest commendations within his power; for he saw that it was a stumblingblock to the Jews, and foolishness to the Greeks (1 Corinthians 1:23).

We see also, even today, the hatred with which it is held by hypocrites, and how haughtily it is despised by the world. Paul, therefore, to set aside such unfair and perverse judgments, extols in magnificent terms the dignity of the gospel whenever he has the opportunity, and for that purpose he uses various arguments, according to the context. Here he calls it a sublime secret, which was hid from ages and generations—that is, from the beginning of the world, through so many successions of ages. Now, it is evident that he is speaking of the gospel from Romans 16:25, Ephesians 3:9, and other similar passages.

The question arises, however, why it is so called. Some, because Paul expressly mentions the calling of the Gentiles, believe that the sole reason it is so called is that the Lord, contrary to all expectation, poured out His grace on the Gentiles, whom He had seemed to have excluded forever from sharing in eternal life.

However, anyone who examines the whole passage more closely will perceive that this is the third reason, not the only one—I mean, to the extent that it relates to the passage before us and the one in Romans to which I referred. For:

1. The first reason is that whereas God, before the advent of Christ, governed His Church under obscure coverings of both words and ceremonies, He has suddenly shone out in full brightness through the doctrine of the gospel.
2. The second is that whereas previously only external figures were seen, Christ has been revealed, bringing with Him the full truth, which had been hidden.
3. The third is, what I have already mentioned: that the whole world, which until now had been estranged from God, is called to the hope of salvation, and the same inheritance of eternal life is offered to all.

Careful consideration of these things compels us to revere and adore this mystery that Paul proclaims, however much it may be held in contempt by the world, or even mocked.

Which is now revealed. Lest anyone should misinterpret the term mystery, as if he were speaking of something still secret and unknown, he adds that it has now finally been published, so that it might be known by mankind. Therefore, what was by its own nature secret has been made manifest by the will of God. Hence, there is no reason for its obscurity to alarm us, now that God has revealed it. He adds, however, to the saints, for God’s arm has not been revealed to all (Isaiah 53:1), that they might understand His counsel.