PROPHECY
"I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things, things from of old."
Psalm 78:2
This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world." -- Matthew 13:35
MYSTERY OF GOD
But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets. -- Revelations 10:7
Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets (Am. 3:7) who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past (Rom. 16:25).
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ (Eph. 3:4) and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things (Eph. 3:9).
Jesus said, ""The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them" (Mt. 13:11).
The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails--given by one Shepherd (Eccl. 12:11). I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God (1 Cor. 2:1). No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began (1 Cor. 2:7).
And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ (Eph. 1:9) that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly (Eph. 3:3).
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ (Col. 2:2) who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time (2 Tim. 1:9).
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God (1 Cor. 4:1). The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints (Col. 1:26).
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel (Eph. 6:19). I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle (Ps.49:4) : for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise (Prv. 1:6).
