Verse 9
This verse probably begins a new thought, as the NIV translators suggested by putting a period at the end of Ephesians 1:8. The New Testament uses the term "mystery" to refer to a truth previously hidden but now made known by divine revelation (cf. Matthew 13:11; Luke 8:10; Romans 11:25; Romans 16:25-26; et al.). [Note: See my note on 3:3.]
"In classical Greek the word musterion had two meanings. The root meaning was that into which one was initiated, and from this it came to mean also a secret of any kind. In the LXX it is used of what is revealed by God (e.g. Dn. ii. 19), and also of the secret that a tale-bearer tells (e.g. Ecclus. xxii. 22). Thus its Christian use is not of necessity derived from its use in the heathen mystery cults so common in New Testament days." [Note: Foulkes, p. 51.]
The mystery (lit. secret) revealed here is God’s purpose to bring everything into submission to Jesus Christ in the future (Ephesians 1:10). God’s "kind intention" (NASB) is His "good pleasure" (NIV, cf. Ephesians 1:5). "In Him" (NASB) means "in Christ" (NIV).
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