Faith without religion.
Mystery of Christ: Uniting Gentiles and Jews
Shawn and Delaney continue their exploration of scripture in this episode, diving into Ephesians 3 after realizing they had previously skipped it. Their discussion centers around Paul’s revelation of the “mystery” of Christ, which is the unification of Gentiles and Jews under the gospel. Shawn emphasizes that while Jewish scripture had long prophesied the inclusion of Gentiles, what was not known was how it would happen—until Christ’s life, death, and resurrection revealed the path.
The conversation touches on modern misconceptions, particularly the claim that Gentiles were originally part of Israel. Shawn refutes this idea using Paul’s words, pointing out that the distinction between Jews and Gentiles is made clear throughout scripture. He also draws attention to the fact that the apostles and prophets of that time were specifically chosen to make this revelation known, contrasting it with the modern church’s tendency to assume the same responsibility today.
Delaney raises questions about the Jewish understanding of the Messiah, the destruction of Jerusalem, and whether they acknowledge the foretelling of these events. Shawn clarifies that while the Jews anticipated a Messiah, they expected a military leader rather than a spiritual redeemer, which led to their rejection of Jesus. He explains that Paul’s mission was to make plain the administration of this mystery, which had been hidden throughout history but was now being revealed.
As they reach the closing section of the chapter, they reflect on Paul’s prayer that believers would be rooted in love and grasp the vastness of Christ’s love. Shawn points out that the imagery of height, depth, and width aligns with the dimensions of the heavenly realm, reinforcing the grandeur of God’s eternal purpose.
The episode concludes with a thought-provoking discussion about restoration in the Kingdom of God. Shawn speculates that those who suffer loss in this life may be fully restored in eternity, with all they have lost returned to them in abundance. He suggests that in the heavenly realm, complete unity and restoration will eliminate jealousy and division, creating a state of unimaginable fulfillment. This leads to a final reflection on the balance between individual and collective aspects of eternity, leaving listeners with much to consider.