𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗕𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗧𝗦?

Was the Message for Today Known by the Prophets?

(Acts 3:24 & Colossians 1:26 Explained)

One of the most important questions for understanding your Bible is this:

Did the prophets of old know about the message we preach today?

Most people assume “the gospel” has always been the same. But Paul draws a sharp contrast between:

• What was spoken by the prophets since the world began (Acts 3:24).

• What was kept secret since the world began (Colossians 1:26; Romans 16:25).

Let’s examine both passages.

Acts 3:24 – “Spoken by the Prophets”

“Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.”

Peter, preaching to Israel, declares that the prophets foretold “these days.” Which days?

• The days of Israel’s restoration (Acts 3:19-21).

• The coming of the promised kingdom on earth (Jeremiah 23:5-6).

• The reign of Christ as King from Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:9,16).

Key Point: This was not a mystery. The prophets had been talking about Israel’s kingdom “since the world began” (Luke 1:70).

Colossians 1:26 – “Kept Secret Since the World Began”

“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.”

Paul speaks of a different message:

• A mystery kept hidden in God (Ephesians 3:9).

• A plan not revealed to the prophets (Ephesians 3:5).

• That Jew and Gentile would be united in one Body, seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6; 3:6).

Key Point: This wasn’t “spoken by the prophets.” It was kept secret until revealed to Paul.

Prophecy vs. Mystery – Two Messages, Not One

Prophecy (Acts 3):

• Earthly kingdom promised to Israel.

• Revealed “since the world began.”

• Centered on Christ as King of Israel.

Mystery (Colossians 1):

• Heavenly position of the Body of Christ.

• Kept secret “since the world began.”

• Centered on Christ as Head of the Body.

Why This Matters Today

If you think the prophets preached the same message Paul did, you’ll mix the programs:

• You’ll claim Israel’s earthly promises (Matthew 25:34).

• You’ll miss your heavenly calling (Philippians 3:20).

Right division (2 Timothy 2:15) keeps our hope clear:

• Israel awaits a kingdom on earth.

• We await glory in heavenly places.

Reflection Questions

1. Do you see how Acts 3:24 and Colossians 1:26 speak of two different revelations?

2. How does knowing your message wasn’t prophesied affect how you read the Old Testament?

3. Are you trusting in Israel’s promises, or resting in your complete position in Christ?

Summary:

• The prophets knew about Israel’s kingdom (Acts 3:24).

• They did not know about the mystery revealed to Paul (Colossians 1:26).

Key References:

• Acts 3:19-24; Luke 1:70; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zechariah 14:9.

• Colossians 1:25-27; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9; 1 Corinthians 2:7-8.