Those inspired “apostles and prophets” were the spokesmen appointed by Christ. Paul was the apostle especially sent to the Gentiles—all non-Jews (Romans 11:13; 1 Timothy 2:7). Like the other apostles, he was born a Jew or Israelite. God gradually unfolded His hidden plan through the nation of Israel. Over time, many Israelites came to think of themselves as God’s favorites. But God revealed that the scope of His purpose included all nations. Paul wrote,
This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs [with Jews], members of the same body [the church], and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel…. This grace was given [to me] to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that He has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:6, 8-11)
…God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:25-27)
“CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY”
“Christ in you!” What God had been planning all along, even for Gentiles, was beyond anyone’s imagination.
As it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)