Ephesians 3:6
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
This is the mystery that Paul says was revealed to him, and what a strange mystery it sounds to us – non-Jews of course. The Jewish nation held the “chosen people” status and its identity was very carefully protected. Whenever Israel attacked new territory in the Old Testament, God’s command was to “wipe out” all living things before settling down in the land. This was to prevent intermarriage and cross-pollination of religions and other Gods. Now Paul, the Pharisees’ Pharisee, the one who knew about the “specialness” of Israel possibly more than the disciples, was given the message to preach to the Gentiles. What a stunning turn of events. Paul spends books explaining to the new Christians that other Jews will still be trying to drag them back into legalism and living by OT Law standards. But that’s not necessary, he teaches. All are the same even with the law.