Why the Words “Now Revealed” Are Not in Romans 16:25 and Where They Actually Are

The words “now revealed” (or “now made manifest”) do not belong to Romans 16:25, but are the beginning of verse 26. The confusion arises when Paul’s long sentence is cited only by the number of verse 25 or is conflated with parallel expressions from Colossians and Ephesians.

The Apostle Paul concludes the Epistle to the Romans with a majestic doxology praising God, who strengthens believers through the Gospel. In many translations and citations, the phrase regarding the “mystery now revealed” is presented as being in Romans 16:25. However, a careful reading shows that verse 25 speaks of the mystery previously kept secret, while the clarification that it is now revealed is found in verse 26. Therefore, for the complete thought, the correct reference is Romans 16:25–26.

Where Exactly Verse 25 Ends

In the original Greek, Romans 16:25–27 forms one single, extended doxological sentence. Verse divisions were added much later to facilitate reading and text location. Therefore, the boundary between verses 25 and 26 does not mark the end of the thought; it simply continues.

In verse 25, Paul speaks of the “revelation of the mystery” that remained hidden for long ages:

“Now to him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages...” Rom 16:25

This is precisely where the verse ends. It does not contain the words “now revealed,” “now made manifest,” or “now disclosed.” If someone quotes these words citing exclusively Romans 16:25, the reference is incomplete.

Where the Words “Now Revealed” Are Found

The following verse, verse 26, continues the preceding sentence and explains what has happened to the mystery of God's purpose:

“...but is now revealed, and through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience to faith to all the nations.” Rom 16:26

Thus, the precise answer is straightforward: the phrase “now revealed” is located in Romans 16:26. When one needs to convey Paul’s entire thought—from the concealment of the mystery to its disclosure and proclamation to all nations—both verses should be cited together: Romans 16:25–26.

Similar Passages Often Confused with This Citation

Most likely, this inaccuracy also arises due to very similar expressions in Paul’s other epistles. In Colossians 1:26, the words about the hidden and now revealed mystery are indeed contained within a single verse:

“The mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been revealed to His saints.” Col 1:26

In the Epistle to the Ephesians, Paul emphasizes once more that God revealed this truth to the apostles and prophets through the Holy Spirit:

“Which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit.” Eph 3:5

Therefore, the formula “a mystery once hidden, but now revealed” is thoroughly Pauline, yet its exact biblical location must be determined carefully. For Romans, it is 16:25–26; for a concise formulation within a single verse, Colossians 1:26 is especially apt.

What Paul Calls God’s Mystery

In the biblical sense, a “mystery” is not esoteric knowledge reserved for a narrow circle of initiates. It is God’s eternal plan, which humanity could never have discovered independently until God chose to reveal it. Central to this divine plan is Christ, His atoning sacrifice, and the inclusion of the Gentiles into the people of God on equal terms with the Jews.

Paul specifically explains the content of this mystery as follows:

“That the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” Eph 3:6

The Adventist understanding of the Great Controversy also highlights that God’s character, the justice of His Law, and the depth of His love were most fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Ellen White repeatedly underscored that the plan of salvation was not an afterthought in response to sin, but had existed in the mind of God from eternity and was revealed progressively through the Scriptures, the ministry of Christ, and the proclamation of the Gospel to the world.

Conclusion and Practical Application

Romans 16:25 does not contain the words “now revealed” by itself; they are found in Romans 16:26. The complete and accurate biblical reference is Romans 16:25–26. A similar statement within a single verse can be found in Colossians 1:26.

The practical lesson is to verify citations in their immediate context, especially when a single sentence crosses a verse boundary. Such attentive reading not only prevents inaccuracies but also helps us grasp Paul’s central message: the Gospel revealed in Christ is intended for all nations, calling everyone to the obedience of faith.