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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"And to make all men see," saith he, "what is the dispensation of the mystery which from all ages hath been hid in God, who created all things." Angels knew only this, that "The Lord's portion was His people." And again it is said, "The Prince of Persia withstood me." So that it is nothing to be wondered at that they were ignorant of this; for if they were ignorant of the circumstances of the return from the Captivity, much more would they be of these things. For this is the gospel. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
That the Gentiles would be called, this, perhaps, the prophets and angels also knew by the Spirit; but that they would be called to such blessings, that they would even sit upon the throne of God — who could have expected this? Therefore he also calls this a mystery, hidden in God from the ages, that is, from of old, from the beginning. For this dispensation is ineffable and known to Him alone. Beautifully he reminded about creation: God created all things, he says, through Christ. …
Western Saints
Jerome
These riches of his generosity were "hidden from all past ages in God," the Creator of all. Where are Marcion, Valentinus and the other heretics who say that there is one creator of the visible world and another creator of the invisible?… However, the phrase "mystery hidden from the ages" could also be understood to mean that the very ages of time remained ignorant of his generosity when all spiritual and rational creatures who inhabited all previous ages remained unenlightened.
Thomas Aquinas
Concerning the second—to make known the salvation which comes from Christ to those who believe—he says to enlighten all men, not only the Jews, but the Gentiles as well, through preaching and miracles. "I will enlighten all that hope in the Lord" (Ecclus. 24:45). "This man is to me a vessel of election, to carry my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" (Ac. 9:15); "You are the light of the world" (Mt. 5:14). To enlighten, I say, insofar as I can, all who want to believe. …
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