Meaning: This quote by Origen, the early Christian theologian, reflects his belief in the interconnectedness of the Old Testament prophecies and the teachings of the Apostles in the New Testament. Origen was a prominent figure in the early Christian church, known for his extensive writings and contributions to Christian theology. In this quote, Origen emphasizes the idea that the prophetic writings of the Old Testament hold a hidden mystery that is revealed to the Apostles in the New Testament. He argues that the prophets, as wise men, understood the significance of their own prophecies and that this understanding was subsequently made manifest to the Apostles.

Origen's understanding of the relationship between the Old Testament prophets and the Apostles is rooted in the early Christian interpretation of Scripture. He believed that the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that the Apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, were able to discern and proclaim this fulfillment to the world. For Origen, the unity and continuity of the Old and New Testaments were essential for understanding the divine plan of salvation.

The quote also reflects Origen's view of the prophetic writings as containing hidden or concealed meanings that require interpretation. He believed that the prophets, inspired by God, spoke in a mysterious and symbolic language that required spiritual insight to fully comprehend. This insight, according to Origen, was granted to the Apostles, enabling them to recognize the fulfillment of the prophecies in their own time.

Origen's approach to biblical interpretation, known as allegorical interpretation, was influential in early Christian thought. He believed that the Scriptures had both a literal and a spiritual meaning, and that the deeper spiritual truths could be discerned through allegorical and symbolic interpretations. In this context, the "mystery concealed of old" mentioned in the quote refers to the hidden spiritual truths contained in the Old Testament prophecies, which were later revealed to the Apostles through their understanding of the prophetic writings.

Origen's emphasis on the continuity and interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments has profound implications for Christian theology and understanding of Scripture. It underscores the importance of recognizing the unity of God's plan of salvation as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. It also highlights the significance of the prophetic writings as pointing to the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the role of the Apostles in proclaiming this fulfillment to the world.

In conclusion, Origen's quote encapsulates his belief in the interconnectedness of the Old Testament prophecies and the teachings of the Apostles. It reflects his conviction that the prophetic writings contain hidden spiritual truths that were later revealed to the Apostles, emphasizing the unity and continuity of God's plan of salvation as revealed in Scripture. Origen's approach to biblical interpretation and his understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments continue to be influential in Christian theology and exegesis.