He liked to use the word “mystery” because the “mysteries” were given to him to give to us by direct revelations of the risen Christ. He could not be clearer in what he meant. The only way to miss it is because a person chooses NOT to see it.
I do not disagree that Paul did indeed have the “mystery” revealed to him by Jesus. What I disagree with is that Paul is the only one to have received this revelation.
The revelation and the gospel that Paul received was the same as that of the others. Paul emphasizes that he received them straight from the risen Christ, not because he was given a different revelation, but because he had to prove that he was given the same revelation as the others. It was about the authenticity of himself as a preacher of the good news.
1 Corinthians 2:7 No, WE declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for OUR glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
Did Paul have a mouse in his pocket?
Paul taught in accordance with Peter and the others, he sought their approval and imprimatur.