This mystery was not related to the creation of any other previous animals. When it comes to the man made in the image of God and according to the likeness of God, this mystery is revealed. God councils among God and says "Let Us". And the following verse says that God created man "in His own image".
That is a very good point, in connection with those two prhases and pretty much wraps up any misgivings I had earlier about it maybe being, the heavenly council.
The phrases are used interchangably, much like the words Chruch and kingdom in matthew 16, so there can really be no mistake as to who it is refering to
Good point
EAM
Edited by EMA, : No reason given.