1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-- |
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, |
3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. |
4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, |
5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. |
6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. |
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. |
8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, |
9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. |
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, |
11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. |
13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. |
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, |
15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. |
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, |
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, |
18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, |
19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. |
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, |
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. |