[1] For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles... [2] Surely you have heard about the stewardship 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 fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of 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] Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, [9] and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. [10] His purpose 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 the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. [12] In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence. [13] So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. [14] ... for this reason I bow my knees before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. [16] I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth [19] of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with 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 the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
