[1] Christ Jesus made me his prisoner, so that I could help you Gentiles. [2] You have surely heard about God's kindness in choosing me to help you. [3] In fact, this letter tells you a little about how God has shown me his mysterious ways. [4] As you read the letter, you will also find out how well I really do understand the mystery about Christ. [5] No one knew about this mystery until God's Spirit told it to his holy apostles and prophets. [6] And the mystery is this: Because of Christ Jesus, the good news has given the Gentiles a share in the promises that God gave to the Jews. God has also let the Gentiles be part of the same body. [7] God treated me with kindness. His power worked in me, and it became my job to spread the good news. [8] I am the least important of all God's people. But God was kind and chose me to tell the Gentiles that because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured. [9] God, who created everything, wanted me to help everyone understand the mysterious plan that had always been hidden in his mind. [10] Then God would use the church to show the powers and authorities in the spiritual world that he has many different kinds of wisdom. [11] God did this according to his eternal plan. And he was able to do what he had planned because of all that Christ Jesus our Lord had done. [12] Christ now gives us courage and confidence, so that we can come to God by faith. [13] That's why you should not be discouraged when I suffer for you. After all, it will bring honor to you. [14] I kneel in prayer to the Father. [15] All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him. [16] God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers [17] and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. [18] I pray that you and all of God's people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. [19] I want you to know all about Christ's love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is. [20] I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.
