Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner(A) of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— you have heard, haven’t you, about the administration of God’s grace that He gave to me for you? The mystery was made known to me by revelation,(B) as I have briefly written above. By reading this you are able to understand my insight about the mystery of the Messiah.(C) This was not made known to people[a] in other generations as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets(D) by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners of the promise(E) in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of His power.(F)

This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches(G) of the Messiah, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created(H) all things. 10 This is so God’s multi-faceted wisdom(I) may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.(J) 11 This is according to His eternal purpose(K) accomplished in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord. 12 In Him we have boldness and confident access(L) through faith in Him.[b] 13 So then I ask you not to be discouraged(M) over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.(N)

Prayer for Spiritual Power

14 For this reason I kneel(O) before the Father[c] 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches(P) of His glory,(Q) to be strengthened with power(R) in the inner man(S) through His Spirit, 17 and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love,(T) 19 and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able(U) to do above and beyond all that we ask or think(V) according to the power(W) that works in us— 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.(X)

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 3:5 Lit to the sons of men
  2. Ephesians 3:12 Or through His faithfulness
  3. Ephesians 3:14 Other mss add of our Lord Jesus Christ

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