¹⁸ Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.^(A)

⁷ No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery^(A) that has been hidden^(B) and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸ None of the rulers of this age^(C) understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.^{(D) 9} However, as it is written:

¹⁰ these are the things God has revealed^(F) to us by his Spirit.^(G)

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

³ that is, the mystery^(A) made known to me by revelation,^(B) as I have already written briefly. ⁴ In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight^(C) into the mystery of Christ, ⁵ which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.^(D)

⁹ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,^(A) which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.