(Ephesians 3:1-13)
1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus
for the sake of you Gentiles—
2Surely you have heard about the administration of
God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the
mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written
briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to
understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which
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. 6This
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.
7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s
grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although
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,
9and to make plain to everyone the administration of
this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who
created all things. 10His 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, 11according
to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our
Lord. 12In him and through faith in him we may approach
God with freedom and confidence. 13I ask you,
therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you,
which are your glory.
