Study Desk

God's Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner^(a) of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me^(b) for you,

that is, the mystery^(c) made known to me by revelation,^(d) as I have already written briefly.

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight^(e) into the mystery of Christ,

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.^(f)

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs^(g) together with Israel, members together of one body,^(h) and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.⁽ⁱ⁾

I became a servant of this gospel^(j) by the gift of God's grace given me^(k) through the working of his power.^(l)

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people,^(m) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles⁽ⁿ⁾ the boundless riches of Christ,^(o)

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

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God^(q) should be made known^(r) to the rulers and authorities^(s) in the heavenly realms,^(t)

according to his eternal purpose^(u) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In him and through faith in him we may approach God^(v) with freedom and confidence.^(w)

I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

For this reason I kneel^(x) before the Father,

from whom every family^[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name.

I pray that out of his glorious riches^(y) he may strengthen you with power^(z) through his Spirit in your inner being,^(aa)

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts^(ab) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted^(ac) and established in love,

may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people,^(ad) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep^(ae) is the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge^(af)—that you may be filled^(ag) to the measure of all the fullness of God.^(ah)

Now to him who is able^(ai) to do immeasurably more than all we ask^(aj) or imagine, according to his power^(ak) that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.^(al)