² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart^(A) and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery^(B) of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.^(C)

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle^(A) and set apart^(B) for the gospel of God^(C)— ² the gospel he promised beforehand^(D) through his prophets^(E) in the Holy Scriptures^{(F) 3} regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life^[a](G) was a descendant of David,^{(H) 4} and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power^[b](I) by his resurrection from the dead:^(J) Jesus Christ our Lord.^(K)

Doxology

²² Jews demand signs^(A) and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified:^(B) a stumbling block^(C) to Jews and foolishness^(D) to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those whom God has called,^(E) both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God^(F) and the wisdom of God.^(G)

God’s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit

⁶ We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature,^(A) but not the wisdom of this age^(B) or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.^{(C) 7} No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery^(D) that has been hidden^(E) and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸ None of the rulers of this age^(F) understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.^(G)

⁷ In him we have redemption^(A) through his blood,^(B) the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches^(C) of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,

¹⁰ His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God^(A) should be made known^(B) to the rulers and authorities^(C) in the heavenly realms,^{(D) 11} according to his eternal purpose^(E) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you,^(A) we have not stopped praying for you.^(B) We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will^(C) through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^[a](D)

¹⁶ Let the message of Christ^(A) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(B) through psalms,^(C) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^(D)