Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner(A) of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave 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 into the mystery of Christ.(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 in 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 Christ, 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 that 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 Christ 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)

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Footnotes

  1. 3:5 Lit to the sons of men
  2. 3:12 Or through his faithfulness

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. 10 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) 11 according to his eternal purpose(U) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God(V) with freedom and confidence.(W) 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

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