⁷ But we speak God’s wisdom, a hidden mystery, which God decreed before the ages for our glory

²⁶ the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints.^{(A) 27} To them God chose to make known how great among the gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.^(B)

The Christian’s Call and Election

³ His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by^[a] his own glory and excellence.^(A)

⁴ a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ.^{(A) 5} In former generations this mystery^[a] was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:^{(B) 6} that is, the gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.^(C)

⁷ Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. ⁸ Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ^{(D) 9} and to make everyone see^[b] what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in^[c] God, who created all things,^(E)

⁴ just as he chose us in Christ^[a] before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.^(A)

Final Doxology

²⁵ Now to God^[a] who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages^{(A) 26} but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith^(B)—

³⁵ This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet:^[a]

Jesus Thanks His Father

²⁵ At that time Jesus said, “I thank^[a] you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants;^(A)