⁴ In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight^(A) into the mystery of Christ,

³ And pray for us, too, that God may open a door^(A) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery^(B) of Christ, for which I am in chains.^(C)

The Nature of True Apostleship

4 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants^(A) of Christ and as those entrusted^(B) with the mysteries^(C) God has revealed.

⁶ I may indeed be untrained as a speaker,^(A) but I do have knowledge.^(B) We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.

¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery^(A) from which true godliness^(B) springs is great:

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.

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,

¹⁹ Pray also for me,^(A) that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly^(B) make known the mystery^(C) of the gospel,

³² This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.