This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches(A) of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created(B) all things. 10 This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom(C) may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.(D) 11 This is according to his eternal purpose(E) accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him we have boldness and confident access(F) through faith in him.[a] 13 So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged(G) over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.(H)

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Footnotes

  1. 3:12 Or through his faithfulness

Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone[a] this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.

10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.

12 Because of Christ and our faith in him,[b] we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 13 So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:9 Some manuscripts do not include to everyone.
  2. 3:12 Or Because of Christ’s faithfulness.