Psalm 78

A maskil^[a] of Asaph.

⁶ This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs^(A) together with Israel, members together of one body,^(B) and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.^(C)

⁷ I became a servant of this gospel^(D) by the gift of God’s grace given me^(E) through the working of his power.^{(F) 8} Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,^(G) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles^(H) the boundless riches of Christ,^{(I) 9} and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,^(J) 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^(K) should be made known^(L) to the rulers and authorities^(M) in the heavenly realms,^{(N) 11} according to his eternal purpose^(O) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² In him and through faith in him we may approach God^(P) with freedom and confidence.^{(Q) 13} I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

A Prayer for the Ephesians

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel^(R) before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family^[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches^(S) he may strengthen you with power^(T) through his Spirit in your inner being,^{(U) 17} so that Christ may dwell in your hearts^(V) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted^(W) and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,^(X) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep^(Y) is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge^(Z)—that you may be filled^(AA) to the measure of all the fullness of God.^(AB)

²⁰ Now to him who is able^(AC) to do immeasurably more than all we ask^(AD) or imagine, according to his power^(AE) that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.^(AF)

⁴⁴ He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you:^(A) Everything must be fulfilled^(B) that is written about me in the Law of Moses,^(C) the Prophets^(D) and the Psalms.”^(E)

⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer^(F) and rise from the dead on the third day,^{(G) 47} and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name^(H) to all nations,^(I) beginning at Jerusalem.^{(J) 48} You are witnesses^(K) of these things. ⁴⁹ I am going to send you what my Father has promised;^(L) but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

²³ They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God,^(A) and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets^(B) he tried to persuade them about Jesus.^{(C) 24} Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.^{(D) 25} They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said^(E) through Isaiah the prophet:

²⁸ “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation^(H) has been sent to the Gentiles,^(I) and they will listen!” ^[29] [b]

³⁰ For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. ³¹ He proclaimed the kingdom of God^(J) and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness^(K) and without hindrance!