The Mystery Entrusted to Paul
3 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles a a v1 Paul's sentence breaks off here and picks up again with "For this reason" in verse 14. 2 —assuming you have heard of the stewardship of our Father's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in past generations was not made known to humanity as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets 6 —namely, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I became a servant of this gospel through the gift of our Father's grace, given to me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given: to preach to the Gentiles the immeasurable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone the plan of this mystery hidden for ages in our Father who created all things, 10 so that through the church the many-sided wisdom of our Father might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. b b v13 Paul's suffering advanced the gospel to the Gentiles — not a defeat.
Paul Prays for the Father's Fullness
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name, c c v15 Every family in heaven and on earth takes its name from our Father — he is the source of all fatherhood, and no family identity exists apart from his. 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may make his home in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of our Father. d d v19 That believers would know more of our Father's presence and power.
20 Now to him who is able to do abundantly more than all we could ask or think, according to the power at work within us 21 —to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.