Chapter 3

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you, the Gentiles---

for I suppose you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God that was given to me in your regard;

how that by revelation was made known to me the mystery, as I have written above in brief;

and so by reading you can perceive how well versed I am in the mystery of Christ,

that mystery which in other ages was not known to the sons of men, as now it has been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit:

namely, that the Gentiles are joint heirs, and fellow-members of the same body, and joint partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Assigned to Preach to the Gentiles

Of that gospel I was made a minister by the gift of God's grace, which was given to me in accordance with the working of his power.

Yes, to me, the very least of all saints, there was given this grace, to announce among the Gentiles the good tidings of the unfathomable riches of Christ,

and to enlighten all man as to what is the dispensation of the mystery which has been hidden from eternity in God, who created all things;

in order that through the Church there be made known to the Principalities and the Powers in the heavens the manifold wisdom of God

according to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In him we have assurance and confident access through faith in him.

Therefore I pray you not to be disheartened at my tribulations for you, for they are your glory.

For this reason I bend my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

from whom all fatherhood in heaven and on earth receives its name,

that he may grant you from his glorious riches to be strengthened with power through his Spirit unto the progress of the inner man;

and to have Christ dwelling through faith in your hearts: so that, being rooted and grounded in love,

you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

and to know Christ's love which surpasses knowledge, in order that you may be filled unto all the fullness of God.

Now, to him who is able to accomplish all things in a measure far beyond what we ask or conceive, in keeping with the power that is at work in us---

to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus down through all the ages of time without end. Amen.