Chapter 3

The mystery hidden from former ages was discovered to the apostle, to be imparted to the Gentiles. He prays that they may be strengthened in God.

1. 1

   For this cause, I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, for you Gentiles,

2. 2

   If yet you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me towards you:

3. 3

   How that, according to revelation, the mystery hath been made known to me, as I have written above in brief:

4. 4

   As you reading, may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ:

5. 5

   Which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles, and prophets, in the Spirit.

6. 6

   That the Gentiles should be coheirs, and of the same body, and joint partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel:

7. 7

   Of which I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which is given to me according to the operation of his power.

8. 8

   To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

9. 9

   And to enlighten all men, what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God, who created all things.

10. 10

    That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities, and powers, in heavenly places, through the church,

11. 11

    According to the eternal purpose, which he made in Christ Jesus, our Lord:

12. 12

    In whom we have courage and access with confidence, by the faith of him.

13. 13

    Wherefore, I beseech that you faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

14. 14

    For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15. 15

    Of whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named,

16. 16

    That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power by his Spirit unto the inward man.

17. 17

    That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts: that being rooted and founded in charity,

18. 18

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

19. 19

    To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God.

20. 20

    Now to him, who is able to do all things more abundantly than we ask or understand, according to the power which worketh in us:

21. 21

    To him be glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus, for all generations, world without end. Amen.