Ephesians, 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] For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, for you Gentiles: •
[2] If yet you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me towards you: •
[3] How that, according to revelation, the mystery has been made known to me, as I have written above in a few words: •
[4] As you reading, may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,
[5] Which in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit: •
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body: and copartners of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel •
[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] To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ: •
[9] And to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God who created all things: •
[10] That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church, •
[11] According to the eternal purpose which he made in Christ Jesus our Lord:
[12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. •
[13] Wherefore I pray you not to faint at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. •
[14] For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, •
[15] Of whom all paternity 1 in heaven and earth is named: •
All paternity: Or, the whole family. God is the Father, both of angels and men; whosoever besides is named father, is so named with subordination to him.
[16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened by his Spirit with might unto the inward man:
[17] That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts: that, being rooted and founded in charity, •
[18] You may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, •
[19] To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge: that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God. •
[20] Now to him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us:
[21] To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, unto all generations, world without end. Amen.