章 |
3:1 |
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--
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3:2 |
Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you,
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3:3 |
that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
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3:4 |
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
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3:5 |
which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.
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3:6 |
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
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3:7 |
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.
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3:8 |
Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
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3:9 |
and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
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3:10 |
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
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3:11 |
according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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3:12 |
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
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3:13 |
I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
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3:14 |
For this reason I kneel before the Father,
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3:15 |
from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
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3:16 |
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
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3:17 |
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
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3:18 |
may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
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3:19 |
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
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3:20 |
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
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3:21 |
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
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