Ephesians 3

 

1 For this reason I Paul, the prisoner (held captive and compelled by the love) of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If you have indeed been listening (carefully to the unfolding mystery and) to the stewardship of the grace of God which has been entrusted to me to give to you:

3 How that by revelation (of Jesus Christ) He made known to me the mystery (that was from before the world began); just as I have written before in few words,

4 So that when you read them, you may understand my knowledge (which is contained and revealed) in the mystery of Christ.

5 Which in previous times was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets through the Spirit;

6 (Revealing) that the Gentiles (along with the Jews) should be co-inheritors, and of the same body, and partakers of His (same) promise in Christ through the gospel:

7 And it is of (this gospel) which I (Paul) have been made a (servant and effective) minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me (by the revelation of Jesus Christ) through the working of His power.

8 In me, who (according to my persecution of the church) am less than the least of all the saints, is this (same) grace (and ability) given me, that I should declare among the Gentiles the immeasurable riches of Christ;

9 And to make it plain for all men to see (revealing) how God has unfolded and administered (the fellowship) of this mystery, which from the beginning of the world (until now) has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 So that now to the rulers and authorities in heavenly places (it should be made known) through the body (of the risen Christ) the innumerable and precious intricacies of the wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which He purposed (from the beginning) in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access (to approach Him) with confidence (of reward being persuaded by) the faith of Jesus Christ.

13 Therefore my desire is that you do not become discouraged at my affliction (which I have suffered) for (preaching the gospel to) you, which (speaks) your glory (and brings great consolation and salvation).

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

15 From whom every family in heaven and earth is surnamed,

16 (Asking) that He would give to you, according to (the exceeding) riches of His glory (and good opinion of you), to be strengthened with (His glorious) power by His Spirit in the inner man;

17 So that (the Spirit and wisdom of) Christ may (be settled in you) dwelling (permanently) in your hearts by faith (ever) persuading (you of His life and union to you); so that being firmly planted, (rooted and) established in His love,

18 That you would be able to (fully) comprehend (and lay hold of along) with all the saints what is (the magnitude of) the width and the length and the depth, and the height (of His love for you);

19 And to know (and fellowship with) the love of Christ, which (intimacy) surpasses (all) knowledge, so that you might be filled (and complete) with all the fullness of God (Himself).

20 And unto Him who is able (and desires) to do (far beyond) exceeding (all that our hearts ever hoped for) superabundantly above all that we could ask or think (or imagine), through His power (and might alone) which (He) works in us,

21 To Him (and from Him is) all the glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all the ages (to come), (and for all eternity in the new heaven and new earth) a world that has no end. Amen.