The Mystery Entrusted to Paul
Paul explains why he is in prison: he was entrusted with our Father's mystery, that Gentiles are heirs together, not guests. He calls himself the least of all saints. Then he stops arguing and kneels to the Father, praying for strength to grasp a love beyond knowing.
3 1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles, a a v1 Paul's sentence breaks off here and picks up again with "For this reason" in verse 14. 2assuming you've heard of the stewardship of our Father's grace given to me for you, 3how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not known to people in past generations, but now revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets, 6that the Gentiles are heirs together, members of the same body, and partners together in the promise, in Christ Jesus, through the gospel. 7I became this gospel's servant through the gift of our Father's grace, given to me by his power at work. 8Though I am the very least of all saints, this grace was given me: to preach Christ's boundless riches to the Gentiles, 9and show everyone the mystery's plan, hidden for ages in our Father who created all things, 10so that through the church, the many-sided wisdom of our Father might now be made known to rulers and authorities in the heavens. 11This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in him. 13So I ask you: don't lose heart over my suffering for you—it's your glory.
Paul Prays for the Father's Fullness
14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name, b b v15 Every family in heaven and on earth takes its name from our Father — he is the source of all fatherhood, and no family identity exists apart from his. 16that from the wealth of his glory he would strengthen you with power through his Spirit, in your deepest self, 17so that Christ may live in your hearts through faith, and you, rooted and grounded in love, 18may, with all God's holy people, have strength to grasp the width and length and height and depth, 19and know Christ's love, beyond knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of our Father.
20To our Father, able to do far beyond all we ask or imagine, by the power working in us. 21Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus, through all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
