1This is why, I, Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ for the sake of you foreigners,

2(well, I'm assuming you've heard that God gave me the specific responsibility of sharing God's grace with you),

3how, by what God showed me, made clear the mystery that was previously hidden. I wrote to you briefly before about this,

4and when you read this you'll be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.

5In past generations this wasn't made clear to anyone, but now it's been revealed to God's holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit

6that foreigners are joint heirs, part of the same body, and in Christ Jesus share together in the promise through the good news.

7I became a minister of this good news through the gift of God's grace that I was given by his power that was at work in me.

8This grace was given to me, the least important of all Christians, in order to share with the foreigners the incredible value of Christ,

9and to help everyone see the purpose of the mystery which from the very beginning was hidden in God who made everything.

10God's plan was that through the church the various aspects of his wisdom would be revealed to the rulers and authorities in heaven.

11This was in accordance with God's eternal purpose that he carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord.

12Because of him and our trust in him we can come to God in total freedom and confidence.

13So I'm asking that you don't get discouraged that I'm suffering—it's for you and you should value that!

14This is why I kneel before the Father

15from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its nature and character,

16asking him that out of his wealth of glory he may strengthen you in your innermost being with power through his Spirit.

17May Christ live in you as you trust in him, so that as you are planted deep in love,

18you may have the power to comprehend with all God's people the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love.

19May you know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you're made full and complete by the fullness of God.

20Now may he who—through his power working in us—can do infinitely more than we ever ask for or even think about,

21may he be glorified in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations for ever and ever. Amen.