Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles
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For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the asake of you Gentiles -t2
Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace
that was given to me for you,
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that is, the mystery known to me by revelation,
as I have already written briefly.
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In reading this, then, you will be able to understand
my insight into the mystery of Christ,
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which was not made known to men in other generations
as it has now been revealed by the Spirit of God's holy apostles and prophets.
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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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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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Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me:
tp preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
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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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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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according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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In him and through the faith in him we may approach God with freedom
and cinfidence.
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I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you,
which are your glory.
A Prayer for the Ephesians
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For this reason I kneel before the Father,
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from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
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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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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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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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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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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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to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
