A servant of the gospel1This is the reason why I, Paul, am happy to be a prisoner of Jesus Christ; it is for your sake.2-3You have heard about the way God has given me such grace for your benefit, so that I could tell you of the hidden things that have been revealed to me.4Now that I am writing in this way you will be able to understand the insight I have been given into these truths about Christ that remained hidden to those of other generations.5These things have now been revealed by the Spirit to those whom God has raised up as apostles and prophets.6It seems strange that because of the gospel those who are not Jews are heirs together with Israel, of all that God has promised. Both Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Christ form one body and they share together in the promises given by God through Him.7God called me to be a servant of this gospel and gave me His grace so He would work powerfully through me.8I consider myself less than the very lowest of God's people; yet, He gave me such grace. He enabled me to preach the gospel to the Gentile nations, telling them of the immense riches of Christ.9I have been able to explain to everyone those things that formerly remained hidden in the purposes of God, who created everything.10His plan has always been that now His great wisdom should be revealed through the church, His people; that the church should declare these truths even to the heavenly rulers and authorities.11It has always been His purpose from the very beginning that all this should be made possible in Christ Jesus our Lord.12Because you live in Him and have faith in Him, you are able to approach God freely and with confidence.13So I ask you not to be put off because I have had to suffer for your sake. Rather regard these sufferings as a means by which you have come to know God's glory!Prayer for the saints on earth14-15You can see from all this why I kneel before the Father, the One who is responsible for His entire family, those already in heaven and those on the earth.16I pray that out of His glorious riches you will be strengthened with power by the working of His Spirit in your inmost being.17-19This is so that you will know the presence of Christ in your hearts because of your faith in Him. I also pray that your lives will be deeply rooted in His love; that you will be so steadfast in this love that, like all those who believe in Jesus and who are set apart for His purposes as His saints, you will be able to comprehend something of the amazing extent of Christ's love. This love seems boundless and unlimited and through that love you can be filled to the fullest extent with God Himself.20He is able to do so much more than all you would ever dare to ask Him or even imagine that He would give you, through His power that He has already placed within you.21So let His glory be revealed in the church. And let those who belong to Him live to give Him glory; yes, believers of every successive generation, for ever. Amen! It shall be so!
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)