The mystery hidden from former ages was discovered to the apostle, to
be imparted to the Gentiles. He prays that they may be strengthened in
God.
3:1. For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, for you
Gentiles:
3:2. If yet you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God
which is given me towards you:
3:3. How that, according to revelation, the mystery has been made known
to me, as I have written above in a few words:
3:4. As you reading, may understand my knowledge in the mystery of
Christ,
3:5. Which in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it
is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit:
3:6. That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body: and
copartners of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel
3:7. Of which I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace
of God, which is given to me according to the operation of his power.
3:8. To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach
among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ:
3:9. And to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the
dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God
who created all things:
3:10. That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the
principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church,
3:11. According to the eternal purpose which he made in Christ Jesus
our Lord:
3:12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith
of him.
3:13. Wherefore I pray you not to faint at my tribulations for you,
which is your glory.
3:14. For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ,
3:15. Of whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named:
All paternity. . .Or, the whole family. God is the Father, both of
angels and men; whosoever besides is named father, is so named with
subordination to him.
3:16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to
be strengthened by his Spirit with might unto the inward man:
3:17. That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts: that, being rooted
and founded in charity,
3:18. You may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the
breadth and length and height and depth,
3:19. To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all
knowledge: that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God.
3:20. Now to him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we
desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us:
3:21. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, unto all
generations, world without end. Amen.