3Ephesians 3

Paul's Mission to the Gentiles

1Christ Jesus made me his prisoner, so I could help you Gentiles.Select Ephesians 3:1

2You have surely heard about God's gift of undeserved grace in choosing me to help you.Select Ephesians 3:2

3In fact, this letter tells you a little about how God has shown me his mysterious ways.Select Ephesians 3:3

4As you read the letter, you will also find out how well I really do understand the mystery about Christ.Select Ephesians 3:4

5No one knew about this mystery until God's Spirit told it to his holy apostles and prophets.Select Ephesians 3:5

6And the mystery is this: Because of Christ Jesus, the good news has given the Gentiles a share in the promises God gave to the Jews. God has also let the Gentiles be part of the same body.Select Ephesians 3:6

7God treated me with kindness. His power worked in me, and it became my job to spread the good news.Select Ephesians 3:7

8I am the least important of all God's people. But God was kind and chose me to tell the Gentiles that because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured.Select Ephesians 3:8

9God, who created everything, wanted me to help everyone understand the mysterious plan that had always been hidden in his mind.Select Ephesians 3:9

10Then God would use the church to show the powers and authorities in the spiritual world that he has many different kinds of wisdom.Select Ephesians 3:10

11God did this according to his eternal plan. And he was able to do what he had planned because of all Christ Jesus our Lord had done.Select Ephesians 3:11

12Christ now gives us courage and confidence, so we can come to God by faith.Select Ephesians 3:12

13This is why you should not be discouraged when I suffer for you. After all, it will bring honor to you.Select Ephesians 3:13

Christ's Love for Us

14I kneel in prayer to the Father.Select Ephesians 3:14

15All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him.Select Ephesians 3:15

16God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followersSelect Ephesians 3:16

17and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love.Select Ephesians 3:17

18I pray that you and all God's people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep.Select Ephesians 3:18

19I want you to know all about Christ's love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.Select Ephesians 3:19

21I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.Select Ephesians 3:21