7. I was made a servant of the gospel by God's special gift, which he gave me through the working of his power.
8. I am less than the least of all God's people; yet God gave me this privilege of taking to the Gentiles the Good News about the infinite riches of Christ,
9. and of making all people see how God's secret plan is to be put into effect. God, who is the Creator of all things, kept his secret hidden through all the past ages,
10. in order that at the present time, by means of the church, the angelic rulers and powers in the heavenly world might learn of his wisdom in all its different forms.
11. God did this according to his eternal purpose, which he achieved through Christ Jesus our Lord.
12. In union with Christ and through our faith in him we have the boldness to go into God's presence with all confidence.
13. I beg you, then, not to be discouraged because I am suffering for you; it is all for your benefit.
14. For this reason I fall on my knees before the Father,
15. from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name.
16. I ask God from the wealth of his glory to give you power through his Spirit to be strong in your inner selves,
17. and I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love,