8. I am by far the least important of all of God's people. But he gave me the grace to preach to the non-Jews about the wonderful riches that Christ gives.
9. God told me to make clear to everyone how the mystery came about. In times past it was kept hidden in the mind of God, who created all things.
10. He wanted the rulers and authorities in the heavenly world to come to know his great wisdom. The church would make it known to them.
11. That was God's plan from the beginning. He has worked it out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
12. Through him and through faith in him we can approach God. We can come to him freely. We can come without fear.
13. So here is what I'm asking you to do. Don't lose hope because I am suffering for you. It will lead to the time when God will give you his glory.
14. I bow in prayer to the Father because of my work among you.
15. From the Father his whole family in heaven and on earth gets its name.
16. I pray that he will use his glorious riches to make you strong. May his Holy Spirit give you his power deep down inside you.