The Mystery Revealed: Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles
Ephesians 3:1-13
Eph.3.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Τουτου: DEM,gen,sg,n
- χαριν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- Παυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δεσμιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- υπερ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εθνων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
Parallels
- Philemon 1:9 (verbal): Paul explicitly styles himself as a 'prisoner of Jesus Christ' (δέσμιος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ), the same descriptive formula used in Eph 3:1.
- Philippians 1:12-14 (esp. 1:13) (verbal): Paul speaks of his imprisonment 'in Christ' (τὰ δεσμὰ μου ἐν Χριστῷ) and its effect on his witness — paralleling the motif of being a prisoner of Christ in Ephesians.
- Romans 15:16 (thematic): Paul describes his calling as a minister/apostle to the Gentiles (εἰς ἔθνη), echoing Eph 3:1's explicit statement that his imprisonment is 'for you the Gentiles' (ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν τῶν ἐθνῶν).
- Galatians 2:8 (thematic): Paul asserts that God empowered him 'toward the Gentiles' (ἐπὶ τοὺς ἔθνεσιν), reflecting the same missionary role and purpose toward Gentiles found in Eph 3:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—
- For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—
Eph.3.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- γε: PART
- ηκουσατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οικονομιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- χαριτος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δοθεισης: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,gen,sg,f
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- εις: PREP
- υμας·: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- Colossians 1:25 (verbal): Uses the same language of a divinely given 'stewardship/administration' entrusted to Paul for the benefit of others (τὴν οἰκονομίαν ... δεδομένην μοι εἰς ὑμᾶς), closely paralleling Eph 3:2.
- 1 Corinthians 4:1 (verbal): Describes apostles as 'stewards of the mysteries of God' (οἰκονόμους τῶν μυστηρίων τοῦ θεοῦ), paralleling the concept of an entrusted divine stewardship in Eph 3:2.
- Romans 11:13 (thematic): Paul characterizes his role with respect to the Gentiles (Ἐγὼ δὲ λέγω ... ἀπόστολος τῶν ἐθνῶν), thematically connected to Eph 3:2's emphasis that the stewardship of God's grace was given to Paul for the benefit of others (especially Gentile mission).
- Ephesians 3:7 (structural): Within the same letter Paul reiterates that he was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace given to him—reinforcing and echoing the terminology and purpose of the 'administration' mentioned in Eph 3:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,
- if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given me for you,
Eph.3.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- κατα: PREP
- αποκαλυψιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εγνωρισθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μυστηριον: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- καθως: CONJ
- προεγραψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- ολιγω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Galatians 1:12 (verbal): Paul says his gospel was received 'not from man, nor taught by man, but by revelation of Jesus Christ,' closely matching Eph 3:3's claim that the mystery was made known to him by revelation.
- Romans 16:25-26 (verbal): Speaks of the 'revelation of the mystery' of the gospel being made manifest, using language very similar to Eph 3:3 about a mystery disclosed by revelation.
- Colossians 1:26 (thematic): Describes 'the mystery which was hidden for ages but is now revealed to his saints,' paralleling Eph 3:3's emphasis on a previously hidden mystery now disclosed.
- Ephesians 1:9 (allusion): Within the same letter Paul states God 'made known to us the mystery of his will,' an internal parallel that treats the same revelation-theme and terminology.
- 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 (thematic): Treats divine 'mysteries' revealed by God/Spirit to the apostles, connecting the concept of mysteries disclosed by revelation to Paul's ministry as in Eph 3:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- how by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote briefly before,
- how by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I have briefly written already,
Eph.3.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- προς: PREP
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δυνασθε: VERB,pres,mid,ind,2,pl
- αναγινωσκοντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,masc
- νοησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- συνεσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- μυστηριω: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Ephesians 3:3 (structural): Immediate context: Paul explains the mystery was revealed to him by revelation, which grounds v.4's statement that readers may understand his insight into the mystery of Christ.
- Ephesians 1:9 (thematic): Both verses speak of God making known a 'mystery'—here the mystery of his will—linking the theme of divine disclosure across Ephesians.
- Colossians 1:26-27 (thematic): Describes a mystery long hidden but now revealed to the saints—explicitly identifies the mystery's content (Christ in you), paralleling Ephesians' 'mystery of Christ.'
- Colossians 4:3-4 (verbal): Paul asks that God open a door to proclaim and make clear the mystery of Christ, echoing Ephesians 3:4's purpose that readers may understand his insight into that mystery.
- 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 (thematic): Speaks of God's hidden wisdom revealed as a 'mystery' and disclosed to God's people by the Spirit, paralleling the idea that understanding the mystery comes through revelation, not human wisdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- by which, when you read, you may perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ.
- so that, when you read, you may understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
Eph.3.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ετεραις: ADJ,dat,pl,f
- γενεαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εγνωρισθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- υιοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ως: ADV
- νυν: ADV
- απεκαλυφθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- αγιοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- αποστολοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- προφηταις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
Parallels
- Colossians 1:26-27 (verbal): Speaks of a ‘mystery’ hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to the saints—language and concept closely parallel Eph 3:5’s ‘mystery’ revealed to the holy apostles and prophets.
- Romans 16:25-26 (verbal): Paul proclaims the revelation of the ‘mystery’ now made known and proclaimed, echoing Eph 3:5’s emphasis on a once-hidden truth now disclosed.
- 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 (verbal): Describes divine things revealed by the Spirit to God’s people/apostles and communicated in words—parallels Eph 3:5’s claim that the mystery was revealed to apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
- Matthew 13:11 (thematic): Jesus tells the disciples that the secrets/mysteries of the kingdom are given to them to know—themewise parallel to special revelation granted to apostles/prophets in Eph 3:5.
- Ephesians 3:3 (structural): Immediate context: Paul states that the mystery was made known to him by revelation—directly connects to Eph 3:5’s assertion that the mystery has been revealed to the apostles and prophets.
Alternative generated candidates
- This mystery, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,
- which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,
Eph.3.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ειναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εθνη: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- συγκληρονομα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- συσσωμα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- συμμετοχα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- επαγγελιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δια: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ευαγγελιου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
Parallels
- Galatians 3:28-29 (verbal): Affirms that in Christ there is no Jew or Greek and that those who belong to Christ are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise—closely parallels 'fellow heirs' and participation in the promise.
- Galatians 3:14 (thematic): States that the blessing of Abraham comes to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit—connects Gentile inclusion with receiving the promise.
- Ephesians 2:19-22 (structural): Declares Gentiles are no longer strangers but fellow citizens and members of God's household, forming one new man—develops the same theme of Gentile incorporation into the body and inheritance.
- Romans 8:17 (verbal): Speaks of believers as 'heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ,' echoing the language of shared inheritance used in Eph 3:6.
- Romans 11:17-18 (thematic): Uses the olive-tree/grafting image to describe Gentile inclusion into the people of God—another metaphorical expression of Gentiles being made partakers of the promises.
Alternative generated candidates
- is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
- that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Eph.3.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- εγενηθην: VERB,aor,pass,ind,1,sg
- διακονος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δωρεαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- χαριτος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δοθεισης: VERB,aor,pass,part,gen,sg,f
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ενεργειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- δυναμεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 1:25 (verbal): Paul calls himself a minister/steward given by God to complete a ministry to the church — language of being appointed/assigned and of a gift/commission parallels 'minister according to the gift…given to me.'
- Romans 12:6-7 (thematic): Speaks of differing gifts given by grace and their use (prophecy, service) — parallels Ephesians' emphasis on ministry as a gift of God's grace enabling service.
- 2 Corinthians 4:1 (verbal): Paul frames his work as a ministry received by God’s mercy (or grace), linking the idea that his role as a minister flows from God’s gracious gift/power as in Ephesians 3:7.
- 1 Peter 4:10-11 (thematic): Urges believers to use gifts to serve one another and to minister through God’s strength — echoes the connection between God-given gifts and empowered service in Ephesians 3:7.
- Ephesians 1:19 (allusion): Refers to the 'surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe' — echoes Ephesians 3:7's phrase 'according to the working (operation) of his power' as the source of effective ministry.
Alternative generated candidates
- Of this gospel I was made a minister, by the gift of God's grace given me according to the working of his power.
- Of this gospel I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power.
Eph.3.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- ελαχιστοτερω: ADJ,dat,sg,m,comp
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- αγιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- εδοθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- χαρις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- αυτη: PRON,dat,sg,f
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εθνεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- ευαγγελισασθαι: VERB,aor,mid,inf
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ανεξιχνιαστον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- πλουτος: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Eph.3.7 (structural): Immediate context—Paul again states that by grace he was made a minister to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles, linking gift and mission with 3:8.
- Col.1.27 (thematic): Speaks of ‘the riches of the glory of this mystery’—the mystery of Christ (and its riches) now revealed to the Gentiles, closely paralleling ‘the unsearchable riches of Christ.’
- Col.2.3 (verbal): Affirms that ‘in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,’ echoing the language of Christ’s hidden/unsearchable riches that Paul proclaims to the nations.
- Rom.15.16 (thematic): Paul describes his calling as ministering the gospel to the Gentiles—paralleling Eph.3.8’s emphasis on grace given to evangelize the nations.
- 1 Cor.15.9 (verbal): Paul’s self-designation as the least of the apostles (‘the very least’) parallels the humility formula in Eph.3.8 (‘to me, who am the least of all the saints’).
Alternative generated candidates
- To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,
- To me, who am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.
Eph.3.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- φωτισαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- οικονομια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- μυστηριου: NOUN,gen,sg,neut
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- αποκεκρυμμενου: PART,pf,pass,gen,sg,neut
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αιωνων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- κτισαντι: PART,aor,act,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 1:26 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language—'the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations'—and the idea of a once-hidden divine mystery now revealed to the saints.
- Romans 16:25-26 (verbal): Speaks of the 'revelation of the mystery' that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed, parallel to Ephesians' emphasis on revealing the hidden plan.
- Ephesians 1:9-10 (structural): Within the same letter, Paul describes God's 'making known' of the mystery of his will—a cosmic economy to unite all things—providing the broader theological framework for 3:9's disclosure of the hidden mystery.
- 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 (thematic): Refers to God's 'secret and hidden wisdom'—a divine plan unknown to worldly rulers but now revealed—echoing the theme of a previously concealed mystery brought to light.
Alternative generated candidates
- and to enlighten all as to what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things;
- And to make all see what is the stewardship of the mystery, which from the ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ,
Eph.3.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ινα: CONJ
- γνωρισθη: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
- νυν: ADV
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- αρχαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- εξουσιαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- επουρανιοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- δια: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εκκλησιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- πολυποικιλος: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- σοφια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Ephesians 3:9 (verbal): Same immediate context—speaks of making plain the "administration of the mystery" and the church's role in revealing God's manifold wisdom (shared vocabulary and purpose).
- Ephesians 1:9-10 (thematic): Declares God's mystery and purpose to unite all things in Christ; thematically linked as the divine plan/wisdom now disclosed to heavenly rulers through the church.
- 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 (verbal): Paul contrasts the hidden wisdom of God with the rulers of this age who crucified the Lord; uses the language of 'wisdom' and the relation of spiritual rulers to God's redemptive plan, echoing Eph.3:10.
- Colossians 1:16-20 (thematic): Affirms Christ's sovereignty over all principalities and powers and the reconciliation of all things—background for the idea that heavenly authorities witness God's wisdom displayed in the church.
- Colossians 2:15 (allusion): Speaks of Christ disarming and publicly triumphing over rulers and authorities, resonating with Eph.3:10's claim that heavenly powers are made to know God's wisdom through the church's witness.
Alternative generated candidates
- so that now through the church the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places,
- so that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Eph.3.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- κατα: PREP
- προθεσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αιωνων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- εποιησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
Parallels
- Eph.1.11 (verbal): Uses the language of 'purpose' and divine ordering/predestination (πρόθεσις/purpose; predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things), closely paralleling the idea of God's eternal purpose accomplished in Christ.
- Col.1.19-20 (thematic): Speaks of God's fullness dwelling in Christ and reconciling all things through him — the accomplished cosmic purpose of God centered in Christ, paralleling Ephesians' claim that the eternal purpose is realized in Jesus.
- Rom.16.25-27 (verbal): Refers to the revelation of the 'mystery' once hidden but now revealed and established 'according to' God's plan from the ages — similar language about a divinely ordained purpose unveiled in Christ.
- Col.1.26-27 (thematic): Describes the 'mystery' hidden for ages but now revealed in Christ (Christ in you, the hope of glory), echoing Ephesians' emphasis on an eternal purpose that is now manifested in Christ.
- 1 Cor.2.7 (verbal): Speaks of God's 'secret and hidden wisdom' ordained before the ages for our glory — parallels the notion of a pre-temporal/divine purpose (πρόθεσις) enacted in Christ for the manifold wisdom of God.
Alternative generated candidates
- according to the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
- This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Eph.3.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- ω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- εχομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- παρρησιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- προσαγωγην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- πεποιθησει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- δια: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 5:2 (verbal): Uses the same idea and language of 'access' obtained 'by faith' (access/entrance into God's grace through faith in Christ).
- Ephesians 2:18 (verbal): Parallels phrase 'we have access'—both verses stress access to the Father/God through Christ and the Spirit.
- Hebrews 4:16 (thematic): Encourages 'boldness' or confidence to approach the throne of grace—same theme of confident access to God.
- Hebrews 10:19-22 (structural): Speaks of having 'confidence' to enter the holy places because of Christ's blood and calls believers to draw near with sincere hearts—closely parallels bold access and confidence in Christ.
- 1 John 3:21 (thematic): Links confidence before God with the believer's standing—echoes the theme of having assurance/confidence in approaching God.
Alternative generated candidates
- in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
- in whom we have boldness and confident access through our faith in him.
Eph.3.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- διο: CONJ
- αιτουμαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- μη: PART
- εγκακειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εν: PREP
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- θλιψεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- υπερ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ητις: PRON,rel,nom,sg,f
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- δοξα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 4:16 (verbal): Paul uses the same exhortation not to lose heart (μὴ ἐγκακεῖν/οὐκ ἐγκακοῦμεν) in the context of ongoing affliction and inward renewal—a close verbal and thematic parallel to Eph 3:13's appeal.
- Colossians 1:24 (thematic): Paul speaks of rejoicing in his sufferings 'for your sake' and filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions—directly parallels the idea of Paul's afflictions being for the benefit (and glory) of the church.
- Philippians 1:29-30 (thematic): Paul emphasizes that believers have been granted to suffer for Christ and that Christians share in the conflict—resonates with the theme that Paul's sufferings relate to the congregation's standing and glory.
- 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (thematic): Paul recounts severe affliction and deliverance, explaining how his trials affected and benefited the churches; connects to Eph 3:13's concern that the audience not be discouraged by his sufferings which serve their good.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf; for they are your glory.
- Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my sufferings for your sake; for they are your glory.
For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,
if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,
how by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I have briefly written before,
by which, when you read, you may perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ.
This mystery was not made known in other generations to humanity, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the one body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Of this gospel I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace that was given to me by the exercise of his power.
To me, who am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given—to proclaim to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
and to make plain to all what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things;
so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in him.
Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my sufferings on your behalf; for they are your glory.