Ephesians 3:2-11

2You must have heard that God has chosen me to do that. He has been very kind to give me this work to help you.

3God has clearly shown to me his true purpose. That was a secret before, but God has helped me to know it. I have written a few words about this already.

4When you read those words, you will be able to understand. I have come to know God's true message about Christ.

5God did not tell this secret message to the people who lived before us. But now the Holy Spirit has shown it to God's apostles and prophets.

6This is the message of God's good news: Gentiles, as well as Jews, may receive the good things that God has prepared for his children. We may all belong to the same group of God's people, like we are his body. Everyone who is united with Christ Jesus receives the good things that God has promised.

7I tell that good news to other people, because God chose me to serve him in that way. That was God's gift to me, because he is so kind. God uses his great power to help me in that work.

8I am the least important of all God's people. But God has given this special work to me because he is so kind. He has sent me to tell his good news to the Gentiles. Then they know about the many valuable things that Christ has prepared for us.

9I help everyone to know how God makes his purpose happen. God himself created all things, and he has hidden this secret during past times.

10But now God wants the people of his church to show everyone how wise he is in every way. He wants the spiritual rulers and everything that has authority in the heavens to know this.

11This had always been God's purpose, from the beginning of all things. And it was our Lord Christ Jesus who made it happen.