For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—surely you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
This mystery is that through the gospel, the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to proclaim to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to illuminate for everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was hidden in God, who created all things.
His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to the eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Him and through faith in Him, we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.
So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Notes
This section opens up the glory of the New Covenant: the unveiling of the mystery that had been hidden for ages—now revealed in Christ, through the Spirit, and proclaimed by the apostles. Paul, writing from prison, sees himself not as a victim of Roman chains but as a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the Gentiles. His calling is not a burden—it is a stewardship of grace.
What was once concealed is now declared: the mystery of Christ. Not simply that Gentiles would be blessed—that was hinted in the Abrahamic promises—but that they would be fellow heirs, members of the same body, and full sharers in the promise. This is radical equality in the Messiah, not by circumcision, not by Mosaic law, but by grace through faith
(cf. Romans 16:25–26; Colossians 1:26–27).
Paul’s calling is to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ—the infinite grace, beauty, and glory of the risen Lord—and to make known the administration of this mystery, which had been hidden in God from before time began. Now, through the Church, God is putting His manifold wisdom on display—not only before the world but before spiritual powers in the heavenly realms.
The Church is God’s cosmic demonstration of His eternal purpose. Through redeemed Jews and Gentiles made one in Christ, the principalities see the wisdom of the cross, the victory of grace, and the unfolding plan of God—accomplished not in law, but in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And here is the fruit of this mystery: boldness and access. We do not approach God trembling under condemnation. We come with confidence, because the veil has been torn and the Spirit now dwells within
(cf. Hebrews 10:19–22; Ephesians 2:18).
This is the New Covenant unveiled: not just personal salvation, but global reconciliation, eternal purpose, and Spirit-empowered access to the living God. Paul’s suffering is not a detour—it is part of the design. Grace has made him a servant of the mystery, and the mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Moe Bergeron 
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