⁶ You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah: because out of you will come a ruler, who will shepherd my people, Israel.”^[b]

² Surely you have heard of the administration of God’s grace given to me for you, ³ namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation (as I have already written briefly). ⁴ When you read this, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. ⁵ This mystery was not made known to people in past generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. ⁶ This mystery is that in Christ Jesus the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and people who also share in the promise through the gospel.

⁷ I became a servant of this gospel, in keeping with the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. ⁸ To me—even though I am the very least of all the saints—was given this grace: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ ⁹ and to enlighten everyone about the administration of this mystery. In past ages this mystery remained hidden in God, who created all things. ¹⁰ He did this so that, through the church, the multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. ¹¹ This was done according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² In him we can freely approach God with confidence through faith in him.