God has chosen to make known to them the glorious riches of that mystery among the Gentiles. And here’s what it is: Christ is in you, the hope of glory.
He did that to show for all time the riches of his grace, which can’t be compared with anything else. He demonstrated his grace by being kind to us because of what Christ Jesus has done.
I was appointed to be a messenger and an apostle to preach the good news. (I’m telling the truth; I’m not lying.) God appointed me to be a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
I used to say insulting things about Jesus. I tried to hurt his followers, and I even used violence against them. But God had mercy on me because I did those things without knowing any better. I wasn’t a believer.
God’s wisdom and knowledge are so profoundly rich! We can’t understand how he reaches such wise decisions! We can’t figure out how he deals with people so well!
Aren’t you showing disrespect for God’s great kindness, favor, and patience? Don’t you realize that God’s kindness is meant to turn you away from your sins?
So here’s my advice. Buy gold from me that has been purified by fire. Then you’ll become rich. Buy white clothes from me that you can wear to cover the shame of your naked bodies. And buy healing lotion from me to put on your eyes so that you’ll be able to see.
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! I’ve chosen this man to do a special work for me. He will announce my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.
Because of what God has done, you belong to Christ Jesus. He has become God’s wisdom for us. He makes us right with God, he makes us holy, and he sets us free.