¹⁵ But when God, who had chosen me and set me apart before I was born, and called me through His grace, was pleased^{(A) 16} to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles [as the good news—the way of salvation], I did not immediately consult with ^[a]anyone [for guidance regarding God’s call and His revelation to me].

³ and that by [divine] revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I have already written in brief.^{(A) 4} By referring to this, when you read it you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

Serve God Willingly

5 Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church], as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory that is to be revealed:

⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ.^(A)