## Now I rejoice ##

"now I, Paul, Rejoice"

## for you ##

"for you Colossian believers"

## in my sufferings for you ##

"that I am suffering for your benefit" (UDB)

## fill up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ for his body’s sake ##

Paul is speaking about the resistance and persecutions he continues to endure for the sake of the church. Christ revealed this hardship to Paul when he first became a believer.

## I serve the church ##

"I, Paul, seek to meet the needs of the church"

## the secret truth ##

"the mystery"

## was hidden for ages ##

This refers to the time of creation until the time Peter Peter preached the gospel to the gentiles.

## been revealed to his holy ones ##

"made clear to his disciples". This includes both Jew and Gentile.

## to whom God wanted to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles ##

God wanted to make known to his people how truly wonderful his plan is for the Gentiles.

## confidence of glory ##

"confidently expect to share in God's glory" (UDB)