1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you,
3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
5which 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.
6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.
8Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
13I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Yes, through the church, the mystery of the dispensation of the grace of God. That was given to Paul by Christ, and now revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets, for THE CHURCH. See some kind of succession there? from Christ to Paul to the apostles and to the Church. Sorry, Peter did not have it first. No matter how much you want him to.
Ouch, that’s gonna leave a mark.