COLOSSIANS 3

Put On the New Self

1 Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2 Set your mindandkeep focusedhabituallyon the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].

3 For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is our life,appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

5 So put to deathanddeprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body [with its sensual, self-centered instincts] immorality, impurity,sinfulpassion, evil desire, and greed, which is [a kind of] idolatry [because it replaces your devotion to God].

6 Because of these [sinful] things the [divine] wrath of God is comingon the sons of disobedience [those who fail to listen and who routinely and obstinately disregard God’s precepts],

7 and in these [sinful things] you also once walked, when you werehabituallyliving in them [without the knowledge of Christ].

8 But now rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene (abusive, filthy, vulgar) language from your mouth.

9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with itsevilpractices,

10 and have put on the new [spiritual] self who is beingcontinuallyrenewed in true knowledge in the image of Him who created the new self–

11 a renewalin which there is no [distinction between] Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, [nor between nations whether]barbarian orScythian, [nor in status whether] slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all [so believers are equal in Christ, without distinction].

12 So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper];

13 bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.

14 Beyond all these things put onandwrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others].

15 Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To thispeaceindeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].

16 Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind–permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonishandtrain one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

17 Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Family Relations

18 Wives, besubject to your husbands [out of respect for their position as protector, and their accountability to God], as is properandfitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives [with an affectionate, sympathetic, selfless love that always seeks the best for them] and do not be embitteredorresentful toward them [because of the responsibilities of marriage].

20 Children, obey your parents [as God’s representatives] in all things, for this [attitude of respect and obedience] is well-pleasingto the Lord [and will bring you God’s promised blessings].

21 Fathers, do not provokeorirritateorexasperate your children [with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by favoritism or indifference; treat them tenderly with lovingkindness], so they will not lose heartandbecome discouragedorunmotivated [with their spirits broken].

22 Servants, in everything obey those who are your masters on earth, not only with external service, as those who merely please people, but with sincerity of heart because of your fear of the Lord.

23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,

24 knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.

25 For he who does wrong will be punished for his wrongdoing, and [with God] there is no partiality [no special treatment based on a person’s position in life].

COLOSSIANS 4

Fellow Workers

1 Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Be persistentanddevoted to prayer, being alertandfocused in your prayer life withan attitude ofthanksgiving.

3 At the same time pray for us, too, that God will open a door [of opportunity] to us for the word, to proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have been imprisoned;

4 that I may make it clear [and speak boldly and unfold the mystery] in the way I should.

5 Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious].

6 Let your speech at all times be graciousandpleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].

7 As to all my affairs,Tychicus, who is a much-loved brother and faithful assistant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will give you all the information.

8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts;

9 and with him isOnesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will let you know everything about the situation here [in Rome].

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, wishes to be remembered to you; as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);

11 and from Jesus, who is called Justus. These are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision (Jewish Christians), and they have proved to be an encouragementanda comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you in his prayers, praying with genuine concern, [pleading] that you may [as people of character and courage] stand firm, [spiritually mature] and fully assured in all the will of God.

13 For I testify for him that he has worked strenuously for you and for the believers in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.

15 Give my greetings to thebrothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.

16 When this letter has been read among you, see that it is read in the church of the Laodiceans; and also that you in turn readmy letter [that is coming to you] from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, “See to it that you fulfill [carefully the duties of] the ministry which you have received in the Lord.”

18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. May grace (God’s unmerited favor and blessing) be with you.

PHILIPPIANS 1

Thanksgiving

1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed),

To all the saints (God’s people) in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:

2 Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God in every remembrance of you,

4 always offering every prayer of mine with joy [and with specific requests] for all of you,

5 [thanking God] for your participationandpartnership [both your comforting fellowship and gracious contributions] in [advancing] the good news [regarding salvation] from the first day [you heard it] until now.

6 I am convincedandconfident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfectandcomplete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].

7 It is right for me to feel this way about you, because [you have me in your heart as] I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the good news [regarding salvation], all of you share in [His matchless] grace with me.

8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus [whose great love fills me].

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight,

10 so that you may learn to recognizeandtreasure what is excellent [identifying the best, and distinguishing moral differences], and that you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ [actually living lives that lead others away from sin];

11 filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God [so that His glory may be both revealed and recognized].

The Gospel Is Preached

12 Now I want you to know,believers, that what has happened to me [this imprisonment that was meant to stop me] has actually served to advance [the spread of] the good news [regarding salvation].

13 My imprisonment in [the cause of] Christ has become common knowledge throughout the wholepraetorian (imperial) guard and to everyone else.

14 Because of my chains [seeing that I am doing well and that God is accomplishing great things], most of thebrothers have renewed confidence in the Lord, and have far more courage to speak the word of God [concerning salvation] without fear [of the consequences, seeing that God can work His good in all circumstances].

15 Some, it is true, are [actually] preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry [toward me–for no better reason than a competitive spirit or misguided ambition], but others out of goodwillanda loyal spirit [toward me].

16 The latter [preach Christ] out of love, because they know that I have been put here [by God on purpose] for the defense of the gospel;

17 but the former preach Christ [insincerely] out of selfish ambition [just self-promotion], thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment.

18 What then [does it matter]? So long as in every way, whether in pretense [for self-promotion] or in all honesty [to spread the truth], Christ is being preached; and in this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will rejoice [later as well],

19 for I know [with confidence] that this will turn out for my deliveranceandspiritual well-being, through your prayers and the [superabundant] supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ [which upholds me].

20 It is my own eager expectation and hope, that [looking toward the future] I will not disgrace myselfnorbe ashamed in anything, but that with courageandthe utmost freedom of speech, even now as always, Christ will be magnifiedandexalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

To Live Is Christ

21 For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity].

22 If, however, it is to be life hereandI am to go on living, thiswill meanusefulandproductive service for me; so I do not know which to choose [if I am given that choice].

23 But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better;

24 yet to remain in my body is more necessaryandessential for your sake.

25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

26 so that your rejoicing for me may overflow in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

27 Only [be sure to] lead your lives in a manner [that will be] worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I do come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit [and one purpose], with onemind striving side by side [as if in combat] for the faith of the gospel.

28 And in no way be alarmedorintimidated [in anything] by your opponents, for such [constancy and fearlessness on your part] is a [clear] sign [a proof and a seal] for them of [their impending] destruction, but [a clear sign] for you of deliveranceandsalvation, and thattoo,from God.

29 For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake, not only to believeandconfidently trust in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

30 [and so you are] experiencing the same [kind of] conflict whichyou saw me endure, and which you hear to be mine now.

PHILIPPIANS 2

Be Like Christ

1 Therefore if there is any encouragementandcomfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion,

2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the samelove [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel–the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ].

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

4 Do notmerelylook out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

5 Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],

6 who, although He existed in the formandunchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes–the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be graspedorasserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it];

7 but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man].

8 After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

9 For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

10 so that at the name of Jesusevery knee shall bow[in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and that every tongue will confessandopenly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.

12 So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].

13 For it is [not your strength, but it is]God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

14 Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God],

15 so that you may prove yourselves to be blamelessandguileless, innocentanduncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness],

16 holding outandoffering to everyone the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to rejoice greatly because I did not run [my race] in vain nor labor without result.

17 But even if I am being poured out as adrink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith [for preaching the message of salvation], still I rejoice and share my joy with you all.

18 You too, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may also be encouraged by learning news about you.

20 For I have no one else [like him who is] so kindred a spirit who will be genuinely concerned for your [spiritual] welfare.

21 For the others [who deserted me after my arrest] all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

22 But you know of Timothy’s tested worthandhis proven character, that he has served with me to advance the gospel like a sonservingwith his father.

23 Therefore, I hope [that it is His will] to send him immediately, just as soon as I see howmy case turns out;

24 and I trust [confidently] in the Lord that soon I also will be comingto you.

25 However, I thought it necessary to sendbackto you Epaphroditus, [who has been] my brother and companion and fellow soldier, who was alsosent asyour messenger to take care of my needs.

26 For he has been longingfor all of you and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

27 He certainly was sick and close to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 So I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concernedabout you.

29 Welcome himhomein the Lord with great joy, and appreciateandhonor men like him;

30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me [which distance prevented you from rendering personally].

PHILIPPIANS 3

The Goal of Life

1 Finally, myfellow believers, continue to rejoiceanddelight in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Look out for thedogs [the Judaizers, the legalists], look out for the troublemakers, look out for thefalse circumcision [those who claim circumcision is necessary for salvation];

3 for we [who are born-again have been reborn from above–spiritually transformed, renewed, set apart for His purpose and] are thetruecircumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and gloryandtake prideandexult in Christ Jesus and place no confidence [in what we have or who we are] in the flesh–

4 though I myself might have [some grounds for] confidence in the flesh [if I were pursuing salvation by works]. If anyone else thinks that he has reason to be confident in the flesh [that is, in his own efforts to achieve salvation], Ihavefar more:

5 circumcised when I was eight days old, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews [an exemplary Hebrew]; as to the [observance of the] Law, a Pharisee;

6 as to my zeal [for Jewish tradition], a persecutor of the church; and as to righteousness [supposed right living] which [my fellow Jews believe] is in the Law, I proved myself blameless.

7 But whateverformerthings were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life].

8 But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilegeandsupreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him–a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ,

9 and may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from [my obedience to] the Lawandits rituals, but [possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.

10 And this, sothat I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by beingcontinuallyconformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did];

11 so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press onso that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of meandmade me His own.

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thingI do:forgetting whatliesbehind and reaching forward to whatliesahead,

14 I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you.

16 Only let us stay true to what we have already attained.

17 Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you.

18 For there are many, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, who live as enemies of the cross of Christ [rejecting and opposing His way of salvation],

19 whose fate is destruction, whose god istheirbelly [their worldly appetite, their sensuality, their vanity], andwhoseglory is in their shame–who focus their mind on earthlyandtemporal things.

20 But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

21 who, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself, will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] ourearthlybodies so that they will be like His gloriousresurrectedbody.

PHILIPPIANS 4

Think of Excellence

1 Therefore, myfellow believers, whom I love and long for, my delight and crown [my wreath of victory], in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agreeandto work in harmony in the Lord.

3 Indeed, I ask you too, my true companion, to help these women [to keep on cooperating], for they have shared my struggle in the [cause of the] gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your gentlespirit[your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near.

6 Do not be anxiousorworried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.

7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

8 Finally,believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorableandworthy of respect, whatever is rightandconfirmed by God’s word, whatever is pureandwholesome, whatever is lovelyandbrings peace, whatever is admirableandof good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, thinkcontinuallyon these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peaceandwell-being will be with you.

God’s Provisions

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned about mebefore,but you had no opportunity to show it.

11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.

12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundanceandlive in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.

13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthensandempowers me [to fulfill His purpose–I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

14 Nevertheless, it was right of you to share [with me] in my difficulties.

15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of preaching the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter ofgiving and receiving except you alone;

16 for even in Thessalonica you senta giftmore than once for my needs.

17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you].

18 But I have received everything in full and more; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. They are the fragrant aroma of an offering, an acceptable sacrifice which God welcomesandin which He delights.

19 And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be the gloryforever and ever. Amen.

21 Remember me to everysaint in Christ Jesus. Thebrothers who are with me greet you.

22 AllGod’s people wish to be remembered to you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

EPHESIANS 1

The Blessings of Redemption

1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), by the will of God [that is, by His purpose and choice],

To thesaints (God’s people)who are at Ephesus and are faithfulandloyalandsteadfast in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessedandworthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ,

4 just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love

5 He predestinedandlovingly planned for us to be adopted to Himself as [His own] children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind intentionandgood pleasure of His will–

6 to the praise of His glorious graceandfavor, which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved [His Son, Jesus Christ].

7 In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the forgivenessandcomplete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace

8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and understanding [with practical insight]

9 He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ,

10 with regard to the fulfillment of the times [that is, the end of history, the climax of the ages]–to bring all things together in Christ, [both] things in the heavens and things on the earth.

11 In Him also we havereceived an inheritance [a destiny–we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counselanddesign of His will,

12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him as our Lord and Savior] would exist to the praise of His glory.

13 In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as ownedandprotected [by God].

14 The Spirit is theguarantee [the first installment, the pledge, a foretaste] of our inheritance until the redemption ofGod’s own[purchased] possession [His believers], to the praise of His glory.

15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people,

16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers;

17 [I always pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may grant you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation [that gives you a deep and personal and intimate insight] into the true knowledge of Him [for we know the Father through the Son].

18 And [I pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will knowandcherish thehope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in thesaints (God’s people),

19 and [so that you will begin to know] what the immeasurableandunlimitedandsurpassing greatness of His [active, spiritual] power is in us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength

20 which Heproduced in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenlyplaces,

21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion [whether angelic or human], and [far above] every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this ageandworld but also in the one to come.

22 And Heput all things [in every realm] in subjection under Christ’s feet, andappointed Him as [supreme and authoritative] head over all things in the church,

23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fillsandcompletes all things in all [believers].

EPHESIANS 2

Made Alive in Christ

1 And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] deadandseparated from Him because of your transgressions and sins,

2 in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God].

3 Among these [unbelievers] we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires ofhuman nature [without the Holy Spirit] and [the impulses] of the [sinful] mind. We were, by nature, children [under the sentence] of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind].

4 But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His greatandwonderful love with which He loved us,

5 even when we were [spiritually] deadandseparated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace–His undeserved favor and mercy–you have been saved from God’s judgment).

6 And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenlyplaces,[because we are] in Christ Jesus,

7 [and He did this] so that in the ages to come He might [clearly] show the immeasurableandunsurpassed riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus [by providing for our redemption].

8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;

9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boastortake credit in any way [for his salvation].

10 For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above–spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

11 Therefore, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, who are called “Uncircumcision” by those who called themselves “Circumcision,” [itself a mere mark]which ismade in the flesh by human hands–

12 rememberthat at that time you were separated from Christ [excluded from any relationship with Him], alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise [with no share in the sacred Messianic promise and without knowledge of God’s agreements], having no hope [in His promise] and [living] in the world without God.

13 But now [at this very moment] in Christ Jesus you who once were [so very] far away [from God] have been brought nearby the blood of Christ.

14 For He Himself is our peaceandour bond of unity. He who made bothgroups–[Jews and Gentiles]–intoone body and broke down the barrier, the dividing wall [of spiritual antagonism between us],

15 by abolishing in His [own crucified] flesh the hostilitycaused bythe Law with its commandmentscontainedin ordinances [which He satisfied]; so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thereby establishing peace.

16 And [that He] might reconcile them both [Jew and Gentile, united] in one body to God through the cross, thereby putting to death the hostility.

17 AndHe came and preached the good news of peace to you[Gentiles]who werefar away,and peace to those[Jews]who werenear.

18 For it is through Him that we both have a [direct] way of approach in one Spirit to the Father.

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [outsiders without rights of citizenship], but you are fellow citizens with the saints (God’s people), and are [members] of God’s household,

20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the [chief] Cornerstone,

21 in whom the whole structure is joined together, and it continues [to increase] growing into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, set apart, and sacred to the presence of the Lord].

22 In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

EPHESIANS 3

Paul’s Stewardship

1 For this reason [because I preach that you and believing Jews are joint heirs] I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles–

2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was entrusted to me [to share with you] for your benefit;

3 and that by [divine] revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I have already written in brief.

4 By referring to this, when you read it you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,

5 which in other generations was not disclosed to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit;

6 [it is this:] that the Gentiles are now joint heirs [with the Jews] and members of the same body, and joint partakers [sharing] in the [same divine] promise in Christ Jesus through [their faith in] the good news [of salvation].

7 Of this [gospel] I was made a minister by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power.

8 To me, [though I am] the very least of all the saints (God’s people), this grace [which is undeserved] was graciously given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the good news of the incomprehensible riches of Christ [that spiritual wealth which no one can fully understand],

9 and to make plain [to everyone] the plan of the mystery [regarding the uniting of believing Jews and Gentiles into one body] which [until now] was kept hidden through the ages in [the mind of] God who created all things.

10 So now through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God [in all its countless aspects] might now be made known [revealing the mystery] to the [angelic] rulers and authorities in the heavenlyplaces.

11 This isin accordance with [the terms of] the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,

12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him [that is, our faith gives us sufficient courage to freely and openly approach God through Christ].

13 So I ask you not to lose heart at my sufferings on your behalf, for they are your gloryandhonor.

14 For this reason [grasping the greatness of this plan by which Jews and Gentiles are joined together in Christ] I bow my knees [in reverence] before the Father [of our Lord Jesus Christ],

15 from whom every family in heaven and on earthderives its name [God–the first and ultimate Father].

16 May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthenedandspiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality],

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love,

18 be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love];

19 and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

20 Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,

21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.

EPHESIANS 4

Unity of the Spirit

1 So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior–a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation],

2 with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one anotherin [unselfish] love.

3 Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful].

4 There isone body [of believers] and one Spirit–just as you were called to one hope when called [to salvation]–

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all.

7 Yet grace [God’s undeserved favor] was given to each one of us [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and abundant] gift.

8 Therefore it says,

“WhenHe ascended on high,

Heled captivity captive,

AndHe bestowed gifts on men.”

9 (Now thisexpression,“He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also hadpreviouslydescended [from the heights of heaven] into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He who descended is theverysame as He who also has ascended high above all the heavens, that He [His presence] might fill all things [that is, the whole universe]).

11 And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct],

12 [and He did this] to fully equipandperfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church];

13 until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity].

14 So that we are no longer children [spiritually immature], tossed back and forth [like ships on a stormy sea] and carried about by every wind of [shifting] doctrine, by the cunningandtrickery of [unscrupulous] men, by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything [for personal profit].

15 But speaking the truth in love [in all things–both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in allthingsinto Him [following His example] who is the Head–Christ.

16 From Him the whole body [the church, in all its various parts], joined and knittedfirmlytogether by what every joint supplies, when each part is working properly, causes the body to growandmature, building itself upin [unselfish] love.

The Christian’s Walk

17 So this I say, and solemnly affirm together with the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the [unbelieving] Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds [and in the foolishness and emptiness of their souls],

18 for their [moral] understanding is darkenedandtheir reasoning is clouded; [they are] alienatedandself-banished from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the [willful] ignoranceandspiritual blindness that is [deep-seated] within them, because of the hardnessandinsensitivity of their heart.

19 And they, [the ungodly in their spiritual apathy], having become callousandunfeeling, have given themselves over [as prey] to unbridled sensuality, eagerly craving the practice of every kind of impurity [that their desires may demand].

20 But you did not learn Christ in this way!

21 If in fact you have [really] heard Him and have been taught by Him, just as truth is in Jesus [revealed in His life and personified in Him],

22 that, regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires,

23 and becontinuallyrenewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude],

24 and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation].

25 Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these],speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ].

26 Be angry[at sin–at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior],yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down.

27 And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].

28 The thief [who has become a believer] must no longer steal, but instead he must work hard [making an honest living], producing that which is good with his own hands, so that he will havesomethingto share with those in need.

29 Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only suchspeechas is good for building up others, according to the needandthe occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [but seek to please Him], by whom you were sealedandmarked [branded as God’s own] for the day of redemption [the final deliverance from the consequences of sin].

31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence].

32 Be kindandhelpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgaveyou.