[This letter is from] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, according to God's will, [and is being sent] to the saints [i.e., God's holy people] at Ephesus [Note: This was a major city in the western province of Asia Minor, and now a part of Turkey. The words "at Ephesus" are omitted in some manuscripts, suggesting it was a circular letter], and the faithful ones in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus [everywhere else ?].

May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised, for He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in [fellowship with] Christ. [Note: The term "heavenly realms" is used somewhat differently throughout this book. Here it refers to Christians as part of the church on earth].

For this cause, I also, - having heard of the faith on your part in the Lord Jesus, and that towards all the saints,

which he brought about in the Messiah when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realm.

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

remember that 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.

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

And he came and brought the glad tidings of peace to you who were afar off, and of peace to those that were near;

So then you are no longer as those who have no part or place in the kingdom of God, but you are numbered among the saints, and of the family of God,

United in him, every part of the building, closely joined together, will grow into a Temple, consecrated by its union with the Lord.

who by his spirit has likewise made you a part of this divine mansion.

Which is that the Gentiles have a part in the heritage, and in the same body, and in the same hope in Christ through the good news,

May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

Now surely this "he ascended" implies that he also descended into the lower part of the earth.

but holding the truth in love we shall grow up in every part into him who is our Head, even Christ.

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

For you may be absolutely sure that no one who is sexually impure, immoral or greedy for gain (for that is idolatry) can have a part in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Have no part with such men;

Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character];

For, of the secret things which are brought to pass by them, it is, shameful, even to speak!

but whatever is unjustifiable will be brought to light: and that will show them to be unjustifiable.

that He might present the Church to Himself a glorious bride, without spot or wrinkle or any other defect, but to be holy and unblemished.

But as for you individually, you must each one of you love his own wife exactly as if she were yourself; and the wife, on her part, should reverence her husband.

Children, you should obey your parents in the Lord [i.e., as part of your Christian responsibility], for this is the right thing to do.