And himself is the head of the body -- the assembly -- who is a beginning, a first-born out of the dead, that he might become in all things -- himself -- first,

if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become a servant of it.

of which I -- I did become a ministrant according to the dispensation of God, that was given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God,

[For my hope is] that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in [unselfish] love, so that they may have all the riches that come from the full assurance of understanding [the joy of salvation], resulting in a true [and more intimate] knowledge of the mystery of God, that is, Christ,

let there be no fraud among you, since you have discarded your former habits and practices, and are become new men,

and have clothed yourselves with the new self which is being remoulded into full knowledge so as to become like Him who created it.

and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye were called in one body, and become thankful.

Dames, be submissive to your husbands, as becomes christians.

Husbands, love your wives and don’t be bitter toward them.

Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or exasperate 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 heart and become discouraged or unmotivated [with their spirits broken].

at the same time praying for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ (because of which I have also become bound),

and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision: these only are fellow-workers for the reign of God who did become a comfort to me.