[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].

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.

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

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.