just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before him. In love

in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of his glory.

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.

so that in the coming ages he might show the surpassing riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we would walk in them.

Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands

remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

by abolishing in his flesh the hostility, which is the Law of commandments and ordinances, so that he might create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,

assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,

that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

that is, how the Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner man,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call,

(In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean except that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth?

He who descended is also he who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.)

Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds,

they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to the hardness of their heart;

assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus.

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but rather must labor, doing useful work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with those in need.

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building others up according to the need of the moment, that it may impart grace to those who hear.

For of this you can be sure, that no immoral, impure, or covetous personsuch a man is an idolaterhas any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret.

But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit,

that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

that he might present the church to himself in all her glory, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and blameless.

This is a profound mystery; but I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

However, each one of you must also love his wife as himself, and the wife must see that she respects her husband.

"that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth."

knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

Masters, do the same to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

and also pray for me, that in the opening of my mouth, utterance may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.

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