and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might

Among these [unbelievers] we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires of human 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].

[This was also intended] to reestablish harmony between both of these peoples and God in [this] one body, through [Christ's death on] the cross. By doing this He put to death the hostility [between them].

[Note: Paul here digresses from his prayer, begun in 1:15-16, to explain the circumstances of his being a prisoner on behalf of these Gentiles]. [I assume] you have heard about my commission [to minister] to you, which was given to me by God's unearned favor.

This was done so that now God's many-sided wisdom could be made known through the church, to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms [Note: "Heavenly realms" here refers to the world around us, where these angelic beings (good or bad) view the unfolding of God's wonderful plan],

These being past feeling have given themselves over to sensuality, in order to practise every form of impurity with greedy zest.

But these are not the lessons which you have learned from Christ;

But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints.

Avoid shameful and foolish talk and low jesting--they are all alike discreditable--and in place of these give thanks.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

for the things which are done by these people in secret it is disgraceful even to speak of.

But all these works, when reproved, are made manifest by the light: for every thing that makes manifest is light.

Buy up your opportunities, for these are evil times.

these words contain a very mystical sense, I mean in reference to Christ and the church.

besides all these, having taken the shield of faith with which ye will be able to quench all the inflamed darts of the wicked one.