For in his love he predestined us (such was the good pleasure of his will) to adoption for himself as sons through Jesus Christ,

You have heard how by direct revelation the secret truth was made known to me, as I have already briefly written you.

which was not disclosed to the sons of men in former generations, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets,

And to each one of us was grace given according to the measure of the munificence of Christ.

You have learned to lay aside, with your former manner of living, the old self who was on his way to ruin, as he followed the desires which deceive;