From: Paul, an apostle of the Messiah Jesus by God's will. To: His holy and faithful people in Ephesus who are in union with the Messiah Jesus.

In the Messiah we were also chosen when we were predestined according to the purpose of the one who does everything that he wills to do,

so that we who had already fixed our hope on the Messiah might live for his praise and glory.

who is the guarantee of our inheritance until God redeems his own possession for his praise and glory.

and the unlimited greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his mighty strength,

which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills everything in every way.

that you once practiced as you lived according to the ways of this present world and according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now active in those who are disobedient.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love for us

So then, remember that at one time you gentiles by birth were called "the uncircumcised" by those who called themselves "the circumcised." They underwent physical circumcision done by human hands.

But now, in union with the Messiah Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah.

For it is he who is our peace. Through his mortality he made both groups one by tearing down the wall of hostility that divided them.

He came and proclaimed peace for you who were far away and for you who were near.

and help everyone see how this secret that has been at work was hidden for ages by God, who created all things.

in whom we have boldness and confident access through his faithfulness.

from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its name.

Now to the one who can do infinitely more than all we can ask or imagine according to the power that is working among us

one God and Father of all, who is above all, through all, and in all.

The one who went down is the same one who went up above all the heavens so that all things would be fulfilled.

And it is he who gifted some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, and still others to be pastors and teachers,

in whom the whole body is united and held together by every ligament with which it is supplied. As each individual part does its job, the body builds itself up in love.

Let no filthy talk be heard from your mouths, but only what is good for building up people and meeting the need of the moment. This way you will administer grace to those who hear you.

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit, by whom you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption.

For you know very well that no immoral or impure person, or anyone who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God.

Do not let anyone deceive you with meaningless words, for it is because of these things that God becomes angry with those who disobey.

For the husband is the head of his wife as the Messiah is the head of the church. It is he who is the Savior of the body.

In the same way, husbands must love their wives as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself.

Do not do this only while you're being watched in order to please them, but be like slaves of the Messiah, who are determined to obey God's will.

May grace be with all who sincerely love the Lord Jesus, the Messiah!