To Christ's People [AT EPHESUS] who are faithful to him, from Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God.

Blessed is the God and Father of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who has blessed us on high with every spiritual blessing, in Christ.

In him, I say, for by our union with him we became God's Heritage, having from the first been destined for this in the intention of him who, in all that happens, is carrying out his own fixed purpose;

That we should enhance his glory--we who have been the first to rest our hopes on the Christ.

And the transcendent greatness of the power which he is able to exercise in dealing with us who believe in him.

For the Church is Christ's Body, and is filled by him who fills all things everywhere with his presence.

For at one time you lived in sin, following the ways of the world, in subjection to the Ruler of the Powers of the air--the Spirit who is still at work among the disobedient.

Remember, therefore, that you were once Gentiles yourselves, as your bodies showed; you were called 'The Uncircumcised' by those who were called 'The Circumcised'--circumcised only by the hand of man!

But now, through your union with Christ Jesus, you who once were 'far off' have, by the shedding of the blood of the Christ, been brought 'near.'

He it is who is our Peace. He made the two divisions of mankind one, broke down the barrier that separated them,

He came with the Good News of peace for you who were 'far off,' and of peace for those who were 'near';

Yes, to me, who am less than the least of all Christ's People, was this charge entrusted!--to tell the Gentiles the Good News of the boundless wealth to be found in the Christ,

From whom all 'fatherhood' in Heaven and on earth derives its name--

To him who, through his power which is at work within us, is able to do far more than anything that we can ask or conceive--

I urge you, then--I who am a prisoner in the Master's cause-- to live lives worthy of the Call that you have received;

There is but one God and Father of all--the God who is over all, pervades all, and is in all.

He who went down is the same as he who went up--up beyond the highest Heaven, that he might fill all things with his presence.

And he it is who gave to the Church Apostles, Prophets, Missionaries, Pastors, and Teachers,

But holding the truth in a spirit of love, we shall grow into complete union with him who is our Head--Christ himself.

Let the man who steals steal no longer, but rather let him toil with his hands at honest work, so that he may have something to share with any one in want.

Never let any foul word pass your lips, but only such good words as the occasion demands, that they may be a help to those who hear them.

And live a life of love, following the example of the Christ, who loved you and gave himself for you as 'an offering and a sacrifice to God, that should be fragrant and acceptable.'

For of this you may be sure--that no one who is unchaste or impure or greedy of gain (for to be greedy of gain is idolatry) has any place awaiting him in the kingdom of the Christ and God.

That is how husbands ought to love their wives--as if they were their own bodies. A man who loves his wife is really loving himself;

Not only when their eyes are on you, as if you had merely to please men, but as slaves of Christ, who are trying to carry out the will of God.

And masters, treat your slaves in the same spirit. Give up threatening them; for you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in Heaven, and that before him there is no distinction of rank.

May God's blessing be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.