PAUL, by the will of God an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the saints who are faithful in Jesus Christ:

destining us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ. Such was the purpose of his will,

He has granted us complete insight and understanding of the open secret of his will, showing us how it was the purpose of his design

so to order it in the fulness of the ages that all things in heaven and earth alike should be gathered up in Christ ??11 in the Christ in whom we have had our heritage allotted us (as was decreed in the design of him who carries out everything according to the counsel of his will),

Thus it is said, 'Wake up, O sleeper, and rise from the dead; so Christ will shine upon you.'

So do not be senseless, but understand what is the Lord's will;

instead of merely working when their eye is on you, like those who court human favour, do God's will from the heart like servants of Christ,

Be sure that everyone, slave or free, will be paid back by the Lord and Master for the good he has done.

Our beloved brother Tychicus, a faithful minister in the Lord, will give you all information about me, so that you may know how I am;