Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God: To God's people who are in Ephesus--believers in Christ Jesus.

For He pre-destined us to be adopted by Himself as sons through Jesus Christ--such being His gracious will and pleasure--

when He made known to us the secret of His will. And this is in harmony with God's merciful purpose

In Him we Jews have been made heirs, having been chosen beforehand in accordance with the intention of Him whose might carries out in everything the design of His own will,

For this reason it is said, "Rise, sleeper; rise from among the dead, and Christ will shed light upon you."

On this account do not prove yourselves wanting in sense, but try to understand what the Lord's will is.

Let it not be in acts of eye-service as if you had but to please men, but as Christ's bondservants who are doing God's will from the heart.

With right good will, be faithful to your duty as service rendered to the Lord and not to man.

You well know that whatever right thing any one does, he will receive a requital for it from the Lord, whether he is a slave or a free man.

And besides all these take the great shield of faith, on which you will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the Wicked one;

But in order that you also may know how I am doing, Tychicus our dearly-loved brother and faithful helper in the Lord's service will tell you everything.