You have been built up upon the foundation laid by the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus himself being 'the corner- stone.'

And, through union in him, you also are being built up together, to be a dwelling-place for God through the Spirit.

That is why it is said--'When he went up on high, he led his captives into captivity. And gave gifts to mankind.'

Now surely this 'going up' must imply that he had already gone down into the world beneath.

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.

To fit his People for the work of the ministry, for the building up of the Body of the Christ.

For from him the whole Body, closely joined and knit together by the contact of every part with the source of its life, derives its power to grow, in proportion to the vigor of each individual part; and so is being built up in a spirit of love.

Children, obey your parents, as children of the Lord; for that is but right.

And fathers, do not irritate your children, but bring them up with Christian discipline and instruction.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters, with anxious care, giving them ungrudging service, as if obeying the Christ;

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.

Therefore take up the full armor of God, that, when the evil day comes, you may be able to withstand the attack, and, having fought to the end, still to stand your ground.

At every onslaught take up faith for your shield; for with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming darts of the Evil One.