according as he had chosen us in him through love, before the foundation of the world was laid, that we should be saints, and without blame before him, through love.

and in arranging, when the time should have fully come, that everything in heaven and on earth should be unified in Christ??11 the Christ through whom it is our lot to have been predestined by the design of him who in everything carries out the purpose of his will,

in whom we were also chosen by lot, having been predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things within us according to the counsel of his own will;

which is the earnest of our inheritance, to redeem the possession purchased, and that unto the laud of his glory.

And [I pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will know and cherish the hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints (God’s people),

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

by the reading whereof you may perceive how far I am let into the secret of Christ.

and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.

and through your faith to let Christ in his love make his home in your hearts. Your roots must be deep and your foundations strong,

So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation],

Let there be but one Lord, one faith, one baptism:

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Then we will no longer be little children, tossed like waves and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, or by clever strategies that would lead us astray.

But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ.

who without remorse, have abandon'd themselves to brutality, in gratifying every lewd unnatural passion.

Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ].

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin].

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Let it then be your desire to be like God, as well-loved children;

and lead lives of love, just as Christ loved you and gave himself up for you to be a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God].

For this ye know, that no lewd, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

(for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him—your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation].

Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character];

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Therefore be very careful how you live and act. Let it not be as unwise men, but as wise.

expressing yourselves in psalms, in hymns, and spiritual songs; and let your hearts beat the time, in concerts of praises to the Lord,

Always and for everything let your thanks to God the Father be presented in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Let wives [be subject] to their husbands as to the Lord,

Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

You husband, love your spouse, even as Christ loved the church, and laid down his life for her:

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

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.

Finally, my brothers, let your hearts be strengthened in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

stand firm, the belt of truth round your waist, let justice invest you like mail:

let salvation be your helmet, and the divine doctrine your spiritual sword.

I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts.

Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible love.