\id EPH - The English New Testament According to Family 35 
\h Ephesians 
\toc3 Eph. 
\toc2 Ephesians 
\toc1 The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians 
\mt1 The Epistle of Paul to the  
\mt2 EPHESIANS  
\c 1  
\s1 Salutation  
\m
\v 1 \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, apostle \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* saints \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w Ephesus|strong="G2181"\w*,\f + \fr 1:1 \ft I take it that Paul is claiming to be Christ's apostle to them, so he is writing with specific apostolic authority. Less than 1% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality (demonstrably so), omit ‘at Ephesus’ [such is the basis for the nasty footnotes in NIV, NASB, LB, etc.].\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*:\f + \fr 1:1 \ft Paul defines what he means by “saints”.\f*  
\v 2 \w Grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w from|strong="G1515"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Sovereign \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.\f + \fr 1:2 \ft The alternation between “Jesus Christ” and “Christ Jesus” appears to be stylistic, without doctrinal implication.\f*   
\ms1 Some concentrated theology  
\s1 A paean of doctrinal praise  
\p
\v 3 \w Blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,\f + \fr 1:3 \ft The full name of Jehovah the Son is now ‘The Lord Jesus Christ’. Where ‘Lord’ occurs without the definite article or a possessive pronoun I often render ‘Sovereign’.\f* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w blessed|strong="G2127"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w spiritual|strong="G4152"\w* \w blessing|strong="G2129"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G2032"\w* realms\f + \fr 1:3 \ft “In the heavenly realms” appears to be a synonym for Heaven; the blessings are there, ready to be distributed.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*;\f + \fr 1:3 \ft The blessings are only for those who are in Christ. Unbelievers may receive some spinoff benefits.\f*  
\v 4 \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w*[F]\f + \fr 1:4 \ft Here the pronoun refers to the Father, not ‘Christ’. Below, whenever the referent changes I will indicate this by [F] or [S], which will be good until the next change.\f* \w chose|strong="G1586"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G1722"\w*[S] \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w foundation|strong="G2602"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*,\f + \fr 1:4 \ft This one is difficult for our poor little finite minds to handle. If I was chosen before Creation, then I am part of a PLAN that antedates that Creation, just like the slain Lamb (1 Peter 1:19-20). So He knows who I am and calls me by name (John 10:3). When faced with a ‘God-thing’ that exceeds our understanding, we can either accept or reject—I choose to accept [there are consequences]. And let's not forget to give thanks.\f* \w that|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w should|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* holy \w and|strong="G2532"\w* blameless \w before|strong="G4253"\w* \w Him|strong="G1722"\w*[F], \w in|strong="G1722"\w* love,\f + \fr 1:4 \ft The syntax is ambiguous: does “in love” go with the preceding clause, or the following one? If the preceding, then it would be our love for Him; if the following, His love for us. When the Text is ambiguous I like to allow for both possibilities, which is why I place a comma before and after. Since both are true, why not teach both?\f*  
\v 5 having \w predestined|strong="G4309"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w an|strong="G1519"\w* \w adoption|strong="G5206"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w sons|strong="G5206"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*[S], \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w good|strong="G2107"\w* \w pleasure|strong="G2107"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w*[F] \w will|strong="G2307"\w*,  
\v 6 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w praise|strong="G1868"\w* \w of|strong="G5485"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w of|strong="G5485"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w*, \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* graced \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Beloved;  
\v 7 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* redemption \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w*[\w S|strong="G2192"\w*] blood,\f + \fr 1:7 \ft Without the shed blood of God's Lamb there is no redemption.\f* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* forgiveness \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w our|strong="G1223"\w* \w trespasses|strong="G3900"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w riches|strong="G4149"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w*[F] \w grace|strong="G5485"\w*,  
\v 8 \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w abound|strong="G4052"\w* \w toward|strong="G1519"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* intelligent design,\f + \fr 1:8 \ft I take it that many people, as they contemplate the mess the world is in, doubt that the Creator [if He exists] knew what He was doing. One day we will agree that the design is marvelous.\f*  
\v 9 having \w made|strong="G1107"\w* \w known|strong="G1107"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ‘secret’ \w of|strong="G2307"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w good|strong="G2107"\w* \w pleasure|strong="G2107"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w purposed|strong="G4388"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*[S],  
\v 10 \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w view|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* administering \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w fullness|strong="G4138"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w times|strong="G2540"\w*,\f + \fr 1:10 \ft The reference is not so much to chronological time as to occasions or epochs. Believe it or not, human history is being “administered”.\f* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w bring|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w together|strong="G1909"\w* \w under|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* head \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*—\w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*\f + \fr 1:10 \ft “On the heavens”—that is what the Text says. I take the reference to be to beings and things that are not an integral part of Heaven, temporary appendages—of course any beings and things on the earth are not an integral part of Heaven either. They all will jointly be subordinated to the Christ.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*—\w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*[S],  
\v 11 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* assigned \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2820"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w predestined|strong="G4309"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w purpose|strong="G4286"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*[F] \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w works|strong="G1754"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w decision|strong="G1012"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w*,  
\v 12 \w so|strong="G1519"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w praise|strong="G1868"\w* \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*,\f + \fr 1:12 \ft This is the main point of the whole exercise—the praise of His glory! (Isaiah 43:7.)\f* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w first|strong="G3588"\w* \w trusted|strong="G4276"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*;  
\v 13 \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* sure, \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w true|strong="G3588"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w*\f + \fr 1:13 \ft A majority of the Greek manuscripts, including the best line of transmission, have “we”, rather than the familiar ‘you’. Being unexpected, many scribes may have made the change (of one letter) almost without thinking. The Gospel of Christ is ‘the true Word’.\f*—\w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w*; \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w*, since \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w believed|strong="G4100"\w*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sealed|strong="G4972"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w*,  
\v 14 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* down payment \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w our|strong="G3739"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2817"\w* \w until|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* release \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w possession|strong="G4047"\w*,\f + \fr 1:14 \ft We receive “the release of the possession” in Glory. From the beginning of the epistle both the Father and the Son have been referred to repeatedly—here the Holy Spirit is introduced.\f* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w praise|strong="G1868"\w* \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*.\f + \fr 1:14 \ft Verses 3-14 form a single sentence in the Greek Text, which is why I translate the same way.\f*   
\s1 Some doctrinal praying  
\p
\v 15 \w Because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w about|strong="G2596"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* love \w toward|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* saints,  
\v 16 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* really \w do|strong="G4160"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w stop|strong="G3973"\w* \w giving|strong="G2168"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w making|strong="G4160"\w* \w mention|strong="G3417"\w* \w of|strong="G1909"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1909"\w* \w my|strong="G2168"\w* \w prayers|strong="G4335"\w*:  
\v 17 \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*,\f + \fr 1:17 \ft To be the ‘Father’ of glory is to be the Source of all true glory.\f* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* revelation\f + \fr 1:17 \ft Revelation provides us with true information, and wisdom shows us what to do with it.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w real|strong="G1922"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1922"\w*\f + \fr 1:17 \ft I finally settled on ‘real knowledge’ as the best way to render επιγνωσις, the heightened form of γνωσις, ‘knowledge’. Real knowledge is more than mere intellectual knowledge, or even true theoretical knowledge—it involves experience. The Text goes on to say, “the eyes of your \+nd heart\+nd* having been enlightened”. Real knowledge changes your ‘heart’, who you are.\f* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* Himself,  
\v 18 \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w eyes|strong="G3788"\w* \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w* \w having|strong="G1492"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w enlightened|strong="G5461"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G5210"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w*\f + \fr 1:18 \ft Paul wants us to know three things, that I have indicated with a number before ‘what’.\f* 1) \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w*[F] \w calling|strong="G2821"\w*,\f + \fr 1:18 \ft His calling gives us true hope.\f* \w and|strong="G1391"\w* 2) \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w riches|strong="G4149"\w* \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w of|strong="G1391"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2817"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* saints,\f + \fr 1:18 \ft We normally concentrate on ‘our’ inheritance, what \+nd we\+nd* are going to get. More important is God's inheritance, what \+bd He\+bd* is going to get.\f*  
\v 19 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* 3) \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w exceeding|strong="G5235"\w* \w greatness|strong="G3174"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w*\f + \fr 1:19 \ft “Into us”—that is what the Text says. Note that ‘believing’ is in the present tense. Please see the note at 3:20 below.\f* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w believing|strong="G4100"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* demonstration \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* extent \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w might|strong="G2479"\w*  
\v 20 \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* exercised \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G1453"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*[S] \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w seated|strong="G2523"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w*[F] \w right|strong="G1188"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G2032"\w* realms,  
\v 21 \w far|strong="G5231"\w* \w above|strong="G5231"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* ruler \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w authority|strong="G1849"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w dominion|strong="G2963"\w*\f + \fr 1:21 \ft It is generally understood that the reference is to the angelic hierarchy. The two thirds that remained faithful to God were never a problem, so presumably the special point is that Christ defeated Satan, with his one third, and is now (as the God/man, the second Adam) seated ‘far above’ that enemy. Please see the note at 2:6 below.\f*—\w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* can \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w named|strong="G3686"\w*, \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* age \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* next.  
\v 22 \w In|strong="G2532"\w* \w short|strong="G3588"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w*[F] placed \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w under|strong="G5259"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w*[S] \w feet|strong="G4228"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* appointed \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w Head|strong="G2776"\w* \w over|strong="G5228"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w*,\f + \fr 1:22 \ft Would it not be wonderful if the Church recognized that Headship in practice! Where εκκλησια refers to the whole body of Christ, as here, I render ‘Church’; where it refers to a local assembly I render ‘congregation’.\f*  
\v 23 \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* complement\f + \fr 1:23 \ft Just as a wife complements her husband (when things are like they are supposed to be), God's purpose is that the Bride complement the Groom (even if we don't understand why Someone who “fills everything in every way” needs complementing).\f* \w of|strong="G4983"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w fills|strong="G4137"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w way|strong="G1722"\w*.   
\c 2  
\s1 Our position in Christ  
\m
\v 1 \w He|strong="G2532"\w*[F] \w raised|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w up|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w*, \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w transgressions|strong="G3900"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w sins|strong="G3900"\w*,  
\v 2 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w once|strong="G4218"\w* \w walked|strong="G4043"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Aeon \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ruler \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w domain|strong="G1849"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* air, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w work|strong="G1754"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* disobedience;\f + \fr 2:2 \ft Strictly speaking the Text has “according to the Aeon of this world, according to the ruler of the domain of the air”—the phrases are parallel, so ‘Aeon’ and ‘ruler’ have the same referent, a specific person or being. This spirit is presently at work (present tense) in ‘the sons of the disobedience’. ‘Sons’ of something are characterized by that something, and the something in this case is ‘the’ disobedience (the Text has the definite article)—a continuation of the original rebellion against the Sovereign of the universe. Anyone in rebellion against the Creator is under satanic influence, direct or indirect (in most cases a demon acts as Satan's agent, when something more than the influence of the surrounding culture is required). Anyone in rebellion against the Creator will also have strongholds of Satan in his mind.\f*  
\v 3 \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G4160"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w used|strong="G4218"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* conduct \w ourselves|strong="G2249"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w lusts|strong="G1939"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*, carrying \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w desires|strong="G1939"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* senses,\f + \fr 2:3 \ft This is the way people who do not belong to Christ may be expected to act. Far from being surprised, we should count on it, and our strategies (for living and evangelizing) should count on it.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w nature|strong="G5449"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w wrath|strong="G3709"\w*,\f + \fr 2:3 \ft To be in rebellion against the Creator is to be under His wrath.\f* \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w like|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w*.  
\v 4 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*—\w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w rich|strong="G4145"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1656"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w great|strong="G4183"\w* love \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G1161"\w* loved \w us|strong="G2249"\w*,  
\v 5 \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w transgressions|strong="G3900"\w*—\w made|strong="G4982"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w alive|strong="G4806"\w* \w together|strong="G4806"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* (\w by|strong="G2532"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w you|strong="G1510"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*)  
\v 6 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w raised|strong="G4891"\w* \w us|strong="G1722"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w together|strong="G4776"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w seated|strong="G4776"\w* \w us|strong="G1722"\w* \w together|strong="G4776"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G2032"\w* realms \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*,\f + \fr 2:6 \ft This is tremendous! Here we have our authority. Christ is now seated at the Father's right, “far above” (1:21) the enemy and his hosts. This verse affirms that we are there too! So in Christ we also are far above the enemy and his hosts. We should be consciously operating on that basis, but since few churches teach this, most Christians live in spiritual defeat.\f*  
\v 7 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w coming|strong="G1904"\w* ages \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w might|strong="G5547"\w* display \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w surpassing|strong="G5235"\w* \w riches|strong="G4149"\w* \w of|strong="G5485"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w*, \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* \w kindness|strong="G5544"\w* \w toward|strong="G1909"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.  
\v 8 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w saved|strong="G4982"\w*, \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Faith|strong="G4102"\w*\f + \fr 2:8 \ft The Text has ‘the’ faith; the reference is to a specific faith, presumably the body of truth that revolves around the person of Jesus.\f*—\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w gift|strong="G1435"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*—  
\v 9 \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w by|strong="G1537"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w boast|strong="G2744"\w*.  
\v 10 \w You|strong="G3739"\w* see, \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w His|strong="G1909"\w* ‘poem’,\f + \fr 2:10 \ft The English word ‘poem’ comes from the Greek word here, ποιημα, and is one of its meanings. Just as each poem is an individual creation of the poet, so we are individual creations, not produced by a production line in a factory.\f* \w created|strong="G2936"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w works|strong="G2041"\w*,\f + \fr 2:10 \ft We are not saved \+nd by\+nd* good works, but \+nd for\+nd* good works. We do good works because we are saved, and if you don't…\f* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w prepared|strong="G4282"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* advance \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w should|strong="G2316"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 2:10 \ft “Prepared in advance”—I imagine that this refers to God's moral code, the rules of conduct that everyone should follow (if everyone did we would not need jails, rescue missions, etc.).\f*   
\s1 Once far, now near in Christ  
\p
\v 11 \w So|strong="G1352"\w* \w then|strong="G1352"\w*, \w remember|strong="G3421"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w once|strong="G4218"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w physical|strong="G4561"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*—\w called|strong="G3004"\w* ‘uncircumcision’ \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w so-called|strong="G3004"\w* ‘\w circumcision|strong="G4061"\w*’ (\w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w made|strong="G5499"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w hands|strong="G5499"\w*)—  
\v 12 \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w apart|strong="G5565"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, excluded \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w citizenship|strong="G4174"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w strangers|strong="G3581"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w covenants|strong="G1242"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w*,\f + \fr 2:12 \ft “The promise”—that is what the Text says. The various covenants recorded in the Old Testament differ considerably from each other, but one might say that there is one promise common to all: God promises to bless obedience, those who obey Him. To obey God one needs to have some contact with Him. Without such contact one has no hope.\f* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w without|strong="G5565"\w* \w God|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*.  
\v 13 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w once|strong="G4218"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w far|strong="G3112"\w* \w away|strong="G3112"\w* \w have|strong="G1510"\w* \w come|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w* \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* blood \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.   
\s1 Two into one  
\p
\v 14 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* Himself \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w has|strong="G1510"\w* \w made|strong="G4160"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w broken|strong="G3089"\w* \w down|strong="G3089"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w barrier|strong="G5418"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* separation—\w the|strong="G1722"\w* law \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w its|strong="G3089"\w* commandments \w and|strong="G2532"\w* ordinances—  
\v 15 \w having|strong="G4160"\w* \w abolished|strong="G2673"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w enmity|strong="G2189"\w* \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* ‘\w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*’,\f + \fr 2:15 \ft “His ‘flesh’ ” presumably refers to Jesus' physical body that went to the cross. Without the incarnation none of what Paul is discussing would have been possible.\f* \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* mold \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* [Jew \w and|strong="G4561"\w* Gentile] \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w man|strong="G1520"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w* (\w thus|strong="G1519"\w* \w making|strong="G4160"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*),  
\v 16 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* reconcile \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w* (\w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* killed \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w enmity|strong="G2189"\w*).\f + \fr 2:16 \ft In this paragraph Paul is dealing with the enmity between Jew and Gentile; within the Jewish ‘religion’ Gentiles were definitely second class citizens—to be saved a Gentile had to become a spiritual Jew. Within the Church of Jesus Christ that distinction is done away with; all are on the same footing, regardless of ethnic origin.\f*  
\v 17 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w came|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2097"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w us|strong="G2097"\w*,\f + \fr 2:17 \ft The Greek manuscripts are badly divided between “us” and ‘you’, so I follow the best line of transmission. Verses 17 and 18 form a single sentence, wherein Paul now handles Jew and Gentile as a unit, “we both”.\f* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w far|strong="G3112"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w*,  
\v 18 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w both|strong="G3588"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w access|strong="G4318"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*, \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.\f + \fr 2:18 \ft Up to this point in the letter the Father and the Son have been repeatedly presented as distinct persons; now the Holy Spirit is added, although introduced in 1:13 above. All three persons are in this 18\+sup th\+sup* verse.\f*   
\p
\v 19 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w you|strong="G1510"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3765"\w* \w longer|strong="G3765"\w* \w strangers|strong="G3581"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w aliens|strong="G3941"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4847"\w* \w citizens|strong="G4847"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* saints \w and|strong="G2532"\w* members \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w household|strong="G3609"\w*,  
\v 20 \w built|strong="G2026"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w foundation|strong="G2310"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* apostles \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*,\f + \fr 2:20 \ft The truth that Paul is expounding is that in Christ Gentiles join Jews as “fellow citizens” and “members of God's household”, part of “the whole building”. In what sense can that “building” be built upon “the foundation of the apostles and prophets”? Presumably “prophets” is short for the writings that make up the Old Testament Scriptures, or Canon. The Faith is based on revealed Truth, not individual people. Analogously, presumably “apostles” is short for the writings that make up the New Testament Scriptures, or Canon. Again, the Faith is based on revealed Truth, not individual people. Our “growing into a holy temple” (verse 21) depends upon the Holy Spirit and His Sword (not individuals whom God used).\f* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* Himself \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w chief|strong="G2532"\w* cornerstone;  
\v 21 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w building|strong="G3619"\w*, \w being|strong="G1722"\w* joined \w together|strong="G4883"\w*, grows \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G1519"\w* holy \w temple|strong="G3485"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*;  
\v 22 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w built|strong="G4925"\w* \w together|strong="G4925"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* become \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w habitation|strong="G2732"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*.\f + \fr 2:22 \ft There is no article with ‘spirit’; one ‘habitation’ made up of many individuals refers to the spiritual realm, not the physical. (Recall that in John 4:23-24 Jesus explained that the Father wants worship ‘in spirit’.)\f*   
\c 3  
\ms1 The ‘secret’ revealed to Paul  
\m
\v 1 \w For|strong="G5228"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w reason|strong="G5484"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w*, \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w*, \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w prisoner|strong="G1198"\w* \w of|strong="G5228"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w on|strong="G5228"\w* \w behalf|strong="G5228"\w* \w of|strong="G5228"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w*—  
\v 2 surely \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* heard \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w dispensation|strong="G3622"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*,  
\v 3 \w how|strong="G3754"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* revelation \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w made|strong="G1107"\w* \w known|strong="G1107"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ‘secret’\f + \fr 3:3 \ft I consider that ‘secret’ is a better rendering than ‘mystery’. The truth about the Church is not all that mysterious; it just had not been explained before.\f* (\w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w written|strong="G4270"\w* \w briefly|strong="G3641"\w* already,  
\v 4 \w with|strong="G1722"\w* reference \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w*, \w when|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* read,\f + \fr 3:4 \ft Whatever writing Paul is referring to, evidently the Ephesians had not seen it yet, but he figures they have heard about it. Paul probably wrote a variety of things that were not preserved in the New Testament canon.\f* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w can|strong="G1410"\w* \w understand|strong="G3539"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w insight|strong="G4907"\w* \w into|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*'s secret),  
\v 5 \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w different|strong="G2087"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w made|strong="G1107"\w* \w known|strong="G1107"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G3739"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* revealed \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*\f + \fr 3:5 \ft There being no article with ‘spirit’, it could be either ‘by Spirit’ (used as a proper name) or ‘in spirit’ (referring to the manner). Both are true and legitimate, but I have chosen the first option in the translation.\f* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w holy|strong="G4151"\w* apostles \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*:\f + \fr 3:5 \ft An apostle, upon receiving a revelation, would also function as a prophet, but people like Mark and Luke were prophets without being apostles.\f*  
\v 6 \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w joint-heirs|strong="G4789"\w*, \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4954"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4789"\w* \w partakers|strong="G4830"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*\f + \fr 3:6 \ft Instead of “the Christ”, perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘Christ Jesus’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w*,  
\v 7 \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w became|strong="G1096"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w servant|strong="G1249"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w gift|strong="G1431"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w grace|strong="G5485"\w*, \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w gift|strong="G1431"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* outworking \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w His|strong="G1325"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w*.   
\p
\v 8 \w To|strong="G1325"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w*, \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w very|strong="G1646"\w* \w least|strong="G1646"\w* \w of|strong="G5485"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* saints,\f + \fr 3:8 \ft Paul does not always describe himself at this level of humility!\f* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w*, \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w preach|strong="G2097"\w* \w among|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* unsearchable \w riches|strong="G4149"\w* \w of|strong="G5485"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,  
\v 9 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* enlighten \w all|strong="G3956"\w*\f + \fr 3:9 \ft His explanation of the secret is for everyone, Gentile and Jew alike.\f* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* program\f + \fr 3:9 \ft Instead of “program”, perhaps 10% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘fellowship’ (as in AV and NKJV).\f* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* secret \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* beginning \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ages \w has|strong="G2316"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* hidden \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w who|strong="G5101"\w* \w created|strong="G2936"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2532"\w* Christ;\f + \fr 3:9 \ft This text joins Hebrews 1:10, John 1: 3, 10 and Colossians 1:16 in affirming that Jehovah the Son was the primary agent in the creation of our world and race. Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit “through Jesus Christ” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 10 \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* intent \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w*, \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w manifold|strong="G4182"\w* \w wisdom|strong="G4678"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G1107"\w* \w known|strong="G1107"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* rulers \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w authorities|strong="G1849"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G2032"\w* realms,\f + \fr 3:10 \ft Don't you know that the cherubim and seraphim and other high ranking angels really wondered what the Sovereign was up to when He created the human being.\f*  
\v 11 \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* eternal \w purpose|strong="G4286"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G3739"\w* \w accomplished|strong="G4160"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w our|strong="G2424"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*,\f + \fr 3:11 \ft “The eternal purpose”—this included the Lamb with His blood shed (1 Peter 1:19-20)! Note that “accomplished” is in the past tense.\f*  
\v 12 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w boldness|strong="G3954"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w access|strong="G4318"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w confidence|strong="G3954"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 13 \w Therefore|strong="G1352"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* ask \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* lose heart \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w afflictions|strong="G2347"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w behalf|strong="G5228"\w*, \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w your|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*.   
\s1 Prayer  
\p
\v 14 \w For|strong="G4314"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w reason|strong="G5484"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w bow|strong="G2578"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w knees|strong="G1119"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w our|strong="G4314"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G3778"\w* Christ,\f + \fr 3:14 \ft Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts omit “of our Lord Jesus Christ” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 15 \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w family|strong="G3965"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w* receives \w its|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3687"\w*,\f + \fr 3:15 \ft Here is another reference to the Son as the primary agent in the creation.\f*  
\v 16 \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w*[F] \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w grant|strong="G1325"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w riches|strong="G4149"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*: 1) \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w strengthened|strong="G2901"\w* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G1223"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w inner|strong="G2080"\w* \w man|strong="G2080"\w*;  
\v 17 2) \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w dwell|strong="G2730"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* rooted \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w established|strong="G2311"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* love  
\v 18 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* fully \w able|strong="G1840"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* grasp (\w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* saints) \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w breadth|strong="G4114"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w length|strong="G3372"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* depth \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w height|strong="G5311"\w*;  
\v 19 \w and|strong="G5037"\w* 3) \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* love \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w surpasses|strong="G5235"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1108"\w*—\w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G3956"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* \w fulfilled|strong="G4137"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w fullness|strong="G4138"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 3:19 \ft If it were not for verse 20 below (see note), I would be inclined to think that Paul's prayer was overly ambitious! Does he really expect us to arrive at “all the fullness of God”?! Well, we have the Trinity going for us—the Father is granting, the Spirit is strengthening our inner man and the Son is dwelling in our hearts—an unbeatable combination (if it were not for our lack of commitment). That said, however, I must confess that I do not understand verse 18—what is Paul describing? Whatever it is, all saints are supposed to be able to grasp it, which seems rather improbable. Verse 19 offers another paradox: if the love of Christ surpasses knowledge, how can we know it? Spiritual growth is clearly a process. 2 Peter 1:3 affirms that “His divine power has granted to us all things pertaining to life and godliness.” So whether we get there or not is up to us—those who overcome will get there in Glory, if not before.\f*   
\p
\v 20 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w do|strong="G4160"\w* immeasurably \w more|strong="G4053"\w* \w than|strong="G2228"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* ask \w or|strong="G2228"\w* imagine, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w working|strong="G4160"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w us|strong="G4160"\w*,\f + \fr 3:20 \ft Ephesians 1:19 spoke of “the exceeding greatness of His power \+bd into\+bd* us who are believing”—note that the verb is in the present tense; having believed yesterday won't hack it, we must believe today. This tremendous power that God pours into us, as we believe, exceeds our powers of imagination. Well now, my personal horizon is limited and defined by my ability to imagine. Anything that I can't imagine lies outside my horizon, and so obviously I won't ask for it. I sadly confess that I have not yet arrived at a spiritual level where I can unleash this power—I have yet to make the truth in this verse work for me. But I understand that the truth affirmed here is literal, and I only hope that others will get there before I do (so I can learn from them), if I keep on delaying. The whole point of the exercise (verse 21) is for God to get glory [not for me to have a good time, although if I ever get there I will certainly have a great good time!], and to the extent that we do \+nd not\+nd* put His power in us to work we are depriving Him of glory that He could and should have.\f*  
\v 21 \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w generations|strong="G1074"\w*, \w forever|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ever|strong="G1519"\w*. Amen.\f + \fr 3:21 \ft The glory that God gets from the Church will go on forever.\f*   
\c 4  
\ms1 Putting the theology into practice  
\s1 Unity  
\m
\v 1 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prisoner|strong="G1198"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w urge|strong="G3870"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* worthily \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w calling|strong="G2821"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w*,  
\v 2 \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w humility|strong="G5012"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w courtesy|strong="G4240"\w*, \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w patience|strong="G3115"\w*, bearing \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w another|strong="G1722"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* love,  
\v 3 taking pains \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w keep|strong="G5083"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w unity|strong="G1775"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*\f + \fr 4:3 \ft “The unity of the Spirit” presumably refers only to things that come from the Holy Spirit; it cannot include anything with which He does not agree. Note that we are not to ‘create’ the unity, we are to “keep” it.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w bond|strong="G4886"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*.\f + \fr 4:3 \ft In verses 1-3 Paul is talking about how we relate to other believers.\f*  
\v 4 \w There|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* (\w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w called|strong="G2564"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w calling|strong="G2821"\w*),  
\v 5 \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w one|strong="G1520"\w* baptism,  
\v 6 \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*,\f + \fr 4:6 \ft Here is the Trinity again—the Spirit in verse 4, the Son in verse 5 and the Father in verse 6.\f* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w over|strong="G1909"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w us|strong="G1722"\w*\f + \fr 4:6 \ft Perhaps 4% of the Greek manuscripts omit “us” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.), while another 4% read ‘you’ (as in AV and NKJV).\f* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*.   
\s1 Building up the body  
\p
\v 7 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w of|strong="G5485"\w* \w us|strong="G1325"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w measure|strong="G3358"\w* \w of|strong="G5485"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*'s \w gift|strong="G1431"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w*.  
\v 8 \w That|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w why|strong="G1519"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*, “\w When|strong="G3004"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* \w ascended|strong="G3588"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* heights \w He|strong="G3588"\w* captured \w the|strong="G1519"\w* concentration camp, \w and|strong="G3588"\w* distributed \w gifts|strong="G1390"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*.”\f + \fr 4:8 \ft “He captured the concentration camp” does not sound very much like “He led captivity captive”, now does it. The point is that ‘captivity’ refers to people held in captivity, and they are freed. When an invading army takes a concentration camp, the prisoners are set free (usually). We have here a quote from Psalm 68:18, where the second half says, “You have \+nd received\+nd* gifts from men”, just the opposite of “distributed”. What to do? The Targum (a Hebrew commentary) interprets as, “You have given gifts to the children of men”. Upon reflection this would appear to be obvious. When you put tithes and offerings in the offering plate at church, you are giving to God, but does that money literally go to Heaven? No, it is redistributed down here—some goes to the preacher's salary, some to a missionary, some to pay the light bill, etc. God does indeed receive gifts from men, but He does not stash them in Heaven somewhere; they are redistributed down here. When done properly He gets the credit: “He distributed gifts to men.”\f*  
\v 9 (\w What|strong="G5101"\w* \w does|strong="G1510"\w* ‘\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w ascended|strong="G3588"\w*’ imply \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w first|strong="G3588"\w* \w descended|strong="G2597"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* interior \w regions|strong="G3313"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*?\f + \fr 4:9 \ft This is one of several texts that lead me to understand that Sheol/Hades is beneath the crust of the earth somewhere. For one of the things He did down there, see 1 Peter 3:19.\f*  
\v 10 \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w descended|strong="G2597"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w ascended|strong="G3588"\w* \w far|strong="G5231"\w* \w above|strong="G5231"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w heavens|strong="G3772"\w*,\f + \fr 4:10 \ft “All the heavens”—sounds like quite a few, more than three; and He is above all of them.\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w fill|strong="G4137"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*.)  
\v 11 \w Yes|strong="G1161"\w*, \w He|strong="G2532"\w* Himself \w gave|strong="G1325"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* apostles, \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w prophets|strong="G4396"\w*, \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w evangelists|strong="G2099"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w some|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w pastors|strong="G4166"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w teachers|strong="G1320"\w*,\f + \fr 4:11 \ft One might imagine that this list follows the chronological sequence of the several ministries. An apostle introduces the Gospel into an area or context; a prophet gets the people's attention and an evangelist urges them to believe; but once people are regenerated then pastors and teachers come to the fore—they are the ones who equip the saints. However, in practice, especially in a pioneer missionary situation, there are seldom that many people around. The missionary preaches the Gospel and it is up to him to teach the first converts; he is alone. A pioneer missionary, the first one to introduce the Gospel to an ethnic group or area, has an apostolic function (whether or not he himself is an apostle). But he must also function as an evangelist and as a teacher (whether or not he has those gifts). 
\fp However, most of us live and work where there are established, functioning congregations. So what would be the function of an apostle within an established, functioning congregation? If he lives and worships in that community, probably none at all, in that specific capacity—he might function as a teacher or a prophet. In a country, or area, where there is no more pioneer missionary work to be done, the exercise of the apostolic function would be itinerant, acting as God's special emissary, an official intervener, for disciplinary and correctional purposes. 
\fp I will take up evangelist next; what would his function be within an established congregation? Well, can you evangelize someone who is already regenerated? Evidently the function of an evangelist is directed to unbelievers, who should not be members of the congregation (although some often are). Of course an evangelist might also function as a pastor or teacher. A truly gifted evangelist will function beyond the limits of a local congregation. 
\fp As for the prophetic function, I will address the question of supernatural revelation of information not available through existing channels. (1 Corinthians 14:3 speaks of ‘edification’, ‘exhortation’ and ‘comfort’ as coming from a prophet, but I will not take up such activity here.) We understand that the Canon of Scripture is closed; God is no longer giving written revelation that is of general or universal application. But that does not mean that God no longer speaks into specific situations. Divine guidance is a type of prophecy; He is giving information not otherwise available. I myself have been contemplated with a prophecy delivered by someone who had no idea who I was, and not in the context of a local congregation. The function of a true prophet cannot be limited to one congregation. Indeed, God may use a prophet at city, state or country level. Our world desperately needs prophetic voices. 
\fp A teacher will normally reside in a specific community, but his ministry may range beyond it. A pastor's function is local, just as he is chosen and ordained locally. It is simply a fact of life that someone with a shepherd's heart is not necessarily a good teacher, and an honest to goodness teacher often lacks a shepherd's heart. The functions are supposed to be complementary, and the object is to get all true believers involved in the work of the ministry. Life in Christ is not a spectator sport!\f*  
\v 12 \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w equipping|strong="G2677"\w* \w of|strong="G2041"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* saints \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w* \w of|strong="G2041"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w ministry|strong="G1248"\w*, \w so|strong="G1519"\w* \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w build|strong="G3619"\w* \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w of|strong="G2041"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,  
\v 13 \w until|strong="G3360"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w attain|strong="G2658"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w unity|strong="G1775"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w real|strong="G1922"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1922"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Son|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w complete|strong="G3956"\w* \w man|strong="G3956"\w*, \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w resulting|strong="G1519"\w* \w full|strong="G4138"\w* \w stature|strong="G2244"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*;\f + \fr 4:13 \ft Verse 13 emphasizes the truth in verse 12—\+nd every\+nd* believer is supposed to grow into full stature. Just because we do not reach a goal does not invalidate that goal.\f*  
\v 14 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w we|strong="G2532"\w* \w no|strong="G3371"\w* \w longer|strong="G3371"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* ‘\w infants|strong="G3516"\w*’, \w tossed|strong="G2831"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w waves|strong="G2831"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w carried|strong="G2532"\w* off \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* doctrinal fad, \w through|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* underhanded dealings \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w people|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* collect \w the|strong="G1722"\w* fee \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w error|strong="G4106"\w*;\f + \fr 4:14 \ft Before Paul wrote Ephesians, κυβεια always meant dice-throwing (but commentators usually don't like that, and so take evasive action). Why do people do that? Usually for material advantage. If the dice-throwing is ‘crafty’ then it is crooked—the dice are loaded. But this has to do with doctrinal fads (‘winds’). Why do people start and push fads? To get or to keep attention, which usually involves material advantage. But who throws dice by himself? To cheat you have to have a victim. But why is the other guy playing? He hopes to make a fast buck, too. So why do people buy into doctrinal fads? Often for material advantage—the purveyor makes promises (e.g. the ‘prosperity gospel’); sometimes for ‘spiritual’ or social prestige (which can translate into material advantage). You have to make the victim think that there is something in it for him. One of the basic meanings for μεθοδεια is ‘a method of collecting taxes’ or ‘debts’. If you want to shear the sheep, you need a method. But who would be vulnerable to any such ‘method’? Only a spiritual ‘infant’, who still thinks he can make a fast spiritual buck, who thinks there can be shortcuts. A “perfect \+nd man\+nd*” (ανηρ, not ανθρωπος) is like Jesus—when Satan comes with his shortcuts he is not taken in. 
\fp Let us try to pull it together. The fad (ανεμος) is an error (πλανη), which carries a fee—the error is not free. The purveyor needs a method for collecting the fee (μεθοδεια) for the error he is selling. But it cannot be obvious, he needs to finesse it (κυβεια εν πανουργια) (he wants happy, unsuspecting sheep). Someone who is mature (verse 13) knows there are no shortcuts, so is not taken in by any cheap promise. Telling the truth in love (verse 15) contrasts with selling an error for gain (verse 14).\f*  
\v 15 \w rather|strong="G1161"\w*, speaking \w the|strong="G1722"\w* truth \w in|strong="G1722"\w* love, \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* grow \w up|strong="G1519"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Head|strong="G2776"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*;  
\v 16 \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3956"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*, \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w fitted|strong="G4883"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w knit|strong="G4822"\w* \w together|strong="G4822"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* joint \w supplies|strong="G2024"\w*, \w as|strong="G1519"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w individual|strong="G1520"\w* \w part|strong="G3313"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w* \w its|strong="G3956"\w* \w work|strong="G3956"\w*, promotes \w its|strong="G3956"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* growth,\f + \fr 4:16 \ft Any local congregation can promote its own growth by encouraging each member to exercise his gift(s); by making room for all the gifts and promoting their use.\f* \w its|strong="G3956"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w edification|strong="G3619"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* love.   
\s1 Put away the old, put on the new  
\p
\v 17 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w affirm|strong="G3143"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w insist|strong="G3143"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*: \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w no|strong="G3371"\w* \w longer|strong="G3371"\w* carry \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* rest \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gentiles|strong="G1484"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w*,\f + \fr 4:17 \ft It sounds like some of them were not being altogether successful in breaking with their former way of life. Breaking free from the culture that surrounds you, so as to embrace biblical values, is not easy.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w futility|strong="G3153"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w mind|strong="G3563"\w*,  
\v 18 \w having|strong="G2316"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w darkened|strong="G4656"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* \w understanding|strong="G1271"\w*, \w being|strong="G1510"\w* alienated [\w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* continuing \w condition|strong="G3588"\w*] \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ignorance \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w due|strong="G1722"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w hardening|strong="G4457"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w their|strong="G1722"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*,\f + \fr 4:18 \ft This works like a downward spiral: the ignorance feeds the hardening, that in turn increases the ignorance. The consequence is that they can never get out by themselves. Someone must take Christ's power to them to help them out, before they become ‘dead to hope’. “Having been darkened” is passive voice; they are darkened by Satan, directly or indirectly.\f*  
\v 19 \w who|strong="G3588"\w*, having become dead \w to|strong="G1519"\w* hope, \w have|strong="G3748"\w* abandoned \w themselves|strong="G1438"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* depravity, greedily indulging \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w kind|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* vileness.\f + \fr 4:19 \ft What kind of person or being might be “dead to hope”? If someone is dead to hope, is he beyond hope, unrecoverable? And how should society defend itself against those who have “abandoned themselves to depravity”? The consequences of depravity always spill over into the surrounding society, and according to Psalm 5:5-6 the Lord hates such people, and so presumably will not ‘draw’ them (John 6:44). 1 John 5:16-17 teaches that certain sinners are beyond the reach of prayer, they have passed the point of no return. If someone cannot be saved, then he needs to be neutralized (because of the harm he causes to others) —we need to ask God to teach us how to do this.\f*  
\v 20 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \nd \+w not|strong="G3756"\+w*\nd* \w how|strong="G3779"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* ‘\w learned|strong="G3129"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*’—  
\v 21 \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1487"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G1510"\w* \w taught|strong="G1321"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* (\w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* truth \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*):  
\v 22 \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* put away, \w concerning|strong="G2596"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w former|strong="G4387"\w* \w way|strong="G2596"\w* \w of|strong="G2596"\w* life, \w the|strong="G2596"\w* \w old|strong="G3820"\w* man\f + \fr 4:22 \ft The “old man” cannot be cured; it must be rejected in favor of the new.\f* (\w that|strong="G3588"\w* keeps \w on|strong="G2596"\w* \w being|strong="G2596"\w* \w corrupted|strong="G5351"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G2596"\w* deceitful \w desires|strong="G1939"\w*),  
\v 23 \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* renewed\f + \fr 4:23 \ft The verb here evidently means ‘renew’ and not ‘make new’, the implication being that a depraved mind represents a departure from a former condition. When a person is regenerated by the Holy Spirit he receives a new nature, but the old one is not obliterated or expunged. We must constantly choose to use the new one.\f* \w in|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w mind|strong="G3563"\w*,  
\v 24 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G1746"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w new|strong="G2537"\w* \w man|strong="G2316"\w*, \w created|strong="G2936"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* likeness \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,\f + \fr 4:24 \ft Wait a minute! Was not the first Adam created in the likeness of God? So when he fell did he lose that likeness? Probably not entirely, but Satan has been working at increasing the damage ever since—he works to remake men in his own image; in those who have “abandoned themselves to depravity” (verse 19) he has been successful. For someone to receive the “new man” requires a new act of creation.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w true|strong="G3588"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w holiness|strong="G3742"\w*.   
\s1 Practical instruction  
\p
\v 25 \w Therefore|strong="G1352"\w*, having put \w away|strong="G3326"\w* \w falsehood|strong="G5579"\w*, ‘\w Let|strong="G1510"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1538"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* truth \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w his|strong="G3754"\w* \w neighbor|strong="G4139"\w*,’\f + \fr 4:25 \ft This is an exact quotation from Zechariah 8:16, though not presented as such.\f* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w members|strong="G3196"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w one|strong="G1538"\w* \w another|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 26 ‘\w Be|strong="G2532"\w* \w angry|strong="G3710"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* sin’;\f + \fr 4:26 \ft This is an exact quotation from Psalm 4:4, though not presented as such.\f* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w let|strong="G1931"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sun|strong="G2246"\w* \w set|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w angry|strong="G3710"\w* mood,  
\v 27 \w nor|strong="G3366"\w* \w give|strong="G1325"\w* \w an|strong="G1325"\w* \w opportunity|strong="G5117"\w* \w to|strong="G1325"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w*.\f + \fr 4:27 \ft Evil and injustice should make us angry, and legitimate anger should give rise to appropriate action. But if we do nothing except to sit and brood, we do not help the situation and we do give Satan opportunity.\f*  
\v 28 \w The|strong="G1161"\w* \w one|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w steals|strong="G2813"\w* \w must|strong="G2192"\w* \w steal|strong="G2813"\w* \w no|strong="G3371"\w* \w longer|strong="G3371"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w rather|strong="G3123"\w* \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w work|strong="G2038"\w*, \w doing|strong="G2038"\w* something \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G2192"\w* \w his|strong="G2398"\w* \w hands|strong="G5495"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* something \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w share|strong="G3330"\w* \w with|strong="G2192"\w* someone \w in|strong="G1161"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w*.  
\v 29 \w Let|strong="G2443"\w* \w no|strong="G3361"\w* \w evil|strong="G5100"\w* \w word|strong="G3056"\w* \w proceed|strong="G1607"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w your|strong="G1487"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w*, \w but|strong="G1487"\w* \w only|strong="G1487"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w good|strong="G3956"\w* \w for|strong="G4314"\w* \w edification|strong="G3619"\w*, \w as|strong="G1607"\w* \w needed|strong="G5532"\w*,\f + \fr 4:29 \ft “As needed”—part of imparting grace is knowing when to keep quiet!\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w it|strong="G1487"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* impart \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* hear.  
\v 30 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w grieve|strong="G3076"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Holy|strong="G4151"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*,\f + \fr 4:30 \ft I imagine that any sort of disobedience on our part grieves Him.\f* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w sealed|strong="G4972"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* redemption.  
\v 31 \w Let|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w bitterness|strong="G4088"\w*, \w wrath|strong="G3709"\w*, \w anger|strong="G3709"\w*, \w clamor|strong="G2906"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* slander \w be|strong="G2532"\w* removed \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w malice|strong="G2549"\w*.\f + \fr 4:31 \ft The focus in verses 31 and 32 is on how we treat other people. God has been good to us; we should be good to others.\f*  
\v 32 \w Rather|strong="G1161"\w*, \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w kind|strong="G5543"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w*, \w compassionate|strong="G2155"\w*, \w forgiving|strong="G5483"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w*, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w forgave|strong="G5483"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.   
\c 5  
\s1 Walk in love  
\m
\v 1 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w imitators|strong="G3402"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* beloved \w children|strong="G5043"\w*,  
\v 2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* love, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* loved \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G3860"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w up|strong="G3860"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w us|strong="G1519"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w offering|strong="G4376"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="G2378"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w fragrant|strong="G2175"\w* \w aroma|strong="G3744"\w*.  
\v 3 \nd \+w But|strong="G1161"\+w*\nd*, \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w should|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3366"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* talk \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w fornication|strong="G4202"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w any|strong="G3956"\w* \w form|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* moral corruption \w or|strong="G2228"\w* insatiableness\f + \fr 5:3 \ft Of course \+nd doing\+nd* such things is out of the question, but why can't we talk about them? If you talk about it you will think about it, which will provide an opening for temptation.\f* (\w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w is|strong="G3956"\w* \w fitting|strong="G4241"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* saints);  
\v 4 \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w any|strong="G3756"\w* obscenity, \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w foolish|strong="G2532"\w* \w talk|strong="G3473"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w coarse|strong="G2160"\w* joking (\w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* belong), \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w rather|strong="G3123"\w* \w thanksgiving|strong="G2169"\w*.  
\v 5 \w Because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w can|strong="G1492"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w sure|strong="G1097"\w*: \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w fornicator|strong="G4205"\w*, \w nor|strong="G2532"\w* \w anyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* morally corrupt \w or|strong="G2228"\w* insatiable (\w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2192"\w* \w idolater|strong="G1496"\w*),\f + \fr 5:5 \ft To have an insatiable desire for something (say, money) is to be dominated by that something; it has become a god, an idolatry.\f* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* \w any|strong="G3956"\w* \w inheritance|strong="G2817"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* Kingdom \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 5:5 \ft According to the grammatical construction here, “Christ and God” refer to the same person.\f*  
\v 6 \w Let|strong="G1063"\w* \w no|strong="G3367"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* deceive \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w empty|strong="G2756"\w* \w words|strong="G3056"\w*,\f + \fr 5:6 \ft Many ‘churches’ these days are making allowances for sexual immorality of various sorts (getting their values from Freud, not the Bible), but they will find themselves excluded from the Kingdom. Watch out for empty words!\f* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w wrath|strong="G3709"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w comes|strong="G2064"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* \w sons|strong="G5207"\w* \w of|strong="G5207"\w* \w the|strong="G1909"\w* disobedience.\f + \fr 5:6 \ft See the note at 2:2 above.\f*  
\v 7 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w do|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* participants \w with|strong="G1096"\w* them  
\v 8 —\w even|strong="G1161"\w* \w though|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w once|strong="G4218"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w*, \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Sovereign.  
\s1 \w Walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w*  
\p \w Walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w of|strong="G2962"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w*  
\v 9 (\w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 5:9 \ft Instead of “Spirit”, some 5% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘light’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* goodness \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* truth),  
\v 10 approving \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w pleasing|strong="G2101"\w* \w to|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.  
\v 11 \w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* associate \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* unfruitful \w works|strong="G2041"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w rather|strong="G3123"\w* \w expose|strong="G1651"\w*/\w reprove|strong="G1651"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 5:11 \ft I could not decide between ‘expose’ and ‘reprove’, since the verb here includes both ideas. So let us do both.\f*  
\v 12 (\w It|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* shameful \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w done|strong="G1096"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w secret|strong="G2931"\w*.)  
\v 13 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*, \w upon|strong="G1510"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* \w exposed|strong="G1651"\w*, \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w revealed|strong="G5319"\w* \w by|strong="G5259"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3956"\w* reveals \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w light|strong="G5457"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Therefore|strong="G1352"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w says|strong="G3004"\w*:  
\q1 “Wake \w up|strong="G1453"\w*, O \w sleeper|strong="G2518"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w arise|strong="G1453"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*,  
\q2 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w shine|strong="G2017"\w* \w on|strong="G1537"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w*.”\f + \fr 5:14 \ft This is not a direct quote of any Old Testament passage. Not all God-given prophesies, though written down and read by subsequent generations, were included in the Canon.\f*   
\s1 Walk in wisdom  
\p
\v 15 See \w then|strong="G3767"\w* \w that|strong="G3361"\w* \w you|strong="G4459"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w carefully|strong="G4459"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* unwise \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w wise|strong="G4680"\w*,  
\v 16 \w redeeming|strong="G1805"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w time|strong="G2540"\w*, \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w days|strong="G2250"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w*.  
\v 17 \w That|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w why|strong="G5101"\w* \w you|strong="G3778"\w* \w must|strong="G1096"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* foolish,\f + \fr 5:17 \ft The ultimate foolishness is to not understand the Lord's will.\f* \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w understand|strong="G4920"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*'\w s|strong="G2962"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w*.  
\v 18 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w get|strong="G3182"\w* \w drunk|strong="G3182"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w wine|strong="G3631"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* harmful \w and|strong="G2532"\w* wasteful;\f + \fr 5:18 \ft Literally, ‘in which is dissipation’, so where did I get ‘harmful and wasteful’? Well, to dissipate is to waste, and a dictionary I have defines it as “to indulge in pleasure to the point of harming oneself”. Drunkenness always harms and wastes.\f* rather \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w filled|strong="G4137"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*,\f + \fr 5:18 \ft Observe that this is a command, so it depends on us. The Holy Spirit is waiting to fill us, if we will only yield to Him. For light to fill the room all you have to do is flip the switch.\f*  
\v 19 \w speaking|strong="G2980"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w one|strong="G1438"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w psalms|strong="G5568"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hymns|strong="G5215"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w spiritual|strong="G4152"\w* \w songs|strong="G5603"\w*, singing \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w making|strong="G5567"\w* music \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*;  
\v 20 \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w giving|strong="G2168"\w* \w thanks|strong="G2168"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w concerning|strong="G5228"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w*,\f + \fr 5:20 \ft We are to declare God's goodness, faithfulness and wisdom, even when we do not like what is happening.\f* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,  
\v 21 \w submitting|strong="G5293"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1722"\w* \w another|strong="G1722"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G5293"\w*.\f + \fr 5:21 \ft Instead of “God”, perhaps 30% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘Christ’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\ms1 Relationships within the home  
\s1 About wives  
\p
\v 22 \w Wives|strong="G1135"\w*, subordinate yourselves\f + \fr 5:22 \ft Observe that this is something she should do of her own volition, not because she is beaten into submission.\f* \w to|strong="G2962"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w own|strong="G2398"\w* husbands, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w to|strong="G2962"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*,  
\v 23 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* man \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w head|strong="G2776"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w Head|strong="G2776"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w*—\w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* Preserver \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*.  
\v 24 Yes, \w just|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w subject|strong="G5293"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w wives|strong="G1135"\w* \w should|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* own husbands \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*.\f + \fr 5:24 \ft This “everything” obviously does not include things that God forbids.\f*   
\s1 About husbands  
\p
\v 25 Husbands, love \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w wives|strong="G1135"\w* \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* loved \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G3860"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w* \w up|strong="G3860"\w* \w on|strong="G5228"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w behalf|strong="G5228"\w*,  
\v 26 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w order|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G3588"\w* might sanctify \w her|strong="G1438"\w*, having \w cleansed|strong="G2511"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w washing|strong="G3067"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w water|strong="G5204"\w*: \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w word|strong="G4487"\w*,  
\v 27 \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w present|strong="G3936"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w*—\w the|strong="G2532"\w* splendid \w Church|strong="G1577"\w*—\w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* blemish \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w wrinkle|strong="G4512"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w thing|strong="G5100"\w*, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w she|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* holy \w and|strong="G2532"\w* blameless.  
\v 28 \w Just|strong="G5613"\w* \w so|strong="G3779"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* husbands \w ought|strong="G3784"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* love \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w wives|strong="G1135"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w bodies|strong="G4983"\w*; \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* loves \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* loves \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*.  
\v 29 \w After|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G2532"\w*, \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* \w ever|strong="G4218"\w* \w hated|strong="G3404"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*; rather \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w nourishes|strong="G1625"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w cherishes|strong="G2282"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w*, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G3588"\w* \w does|strong="G3404"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w*  
\v 30 —\w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w we|strong="G3754"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w members|strong="G3196"\w* \w of|strong="G4983"\w* \w His|strong="G3754"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w*, \w of|strong="G4983"\w* \w His|strong="G3754"\w* flesh \w and|strong="G4983"\w* \w of|strong="G4983"\w* \w His|strong="G3754"\w* bones.\f + \fr 5:30 \ft Less than 2.5% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “of His flesh and of His bones” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.—an easy case of ‘similar ending’). Flesh and bones are definitely physical, not spiritual; so what is Paul saying? Perhaps he is emphasizing that “His body” is just as real as a physical body.\f*  
\v 31 “\w For|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* reason \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w man|strong="G3778"\w* \w shall|strong="G2532"\w* \w leave|strong="G2641"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w joined|strong="G4347"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w* \w will|strong="G1510"\w* \w become|strong="G1510"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*.”\f + \fr 5:31 \ft This is not just poetic language, it is a chemical reality. See Genesis 2:24.\f*  
\v 32 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w great|strong="G3173"\w* \w mystery|strong="G3466"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w speak|strong="G3004"\w* \w concerning|strong="G1519"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w*.   
\p
\v 33 \w In|strong="G2596"\w* \w any|strong="G2443"\w* \w case|strong="G3588"\w*, \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w individually|strong="G2596"\w*: \w let|strong="G1161"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* love \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w himself|strong="G1438"\w*,\f + \fr 5:33 \ft Observe that ‘wife’ is singular. Although in the Old Testament men were not condemned for having more than one wife, in the context of the Church monogamy is the norm. The instruction in verse 33 is basic: if a wife does not feel loved and/or a husband does not feel respected, negative things start to happen.\f* \w while|strong="G5613"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w wife|strong="G1135"\w* \w must|strong="G1135"\w* \w respect|strong="G5399"\w* \w her|strong="G1438"\w* husband.   
\c 6  
\s1 About children  
\m
\v 1 \w Children|strong="G5043"\w*, \w obey|strong="G5219"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w parents|strong="G1118"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w right|strong="G1342"\w*.  
\v 2 “\w Honor|strong="G5091"\w* \w your|strong="G5091"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w mother|strong="G3384"\w*”—\w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w commandment|strong="G1785"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w promise|strong="G1860"\w*—  
\v 3 “\w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w go|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G2532"\w* \w long|strong="G3118"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w earth|strong="G1093"\w*.”\f + \fr 6:3 \ft See Exodus 20:12.\f*  
\v 4 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w fathers|strong="G3962"\w*, \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w provoke|strong="G3949"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w anger|strong="G3949"\w*,\f + \fr 6:4 \ft Unreasonable demands, harsh treatment, lack of clear guidelines—there are various ways to frustrate children and cause them to lose heart, and even give up. In today's world they will probably cop out by going to drugs, or the Internet (both of which leave them wide open to demonic influence).\f* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w nurture|strong="G3809"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w discipline|strong="G3809"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w instruction|strong="G3559"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* Sovereign.   
\s1 About slaves and masters  
\p
\v 5 \w Slaves|strong="G1401"\w*, \w obey|strong="G5219"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w human|strong="G4561"\w* \w masters|strong="G2962"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w trembling|strong="G5156"\w*, \w in|strong="G1722"\w* sincerity \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*;\f + \fr 6:5 \ft Observe that slavery is not condemned. The owners are not commanded to free their slaves, just to treat them right. The slaves are not told to run away, but to be even better slaves.\f*  
\v 6 \w not|strong="G3361"\w* only \w when|strong="G5613"\w* \w being|strong="G5547"\w* watched, \w to|strong="G2596"\w* please \w men|strong="G1401"\w*, \w but|strong="G3361"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w doing|strong="G4160"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w will|strong="G2307"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w heart|strong="G5590"\w*;  
\v 7 \w serving|strong="G1398"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* attitude, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G3588"\w*,  
\v 8 \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w whatever|strong="G1437"\w* \w good|strong="G1437"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w one|strong="G5100"\w* \w does|strong="G4160"\w*, \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w will|strong="G2962"\w* \w receive|strong="G2865"\w* \w the|strong="G3754"\w* \w same|strong="G3778"\w* again \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w the|strong="G3754"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w whether|strong="G1535"\w* \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3778"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w* \w or|strong="G1535"\w* \w free|strong="G1658"\w*.\f + \fr 6:8 \ft It pays to do good!\f*   
\p
\v 9 \w And|strong="G2532"\w* \w masters|strong="G2962"\w*, \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* \w way|strong="G1722"\w* towards \w them|strong="G3588"\w*, \w giving|strong="G4160"\w* \w up|strong="G1722"\w* threatening, \w knowing|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w Master|strong="G2962"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w partiality|strong="G4382"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*.   
\ms1 Spiritual warfare  
\p
\v 10 \w Finally|strong="G3064"\w*, \w my|strong="G1722"\w* brothers,\f + \fr 6:10 \ft Only some 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “my brothers” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.), but since the whole letter is written to Christians, there really is no doubt. Besides, how could an unbeliever put on the full armor of God? Note that Paul writes “our” wrestling match—apostles are also under attack, not to mention pastors, etc.\f* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w strong|strong="G1743"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w His|strong="G1722"\w* \w mighty|strong="G2532"\w* \w power|strong="G2904"\w*.  
\v 11 \w Put|strong="G1746"\w* \w on|strong="G1746"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w full|strong="G3833"\w* \w armor|strong="G3833"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w so|strong="G4314"\w* \w as|strong="G2316"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w be|strong="G1410"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w firm|strong="G2476"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* stratagems \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G4314"\w* \w devil|strong="G1228"\w*.  
\v 12 \w Because|strong="G3754"\w*, \w our|strong="G2532"\w* wrestling match\f + \fr 6:12 \ft The word here is a noun, not a verb, and means precisely ‘wrestling match’. A wrestling match is based on violent physical contact, and the Holy Spirit, through Paul, is advising us that we are in such a match, and the opponents are malignant spirits of all ranks. The ‘doctrine’ to be found in some circles that Christians can't be attacked by demons is totally and dangerously false.\f* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* blood,\f + \fr 6:12 \ft Even though people may indeed act as our enemies, we need to keep in mind that they are only being used by the \+nd real\+nd* enemy.\f* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* principalities, \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w authorities|strong="G1849"\w*, \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* world-rulers \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w darkness|strong="G4655"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* age, \w against|strong="G4314"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* malignant spirits \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w heavenly|strong="G2032"\w* realms.  
\v 13 \w That|strong="G2443"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w why|strong="G1223"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w must|strong="G3588"\w* \w take|strong="G2532"\w* \w up|strong="G2476"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w full|strong="G3833"\w* \w armor|strong="G3833"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* resist \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w evil|strong="G4190"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w*, \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w firm|strong="G2476"\w*, \w with|strong="G1722"\w* everything \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w place|strong="G1722"\w*.   
\p
\v 14 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w stand|strong="G2476"\w* \w firm|strong="G2476"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* belted \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w waist|strong="G3751"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* truth,\f + \fr 6:14 \ft Any lack of truth or righteousness in our lives will leave us vulnerable to attack.\f* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G1746"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w breastplate|strong="G2382"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w*,  
\v 15 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w shod|strong="G5265"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w feet|strong="G4228"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* readiness \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w*;  
\v 16 above \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, having taken \w up|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w shield|strong="G2375"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G3739"\w* \w be|strong="G1410"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G1410"\w* \w quench|strong="G4570"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w flaming|strong="G4448"\w* arrows\f + \fr 6:16 \ft If it is faith that quenches these arrows, then they probably come in the form of doubts and fears.\f* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w malignant|strong="G4190"\w* \w one|strong="G3739"\w*;  
\v 17 \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, grasp \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w helmet|strong="G4030"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4992"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sword|strong="G3162"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w Word|strong="G4487"\w* spoken;\f + \fr 6:17 \ft ρημα (rather than λογος)—the implication appears to be that we must speak the Word. Well, how else can you \+nd use\+nd* the ‘Sword’?\f*  
\v 18 \w praying|strong="G4336"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w times|strong="G2540"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, using \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w petition|strong="G1162"\w*, yes \w being|strong="G2532"\w* watchful \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3588"\w* \w end|strong="G1519"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w perseverance|strong="G4343"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w petition|strong="G1162"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* saints  
\v 19 —\w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w behalf|strong="G5228"\w* \w too|strong="G2532"\w*,\f + \fr 6:19 \ft We all need prayer, even apostles.\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w when|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* open \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w mouth|strong="G4750"\w* \w utterance|strong="G3056"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w given|strong="G1325"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w me|strong="G1325"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w boldness|strong="G3954"\w*, \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w make|strong="G1107"\w* \w known|strong="G1107"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w mystery|strong="G3466"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w*,  
\v 20 \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w an|strong="G1722"\w* \w ambassador|strong="G4243"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w chains|strong="G1210"\w*; \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* declare \w it|strong="G3739"\w* \w boldly|strong="G3955"\w*,\f + \fr 6:20 \ft If you are in prison because you spoke out, to keep on doing so does require boldness and courage.\f* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w ought|strong="G1163"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w do|strong="G1722"\w*.   
\ms1 Closing greetings  
\p
\v 21 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w affairs|strong="G3588"\w*, \w how|strong="G5101"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w doing|strong="G4238"\w*, \w Tychicus|strong="G5190"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* dear brother \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w faithful|strong="G4103"\w* \w servant|strong="G1249"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*, \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w tell|strong="G1492"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*;  
\v 22 \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w purpose|strong="G3739"\w*: \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w circumstances|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w comfort|strong="G3870"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w*.   
\p
\v 23 \w Peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* brothers, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* love \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w from|strong="G1515"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Sovereign \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.   
\p
\v 24 \w The|strong="G1722"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* love \w our|strong="G2424"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w an|strong="G1722"\w* undying love.\f + \fr 6:24 \ft Evidently “the grace” is not for everybody.\f* Amen.