From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints [in Ephesus], the faithful in Christ Jesus.

who is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory.

namely, that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.

But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head.

and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

so that he may present the church to himself as glorious – not having a stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.

I was circumcised on the eighth day, from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law as a Pharisee.

For many live, about whom I have often told you, and now, with tears, I tell you that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.

So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends!

We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ.

Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.

even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devil’s trap.

But the widow who is truly in need, and completely on her own, has set her hope on God and continues in her pleas and prayers night and day.

But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

So I want younger women to marry, raise children, and manage a household, in order to give the adversary no opportunity to vilify us.

and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit.

and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.