THE LETTER
OF
PAUL, THE DELEGATE,
TO THE
EPHESIANS.
[WRITTEN FROM ROME, A. D. 61.]
I.—PAUL (Latin:Paulos; little), a Delegate of Yeshua The Anointed, by the will of God, to the holy ones that are in Ephesus, the faithful in The Anointed Yeshua: Favor to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Yeshua The Anointed.
3.–Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua The Anointed, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in The Anointed; according as he has chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and unblamable in his sight. In love (agape) He predestined us for adoption through Yeshua The Anointed to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his favor, with which he has highly favored us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his favor, which has abounded towards us.
9 In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the secret of his will, according to his kind intention, which he had purposed in himself, for the administration of the fullness of the appointed times, to gather together all things under The Anointed,–all in the heavens, and all on the earth in him.
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predetermined according to His purpose who effectually works all things according to the counsel of His will, to the end that we who first trusted in hope in The Anointed, would be to the praise of his glory.
13 In whom you also trusted, having heard the word of truth, The Good News of your salvation; in whom also having believed, you were sealed with the spirit of the promise,–the Holy Spirit,–who is a down payment of our inheritance, for the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.
15 For this reason, having heard of your faith in the Lord Yeshua, and of your love (agape) to all the holy ones, I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Yeshua The Anointed, the Father of glory, would give you the spirit of wisdom and disclosure (Gk:apokalupsis, unveiling of truth) in the knowledge of him.
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart (understanding) will be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance among the holy ones; and what is the exceeding greatness of his power, in relation to us who believe.
These are according to the working of his mighty power, which he worked in The Anointed, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places; far above all rule, and power, and might, and lordship, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
22 And He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body; the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Chapter 2
II—And you were dead in trespasses and sins; in which you formerly walked, according to the time of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air,–of the spirit which now effectually works in the children of disobedience. Among whom we, also, all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God being rich in mercy, through his great love (agape) with which he loved (agape) us, even us who were dead in trespasses, he has made alive together with The Anointed; (by favor you are saved;) and has raised us up together, and has seated us together in heavenly places with The Anointed Yeshua; that he might show, in the ages to come the exceeding riches of his favor in his kindness towards us in The Anointed Yeshua. For by favor are you saved through faith; and this salvation is not by yourselves; it is the gift of God–not by works, that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in The Anointed Yeshua to good works, which God before prepared for us, that we should walk in them.
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you the Gentiles in the flesh, (those called the uncircumcision, by those called the circumcision in the flesh, made by hands,), and you at that time, were without The Anointed, being aliens from the commonwealth of Ysrael, and strangers to the covenants of promise; having no hope, and without God in the world.
13 But now in The Anointed Yeshua, you who were formerly far off, are made near by the blood of The Anointed. For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation; having abolished by his flesh the hostility, (that is the law of the commandments contained in ordinances (Gk: dogma, rules and requirements), ) that he might make the two into one new man in himself, making peace: and might reconcile both to God, on one body, through the cross, having slain the hostility by it.
17 And, he came, and brought good news of peace to you who were far off, and to thosewho werenear: that through him, we both have introduction to the Father by one Spirit. So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens; but fellow-citizens with the holy ones, and of the household of God: having been built upon the foundation of the Delegates and forthtellers, Yeshua The Anointed himself being the foundation corner stone; by which the whole building being closely fitted together, rises into a holy temple of the Lord; in which you also are built together for a habitation of God by the Spirit.
Chapter 3
III.–For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Yeshua The Anointed for you Gentiles, if you have heard of the management of the favor of God, which was given me for you, that by revelation the secret was made known to me, as I wrote before in a few words. By referring to this when you read, you may perceive my knowledge of the secret of The Anointed, which in former ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy Delegates and Forthtellers by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and joint partakers of his promise in The Anointed by The Good News; of which I was made a servant, according to the gift of the favor of God, which was given to me according to the energy of his power.
8 To me, the least of all holy ones, this favor was given, to proclaim among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of The Anointed; and to make all see what is the administration of the secret, which had been hidden from the ages by God, who created all things, so that now, to the rulers and powers in the heavenly regions, might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.
11 This was according to the purpose of the ages, which he formed in The Anointed Yeshua our Lord; in whom we have liberty of speech, and access with confidence, through the faith in him. Therefore I request that you not lose heart at my afflictions which are for you, which are your glory.
14 For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Yeshua The Anointed; from whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named; praying that, according to the riches of his glory, he would grant you to be mightily strengthened by his Spirit in the inward man: that The Anointed may dwell in your hearts through faith; that, being rooted and founded in love (agape), you may be completely able to comprehend, with all the holy ones, what is the breadth, the length, and depth, and height, and to know the love (agape) of The Anointed; which surpasses knowledge; that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now, to him who is able to do exceeding abundantly, beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power which works effectually in us,–to him be glory in the church by The Anointed Yeshua, during all the endless successions of ages. Amen.
Chapter 4
IV.–I, then the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a worthy manner of the calling, by which you are called, with all humility and gentleness; with patience, bearing with one another in love (agape); diligently endeavoring to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit; as also you have been called with one hope of your calling: one Lord, one faith, one immersion; one God and Father of all, who is over all, and with all, and in you all.
7 But to every one of us is given favor, according to the measure of the gift of The Anointed; (Therefore he says, Having ascended on high, he led captive captivity, and gave gifts to men. Now this–Having ascended, what is it, unless he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended, is the same who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11 And he gave some Delegates; and some forthtellers; and some preachers of the Good News; and some shepherds and teachers; for the equipping of these holy ones to the work of service, for the edification of the body of The Anointed: until we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God; to a complete man; to the measure of the stature of the fullness of The Anointed. 14 As a result we may be no longer children, tossed and carried about with every wind of teaching by the trickery of men, and by cunning craftiness lying in wait to deceive: but speaking the truth in love (agape), we may all grow into him, who is the Head, even The Anointed; from whom, the whole body carefully fitted , and joined together by the service of every joint, according to its energy, in the proportion of each particular part, causes the growth of the body, for the edification of itself in love (agape).
17.–This, therefore, I say, and testify in the Lord, that you walk no longer as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind; having their understandings darkened; being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who being callous have abandoned themselves to filthiness, to commit all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned The Anointed this way; if indeed you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Yeshua;–that, with respect to your former conduct, you put away the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and that you be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and that you put on the new man, which, after God, is created in true righteousness and holiness.
25.–Therefore, putting away lying, everyone speak the truth to his neighbor; for we are body parts one of one another. Do not sin through anger; do not let the sun go down on your rage, neither give an opportunity to The Accuser. Let him that stole, steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands that which is good, that he may have something to impart to him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt speech come out of your mouth; but if any speech is good for edification, speak it, that it may impart benefit to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed until the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and anger, and wrath, and outcry, and evil speaking, be taken away from among you, with all wickedness. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, even as God, for The Anointed’s sake, has forgiven you.
Chapter 5
V.–Be, therefore, imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love (agape), even as The Anointed has loved (agape) us, and has given himself for us, as an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet smelling aroma. but immorality and all uncleanness, and greediness,–let them not even be named among you; (as proper for holy ones;) nor obscenity, nor foolish talking, nor vulgar double meanings, nor things unpresentable; but rather thanksgiving. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor greedy man, who is an idolater, has inheritance in the kingdom of The Anointed, and of God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words; for because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. Therefore do not be participants with them. for you were formerly darkness; but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light. (Now, the fruit of light consists in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth) proving what is well pleasing to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even rebuke them. For the things which are secretly done by them, are shameful even to mention. But all these reprehensible things are made apparent by the light; for whatever makes clear is light. Therefore, it says, Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and The Anointed will shine on you.
15 Therefore look carefully how you walk: not as unwise, but as wise men; redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, by which comes a corrupt life; but be filled with the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms (Gk:psalmos, a striking, twanging), and hymns (Gk:humnos, a song in praise of gods, heroes, conquerors) , and spiritual songs (Gk: oodee, a song); singing and making melody (lit:psalms) in your heart to the Lord: giving thanks at all times for all things, in the name of our Lord Yeshua The Anointed, to God, even the Father.
21 Be subordinate to one another, in the fear of the Anointed. Wives, be subordinate to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, even as The Anointed is head of the church; he is the Savior of the body. Therefore, as the church is subordinate to The Anointed; so, also let the wives be to their own husbands, in everything.
25 Husbands, love (agape) your wives, even as The Anointed also loved (agape) the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it with a bath of water, by the word. That he might present it to himself , a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it might be holy, and without blemish. So ought husbands to love (agape) their own wives, as their own bodies: he who loves (agape) his own wife, loves (agape) himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: because we are body parts of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this reason shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall adhere to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning The Anointed and the church. Therefore, let every one of you so love (agape) his own wife as himself; and let the wife treat her husband with deference.(lit:fear)
Chapter 6
VI.–Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor your father and mother, (which is the first commandment with a promise,) that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. Also, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the correction and instruction of the Lord.
5.–Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, in the integrity of your heart, as to The Anointed. Not with eye-service (Gk: ofthalmodouleia, eye-service, service performed only under the master’s eye ), as men-pleasers (Gk:anthroopareskos, courting the favor of men), but as slaves of The Anointed, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will, act as slaves to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatever good work any one does, for that he shall receive the same from the Lord, whether slave or free. And masters do the same things to those, moderating threatening; knowing also that your master is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the complete armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the crafty ways of The Accuser. For we do not wrestle with flesh and blood, but with rulers, with powers, with the world lord of this darkness, with spiritual wickedness in the heavenly regions.
13 For this reason, take up the complete armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having fully worked everything, to stand. Stand, then, having your loins girded (or belted) about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and having your feet shod (Gk:hupodeo, to bind under one’s feet) with the preparation of The Good News of peace. Over all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery arrows of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. always with prayer and petition.
Pray always in the spirit; and for this very purpose, being on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the holy ones: especially for me, that eloquence may be given me in opening my mouth with boldness, to make known the secret of The Good News — for which I execute the office of an ambassador (Gk:presbeuo, to be a senior, elder) in a chains; that I may speak boldly concerning it, as I ought to speak.
21 But that you also may know the things relating to me, and what I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother, and servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. Peace to the brethren, and love (agape) with faith, from God the Father, and the Lord Yeshua The Anointed. Favor be with all those who love (agape) our Lord Yeshua The Anointed with perpetual purity. (lit: incorruptibleness)