⁴ who gave himself for our sins^(A) to rescue us from the present evil age,^(B) according to the will of our God and Father,^(C)

² Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;^(A) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.^(B) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience^(C) in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel^(D) is veiled,^(E) it is veiled to those who are perishing.^{(F) 4} The god^(G) of this age^(H) has blinded^(I) the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,^(J) who is the image of God.^(K)

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,^{(A) 2} in which you used to live^(B) when you followed the ways of this world^(C) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,^(D) the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.^(E)

¹⁹ We know that we are children of God,^(A) and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.^(B)