²¹ At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.^(A) Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

Jesus the Way to the Father

⁵ Thomas^(A) said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus answered, “I am^(B) the way^(C) and the truth^(D) and the life.^(E) No one comes to the Father except through me.^(F)

⁶ Rather, you are filled with grief^(A) because I have said these things. ⁷ But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate^(B) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.^(C)

² Do not conform^(A) to the pattern of this world,^(B) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.^(C) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is^(D)—his good, pleasing^(E) and perfect will.

¹⁸ And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a](A) the Lord’s glory,^(B) are being transformed into his image^(C) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,^(A) the new creation^(B) has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!^(C)

²¹ Once you were alienated from God and were enemies^(A) in your minds^(B) because of^[a] your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled^(C) you by Christ’s physical body^(D) through death to present you^(E) holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation^(F)—

⁹ Do not lie to each other,^(A) since you have taken off your old self^(B) with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self,^(C) which is being renewed^(D) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^{(E) 11} Here there is no Gentile or Jew,^(F) circumcised or uncircumcised,^(G) barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,^(H) but Christ is all,^(I) and is in all.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(J) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(K) gentleness and patience.^{(L) 13} Bear with each other^(M) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^{(N) 14} And over all these virtues put on love,^(O) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(P)

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ^(Q) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(R) you were called to peace.^(S) And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ^(T) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(U) through psalms,^(V) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^{(W) 17} And whatever you do,^(X) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(Y) to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households^(Z)

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,^(AA) as is fitting in the Lord.

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

²¹ Fathers,^[a] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance^(AB) from the Lord as a reward.^(AC) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵ Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.^(AD)