Colossians 1:22-23
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
22 he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through his death, to present you holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before him, 23 provided that you persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, am a minister.
Christ in Us.[a]
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- 1:24–2:3 As the community at Colossae was not personally known to Paul (see Introduction), he here invests his teaching with greater authority by presenting a brief sketch of his apostolic ministry and sufferings as they reflect those of Christ on behalf of the church (24). The preaching of God’s word (Col 1:25) carries out the divine plan (the mystery, Col 1:26) to make Christ known to the Gentiles (Col 1:27). It teaches the God-given wisdom about Christ (Col 1:28), whose power works mightily in the apostle (Col 1:29). Even in those communities that do not know him personally (Col 2:1), he can increase the perception of God in Christ, unite the faithful more firmly in love, and so bring encouragement to them (Col 2:2). He hopes that his apostolic authority will make the Colossians perceive more readily the defects in the teaching of others who have sought to delude them, the next concern in the letter.
Ephesians 1:4-14
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
4 as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.(A) In love 5 he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will,(B) 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.(C)
Fulfillment Through Christ. 7 In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace(D) 8 that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight,(E) 9 he has made known to us the mystery[a] of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him(F) 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.(G)
Inheritance Through the Spirit. 11 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,(H) 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped[b] in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed[c] with the promised holy Spirit,(I) 14 which is the first installment[d] of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.(J)
II. Unity of the Church in Christ
The Church as Christ’s Body.[e]
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- 1:9 Mystery: as in Rom 16:25; Col 1:26–27 and elsewhere, a secret of God now revealed in the plan to save and sum up all things in Christ (Eph 1:10); cf. Eph 3:3–6.
- 1:12 We who first hoped: probably Jewish Christians (contrast Eph 1:13, you, the Gentiles); possibly the people of Israel, “we who already enjoyed the hope of Christ,” or perhaps present hope in contrast to future redemption (cf. Eph 1:14).
- 1:13 Sealed: by God, in baptism; cf. Eph 4:30; 2 Cor 1:22.
- 1:14 First installment: down payment by God on full salvation, as at 2 Cor 1:22.
- 1:15–23 See note on Rom 1:8 for the thanksgiving form in a letter. Much of the content parallels thoughts in Col 1:3–20. The prayer moves from God and Christ (Eph 1:17, 20–21) to the Ephesians (Eph 1:17–19) and the church (Eph 1:22–23). Paul asks that the blessing imparted by God the Father (Eph 1:3) to the Ephesians will be strengthened in them through the message of the gospel (Eph 1:13, 17–19). Those blessings are seen in the context of God’s might in establishing the sovereignty of Christ over all other creatures (Eph 1:19–21) and in appointing him head of the church (Eph 1:22–23). For the allusion to angelic spirits in Eph 1:21, see Rom 8:38 and Col 1:16. Here, as in 1 Cor 15:24–25 and Col 2:15, every such principality and power is made subject to Christ.
Ephesians 4:30
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
30 And do not grieve the holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption.[a]
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Ephesians 5:5-14
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
5 Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.(A)
Duty to Live in the Light. 6 (B)Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.[a] 7 So do not be associated with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light,(C) 9 for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.(D) 10 Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.(E) 11 Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them,(F) 12 for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,(G) 14 for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says:(H)
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”[b]
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.