²⁸ He is the one we proclaim, admonishing^(A) and teaching everyone with all wisdom,^(B) so that we may present everyone fully mature^(C) in Christ.

¹⁵ Then I will give you shepherds^(A) after my own heart,^(B) who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.

²⁷ and to present her to himself^(A) as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.^(B)

¹¹ So Christ himself gave^(A) the apostles,^(B) the prophets,^(C) the evangelists,^(D) the pastors and teachers,^{(E) 12} to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ^(F) may be built up^{(G) 13} until we all reach unity^(H) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God^(I) and become mature,^(J) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.^(K)

²⁴ And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.^{(A) 25} Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,^(B)

God’s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit

⁶ We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature,^(A) but not the wisdom of this age^(B) or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.^(C)

Final Instructions

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard^(A) among you, who care for you in the Lord^(B) and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.^{(C) 14} And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle^(D) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,^(E) be patient with everyone.

²² But now he has reconciled^(A) you by Christ’s physical body^(B) through death to present you^(C) holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation^(D)—

⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.^(A)