¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you^(A) out of the world. That is why the world hates you.^(B)

⁴ You, dear children,^(A) are from God and have overcome them,^(B) because the one who is in you^(C) is greater than the one who is in the world.^{(D) 5} They are from the world^(E) and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.

⁴ For he chose us^(A) in him before the creation of the world^(B) to be holy and blameless^(C) in his sight. In love^{(D) 5} he^[a] predestined^(E) us for adoption to sonship^[b](F) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure^(G) and will— ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace,^(H) which he has freely given us in the One he loves.^{(I) 7} In him we have redemption^(J) through his blood,^(K) the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches^(L) of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹ he^[c] made known to us the mystery^(M) of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed^(N) in Christ, ¹⁰ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment^(O)—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.^(P)

¹¹ In him we were also chosen,^[d] having been predestined^(Q) according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose^(R) of his will,

³ At one time^(A) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness^(B) and love of God our Savior^(C) appeared,^{(D) 5} he saved us,^(E) not because of righteous things we had done,^(F) but because of his mercy.^(G) He saved us through the washing^(H) of rebirth and renewal^(I) by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us^(J) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace,^(K) we might become heirs^(L) having the hope^(M) of eternal life.^(N)

² in which you used to live^(A) when you followed the ways of this world^(B) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,^(C) the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.^{(D) 3} All of us also lived among them at one time,^(E) gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[a](F) and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ⁴ But because of his great love for us,^(G) God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions^(H)—it is by grace you have been saved.^(I)

¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you^(A) so that you might go and bear fruit^(B)—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.^(C)

¹⁹ We know that we are children of God,^(A) and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.^{(B) 20} We know also that the Son of God has come^(C) and has given us understanding,^(D) so that we may know him who is true.^(E) And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.^(F)

⁹ But you are a chosen people,^(A) a royal priesthood,^(B) a holy nation,^(C) God’s special possession,^(D) that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.^{(E) 10} Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God;^(F) once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society

¹¹ Dear friends,^(G) I urge you, as foreigners and exiles,^(H) to abstain from sinful desires,^(I) which wage war against your soul.^{(J) 12} Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds^(K) and glorify God^(L) on the day he visits us.