¹⁹ and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.

Live as Citizens of Heaven

²⁷ Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.^[a]

¹⁵ Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. ¹⁶ He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

²² “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet.

³² The head of the statue was made of fine gold. Its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs were bronze,

³⁵ The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers.

Design of the Chestpiece

¹⁵ “Then, with great skill and care, make a chestpiece to be worn for seeking a decision from God.^[a] Make it to match the ephod, using finely woven linen embroidered with gold and with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.