Bible in 90 Days

²⁶ for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.

Sons and Heirs

²⁷ For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.^{(A) 28} There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free,^(B) male and female;^(C) since you are all one^(D) in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs^(E) according to the promise.^(F)

4 Now I say that as long as the heir^(G) is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner^(H) of everything. ² Instead, he is under guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. ³ In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elements^[a] of the world.^{(I) 4} When the time came to completion, God sent his Son,^(J) born of a woman,^(K) born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.^{(L) 6} And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son^(M) into our^[b] hearts, crying, “Abba,^[c] Father!” ^{(N) 7} So you are no longer a slave^(O) but a son,^(P) and if a son, then God has made you an heir.^(Q)

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

⁸ But in the past, since you didn’t know God,^(R) you were enslaved to things^[d] that by nature are not gods. ⁹ But now, since you know God,^(S) or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless^(T) elements?^(U) Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? ¹⁰ You are observing special days, months, seasons, and years.^{(V) 11} I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

¹² I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have not wronged me; ¹³ you know^[e] that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a weakness of the flesh. ¹⁴ You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you.^[f] On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus himself.

¹⁵ Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ So then, have I become your enemy because I told you the truth?^{(W) 17} They court you eagerly, but not for good. They want to exclude you from me, so that you would pursue them. ¹⁸ But it is always good to be pursued^[g] in a good manner—and not just when I am with you. ¹⁹ My children,^(X) I am again suffering labor pains^(Y) for you until Christ is formed in you. ²⁰ I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you.

Sarah and Hagar: Two Covenants

²¹ Tell me, you who want to be under the law, don’t you hear the law? ²² For it is written that Abraham^(Z) had two sons, one by a slave^(AA) and the other by a free woman. ²³ But the one by the slave was born as a result of the flesh, while the one by the free woman was born through promise. ²⁴ These things are being taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai^(AB) and bears children into slavery—this is Hagar.^{(AC) 25} Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia^(AD) and corresponds to the present Jerusalem,^(AE) for she is in slavery with her children. ²⁶ But the Jerusalem above^(AF) is free, and she is our mother. ²⁷ For it is written,^(AG)

²⁸ Now you too, brothers and sisters, like Isaac,^(AJ) are children of promise.^{(AK) 29} But just as then the child born as a result of the flesh persecuted the one born as a result of the Spirit,^(AL) so also now.^{(AM) 30} But what does the Scripture say? “Drive out the slave and her son, for the son of the slave will never be a coheir with the son of the free woman.”^{[i](AN) 31} Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of a slave but of the free woman.^(AO)

Freedom of the Christian

5 For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm,^(AP) then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.^{(AQ) 2} Take note! I, Paul, am telling you that if you get yourselves circumcised, Christ will not benefit you at all. ³ Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to do the entire law. ⁴ You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; you have fallen from grace.^{(AR) 5} For we eagerly await^(AS) through the Spirit, by faith, the hope^(AT) of righteousness. ⁶ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision accomplishes anything; what matters is faith^(AU) working through love.^(AV)

⁷ You were running well. Who prevented you from obeying the truth?^{(AW) 8} This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.^{(AX) 9} A little leaven^[j] leavens the whole batch of dough. ¹⁰ I myself am persuaded in the Lord you will not accept any other view. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty.^{(AY) 11} Now brothers and sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross^(AZ) has been abolished. ¹² I wish those who are disturbing you might also let themselves be mutilated!

¹³ For you were called^(BA) to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity^[k] for the flesh, but serve one another through love. ¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled^(BB) in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.^{[l](BC) 15} But if you bite and devour^(BD) one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

The Spirit versus the Flesh

¹⁶ I say, then, walk by the Spirit^(BE) and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires^(BF) what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.^{(BG) 18} But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are obvious:^[m] sexual immorality,^(BH) moral impurity,^(BI) promiscuity,^{(BJ) 20} idolatry,^(BK) sorcery,^(BL) hatreds,^(BM) strife,^(BN) jealousy,^(BO) outbursts of anger,^(BP) selfish ambitions,^(BQ) dissensions,^(BR) factions,^{(BS) 21} envy,^[n](BT) drunkenness, carousing,^(BU) and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.^(BV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit^(BW) is love,^(BX) joy,^(BY) peace, patience,^(BZ) kindness,^(CA) goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness,^(CB) and self-control.^(CC) The law is not against such things.^{[o] 24} Now those who belong to Christ Jesus^(CD) have crucified the flesh^(CE) with its passions and desires.^{(CF) 25} If we live^(CG) by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.^(CH)

Carry One Another’s Burdens

6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle^(CI) spirit,^[p](CJ) watching out for yourselves so that you also won’t be tempted.^{(CK) 2} Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.^{(CL) 3} For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing,^(CM) he deceives himself. ⁴ Let each person examine his own work,^(CN) and then he can take pride in himself alone, and not compare himself with someone else. ⁵ For each person will have to carry his own load.

⁶ Let the one who is taught the word share^(CO) all his good things with the teacher. ⁷ Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, ⁸ because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit^(CP) will reap eternal life^(CQ) from the Spirit. ⁹ Let us not get tired^(CR) of doing good,^(CS) for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work^(CT) for the good^(CU) of all, especially for those who belong to the household^(CV) of faith.^(CW)

Concluding Exhortation

¹¹ Look at what large letters I use as I write to you in my own handwriting. ¹² Those who want to make a good impression in the flesh^(CX) are the ones who would compel you to be circumcised^(CY)—but only to avoid being persecuted^(CZ) for the cross^(DA) of Christ. ¹³ For even the circumcised don’t keep^(DB) the law themselves, and yet they want you to be circumcised in order to boast about your flesh. ¹⁴ But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world. ¹⁵ For^[q] both circumcision and uncircumcision^(DC) mean nothing; what matters instead is a new creation.^{(DD) 16} May peace come to all those who follow this standard, and mercy even to the Israel^(DE) of God!^[r]

¹⁷ From now on, let no one cause me trouble, because I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.^{(DF) 18} Brothers and sisters, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.^(DG) Amen.

Greeting

1 Paul,^(DH) an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:^(DI)

To the faithful saints^(DJ) in Christ Jesus^[s] at Ephesus.^[t](DK)

² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

God’s Rich Blessings

³ Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.^{(DL) 4} For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.^{[u](DM) 5} He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace^(DN) that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.^(DO)

⁷ In him we have redemption^(DP) through his blood, the forgiveness^(DQ) of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace ⁸ that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.^{[v] 9} He made known to us the mystery of his will,^(DR) according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ^{(DS) 10} as a plan for the right time^[w]—to bring everything together in Christ,^(DT) both things in heaven and things on earth^(DU) in him.^(DV)

¹¹ In him we have also received an inheritance,^[x] because we were predestined^(DW) according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, ¹² so that we who had already put our hope^(DX) in Christ might bring praise to his glory.^(DY)

¹³ In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit^(DZ) when you heard the word of truth,^(EA) the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. ¹⁴ The Holy Spirit is the down payment^(EB) of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Prayer for Spiritual Insight

¹⁵ This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶ I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. ¹⁷ I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,^[y] would give you the Spirit^[z](EC) of wisdom and revelation^(ED) in the knowledge of him. ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope^(EE) of his calling,^(EF) what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power^(EG) toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.

God’s Power in Christ

²⁰ He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand^(EH) in the heavens^(EI)— ²¹ far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given,^[aa](EJ) not only in this age but also in the one to come.^{(EK) 22} And he subjected everything under his feet^[ab](EL) and appointed him^[ac] as head^(EM) over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body,^(EN) the fullness^(EO) of the one who fills all things^(EP) in every way.

From Death to Life

2 And you were dead^(EQ) in your trespasses and sins ² in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world,^(ER) according to the ruler of the power of the air,^(ES) the spirit^(ET) now working in the disobedient.^{[ad] 3} We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly^(EU) desires, carrying out the inclinations^(EV) of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath^(EW) as the others were also. ⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy,^(EX) because of his great love^(EY) that he had for us,^{[ae] 5} made us alive^(EZ) with Christ even though we were dead^(FA) in trespasses. You are saved by grace! ⁶ He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,^{(FB) 7} so that in the coming ages^(FC) he might display the immeasurable riches^(FD) of his grace through his kindness^(FE) to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For you are saved by grace^(FF) through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— ⁹ not from works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created^(FG) in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time^(FH) for us to do.

Unity in Christ

¹¹ So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,”^(FI) which is done in the flesh by human hands.^{(FJ) 12} At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise,^(FK) without hope^(FL) and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood^(FM) of Christ. ¹⁴ For he is our peace, who made both groups one^(FN) and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, ¹⁵ he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create^(FO) in himself one^(FP) new man from the two, resulting in peace. ¹⁶ He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body^(FQ) through the cross by which he put the hostility to death.^{[af] 17} He came and proclaimed the good news^(FR) of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.^{(FS) 18} For through him we both have access^(FT) in one Spirit to the Father.^{(FU) 19} So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,^(FV) with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. ²¹ In him the whole building, being put together,^(FW) grows into a holy temple in the Lord.^{(FX) 22} In him you are also being built together^(FY) for God’s dwelling^(FZ) in the Spirit.

Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

3 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner^(GA) of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— ² assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. ³ The mystery was made known to me by revelation,^(GB) as I have briefly written above. ⁴ By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.^{(GC) 5} This was not made known to people^[ag] in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets^(GD) by the Spirit: ⁶ The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise^(GE) in Christ Jesus through the gospel. ⁷ I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.^(GF)

⁸ This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches^(GG) of Christ, ⁹ and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created^(GH) all things. ¹⁰ This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom^(GI) may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.^{(GJ) 11} This is according to his eternal purpose^(GK) accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² In him we have boldness and confident access^(GL) through faith in him.^{[ah] 13} So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged^(GM) over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.^(GN)

Prayer for Spiritual Power

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel^(GO) before the Father^{[ai] 15} from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. ¹⁶ I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches^(GP) of his glory,^(GQ) to be strengthened with power^(GR) in your inner being^(GS) through his Spirit, ¹⁷ and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love,^{(GT) 19} and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to him who is able^(GU) to do above and beyond all that we ask or think^(GV) according to the power^(GW) that works in us— ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.^(GX)

Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ

4 Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord,^(GY) urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, ² with all humility^(GZ) and gentleness, with patience,^(HA) bearing^(HB) with one another in love,^{(HC) 3} making every effort to keep the unity^(HD) of the Spirit^(HE) through the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit^(HF)—just as you were called to one hope^[aj](HG) at your calling— ⁵ one Lord,^(HH) one faith,^(HI) one baptism, ⁶ one God^(HJ) and Father^(HK) of all, who is above all and through all and in all.^(HL)

⁷ Now grace was given to each one of us^(HM) according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ For it says:

⁹ But what does “he ascended” mean except that he^[al] also descended to the lower parts of the earth?^{[am](HP) 10} The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens,^(HQ) to fill all things.^{(HR) 11} And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,^{(HS) 13} until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son,^(HT) growing into maturity with a stature^(HU) measured by Christ’s fullness. ¹⁴ Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching,^(HV) by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head^(HW)—Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, fitted and knit together^(HX) by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth^(HY) of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

Living the New Life

¹⁷ Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thoughts. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because^[an] of the hardness of their hearts. ¹⁹ They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity^(HZ) with a desire for more and more.^[ao]

²⁰ But that is not how you came to know Christ, ²¹ assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth^(IA) is in Jesus, ²² to take off^[ap](IB) your former way of life,^(IC) the old self^(ID) that is corrupted by deceitful desires, ²³ to be renewed^[aq] in the spirit^(IE) of your minds, ²⁴ and to put on^[ar](IF) the new self, the one created^(IG) according to God’s likeness^(IH) in righteousness and purity of the truth.

²⁵ Therefore, putting away^(II) lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,^[as](IJ) because we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin.^[at](IK) Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and don’t give the devil an opportunity. ²⁸ Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share^(IL) with anyone in need. ²⁹ No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need,^[au] so that it gives grace to those who hear. ³⁰ And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit.^(IM) You were sealed by him^[av] for the day of redemption.^{(IN) 31} Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. ³² And be kind^(IO) and compassionate^(IP) to one another, forgiving^(IQ) one another, just as God also forgave you^[aw] in Christ.

5 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, ² and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us,^(IR) a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. ³ But sexual immorality^(IS) and any impurity^(IT) or greed^(IU) should not even be heard of^[ax] among you, as is proper for saints. ⁴ Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. ⁵ For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral^(IV) or impure^(IW) or greedy^(IX) person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom^(IY) of Christ and of God.

Light versus Darkness

⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath^(IZ) is coming on the disobedient^[ay] because of these things. ⁷ Therefore, do not become their partners. ⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light^(JA) in the Lord. Walk as children of light^(JB)— ⁹ for the fruit of the light^[az] consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth^(JC)— ¹⁰ testing^(JD) what is pleasing^(JE) to the Lord. ¹¹ Don’t participate in the fruitless^(JF) works of darkness, but instead expose them. ¹² For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. ¹³ Everything exposed by the light is made visible,^{(JG) 14} for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said:

Consistency in the Christian Life

¹⁵ Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— ¹⁶ making the most of the time,^[ba](JK) because the days are evil. ¹⁷ So don’t be foolish, but understand^(JL) what the Lord’s will^(JM) is. ¹⁸ And don’t get drunk^(JN) with wine,^(JO) which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:^{(JP) 19} speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.^(JQ)

Wives and Husbands

²² Wives,^(JR) submit^[bb](JS) to your husbands^(JT) as to the Lord, ²³ because the husband is the head of the wife^(JU) as Christ is the head^(JV) of the church. He is the Savior of the body.^{(JW) 24} Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything. ²⁵ Husbands, love your wives,^(JX) just as Christ loved^(JY) the church and gave himself^(JZ) for her ²⁶ to make her holy, cleansing^[bc] her with the washing of water by the word. ²⁷ He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless.^{(KA) 28} In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, ³⁰ since we are members of his body.^{[bd] 31} For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,^(KB) and the two will become one flesh.^{[be](KC) 32} This mystery^(KD) is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. ³³ To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.

Children and Parents

6 Children, obey^(KE) your parents in the Lord, because this is right. ² Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, ³ so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land.^{[bf][bg](KF) 4} Fathers, don’t stir up anger^(KG) in your children, but bring them up in the training^(KH) and instruction of the Lord.

Slaves and Masters

⁵ Slaves, obey your human^[bh] masters^(KI) with fear and trembling,^(KJ) in the sincerity^(KK) of your heart, as you would Christ. ⁶ Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing God’s will^(KL) from your heart. ⁷ Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people,^{(KM) 8} knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. ⁹ And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening^(KN) them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism^(KO) with him.^(KP)

Christian Warfare

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.^{(KQ) 11} Put on^(KR) the full armor^(KS) of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh^(KT) and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,^(KU) against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil,^(KV) spiritual forces in the heavens.^{(KW) 13} For this reason take up the full armor^(KX) of God, so that you may be able to resist^(KY) in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand,^(KZ) therefore, with truth^(LA) like a belt around your waist, righteousness^(LB) like armor on your chest,^{(LC) 15} and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield^(LD) of faith^(LE) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^{(LF) 17} Take the helmet^(LG) of salvation and the sword^(LH) of the Spirit^(LI)—which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray^(LJ) at all times in the Spirit^(LK) with every prayer and request, and stay alert^(LL) with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness^(LM) the mystery of the gospel. ²⁰ For this I am an ambassador^(LN) in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

Paul’s Farewell

²¹ Tychicus,^(LO) our dearly loved brother and faithful servant^[bi] in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed. ²² I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage^(LP) your hearts.^(LQ)

²³ Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father^(LR) and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.^[bj][bk]

Greeting

1 Paul^(LS) and Timothy,^(LT) servants of Christ Jesus:

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,^(LU) including the overseers^(LV) and deacons.^(LW)

² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,^{[bl] 4} always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day^(LX) until now.^{(LY) 6} I am sure of this, that he who started a good work^(LZ) in you^[bm] will carry it on to completion^(MA) until the day of Christ Jesus. ⁷ Indeed, it is right^(MB) for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart,^[bn] and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment^(MC) and in the defense^(MD) and confirmation of the gospel. ⁸ For God is my witness,^(ME) how deeply I miss all of you^(MF) with the affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹ And I pray this: that your love^(MG) will keep on growing^(MH) in knowledge and every kind of discernment,^{(MI) 10} so that you may approve the things that are superior^(MJ) and may be pure^(MK) and blameless^(ML) in the day of Christ,^{(MM) 11} filled with the fruit^(MN) of righteousness^(MO) that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory^(MP) and praise of God.

Advance of the Gospel

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel,^{(MQ) 13} so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. ¹⁴ Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word^[bo](MR) fearlessly. ¹⁵ To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry,^(MS) but others out of good will. ¹⁶ These preach out of love,^(MT) knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; ¹⁷ the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition,^(MU) not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. ¹⁸ What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives^(MV) or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice ¹⁹ because I know this will lead to my salvation^[bp](MW) through your prayers and help from the Spirit^(MX) of Jesus Christ.^{(MY) 20} My eager expectation and hope^(MZ) is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life^(NA) or by death.^(NB)

Living Is Christ

²¹ For me, to live is Christ^(NC) and to die is gain.^{(ND) 22} Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful^(NE) work^(NF) for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. ²³ I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ^(NG)—which is far better^(NH)— ²⁴ but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. ²⁵ Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,^{(NI) 26} so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting^(NJ) in Christ Jesus^(NK) may abound.

²⁷ Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life^(NL) worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm^(NM) in one^(NN) spirit, in one accord,^[bq] contending together for the faith^(NO) of the gospel, ²⁸ not being frightened in any way by your opponents.^(NP) This is a sign of destruction for them,^(NQ) but of your salvation^(NR)—and this is from God. ²⁹ For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe^(NS) in him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰ since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.

Christian Humility

2 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love,^(NT) if any fellowship with the Spirit,^(NU) if any affection and mercy,^{(NV) 2} make my joy complete by thinking the same way,^(NW) having the same love,^(NX) united in spirit, intent on one^(NY) purpose. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition^(NZ) or conceit,^(OA) but in humility^(OB) consider others as more important^(OC) than yourselves. ⁴ Everyone should look not to his own interests,^(OD) but rather to the interests of others.^(OE)

Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

⁵ Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,

Lights in the World

¹² Therefore, my dear friends,^(OQ) just as you have always obeyed,^(OR) so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³ For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose. ¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling^(OS) and arguing,^{(OT) 15} so that you may be blameless^(OU) and pure,^(OV) children of God who are faultless^(OW) in a crooked^(OX) and perverted^(OY) generation,^(OZ) among whom you shine like stars in the world, ¹⁶ by holding firm to the word^(PA) of life. Then I can boast^(PB) in the day of Christ^(PC) that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. ¹⁷ But even if I am poured out^(PD) as a drink offering^(PE) on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸ In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹ Now I hope in the Lord Jesus^(PF) to send Timothy^(PG) to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. ²⁰ For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; ²¹ all seek their own interests,^(PH) not those of Jesus Christ.^{(PI) 22} But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. ²³ Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. ²⁴ I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.^(PJ)

²⁵ But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus^(PK)—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need^(PL)— ²⁶ since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. ²⁷ Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious. ²⁹ Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, ³⁰ because he came close to death for the work^(PM) of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.

Knowing Christ

3 In addition, my brothers and sisters, rejoice^(PN) in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a safeguard for you.

² Watch out for the dogs, watch out for the evil^(PO) workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. ³ For we are the circumcision,^(PP) the ones who worship by the Spirit^(PQ) of God, boast in Christ Jesus,^(PR) and do not put confidence in the flesh— ⁴ although I have reasons for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised the eighth day;^(PS) of the nation of Israel,^(PT) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(PU) a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law,^(PV) a Pharisee; ⁶ regarding zeal,^(PW) persecuting^(PX) the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law,^(PY) blameless.^(PZ)

⁷ But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. ⁸ More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value^(QA) of knowing Christ^(QB) Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ^{(QC) 9} and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law,^(QD) but one that is through faith in Christ^[bs]—the righteousness from God based on faith.^{(QE) 10} My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings,^(QF) being conformed to his death,^{(QG) 11} assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

Reaching Forward to God’s Goal

¹² Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold^(QH) of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not^[bt] consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(QI) and reaching forward to what is ahead, ¹⁴ I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly^[bu] call in Christ Jesus.^{(QJ) 15} Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal^(QK) this also to you. ¹⁶ In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained. ¹⁷ Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us. ¹⁸ For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross^(QL) of Christ. ¹⁹ Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory^(QM) is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things. ²⁰ Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. ²¹ He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious^(QN) body,^(QO) by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.

4 So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown,^(QP) in this manner stand firm^(QQ) in the Lord, dear friends.

Practical Counsel

² I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. ³ Yes, I also ask you, true partner,^[bv] to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your graciousness^[bw] be known to everyone. The Lord is near.^{(QR) 6} Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses^(QS) all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.^(QT)

⁸ Finally^[bx] brothers and sisters, whatever is true,^(QU) whatever is honorable,^(QV) whatever is just,^(QW) whatever is pure,^(QX) whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence^(QY) and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. ⁹ Do what you have learned and received^(QZ) and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation of Support

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again^(RA) you renewed your care for me.^(RB) You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. ¹² I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot.^(RC) In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ¹³ I am able to do all things through him^[by] who strengthens me.^{(RD) 14} Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.

¹⁵ And you Philippians^(RE) know that in the early days of the gospel,^(RF) when I left Macedonia,^(RG) no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica^(RH) you sent gifts for my need^(RI) several times. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit^[bz](RJ) that is increasing to your account. ¹⁸ But I have received everything in full,^(RK) and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied,^[ca] having received from Epaphroditus^(RL) what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing^(RM) to God. ¹⁹ And my God^(RN) will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father^(RO) be glory forever and ever.^(RP) Amen.^(RQ)

Final Greetings

²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. ²² All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s^(RR) household.^{(RS) 23} The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.^[cb](RT)

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will,^(RU) and Timothy^(RV) our brother:

² To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers and sisters.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.^[cc]

Thanksgiving

³ We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴ for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints ⁵ because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You have already heard about this hope in the word of truth,^(RW) the gospel ⁶ that has come to you. It is bearing fruit^(RX) and growing all over the world,^(RY) just as it has among you since the day you heard it and came to truly appreciate^(RZ) God’s grace.^{[cd](SA) 7} You learned this from Epaphras,^(SB) our dearly loved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ^(SC) on your^[ce] behalf, ⁸ and he has told us about your love in the Spirit.^(SD)

Prayer for Spiritual Growth

⁹ For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking^(SE) that you may be filled with the knowledge^(SF) of his will^(SG) in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,^{[cf] 10} so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work^(SH) and growing in the knowledge of God,^{(SI) 11} being strengthened^(SJ) with all power,^(SK) according to his glorious^(SL) might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully ¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you^[cg] to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.^{(SM) 13} He has rescued^(SN) us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom^(SO) of the Son^(SP) he loves.^{(SQ) 14} In him we have redemption,^[ch] the forgiveness of sins.

The Centrality of Christ

²¹ Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds as expressed in your evil actions. ²² But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death,^(TE) to present you holy, faultless,^(TF) and blameless before him^(TG)— ²³ if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith^(TH) and are not shifted away from the hope^(TI) of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation^(TJ) under heaven,^(TK) and I, Paul,^(TL) have become a servant of it.

Paul’s Ministry

²⁴ Now I rejoice in my sufferings^(TM) for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body,^(TN) that is, the church. ²⁵ I have become its servant, according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, ²⁶ the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. ²⁷ God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ^(TO) in you, the hope^(TP) of glory. ²⁸ We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. ²⁹ I labor for this, striving^(TQ) with his strength that works powerfully in me.^(TR)

2 For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling^(TS) for you, for those in Laodicea,^(TT) and for all who have not seen me in person. ² I want their hearts to be encouraged^(TU) and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery^(TV)—Christ.^{[cj](TW) 3} In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom^(TX) and knowledge.^(TY)

Christ versus the Colossian Heresy

⁴ I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable. ⁵ For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit,^(TZ) rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.

⁶ So then, just as you have received^(UA) Christ Jesus as Lord,^(UB) continue to walk in him, ⁷ being rooted and built up in him^(UC) and established in the faith, just as you were taught,^(UD) and overflowing with gratitude.

⁸ Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition,^(UE) based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.^{(UF) 9} For the entire fullness^(UG) of God’s nature dwells bodily^[ck] in Christ, ¹⁰ and you have been filled by him, who is the head^(UH) over every ruler and authority. ¹¹ You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh,^(UI) in the circumcision of Christ,^{(UJ) 12} when you were buried with him^(UK) in baptism, in which you were also raised with him^(UL) through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.^{(UM) 13} And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. ¹⁴ He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.^{(UN) 15} He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.^[cl](UO)

¹⁶ Therefore, don’t let anyone judge^(UP) you in regard to food and drink^(UQ) or in the matter of a festival or a new moon^(UR) or a Sabbath day.^{[cm] 17} These are a shadow^(US) of what was to come;^(UT) the substance is^[cn] Christ.^{(UU) 18} Let no one condemn^[co] you^(UV) by delighting in ascetic practices^(UW) and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm. Such people are inflated^(UX) by empty notions of their unspiritual^[cp] mind. ¹⁹ They don’t hold on to the head, from whom the whole body,^(UY) nourished and held together by its ligaments and tendons, grows with growth from God.

²⁰ If you died with Christ^(UZ) to the elements of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations: ²¹ “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch”? ²² All these regulations refer to what is destined to perish by being used up; they are human commands and doctrines. ²³ Although these have a reputation for wisdom^(VA) by promoting self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence.^[cq](VB)

The Life of the New Man

3 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^{(VC) 2} Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.^{(VD) 3} For you died,^(VE) and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your^[cr] life, appears,^(VF) then you also will appear with him in glory.^(VG)

⁵ Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity,^(VH) lust,^(VI) evil desire, and greed,^(VJ) which is idolatry.^{(VK) 6} Because of these, God’s wrath^(VL) is coming upon the disobedient,^{[cs] 7} and you once walked in these things when you were living^(VM) in them. ⁸ But now, put away^(VN) all the following: anger,^(VO) wrath,^(VP) malice,^(VQ) slander,^(VR) and filthy language from your mouth.^{(VS) 9} Do not lie^(VT) to one another, since you have put off^(VU) the old self^(VV) with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on^(VW) the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your^[ct] Creator.^{(VX) 11} In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.^(VY)

The Christian Life

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved,^(VZ) put on compassion, kindness,^(WA) humility,^(WB) gentleness,^(WC) and patience,^{(WD) 13} bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.^{(WE) 14} Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. ¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called^(WF) in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,^[cu] singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name^(WG) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Christ in Your Home

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.^{(WH) 19} Husbands,^(WI) love your wives^(WJ) and don’t be bitter^(WK) toward them. ²⁰ Children,^(WL) obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. ²¹ Fathers,^(WM) do not exasperate^(WN) your children, so that they won’t become discouraged. ²² Slaves, obey your human^(WO) masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.^{(WP) 23} Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,^{(WQ) 24} knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. ²⁵ For the wrongdoer^(WR) will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.

4 Masters,^(WS) deal with your slaves justly and fairly, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.

Speaking to God and Others

² Devote yourselves^(WT) to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door^(WU) to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ,^(WV) for which I am in chains,^{(WW) 4} so that I may make it known as I should. ⁵ Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.^{(WX) 6} Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt,^(WY) so that you may know how you should answer each person.^(WZ)

Final Greetings

⁷ Tychicus,^(XA) our dearly loved brother, faithful^(XB) minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. ⁸ I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are^[cv] and so that he may encourage^(XC) your hearts.^{(XD) 9} He is coming with Onesimus,^(XE) a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.

¹⁰ Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark,^(XF) Barnabas’s^(XG) cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), ¹¹ and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras,^(XH) who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling^(XI) for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured^[cw] in everything God wills.^{(XJ) 13} For I testify about him that he works hard^[cx](XK) for you, for those in Laodicea,^(XL) and for those in Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas^(XM) send you greetings. ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home.^{(XN) 16} After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And tell Archippus,^(XO) “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.”^(XP)

¹⁸ I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains.^(XQ) Grace be with you.^[cy](XR)