Ephesians 2 Cross References - JMNT

¹ And you folks [who were] continuously existing being dead ones by (or: to; with; in) the results and effects of your stumblings aside (offences; wrong steps) and failures to hit the mark (or: mistakes; errors; times of falling short; sins; deviations) ² within the midst of and in union with which things you once walked about (= lived your lives) in accord (or: in keeping; corresponding) with (or: as directed by) the age of this ordered System (or: down through the time period of this world of secular culture, religion, economy and government), in line with the primary directive of the right and privilege of air (or: corresponding to the Ruler out of Being with regard to air): the Breath-effect of the One at the present time continuously operating within the sons of The Disobedience (or: down under the controlling aspect of the authority of "the blowing" of the Spirit of the One now progressively working internally in union with people having the character and qualities of incompliance; or: in correlation to the chief and leader of the privilege which comes from blowing: the attitude which expresses a lack of persuasion, or of not being convinced, which repeatedly energizes at the present time; or: in keeping with the one in first position with regard to the right concerning the atmosphere the attitude now habitually effecting inward action within the midst of people displaying non-conviction or an incompliant disposition), ³ immersedamong which folks we all also were once twisted up (or: entangled; overturned; upset) within the cravings (full longings; over-desires) of our flesh (= the estranged human nature, or the alienated self; or: = system of our works and sacrificial religion), continually doing the will (or: producing the intentions) of the flesh (= our existence while in bondage, or the duties of religion), and of the divided thoughts and things passing through the mind. Furthermore, we were continuously existing in essence (in natural condition; by instinct) being children of natural impulse (natural disposition; inherent fervor and swelling passion; teeming desire; or: anger; wrath) even as (or: as also) the rest (the remaining ones) [were]. ⁴ But God, continuously being wealthy and rich in mercy, because of His vast (much; great in magnitude and quantity; outstretched; long-lasting; repeated) Love in (or: with) which He focused love on (or: loves and accepts) us [p46 reads: had mercy on us], ⁵ even us, being continuously dead ones by (or: in; to; with) the results and effects of stumblings aside (wrong steps; offences) [p46 reads: ... in (to; by) the bodies; other MSS: by the failure (s) to hit the mark (sin/sins); B reads: within the stumblings aside and the cravings (lusts)], He made alive together by (or: joins us in common life with, for and in; [p46, B: within; in union with]) the Christ by Grace and joyous favor you continually exist, being folks having been delivered (rescued and saved, so that you are now safe; made whole)! ⁶ and He jointly roused and raised (or: suddenly awakens and raises) [us] up, and caused [us] to sit (or: seats [us]) together within the things situated upon [thus, above] the heavens (or: in union with the full, perfected heavenlies; or, although neuter: among those comprising the complete and perfected heavenlies; among the ones [residing] upon the atmospheres; in union with the celestials) within and in union with Christ Jesus, ⁷ to the end that within the continuously oncoming ages (the indefinite time periods continually and progressively coming upon and overtaking [us]) He may exhibit (display; point out; give proof of) the continuously transcending (being cast beyond; overshooting) riches and wealth of His grace and favor, in useful goodness (beneficial kindness) [flooding] upon us, within Christ Jesus (or: in union with [the] Anointed Jesus). ⁸ For you see, by (or: to; in; for; with) the grace and joyous favor you are (you continuously exist being) folks having been delivered (rescued; kept safe; saved; made whole; restored to your original state and condition) so as to now be enjoying salvation through [some MSS add: the] faith (or: trust; confidence), and this not forth from out of you folks, [it is] the gift of and from God (or: the gift which is God; or: the gift whose source is God), ⁹ not out of works (or: not forth from the midst of actions or deeds done; = not self-produced), to the end that no one could boast, ¹⁰ or the fact is, we are (continually exist being) the effect of what He did (or: His creation; the thing He has constructed; the result of His work; His achievement; His opus; the effect of His Deed): people being founded from a state of disorder and wildness (being framed, built, settled and created), within and in union with Christ Jesus, upon good works (virtuous actions; excellent deeds) which God made ready (prepared; or: prepares) beforehand, to the end that we may walk about (= live our lives) within and in union with them. ¹¹ On which account (or: Wherefore) you must continuously call to mind (or: keep in mind; remember) that once you, the nations (multitudes; ethnic groups; Gentiles; non-Israelites) in flesh (= in your physical beings and cultural heritages) the ones habitually termed (spoken of as; called; said to be) "uncircumcision" by the one (or: that) habitually being termed "circumcision," in flesh (= in body and culture/religion): made by hand, ¹² that (or: because) you were, and continued on being for that season (or: in that appointed situation), apart from Christ ([the] Anointed One; = [the] Messiah): people having been alienated from the state of being a citizen (or: estranged from citizenship in the commonwealth) of Israel and [being] strangers pertaining to the arrangements of (or: foreigners from covenants and testamentary dispositions whose origin is) The Promise (or the assurance), continually having no expectation (or: hope), and [were] folks without God (or: godless; atheists) within the ordered System (world of culture, religion and governments). ¹³ But now, within, in union with and centered in Christ Jesus, you the folks once being (continuously existing) far off (or: at a distance) came to be (were birthed; are generated; are suddenly become) near, immersed within and in union with the blood of the Christ (the Anointed One). ¹⁴ You see, He Himself is our Peace (or: continuously exists being our harmony [= Shalom]) the One making (forming; constructing) The Both [to be] one, and within His flesh (= physical being; or: = system-caused crucifixion) is instantly destroying (unbinding; unfastening; loosing; causing to collapse) the middle wall of the fenced enclosure (or: the partition or barrier wall): the enmity (cause of hate, alienation, discord and hostility; characteristics of an enemy), ¹⁵ rendering useless (nullifying; rendering down in accord with inactivity and unemployment) the Law (or: the custom; = the Torah) of the implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive) consisting in decrees (or: prescribed ordinances), to the end that He may frame (create; found and settle from a state of wildness and disorder) The Two into One New [p46 & others: common] Humanity within the midst of, and in union with, Himself, continuously making (progressively creating) Peace and Harmony (= shalom); ¹⁶ and then should fully transfer from a certain state to another which is quite different (or: make completely other while moving away from what existed; or: fully reconcile) The Both within One Body with, by, in, to and for God through the cross (execution stake) within Himself killing the enmity (or: discordant hatred; characteristics of an enemy). ¹⁷ And so upon coming, He brings goodness and proclaims as good news (or: as a message of ease and wellbeing), Peace (harmony; lack of discord; [= shalom]) to you, the folks far off, and Peace (harmony; = shalom) to the people nearby, ¹⁸ that (or: because) through Him we, The Both, continuously have (hold and possess) the procurement of access (conduct toward the presence; admission, being led), within one Spirit (or: in union with one Breath-effect and Attitude), to (or: toward; face to face with) the Father. ¹⁹ Consequently then (or: Thereupon), you folks no longer continuously exist being strangers (foreigners) and sojourners (temporary residents in a foreign land), but continually exist being fellow-citizens (folks residing together in a City) of those set apart: even God's family (members of God's household), ²⁰ being fully built as a house upon the foundation of the sent-forth representatives (or: emissaries) and prophets (folks who had light ahead of time), Jesus Christ continuously being a corner-foundation [stone] of it (or: there being an extreme point of the corner, or, capstone: Jesus Christ Himself), ²¹ within and in union with Whom all the home-building (all the construction of the house; or: = every house that is constructed, or, the entire building), being continuously fitted [and] progressively framed together (closely and harmoniously joined together; made a common joint by a word), is continuously and progressivelygrowing into a set-aparttemple (or: separate, different and holy inner sanctuary) within [the] Lord [= Christ, or, Yahweh]: ²² within the midst of (or: in union with) Whom you folks, also, are continuously and progressively being formed a constituent part of the structure (or: being built together into a house) into God's down-home place (place of settling down to dwell; abode; permanent dwelling) within [the] Spirit (or: in spirit; or: in the midst of a Breath-effect and an attitude).

¹⁶ "In this way, let the Light, which you folks possess (or: which has a source in you folks; or: which you people are), shine in front of mankind (before humans), so that people can see your fine works (or: the beautiful works that you are; the ideal acts which come from you folks) and they can give glory to (or: and [these deeds; or: these works of beauty] will bring a good reputation for) your Father – the One in union with the atmospheres [that surround you folks] (or: within the midst of the heavens)!

²² But Jesus says to him, "You continue following Me, and abandon (divorce; leave behind; or: let; allow) the dead folks to bury their own dead ones."

¹³ "And if, indeed, the house should be suitable and worthy, you men let your peace [= shalom] come upon it – yet if it may not be suitable or worthy, let your peace and shalom be returned back upon yourselves.

²⁵ " [It is] sufficient and enough for the student (or: disciple) that he can come to be as his teacher, and the slave as his owner. Since (or: If) people call and surname the Sovereign (Master and Sole Owner) of the house (the Householder) 'Beelzeboul' [spellings vary; = lord of the flies, a Philistine deity], how much rather (or: more) those of His household.

¹⁹ "The Son of the Man (the son of mankind; humanity's son; = the son of Adam; or: the Human Being) comes regularly eating and continuously drinking, and people are repeatedly saying, 'Look, see a person [who is] a glutton and a drunkard (one who habitually drinks too much wine), a friend of tax collectors (customs and tribute agents; or: tax farmers) and outcasts (sinners; folks that the religious people considered "worldly" and by way of life ceremonially unclean and thus separated from the religious community: outcasts of society who failed to measure up to religious and cultural standards; irreligious people)!' Well, Wisdom was set and deemed in right relationship with fairness and equity in the Way pointed out – from its deeds (works and actions)!"

⁴³ "Now whenever the unclean spirit (or: unpruned attitude; unpurged breath-effect; foul wind) should come forth (or: go out) away from the person (or: human), it normally passes through waterless places, continuously seeking a resting place (or: rest; a ceasing from activity) – and it continues finding none. ⁴⁴ "At that point, it proceeds to say, 'I will proceed turning back into my house from where I came (or: moved) out.' And, upon coming, it is then finding [it] continuing being unoccupied (being unemployed, and thus, at leisure) and having been swept clean with a broom – even having been put in orderly arrangement and decorated! ⁴⁵ "At that time it continues journeying on its way, and then proceeds taking along with itself seven different spirits (attitudes; breath-effects; winds) more good-for-nothing and useless (base, wicked, knavish, grievously oppressive and evil) than itself, and upon entering, it settles down and continues dwelling there in the house. So the last [circumstances] of that person becomes progressively worse than the first ones. Thus in this way will it also proceed being with (or: for; in; to) this good-for-nothing and wicked generation."

³⁸ "Now the field is the organized System (the ordered arrangement; the world; the world of religion as well as of economy, culture and government in the secular; = the realm of society). As for the fine, ideal seed, these are the sons of the reign (= the produce and resulting situation which have the kingdom as their source and origin; the offspring who are the reign; = those things having the character and quality of the kingdom and are associated with its reign). Yet the weeds (darnel) are the sons of the worthless person or the disadvantageous circumstance (or: the sons whose source and origin is the one who brings pain and misery through hard labor; the produce whose character and quality are malevolent and wicked; the sons of the evil one; or: offspring of the difficult and wearisome situation [the predicament of mankind?]; the bad environment; may = the result of the work of a worthless person [perhaps: the words of a religious person]).

¹⁷ So Jesus, making a considered response, said to him, "You continue being a happy and blessed person, Simon, son of Jonah, because 'flesh and blood' (= the human nature or intellect; or: = people; or: = the old covenant system) did not uncover [this] for you, nor disclose [this] so as to reveal [it] to you (or: = you did not come up with this revelation yourself, nor uncover it in yourself, nor disclose it by or for yourself). To the contrary, [it was] My Father – the One within the heavens (or: in the atmospheres)! ¹⁸ "And now I Myself am saying to you that you are Peter (or: that you continue being an isolated stone). And you see, [it is] upon this: the rock mass (or: bedrock) [that] I will progressively be constructing and building up My house – the called-out community. And even gates of [the] unseen (or: gates of an unseen place; [= boulders on the entrances of graves; = {the prison} gates of the 'house of death'; or: the bars enclosing the realm of the dead]) will not continue bringing strength down against it (or: will not proceed to be coming to their full strength in relation to it; or: will not continue overpowering it or prevail in resisting it).

⁴² Jesus is then saying to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures, 'A stone which the builders rejected as the result of a test – this one is birthed into (or: comes to be for) a head of a corner (= a keystone; a capstone; a cornerstone). This [head] was birthed (came into existence) from [the] Lord's [=Yahweh's] side (or: presence), and it is wonderful and marvelous in our eyes'? [Ps. 118:22-23]

²⁹ Yet, I am now saying to you folks that from the present moment I can by no means (or: under no circumstances) drink from out of this product (yield; offspring) of the grapevine, until that day I can habitually drink with you folks in union with My Father's reign (or: within the kingdom of My Father) – whenever it [will be] new in kind, quality and character!" [note: the word "it," being neuter, would refer back to the "product" of the grapevine]

¹⁹ "Therefore, while going on your way, instruct and make disciples (at some point enlist students and apprentices) of all the ethnic multitudes (the pagans; the Gentiles; the nations; the non-Israelites), habitually immersing them [i.e., the people (masculine pronoun)] (or: one-after-another [B & D read: at some point] baptizing them to the point of infusion and saturation) into the Name which has reference to, belongs to, has its origin and character in, and which represents, the Father and the Son, as well as the Set-apart Breath-effect (or: the Name from the Father, as well as from the Son, and even which is the Holy Spirit; or: the Name of the Father and of the Son – even of the Holy Spirit; or: the Father's Name, even the Son's, and which pertains to the Sacred Breath; or: the Name belonging to the Father and the Son, and which is the Sacred Attitude; or: the Name of the Father, and then of the Son, and which comes from the se-apart Spirit; or: the Name which represents the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; or: the Name which comes from the Father, belongs to the Son, and corresponds to the Holy result of the Breath), [note: Eusebius gives this as "Go and make disciples of all the nations in my name." – Eusebius: The History of the Church from Christ to Constantine, translated by G. A. Williamson, Barnes & Noble Books, 1995, p 111. Williamson footnotes: "Matt. 28:19, in a simpler, perhaps a more primitive form." comment: this may have been a paraphrase; it may come from a lost MS tradition; it may represent an interpretation of this verse in the early AD 300's; cf Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5]

¹⁹ "and then the anxieties (worries; cares; concerns; distractions) of the age, as well as the deceptive seduction of wealth (the riches) and the over-desires (or: full-rushing passions) concerning the rest – progressively making their way into [their lives and situations] – together progressively choke the Word (the thought, idea and message), and it comes to be increasingly unfruitful.

²¹ "for, from inside of the person (man; human) – from out of the midst of the heart – the worthless reasonings (base conversations; dialogues of poor quality; evil thoughts and schemes; bad ideas and designs) constantly issue forth: [for example], prostitutions, acts of sexual immorality or involvements in fornication; thefts; murders; ²² "adulteries; situations of wanting more than one's share (thoughts of greed; feelings of coveting), bad conditions which bring pain, gushes of misery, anguish or hard labor (or: acts of wickedness; malicious deeds; evil doings); bait to catch someone with deceit, treachery, guile or fraud; loose conduct (indecency); an evil eye (= a focus toward malice or mischief); villainous and light-hindering slander, harmful and abusive speech, or blasphemy; pride, arrogance and haughtiness; acting without thinking (or: imprudence; unreasonableness; inconsiderateness; lack of purpose; folly).

¹⁰ "Have you folks not yet read this Scripture? – 'A rock (or: stone) which the builders rejected and threw away after examining it, this one comes into being [the] head of [the] corner [note: could = the keystone, or, the cornerstone]. ¹¹ 'This [head] came into existence from beside [the] Lord [= Yahweh], and He (or: it) is Wonderful (or: marvelous; remarkable; or: Amazing) in our eyes'?" [Ps. 118:22-23]

¹⁶ "The trusting and believing one – as well as one being immersed (baptized) – will continue being restored to health and wholeness (be delivered, rescued, made safe, and returned to his original state and condition). Yet the distrusting person (the one being without faith; or: the faithless one) will proceed being commensurately evaluated and correspondingly decided about (or: beseparated down according to the pattern; have a decision rendered against him; be condemned).

⁷² "to do (or: perform; form; construct; create) mercy with our fathers, and to have called to mind His set-apart (or: holy) arrangement (thorough setting and placement; covenant; testament):

⁷⁸ "because of our God's inner organs which are composed of mercy (= His tender compassions which have the character and quality of mercy), in union with and amidst which an upward performance and a rising (= a daybreak) from out of the midst of an exaltation (or: from on high), ⁷⁹ "to at once ‘shine upon the people continuously sitting within the midst of darkness the realm of the shadow and obscurity; dimness and gloom’ [Isa. 9:1] – even within death's shadow; to cause our feet to be fully straight and to [walk] in correspondence to straightness, into the path (way; road) of peace [= shalom]."

¹⁴ " [This is] a reputation for God, in the highest places! (or: Glory to God, in the midst of the highest [realms]; or: [It is] a manifestation which call forth praise to God, among the highest [peoples]; or: An appearance and a manifestation by God, within the midst of a most elevated location; or: A notion and an imagination within [the] highest places in God); and upon earth – among humanity (or: within mankind; in union with people) – a peace and harmony having the qualities and characteristics of well-thinking and goodwill (or: [= shalom] whose source is good opinions and imaginations of well-being; or: peace which is a manifestation and a reputation of good and ease; or: a peace which belongs to good pleasure; peace from a disposition of goodness)!"

⁵⁰ So Jesus said to the woman, "Your trust has restored you to health and now effects a condition of wholeness (or: Your faith has rescued you and now leaves you in a safe place). Continue going on your journey into peace [= shalom]."

⁹ "and continue treating, giving attentive care for or curing the sick and weak folks within it. Then be constantly saying to them, 'God's reigning and activity of exercising sovereignty (or: kingdom) has drawn near upon you people – close enough to touch (= has arrived and is now accessible)!' ¹⁰ "But into whatever town or city you may one after another be entering – and they may not continue favorably welcoming and receiving you folks – after going out into its broad, open streets (plazas or squares), be at once saying, ¹¹ "'Even the dust being caused to cling unto our feet – from out of your town –we are now in the process of wiping off for you people (= with regard to you folks; [see note: ch. 9:5])! Furthermore, continue knowing this by intimate experience, that God's reigning (or: sovereignty; kingdom) had drawn near and is close enough to touch (= has arrived; = is accessible)!'

²¹ "Whenever the strong person – being one that has fully armed and completely equipped himself – may habitually watch over, guard and protect his own courtyard, his possessions and the things that sustain him continue being in peace. ²² "Yet as soon as (or: if ever) a person stronger than him, after coming upon [him], can conquer (or: may overcome) him, he progressively lifts up and carries off his full armament (all the armor and weaponry) upon which he had trusted and placed his confidence – and now progressively distributes his spoils (booty). ²³ "The person not continuing in being with Me is down on Me (or: The one not existing accompanied by Me exists being out of line and out of step with Me, and is thus against what is Mine) – and the person not habitually gathering or presently leading [folks] together with Me is constantly scattering and dispersing. ²⁴ "Whenever the unclean or culturally unpruned breath-effect (spirit; attitude; life-force) can (or: should; may; would) go out from the midst, away from the person (human), it is progressively (or: constantly) passing through waterless places, continuing to seek (constantly trying to find) a place or situation to rest (cease-back; refresh; be still again) – and yet habitually not finding [one] – it at that point is saying, 'I shall proceed returning into my house from where I came (or: went) out.' ²⁵ "And then, upon coming, it is presently finding [it] continuing at leisure, in idleness, unemployed and not occupied – having been swept and cleaned with a broom, as well as having been put in order and adorned (or: decorated). ²⁶ "At that point it continues going on its way and then proceeds taking along seven different breath-effects (spirits; attitudes; life-forces) more worthless, bad and malicious than itself, and upon entering, it proceeds settling down in the house and continues dwelling there – and the last [conditions and situations] of the person (human) progressively comes to be (or: exist) worse than the first ones."

³⁷ "Those slaves [are] happy and fortunate whom the master (lord; owner) – upon coming – will proceed to find being continuously awake, alert and watchful. Truly (or: Amen; It is so; Count on it)! I say to you folks that he will proceed to gird himself about (as with an apron) and will continue in causing them to recline [at a meal]. Then, coming alongside, he will give attending service to them! (or, as a question: In truth, I am now asking you: Will he proceed to tie an apron around himself then have them lie back for dinner and then serve them?)

⁵ "Later, after finding [it], he proceeds to place (or: lay) it on his shoulders, amidst rejoicing! ⁶ "And so, upon coming into the house, he proceeds calling together [his] friends and neighbors, saying to them in turn, 'Celebrate (or: Be glad and caused to rejoice) together with me, because I have found my lost sheep!'

²⁴ "'because this one, my son, was existing being dead – and now he becomes back alive again (or: lives up, again); he was existing being one having been destroyed and lost – and now he is found!' And so they began to be progressively put in a good and easy frame of mind and were continually given thoughts of well-being and cheer.

³² "'But it continued being binding and necessary to at once be in a good and easy frame of mind (or: be given thoughts of well-being, cheer and celebration) and to rejoice, because this one – your brother – was existing being dead, and now he comes to life; and was one having been lost and destroyed – and now he is found!'"

⁸ "And so the master (lord; = employer) commended (added praise and applause to) the estate-manager in regard to the disregard for what is right (the injustice; the actions which were not in accord with the way pointed out; = the dishonesty), because he acted thoughtfully (or: performed intelligently in considering [the situation]), because, you see, the sons of this age (= the people who have the qualities and display the character of the current age and present period of time) exist being (or: are) more thoughtful, prudent and intelligent with common sense than (or: above) the sons of the Light (= people of the covenant with revealed knowledge of the way of life) [are] unto (or: respecting; with a view to) their own generation.

¹⁷ But He, looking intently at them (or: staring in their [faces]), said, "What, then, is the [meaning of] this having been written, 'A stone which the builders rejected – after examining it – has come to be [placed] into [the] head (= source) of [the] corner (or: ended up as the keystone)'? [Ps. 118:22] ¹⁸ "Every person falling upon that stone will be progressively crushed together and shattered, yet upon whom it may (or: should) fall, it will continue winnowing him [like grain]."

² And still, the chief (head; ranking) priests and the scribes (scholars; theologians) kept on trying to find how they could take Him up (= assassinate Him) – you see they were still fearing the people. ³ Now an adversary (or: an opposing purpose or attitude) entered into Judah (or: Judas) – the man normally being called Iscariot, being [a member] of the number of the twelve.

²⁹ "and so I, Myself, am now making an arrangement for you (or: am progressively making a covenant with, to and in you folks), just and correspondingly as My Father made the arrangement for a reign for Me (or: made the covenant of a kingdom with, and in, Me) – ³⁰ to the end that you folks can continuously eat and drink at My table, in union with My reign and in the midst of My kingdom and sovereign activities, and now you can habitually sit upon thrones, repeatedly making separations in, evaluations of and decisions for the twelve tribes (or: clans) of Israel. [note: the twelve tribes had been scattered; the last clauses uses the present tenses] ³¹ "Simon, O Simon! Look, and consider. The adversary (or: opponent; satan) makes (or: made) a request concerning you men: to winnow [you folks] as grain!

¹² Yet, as many as receive It (or: took Him) – to the ones habitually trusting and believing into Its Name (or: His Name) – It gives (or: He gave) to them (or: for them; in them) authority ([the] right; or: privilege from out of the midst of Being) to be birthed (or: to become) God’s children (born ones), ¹³ who are born (or: were given birth) not out of bloods (or: [flows] of blood), neither forth from the will of flesh (or: from the intent of a flesh [ceremony]), nor yet out of the will (purpose; intent) of an adult male, but to the contrary, from out of the midst of God!

¹³ who are born (or: were given birth) not out of bloods (or: [flows] of blood), neither forth from the will of flesh (or: from the intent of a flesh [ceremony]), nor yet out of the will (purpose; intent) of an adult male, but to the contrary, from out of the midst of God!

¹ Now there was a man from out of the Pharisees, Nicodemus by name, a ruler (leader; chief; head man) of the Jews (= Jewish culture, political organization and religion). ² This one comes (or: goes; came; went) to Him by night, and says (or: said) to Him, "Rabbi, we have seen and thus know that You are a Teacher having come, and are here, from God, for no one is able (or: continues having power) to constantly be doing (making; producing) these signs (or: habitually performing these authenticating tokens and attesting signals), which You are constantly doing (performing; producing), unless God would continue being with him (or: if God should not be constantly with him)." ³ Jesus considered, and replies to him, saying, "Certainly it is so, I am saying (= I now point out) to you, unless anyone (or: someone) may be born back up again to a higher place (or: can be brought to birth again; or: would be given birth from above), he continues having no power (or: he is continuously unable) to see or perceive God’s reign, sovereign influence/activity, or kingdom." ⁴ Nicodemus says to Him, "How does a man continue being able to be born, being an old man? He is not able (or: He remains powerless) to enter into his mother’s womb (cavity; belly) a second [time] and be born!" ⁵ Jesus decisively replies, "Certainly that is so. I am now saying (laying it out; = pointing out) to you, unless anyone (or: someone) may be born forth from out of water and spirit (or: – as well as Breath-effect and attitude –) he continues being unable (he remains having no power) to enter into God’s realm (or: reign; kingdom; sovereign activity and influence). ⁶ "The thing being birthed, having been born forth from out of the flesh, is flesh (or: from the estranged human nature, continues being the estranged human nature; or: = from out of flesh system is a flesh system), and the thing being birthed, having been born forth from out of the Spirit, is spirit (or: what is birthed out of the Breath-effect continues being Breath-effect; or: what is born from the Attitude is an attitude).

¹⁴ "And so, just as (or: correspondingly as) Moses lifted up (elevated; raised up high) the serpent, within the wilderness (desert; desolate place) [Num. 21:7ff], thus it is necessary and binding for the Son of Mankind (Humanity’s Son) to be lifted up (elevated; raised up high; exalted),

¹⁴ "And so, just as (or: correspondingly as) Moses lifted up (elevated; raised up high) the serpent, within the wilderness (desert; desolate place) [Num. 21:7ff], thus it is necessary and binding for the Son of Mankind (Humanity’s Son) to be lifted up (elevated; raised up high; exalted), ¹⁵ "to the end that everyone – the one habitually believing and trusting – would continuously have eonian life (life having the state of being, qualities and characteristics of the sphere pertaining to the Age [of the Messiah]; age-quality and eon-lasting life): within (or: in union with) Him! [with other MSS: so that all, while continuously trusting into Him {others: on Him}, may not lose or destroy themselves, but rather may habitually hold age-abiding life (eonian life; life that continues on through the ages).]

¹⁵ "to the end that everyone – the one habitually believing and trusting – would continuously have eonian life (life having the state of being, qualities and characteristics of the sphere pertaining to the Age [of the Messiah]; age-quality and eon-lasting life): within (or: in union with) Him! [with other MSS: so that all, while continuously trusting into Him {others: on Him}, may not lose or destroy themselves, but rather may habitually hold age-abiding life (eonian life; life that continues on through the ages).] ¹⁶ "For thus God loves the world (the universe; the ordered arrangement; the organized system [of life and society]; or: = all mankind), so that He gives His uniquely-born [with other MSS: the only-begotten] Son, (or, reading wste as an adverb: You see, in this manner God loves the sum total of created beings as being the Son: He gives the Only-begotten One; or: reading wV te: For you see, [it is] in this way [that] God loves the aggregate of humanity – even as it were His Son: He gives the uniquely-born One), to the end that all (or: everyone) – the one habitually believing, putting confidence and trusting into Him – would not lose or destroy himself, or cause himself to fall into ruin, but rather can continuously have (or: would habitually possess and hold) eonian life (age-durative life with qualities derived from the Age [of the Messiah]; living existence of and for the ages). [note 1): I have here given the “fact” sense of the aorist tense of the verbs “love” and “give” rather than the simple past tense. The statement by Jesus is a “timeless” fact of God; it signifies that the object of His love and His gift (that object being the cosmos, the universe, the world of men and created beings) is in view as a whole, and both the love and the gift are presented as fact, as one complete whole (punctiliar) which exists apart from any sense of time (i.e., coming from the realm or sphere of the “eternal,” or, “the Being of God;” note 2): Paul Tillich defines "love" (agape): the whole being's drive and movement toward reunion with another, to overcome existential separation; an ecstatic manifestation of the Spiritual Presence; acceptance of the object of love without restriction, in spite of the estranged, profanized and demonized state of the object; – Systematic Theology III, pp 134-138]

¹⁶ "For thus God loves the world (the universe; the ordered arrangement; the organized system [of life and society]; or: = all mankind), so that He gives His uniquely-born [with other MSS: the only-begotten] Son, (or, reading wste as an adverb: You see, in this manner God loves the sum total of created beings as being the Son: He gives the Only-begotten One; or: reading wV te: For you see, [it is] in this way [that] God loves the aggregate of humanity – even as it were His Son: He gives the uniquely-born One), to the end that all (or: everyone) – the one habitually believing, putting confidence and trusting into Him – would not lose or destroy himself, or cause himself to fall into ruin, but rather can continuously have (or: would habitually possess and hold) eonian life (age-durative life with qualities derived from the Age [of the Messiah]; living existence of and for the ages). [note 1): I have here given the “fact” sense of the aorist tense of the verbs “love” and “give” rather than the simple past tense. The statement by Jesus is a “timeless” fact of God; it signifies that the object of His love and His gift (that object being the cosmos, the universe, the world of men and created beings) is in view as a whole, and both the love and the gift are presented as fact, as one complete whole (punctiliar) which exists apart from any sense of time (i.e., coming from the realm or sphere of the “eternal,” or, “the Being of God;” note 2): Paul Tillich defines "love" (agape): the whole being's drive and movement toward reunion with another, to overcome existential separation; an ecstatic manifestation of the Spiritual Presence; acceptance of the object of love without restriction, in spite of the estranged, profanized and demonized state of the object; – Systematic Theology III, pp 134-138] ¹⁷ "For God does not send forth His [other MSS: the] Son as an Emissary, or Representative, into the world (or: System; aggregate of humanity) to the end that He should continuously separate and make decisions about the world (or: would at some point sift and judge the System, or the aggregate of humanity), but to the contrary, to the end that the world would be delivered (or: that the System could be healed and made whole; that the ordered arrangement should be restored to health; that the aggregate of mankind may be saved – rescued and re-established in its original state): through Him!

¹⁷ "For God does not send forth His [other MSS: the] Son as an Emissary, or Representative, into the world (or: System; aggregate of humanity) to the end that He should continuously separate and make decisions about the world (or: would at some point sift and judge the System, or the aggregate of humanity), but to the contrary, to the end that the world would be delivered (or: that the System could be healed and made whole; that the ordered arrangement should be restored to health; that the aggregate of mankind may be saved – rescued and re-established in its original state): through Him! ¹⁸ "The one habitually believing and progressively placing trust into Him is not being continuously sifted or evaluated (is not habitually being separated for decisions or being judged). The one not habitually trusting and believing has already been sifted and evaluated (separated for a decision; judged) and that decision yet exists, because he has not believed so that he trusts into the Name [note: “name” is a Semitism for the person, or his authority, or his qualities] of the uniquely-born Son of God (or: into God’s Son – the only-begotten One).

²¹ "Yet the one habitually doing the truth (constantly constructing the real; repeatedly making the genuine) is constantly coming (or: going; moving) toward the light (or: the Light), so that his works (deeds; actions) may be set in clear light and manifested, because they exist being ones having been worked and accomplished (or: performed as deeds) within God (or: that it is within God [that they are] ones having been acted out)."

³⁶ "The one habitually trusting (or: continuously going on confidently believing with loyalty) into the Son is now constantly holding and progressively having eonian life (life having the characteristics and qualities of the sphere of the Age; life of and for the ages; eon-lasting life; life whose source is the Age [of Messiah]). Yet the person now continuing being unpersuaded by the Son (or: presently being constantly incompliant, disobedient or disbelieving to the Son; being repeatedly stubborn toward the Son) will not be catching sight of (seeing; observing; perceiving) [this] life. To the contrary, God’s inherent fervor (teeming passion and swelling desire; mental bent and natural impulse; propensity and disposition; or: anger, wrath and indignation) is continuously remaining (is now habitually dwelling and abiding) upon him." [note: vss. 31-36 may be narrative by the author, John, and not continued sayings of the Baptist]

¹⁰ Jesus considered and decidedly said to her, "If you had seen, so as to be aware of and now perceive God’s gift, and Who is the One presently saying to you, ' [Please] give [some] to me, to drink,' you would ask (or: make request of) Him, and He would give living water to you."

²¹ Jesus then says to her, "Be constantly trusting in Me (or: by and with Me; or: Continue believing Me), O woman (= dear lady), because an hour is progressively coming when neither within this mountain nor within Jerusalem will you folks continue giving worship to the Father. ²² "You people are habitually worshiping what you have not seen and thus do not know. We [Jews] are presently worshiping what we have seen and thus know, because the deliverance (the being restored to the original state; the health and wholeness; the salvation) continues being (habitually is; constantly exists being) from out of the midst of the Jews.

²² "You people are habitually worshiping what you have not seen and thus do not know. We [Jews] are presently worshiping what we have seen and thus know, because the deliverance (the being restored to the original state; the health and wholeness; the salvation) continues being (habitually is; constantly exists being) from out of the midst of the Jews. ²³ "Nevertheless an hour is progressively coming – and now exists (or: is; is being) – when the true (real; genuine) worshipers will proceed to worship (or: will habitually give worship to) the Father within spirit and Truth (or: in breath and reality; within the midst of [the] Spirit and a Fact; in union with attitude and genuineness, or actuality), for the Father is also constantly seeking after such folks (habitually searching out such ones as this; continuously looking for and trying to find lost ones to be this kind) – ones presently by habit worshiping Him!

²¹ "You see, just as the Father is habitually (repeatedly; constantly; presently) raising up the dead folks, and is repeatedly (continually; presently) making [them] alive, thus also, the Son is habitually (constantly; presently) making alive which ones He is presently intending (willing; purposing),

²⁴ "Most certainly (Amen, amen), I continue saying to you folks, that the person habitually listening to, repeatedly hearing and normally paying attention to My Word (or: My message; My communication of the thought and idea), and continuously trusting by (or: progressively believing in; habitually being loyal to) the One sending Me, presently continues holding (is continually possessing; is progressively having) eonian life (life having the character and qualities of the Age [of the Messiah]; age-lasting and eon-enduring life; life having its source in the Age; or perhaps: = life of the coming age), and is not repeatedly coming into a separating or a deciding (an evaluating; a judging), but rather, he has proceeded (has changed his place of residence; has changed his walk; has stepped over to another place) forth from out of the midst of 'the Death,' into 'the Life.' ²⁵ "Count on it (Amen, amen), I am presently continuing to say to you folks that an hour is progressively (or: presently in process of) coming, and even now exists (or: = is now here), when the dead folks WILL be repeatedly hearing the voice of God’s Son (or: the Voice from, and which is, the Son of God; or: the voice of the Son, Who is God), and the ones hearing WILL proceed to be living!

²⁷ "Stop continuously working or doing business for the food which is continuously disintegrating of itself (loosing itself away; destroying itself), but rather [for] the Food continuously remaining (abiding; dwelling) into eonian Life (life originating from, existing in, having the characteristics and qualities of, the Age; age-enduring and eon-lasting life) which the Son of the Man (of Humanity; of the human; of mankind; or: = the Human Being) will continue giving to you (or: in you; for you) folks, for This One (or: This Man) Father God seals (or: for God, the Father, put [His] seal [showing ownership and/or approval and/or authority] upon a person [doing] this; or: you see, this One the Father sealed: God)." ²⁸ Then they said to Him, "What should we be habitually doing, so that we would be habitually working God’s works (or: actions having the character of God; or: the deeds which have their source in God; or: = the things God wants us to do)?" ²⁹ Jesus considered and answered, saying to them, "This is God’s work (the work whose source is God): that you folks would continuously trust and progressively believe into that One whom He sends forth with a mission (or: into the One Whom That One sent forth as an Emissary)."

³⁵ Jesus said to them, "I, Myself, am (or: exist being) the Bread of ‘the Life’ (or: the bread which is life, and which gives life). The person progressively coming toward (or: to; or: face to face with) Me may by no means at any point hunger (or: would under no circumstances be hungry), and the one constantly trusting (or: habitually believing) into Me will by no means continue thirsting (under no circumstances be repeatedly thirsty) at any time.

³⁷ "All that (or: Everything which) the Father continues giving to Me will move toward Me to finally arrive here, and the person progressively coming toward Me I may under no circumstances (or: would by no means) throw forth from out of the midst (eject; cast out) [so that he will be] outside,

⁴⁰ "You see, this is the purpose (will; intent) of My Father, to the intent that all mankind (or: everyone) – the person, continuously watching (or: gazing at) the Son with discernment and contemplation, even habitually trusting and progressively believing into Him – may possess (or: can have; would hold) Life, Whose source is the Age (or: eonian life; life having the qualities and characteristics of the Age [of Messiah]; an age-enduring and eon-lasting life), and I will proceed to (or: can; should; would) be raising him up to and for the last Day (or: in the Last Day; by and with the final day)."

⁴⁴ "No one is able (or: is presently having power) to come toward Me unless the Father –the One sending Me – should drag him [as with a net] (or: draw him [as drawing water in a bucket or a sword from its sheath]), and I Myself will progressively raise him up (proceed to resurrect him; continue standing him back up again) within (or: in union with; or: centered in) the Last (eschatos) Day.

⁶³ "The Spirit (or: Breath-effect; or: spirit; Breath; Attitude) is (or: continues being) the One continuously creating life (or: repeatedly making alive; habitually forming life). The flesh continues being of no help or benefit to anything (furthers or augments not one thing). The declarations (gush-effects; spoken words; sayings; results of the Flow) which I Myself have spoken to you folks are (or: continue to be) Spirit (or: spirit; Breath-effect; attitude) and they are (or: continue being) Life.

⁶⁵ So he went on saying, "Because of this I have told you folks that no one is presently able (or: continues having power) to come toward Me, unless [the situation] may be existing of it having been granted or given to him from out of the Father (or: unless he should be a person having been given in Him, forth from the Father)."

⁷ "The world (The System; The organization; = the controlling religious, cultural and political society) is not presently able to be habitually hating you (to continuously regard you with ill-will), yet it is constantly hating Me, because I Myself am habitually giving testimony about it (or: continuously bearing witness and showing evidence concerning it) that its works are continuously unwholesome (laborious and such that put others to trouble; apt to shrewd turns; mischievous; wicked; unsound; malignant; gushed with misery).

²³ So He went on to say to them, "You folks, yourselves, continuously exist (presently are) from out of the things below (or: You are yourselves presently forth from out of the downward places); I Myself continuously exist (have My being; am) from out of the things above (or: I am Myself forth from the midst of upward places). You yourselves continuously exist from out of this System (ordered arrangement; world of culture, economy, religion and politics; this System of control and domination); I Myself do not exist (do not have My being) from out of this System (world; etc.).

⁴⁴ "You folks, in particular, are (exist and have your being) from out of, and have your source in, the ancestor who cast [an object] through [someone] (or: the father, the devil; or: the devil father; or: the father – the one thrusting [words or issues] through [folks/groups] and dividing them), and you are habitually wanting (willing; intending; purposing) to be constantly doing your father's passionate cravings (full-rushing over-desires). That one was existing being a murderer (a killer of humanity) from [his/its] beginning (or: from [the] start; from [its] origin; or: from headship, chieftainhood, government or rule), and he/it has not stood and does not now stand within the Truth (or: it had not made a stand in union with reality), because truth is not (openness and reality does not exist) within him (or: it). Whenever he/it may be speaking the lie, he/it is continuing speaking from out of his own things – because he/it is (or: continues existing being) a liar, and its father [note: either the father of the lie, or of the liar].

⁷ Therefore, again, Jesus said to them, "I tell you, and it is certainly true (amen, amen), I Myself am the Door for the sheep (or: the sheep's Gate and Entrance).

⁹ "I Myself am the Door (or: Gate; Entrance); if anyone should enter in through Me he will be constantly kept safe and protected (made whole and returned to his original condition; rescued; delivered; saved), and he will be habitually going in (entering) and going out (exiting), and he will continue finding pasture (something to feed on). ¹⁰ "The thief does not constantly come, except to the end that he may steal, slaughter (slay for food – as for a feast – or, for a sacrifice) and destroy (utterly loose away). I Myself come so that they can progressively possess (would continuously have; could habitually hold) Life, and may continue possessing [it] in superabundance (or: and may have a surplus surrounding them in excessive amounts).

¹⁶ "And I constantly have (hold; possess) other sheep which do not exist (or: are not) from out of this fold (or: sheep pen), and it is binding (or: necessary) for Me to progressively lead those also, and they will continue listening to (will habitually hear and pay attention to [implying: obey]) My voice, and they [other MSS: it; there] will progressively become One Flock, One Shepherd.

²⁵ Jesus said to her, "I am the Resurrection (or: the standing back up again; the Arising) and the Life. The one progressively believing and habitually putting trust into Me, even if he may die-off (or: die-away), will continue living (or: will proceed being alive)! ²⁶ “And further, everyone (or: all mankind) – the person presently living and progressively trusting-and-believing into (or: regularly experiencing convinced faith into the midst of; being constantly faithful unto) Me – can by no means (or: may under no circumstances) die-off (or: die-away), on into the Age [of Messiah]. Are you presently believing, trusting and having convinced faith of this?"

⁵² and not over [the condition of] the Nation (or: on behalf of the ethnic group) only, but further, to the end that He could gather God's children together – those having been thoroughly scattered – into one (or: so that He would lead together into unity God’s divided, dissipated and disintegrated born-ones that have been dispersed throughout).

²⁶ "If anyone would habitually give attending service (raise dust throughout in hastening to provide for material needs) to Me, let him habitually and progressively follow with Me, and then where I Myself am, there My attending servant will also be (exist; have his or her being). If anyone would habitually give attending service to Me and provide for Me, the Father will value and honor him.

³¹ "At the present time (or: Now) is an evaluation of and a decision pertaining to (or: a sifting of and separation for; or: a judgment from) this System (or: this ordered arrangement; this world; this polity, culture and religion; or: this system of control and subjugation). Now the Ruler (the one invested with power; the leader; the chief; the ruler; or: the Original One; The Beginning One; the Prince) of this System will be ejected outside (or: At this time the Chief of this world of culture, religion and government, the Originator and Controlling Principle of the ordered arrangement and universe, will be thrown out, [to the] outside [of it]).

² So, while the evening meal was progressively going on [other MSS: with, or after, the occurring of the evening meal] – the adversary (the one who thrusts something through folks; the devil) having already thrust (cast; hurled; thrown; = put) [the idea or conviction] into the heart of Judah (or: Judas), [son] of Simon Iscariot, that he should hand Him over (or: entrust and commit Him; or: = turn Him in) –

²⁷ – and after the morsel, then the adversary (opponent; “satan”) enters into that one. Then Jesus proceeds to say to him, "What you are in process of doing (or: proceeding to do), do more quickly (or: promptly)."

³ "Even if I should journey on and prepare (make suitable, fit and appropriate) a place (or: a spot; a position; a role) in you folks (or: with you; for you), I am now presently (or: progressively; repeatedly; habitually) coming again, and then, I will progressively take you folks in My arms and receive you to Myself, directing you toward Myself so as to be face to face with Me, to the end that where I Myself am (or: exist) you folks also can continue being (or: may and would ongoingly exist).

⁶ Jesus then says to him, "I Myself am (exist being) the Way (or: Path), the Truth (the Reality) and the Life (or: = I am the way to really live). No one is presently going to, or progressively coming toward, the Father, except through Me (through means of Me, or, through the midst of Me).

¹⁷ "the Spirit of the Truth (or: the spirit and breath of reality; the Breath-effect and Attitude which is Reality), whom (or: which) the System (world; ordered arrangement of religion, politics and culture; the controlling system) has no power (is not able) to receive, because it is not habitually gazing upon It (or: Him) with contemplation (continually viewing and watching it with attentive interest), nor is it coming to intimately and experientially know It (or: Him). Yet YOU folks are progressively knowing It (or: Him) by intimate experience, because It (or: He) is continuously dwelling (remaining; abiding) alongside you folks – in your presence – and It (or: He) continuously exists (or: is; [other MSS: will continue being]) within, in union with, and among you people. ¹⁸ "I will not be leaving you abandoned or be sending you off as orphaned ones (or: folks without family). I am repeatedly (or: habitually) and now progressively coming toward you people. ¹⁹ "Yet a little [while; longer] and the System (world; religious and secular society; ordered arrangement) no longer continues viewing (attentively watching) Me, but YOU people are constantly watching (attentively and contemplatively viewing) Me. Because I Myself am continuously living, you folks will also continue living [other MSS: will also of, or in, yourselves continue living]. ²⁰ "Within That Day you yourselves will personally be coming to progressively realize and then be knowing that I Myself [am; exist] within the midst of My Father, and you folks within the midst of and in union with Me, and I Myself within the midst of and in union with you people. ²¹ "The person continuously holding (or: constantly possessing and having) My implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives; interior purposes and destiny) and habitually observing (watching over to keep and protect) them – that one is (exists being) the person continuously loving Me. Now the one continuously loving Me will continue being loved [p75 reads: watched over and cared for] by (or: under) the Father, and I Myself will continue loving that person and I will progressively (or: habitually) cause Myself to be seen in clear light in him or her (or: will continue inwardly manifesting Myself by her/him; will continuously inwardly make Myself visible to her/him; will progressively show Myself within for him/her; or: = will continue showing to, in, or by him/her what I am really like)." ²² Judah (Judas) – not Iscariot – is then saying to Him, "Lord (Master), what has come to be (or: has happened) that you are now about to progressively and continually show Yourself plainly (make Yourself to be inwardly seen in clear light) to us (or: in us) and not to (or: in) the world (system of the religious and political culture)?" ²³ Jesus conclusively replies, and says to him, "If anyone continues (or: may be habitually) loving Me, he WILL continue constantly watching over so as to observe, guard, preserve and keep My word (My thought, idea and message), and My Father will continue loving him, and, facing toward him, We will continue coming to him and will be progressively making (constructing; forming; creating; producing) a home (an abode; a dwelling place; a place to stay) with him (or: at his side and in his presence).

³⁰ "I will no longer converse (be speaking) with you folks [about] many things, for the ruler (the one in first place; the chief) of the System (or: of this ordered arrangement of the political, economic, religious and cultural world) is progressively coming, and yet he is holding nothing within Me (or: it continues to have and possess nothing in Me; or: = he [note: this could refer either to the chief priest, or to Pilate] has nothing to do with Me, and there is nothing in Me that is to his advantage),

⁵ "I Myself am the Grapevine; you folks [are] the tender branches (shoots or twigs that can be easily broken). The person continuously remaining (dwelling; abiding) within the midst of Me – and I within the midst of and in union with him – this one is repeatedly bearing (bringing forth; = producing) much fruit. [It is the case] that apart from (or: separated from) Me you folks continue having ability and power to do (make; construct; create; form; perform; produce) nothing!

¹⁹ "If you had been and yet had your being from out of the System (or: controlling world of culture, religion and politics) as a source, the System (world with its control by religion and politics) would have been being friendly toward and fond of its own production and possession. Yet now, because you do not exist from out of the System (world) as a source – but to the contrary I have selected (or: chosen) and picked you out from the midst of the System (from the world's culture, religion and politics) – on account of this, the System (world; institutional religion; society; political government) continues treating you with ill-will (or: habitually hates you).

¹¹ "And about dividing and separating for evaluation and decision, because the ruler (one in first place; chief) of this System (world of culture, economics, religion or politics) has been sifted, separated, evaluated and decided about, and now stands judged (or: Yet concerning judging, because the Prince and Leader of this universe has had a decision made about Him, and He now stands judged, [in the System’s eyes]).

³³ "I have spoken these things to you so that you may continuously have (hold; possess) peace centered in, within the midst of and in union with Me. Within the System (controlling world of culture, religion, economy and government) you normally have pressure and stress (or: continually have squeezing; repeatedly have tribulation and oppression), but nonetheless, be confident and take courage! I Myself have overcome and conquered the System (dominating world; organized arrangement of religion and society) so that it stands a completed victory!"

²¹ "to the end that all mankind may (or: everyone would) continuously exist being one, correspondingly as You, O Father [other MSS: Father], [are] within the midst of Me, and I [am] within the midst of You – so that they, themselves, may and would also continuously exist being within the midst of Us, to the end that the System (world of culture, religion and government; or: secular society) can (may; would) continuously trust and progressively believe that You sent Me forth as an Emissary with a mission.

²¹ "to the end that all mankind may (or: everyone would) continuously exist being one, correspondingly as You, O Father [other MSS: Father], [are] within the midst of Me, and I [am] within the midst of You – so that they, themselves, may and would also continuously exist being within the midst of Us, to the end that the System (world of culture, religion and government; or: secular society) can (may; would) continuously trust and progressively believe that You sent Me forth as an Emissary with a mission. ²² "And I Myself have given to them (or: in them), and they now possess, the glory (the notion; the opinion; the imagination; the reputation; the manifestation which calls forth praise) which You have given to Me, and which I now possess, to the end that they may continuously exist being one correspondingly as (just as; according as; on the same level as; in the same sphere as) We [are] one:

²² "And I Myself have given to them (or: in them), and they now possess, the glory (the notion; the opinion; the imagination; the reputation; the manifestation which calls forth praise) which You have given to Me, and which I now possess, to the end that they may continuously exist being one correspondingly as (just as; according as; on the same level as; in the same sphere as) We [are] one: ²³ "I within the midst of and in union with them and You within the midst of and in union with Me, to the end that they may (or: could; would) continuously exist being folks having been perfected (brought to the destined goal; finished; completed; matured and purposed) into one – so that the System (world of culture, religion, economics and government) can (or: could; would) progressively come to know through experience that You commissioned and sent Me forth, and You love them correspondingly as (or: just as; in the same sphere and to the same level as) You love Me.

²³ "I within the midst of and in union with them and You within the midst of and in union with Me, to the end that they may (or: could; would) continuously exist being folks having been perfected (brought to the destined goal; finished; completed; matured and purposed) into one – so that the System (world of culture, religion, economics and government) can (or: could; would) progressively come to know through experience that You commissioned and sent Me forth, and You love them correspondingly as (or: just as; in the same sphere and to the same level as) You love Me. ²⁴ "Father, I continue purposing and intending (or: willing; wanting) that those also, whom You have given to Me and that I now possess, would continuously exist being with Me where I, Myself, am (continuously exist being), so that they can (or: may; could; would) constantly look upon and keep on contemplatively watching My glory (the appearance of My manifestation which calls forth praise), which You have given to Me as a possession because You loved Me before [the; a] casting-down (or: founding; sowing; [note: figure of ‘conceiving’]) of [the; a] universe (or: world; or: organized system). ²⁵ "O fair and equitable Father (Father who is the paradigm of justice, uprightness and rightwised relationship), though the ordered System (world of culture, religion, economy and government) does not have experiential knowledge of You, yet I Myself experientially and intimately know You (or: the world, also, did not know you by experience, yet I personally knew You), and these people personally know and recognize that You sent Me forth as an Emissary with a mission, ²⁶ "and I made Your Name intimately known to them – and I will continue making It experientially known, to the end that the love [in; with] which You love Me can (would; may; could) continuously be (or: exist) within the midst of and among them – and I Myself within the midst of, among, and in union with them."

³⁹ "For you see, the promise is (continuously exists being) to and for (and in?) you folks, as well as to (for; in?) your children – even to and for (and in?) all people: to and for (and in?) the folks [being] a long way off – in such an amount as [the] Lord [= Yahweh] our God would call to [Himself]!"

²⁵ "You yourselves are the sons of the prophets and of that which was thoroughly set in order and arranged through the covenant, which God fully arranged (or: covenanted) to, and with a view toward, your fathers (= ancestors), progressively saying to Abraham, 'And so, within and in union with your Seed, all the families (or: kinship groups; clans; tribes) of the earth (or: land) shall proceed being blessed and will continue having words of goodness, ease and well-being spoken to and about them.' [Gen. 22:18; 26:4]

¹¹ "This One is the Stone – the One being treated as nothing (or: with scorn and contempt) and being disregarded by and under you folks, the builders (or: the 'architects'); the One coming into [the position of] being 'Head of [the] corner (or: Source of [the] angle; = the Corner Foundation Stone from which the walls are built; or: = Headstone, or, Keystone; = the Summit of the building)!' [Ps. 118:22] ¹² "And thus, the rescue and deliverance – the restoration to health and wholeness, the safety and salvation, and the return to our original state and condition – is in absolutely no other person! For neither is there a different name under the [dome of the] sky (or: heaven) that has been given, and now exists as a gift, among mankind (or: in the midst of humanity) within which it continues binding and necessary for us to be saved (restored to health and wholeness; delivered and kept safe; returned to our original state and condition)!"

³ So Peter said, "Ananias, why (or: through what [situation or circumstance]) did the adversary (or: satan) fill your heart (= the core of yourself) to lie to the Set-apart Breath-effect (or: play false to the Holy Spirit; speak that which is not true, with the Sacred Attitude), and thus to secretly put aside (keep back funds; embezzle) for yourself from the proceeds of the piece of ground (the field; the property; the homestead; the freehold)?

³¹ So then the called-out community down through [the] whole of Judea, Galilee and Samaria continued having peace (or: began possessing unbroken tranquility [= shalom]), progressively being built as a house and continuously edified, as well as habitually going their way, in and by the fear of the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh]. And so, in and by the comforting and encouraging relief and assistance of the set-apart Breath-effect (or: the Holy Spirit and Sacred Attitude), it continued being multiplied (or: was progressively increased and made full).

³⁶ Now in Joppa there was a certain female disciple named Tabitha – which, being translated, is normally called Dorcas (= Gazelle). She was full of good works and noble, virtuous acts – as well as deeds of mercy and gifts of compassion – which she was habitually doing.

²⁸ Thus he affirmed to them, "You folks continue well versed [in the fact] and are well aware of how illicit and inappropriate (forbidden by [our] Law and contrary to [our] established order) it is for an adult man [who is] a Jew (or: is of the Jewish culture) to be intimately joined to, or to regularly come to (or: visit and associate with), a man from another race. And yet God pointed out and demonstrated to me not to continue saying [that] even one human [is] common (= socially or ceremonially unhallowed or defiled) or unclean.

³⁶ "He sent forth the Logos (the Word; the Idea; the Thought; the Reason; the message) to, and then in and by the sons of Israel – repeatedly announcing the good new of ease and well-being: peace through Jesus Christ ([the] Anointed One). This One is Lord (Master) of all humans, and Owner of all things!

³⁹ "even from every thing (or: all things) of which you folks, in union with (or: within) [the] Law of Moses, had no power or ability to at any point be rightwised (turned in the right direction; made fair, equitable and in right relationships within the Way pointed out). In union with and within This One, everyone who is habitually trusting and continuously believing is being progressively rightwised (habitually placed in right relationships which accord with the Way pointed out; continuously made fair and equitable).

¹⁵ and [both] saying, "Men (= Gentlemen)! Why are you now doing these things? We ourselves are also humans: men with similar experiences and like emotions as you folks! Men presently bringing and progressively declaring the good news to you people: [D adds: the God by what means] [with p45: you are to at once stand away and separate] – to then progressively turn away from these fruitless (vain; purposeless; useless) things (or: practices) and to continue turning [your focus and attention] on a [other MSS: the] living God, Who makes (or: formed; constructs; produced) the heaven and the earth (or: the sky and the land) – as well as all the things within them, ¹⁶ "Who, within the generations having gone by, permitted (let; allowed) all the ethnic groups (nations; non-Jewish multitudes) to continue going in their ways (or: to progressively travel on their paths),

¹⁶ "Who, within the generations having gone by, permitted (let; allowed) all the ethnic groups (nations; non-Jewish multitudes) to continue going in their ways (or: to progressively travel on their paths),

²⁷ Now coming to be alongside (= present) and after gathering the called-out community together, they began recounting [to them] whatever God did (performed) with them [D reads: with their souls], and that He opened up a (or: [the]) door of trust with the ethnic multitudes (or: from faith among the nations; of confidence for the non-Jews; to the Gentiles, from faith).

⁷ Now after there coming to be much seeking [of a solution], questioning and disputing, Peter – after standing up – said to them, "Men! Brothers! You yourselves continue well versed (standing upon so as to comprehend) that from the days of the beginning God chose among you folks [for] the ethnic multitudes (or: nations; non-Jews) to hear the Logos (Word; idea; message) of the good news (the message of goodness, ease and well-being) through my mouth – and then, to at once trust and believe! ⁸ "And God, One who knows (or: has insights into) the heart by intimate experience, has given evidence for (or: bore witness to; gave testimony in) them in (or: when) giving the set-apart Breath-effect (or: the Holy Spirit) to [D reads: upon] them, just as [He did] to us, also! ⁹ "Furthermore, He made not even one separation of any kind (or: He made a distinction in nothing; or: He makes no dividing decision in even one thing) between both us and them, at once cleansing (or: purifying) their hearts by faith (with trust; in The Faithfulness [of Christ]; to and for convinced reliance)!

¹¹ "But to the contrary, through the grace and gratuitous favor of the Lord (or: Owner) Jesus [C, D & others add: Christ] (or: which has its source and character in [Yahweh] – Jesus; or: which is the Lord Jesus) we continue trusting and believing to at once be delivered or rescued or saved or made whole, in accordance with which manner those people also [are] (or: But rather, we ourselves habitually trust to be wholly restored to health and returned to our original state and condition, through the joyous grace which has the character and qualities of Jesus, the Lord – in the same way as those folks [were], also)."

¹⁴ "Simeon led [us] out and unfolded, relating in detail, how God first (or: first of all; in the first [place]) made a visit (and: took an attentive look characterized by complete care) to at one point take from out of the midst of the ethnic multitudes (or: nations; folks who were non-Jews) a people for His Name (= as His representatives and for His glory; or: by His Name [= power and authority]; in His Name [= possession and realm of being]; with His Name [= character and reputation]; to His Name).

¹⁴ Then a certain woman named Lydia – a seller (or: dealer) of purple fabrics, from the city of Thyatira, [and she was] a woman who stood in awe of God [D* reads: the Lord {= Yahweh, or, Christ}; note: = a convert to Judaism, or, a "God-fearer;" the word was also used to designate a group (including males and females) separate from proselytes and native Jews, yet enrolled as members of a synagogue] – began hearing and continued listening, whose heart (core of her being) the Lord [= Yahweh, or, Christ] at once completely opened up (or: opened back wide) to continue holding to, attentively accepting and being devoted to the things being presently and progressively spoken by (or: under) Paul.

³¹ So these men said, "At once place your trust and confidence upon the Lord Jesus (or: the Master, Jesus), and then you as well as your household will be kept safe (or: rescued and kept from trouble or danger [from the consequences of these events])."

³⁰ "Indeed then, upon looking over, seeing above and perceiving on behalf of [D reads: taking no notice of] the times of this ignorance, in regard to the present conditions and situations, God is presently and progressively passing along [other MSS: bringing back] this announcement to mankind (or: for humanity): all people (or: every human) everywhere are (or: is) to be progressively changing [their] thinking and continue with a changed mindset! ³¹ "In accord with that, He set (or: established) a Day within which He is progressively about to continue evaluating and deciding about (or: judging) the inhabited area [of the Empire], in fairness and equity (in union with rightwised relationships for making things right and in accord with the Way pointed out; also: = based upon covenant principles; or: = as being in covenant) – within a Man, [D adds: Jesus,] Whom He definitely marked out, furnishing faith to all people (providing trust and assurance for all mankind; tendering loyalty in all) by raising Him back up from the midst of dead ones."

³⁵ Finally, upon quelling and composing the crowd (or: throng), the city recorder (or: town clerk; [note: this was the chief elected magistrate of the city]) continued saying, "Gentlemen! Ephesians! Now really, who is there of mankind who does not continue with personal, experiential knowledge and insight [that] the city of [the] Ephesians continues being the temple keeper (warden; custodian; sexton; official in charge of keeping the temple clean, decorated and in repair) of the great Artemis, and of the [stone; statue] fallen from Zeus?

²¹ "Then He said to me, 'Get on your way, because I Myself will be sending you off with a mission, out into the ethnic multitudes (or: nations; non-Jews) afar off.'"

¹⁸ "'to open back up their eyes again; to turn [their eyes; or: them] back: away from darkness (a realm of the shadow; dimness and obscurity) into Light, even from the authority and privilege of the adversary (or: that is, from the right which comes from out being the opponent), and upon God; to receive a flowing away of deviations and a release from failures, mistakes and occasions of missing the goal (or: a forgiveness of sins) and an allotted inheritance among and in union with the folks having been – and now remaining – set apart in, with and for faith which [leads] into Me (or: centered within the people now made holy by trust [which is] by the One [having come] into the midst of Me; or: within those having been consecrated for loyalty, sanctified with faith and now set apart to trusting conviction [that has brought them] unto Me).'

²⁰ "Therefore, because of this accusation (or: this reason), I called you folks to my side: [for you] to see [the situation] and to address [it] (or: to see [you folks] and to speak to [you]), for you see, I continue with this chain lying around me (or: continue lying encompassed by this chain) on account of the hope and expectation of Israel."

²⁴ Wherefore (or: On which account) God gave (or: hands) them over (or: delivered or delivers them into another's power), within the full passions (or: rushing passionate cravings; added earnest desires, wants and wishes; or: compiled angers and complete wrath) of their hearts, into uncleanness (or: ritual impurity), to be continuously dishonored and shamed – with respect to (or: pertaining to) their bodies – among (or: within) themselves,

²⁸ And then, correspondingly as they did not (or: to the same degree as they do not) put God to the proof and so approve [Him] as fit and suitable, to be continuously holding [Him] within full experiential knowledge (or: having [Him] in union with added intimate insight; or: possessing [Him] in recognition and acknowledgment), God gave them over (hands or delivers them) into a mind which fails to meet the test (a disqualified mind) to continuously do (practice; make) things that consistently are not fitting (not reaching the proper level), ²⁹ being people having been filled with all injustice – so that they are now full of every inequity and unfairness which lacks rightwised relationships and right actions – [as well as] worthlessness (or: criminality; unprofitableness; badness of condition; misery-gushed existence), inordinate, anti-social desire for more (or: ruthless, aggressive and self-assertive greed for advantage), ugliness (poorness of quality; malice); folks very full of (or: replete with) jealousy and envy, murder, strife (or: contentiousness), bait for entrapment, [and] with a settled habit of evil and a disposition of depravity. ³⁰ [They are] whisperers (or: gossipers), slanderers, haters (detesters) of God, overbearing and outrageous folks, haughty and arrogant people, ostentatious and vainglorious ones, inventors of ugly, worthless and bad things, [being] incompliant (stubborn; disobedient) to parents, ³¹ unintelligent (stupid; unable to cause things to flow together), covenant-breakers (or: folks bound by no arrangement or who are false to agreements; not put-together), folks without natural affection, people unwilling to make a treaty (or: implacable), unmerciful folks, ³² those who, fully knowing by experience (being fully aware of) the effect of God’s justice (or: the result of God's fairness and equity; or: the result of what is right, from the way pointed out, which is God; or: God's decree of the Way pointed out) – that those continually performing (committing; executing) such things are folks deserving (worthy; of equivalent value) of death – not only keep on doing the same things, but also are constantly mutually approving, taking pleasure in and consenting with those habitually performing (or: committing; practicing) them.

⁴ Or, are you continually having a "down-oriented" frame of mind (or: despising; thinking down or with disrespect; or: = a negative disposition) concerning the riches (or: wealth) of His kind and gentle usefulness (benevolence with a sweet disposition; kindness), [His] delaying forbearance (the tolerant holding-back) and [His] patient longsuffering, constantly being ignorant that God’s kind and gentle usefulness (benevolence with a sweet disposition) is continuously leading you into a change of mind and purpose (a paradigm shift; or: = repentance with a change of heart and thinking, accompanied by a turn, or return, to God)?

²⁸ for you see, the Jew is not the one in the visibly apparent or outwardly manifest (or: For not he in the outward appearance is a Jew), neither [is] circumcision that [which is] visibly apparent (outwardly manifest) in flesh (= in body), ²⁹ but rather, a Jew [is] the one within the hidden [place] (or: [that which is] in the concealed [realm]) and circumcision [is] of [the] heart (= core of our being) – in union with Breath-effect (or: within [the] spirit; in attitude), not in letter – whose praise (applause; full recommendation; [note play on words: Jew is a derivative of "Judah," which means "praise"]) [is] not from out of mankind (humanity), but rather from out of God.

⁹ What, then (or: therefore)? Do we continually hold an advantage (habitually have something ahead; or, as a passive: are we continually surpassed)? Not at all, for we already charged (previously accused) all mankind, both Jews and Greeks (or: Hellenists), to be (to continuously exist) under [the direction, power and control, or result, of] failure (the missing of the target by falling short or shooting astray through lack of skill and ability or by distraction; or: error; a mistake; sin), ¹⁰ according as it has been, and stands, written, "There is not a just man (there is none fair or in right relationship; or: No one exists being in accord with the Way pointed out), not even one! ¹¹ "The one understanding does not exist (or: There is no man bringing it together to understand)! The one habitually seeking God does not exist (or: There is none continually looking for or repeatedly searching-out God). ¹² "All bend out of the regular line (turn aside; or: avoid [God]), [and] at the same time they are made useless; there is no one habitually doing useful kindness (or: kind usefulness); there is not as much as one. [Ps. 14:1-3; 53:1-3] ¹³ "Their throat [is] an opened grave; by their tongues they were consistently baiting for entrapment (or: to deceive); [Ps. 5:9] venom of asps (vipers) [is] under their lips, [Ps. 140:3] ¹⁴ "whose mouth constantly is crammed full of a wishful curse and of bitterness. [Ps. 10:7] ¹⁵ "Their feet [are] swift (or: sharp) to pour out blood. ¹⁶ "The results of crushing (bruising; shattering) and misery (wretchedness) [are] in their paths (or: ways), ¹⁷ "and the road of peace (path or way of shalom) they do not experience (intimately know). [Isa. 59:7-8; Prov. 1:16] ¹⁸ "There is no fear of or respect for God before (in front of) their eyes." [Ps. 36:1] ¹⁹ But we know from having seen that whatever the Law ([Torah]; or: custom) continues saying, it continues speaking to and for those within the Law (or: custom) – to the end that every mouth may be shut (fenced in; hedged around; stopped; barred; silenced)! And so all the world (ordered System of religion, culture, economy, and government; or: secular society; or: = all humanity) can come to be "under fair and equitable dealings," in God (or: would become subject to a just decision and a pointing out of the Way, by God; or: should come to be liable to God, "under what is right"; or: may be brought to a just trial with God). ²⁰ On account of that (or: Wherefore), no flesh (= person) [at] all will proceed to be put in right relationship (be rightwised; be justified; be made right; be made free from guilt, placed in the Way pointed out; = placed in covenant relationship) before Him (in His sight; face to face with Him in His presence; corem Deo) from out of works of Law (or: deeds or accomplishments springing from Law; performance of Laws' cultus; or: observance of custom or Torah), for you see, through Law [comes] a full, clear, exact, added and experience-gained knowledge of sin (or: from failure; having the character of a missing of the target; which is deviation and error).

²² yet a righteousness of God (or: a right relationship and solidarity with and which is God; justice from God; God’s fair and equitable dealings in accord with the Way pointed out; a rightwised condition effected by God) through Jesus Christ’s faithfulness (trust; faith; convinced loyalty) [coming] into all humanity – as well as upon and into all those believing, for you see, there exists no distinction (no difference; no divided arrangement)!

²² yet a righteousness of God (or: a right relationship and solidarity with and which is God; justice from God; God’s fair and equitable dealings in accord with the Way pointed out; a rightwised condition effected by God) through Jesus Christ’s faithfulness (trust; faith; convinced loyalty) [coming] into all humanity – as well as upon and into all those believing, for you see, there exists no distinction (no difference; no divided arrangement)! ²³ You see, all people at one point veered off the mark (or: all folks deviated; or: everyone fails; all humanity sins), and so they are continually posterior to, falling short of, inferior to and wanting of, God’s glory (of a manifestation of God which calls forth praise; of a reputation which comes from, and has the character of, God; of God's opinion and imagination; of [having] an appearance of God; of the glory from God),

²³ You see, all people at one point veered off the mark (or: all folks deviated; or: everyone fails; all humanity sins), and so they are continually posterior to, falling short of, inferior to and wanting of, God’s glory (of a manifestation of God which calls forth praise; of a reputation which comes from, and has the character of, God; of God's opinion and imagination; of [having] an appearance of God; of the glory from God),

²³ You see, all people at one point veered off the mark (or: all folks deviated; or: everyone fails; all humanity sins), and so they are continually posterior to, falling short of, inferior to and wanting of, God’s glory (of a manifestation of God which calls forth praise; of a reputation which comes from, and has the character of, God; of God's opinion and imagination; of [having] an appearance of God; of the glory from God), ²⁴ while being folks presently and progressively being made right, freed from guilt, placed in solidarity within the Way pointed out, and continuously set in right relationship (or: being [all] one-after-another rightwised; being ones habitually turned in the right direction; being [all] presently justified [by covenant inclusion]) freely (as a gift; gratuitously) by His grace (or: in His joyous favor; with His grace; to His favor) through means of the releasing-away (redemption; setting-free) because of the payment of the ransom which is resident within Christ Jesus (or: which is centered in [the] Anointed Jesus)

²⁴ while being folks presently and progressively being made right, freed from guilt, placed in solidarity within the Way pointed out, and continuously set in right relationship (or: being [all] one-after-another rightwised; being ones habitually turned in the right direction; being [all] presently justified [by covenant inclusion]) freely (as a gift; gratuitously) by His grace (or: in His joyous favor; with His grace; to His favor) through means of the releasing-away (redemption; setting-free) because of the payment of the ransom which is resident within Christ Jesus (or: which is centered in [the] Anointed Jesus)

²⁴ while being folks presently and progressively being made right, freed from guilt, placed in solidarity within the Way pointed out, and continuously set in right relationship (or: being [all] one-after-another rightwised; being ones habitually turned in the right direction; being [all] presently justified [by covenant inclusion]) freely (as a gift; gratuitously) by His grace (or: in His joyous favor; with His grace; to His favor) through means of the releasing-away (redemption; setting-free) because of the payment of the ransom which is resident within Christ Jesus (or: which is centered in [the] Anointed Jesus) ²⁵ Whom God publicly set and places before [us] (or: before put-forth; purposed) [as] a sheltering, cleansing cover (mercy seat; lid of the ark; = atonement) through the faithfulness (or: the trust, faith and loyalty) resident within His blood – into a demonstration which points out the proof of His rightwised solidarity (or: His fairness in covenantal, relational rightness, and His just act which accords with the Way pointed out), on account of (or: because of) the letting flow-aside, and the passing by, of the effects of errors (or: the results of sinful acts; offenses against the Law; effects of mistakes) having previously occurred (being ones having been before brought into being) during the midst of God’s tolerant forbearance –

²⁵ Whom God publicly set and places before [us] (or: before put-forth; purposed) [as] a sheltering, cleansing cover (mercy seat; lid of the ark; = atonement) through the faithfulness (or: the trust, faith and loyalty) resident within His blood – into a demonstration which points out the proof of His rightwised solidarity (or: His fairness in covenantal, relational rightness, and His just act which accords with the Way pointed out), on account of (or: because of) the letting flow-aside, and the passing by, of the effects of errors (or: the results of sinful acts; offenses against the Law; effects of mistakes) having previously occurred (being ones having been before brought into being) during the midst of God’s tolerant forbearance – ²⁶ toward the demonstration which points out the proof of His rightwised solidarity, with fair and equitable dealing (His justice; His righteousness; His compliance with the Way pointed out), within the present season (in the current fitting situation; in union with the current fertile moment), for Him to be just (or: One in covenantal solidarity that accords with fair and equitable dealings which comprise the Way pointed out) and the One progressively turning in the right direction, making just and freeing from guilt while constantly placing in the Way pointed out which is righted, covenantal relationship (or: The Right-wiser and Justifier of) the person [issuing; being born] forth from out of the midst of Jesus’ faithfulness (or: from [the] trust, loyalty, and trustworthiness [emanating] from, and [the] faith which is, Jesus)!

²⁶ toward the demonstration which points out the proof of His rightwised solidarity, with fair and equitable dealing (His justice; His righteousness; His compliance with the Way pointed out), within the present season (in the current fitting situation; in union with the current fertile moment), for Him to be just (or: One in covenantal solidarity that accords with fair and equitable dealings which comprise the Way pointed out) and the One progressively turning in the right direction, making just and freeing from guilt while constantly placing in the Way pointed out which is righted, covenantal relationship (or: The Right-wiser and Justifier of) the person [issuing; being born] forth from out of the midst of Jesus’ faithfulness (or: from [the] trust, loyalty, and trustworthiness [emanating] from, and [the] faith which is, Jesus)! ²⁷ So then where [is] the loud-spoken boasting? It is shut out (or: was excluded). Through what kind of law or custom? Of works (or: The one concerned with and pertaining to acts; The one whose source and involvement is deeds and actions)? No! (or: By no means!) But rather through Faith’s law and principle (or: To the contrary, by means of a principle of trust and loyalty, manifested in faithfulness and coming from confident reliance; = a law and custom which was displayed in the confident loyalty of Christ in His act of solidarity with the human condition)!

²⁷ So then where [is] the loud-spoken boasting? It is shut out (or: was excluded). Through what kind of law or custom? Of works (or: The one concerned with and pertaining to acts; The one whose source and involvement is deeds and actions)? No! (or: By no means!) But rather through Faith’s law and principle (or: To the contrary, by means of a principle of trust and loyalty, manifested in faithfulness and coming from confident reliance; = a law and custom which was displayed in the confident loyalty of Christ in His act of solidarity with the human condition)! ²⁸ For you see, [some MSS: Now] we continue logically concluding (reckoning and reasonably accounting) a person (or: mankind; humanity) to be continually made right and freed from guilt, placed in solidarity in the Way pointed out, and kept in a right social bond of relationship (or: rightwised; justified; = included in covenant) by faith and in trust, apart from works of law (= observance of Torah, or acts associated with custom and habitual practice, or pertaining to ordinances made by authority).

²⁸ For you see, [some MSS: Now] we continue logically concluding (reckoning and reasonably accounting) a person (or: mankind; humanity) to be continually made right and freed from guilt, placed in solidarity in the Way pointed out, and kept in a right social bond of relationship (or: rightwised; justified; = included in covenant) by faith and in trust, apart from works of law (= observance of Torah, or acts associated with custom and habitual practice, or pertaining to ordinances made by authority). ²⁹ Or [is He] the God of [the] Jews only? [Is He] not also of the ethnic multitudes (nations; Gentiles; non-Jews)? Yes, of the ethnic multitudes (nations) also, ³⁰ since indeed (or: if after all; [other MSS: seeing that God [is] One (or: [there is] one God; [it is the] one God; = God [is; tends toward] Union; [Deut. 6:4,Shema]) Who from out of faithfulness (or: forth from [His] faith, trust and loyalty) will, by rightwising [them], progressively make Circumcision right, just and free from guilt, placing them in the Way pointed out and setting them in solidarity within right relationships – and (or: as well as) Uncircumcision through means of the [same] faithfulness (by means of this trust, faith and loyalty).

² You see, if Abraham was rightwised, placed in right relationship, and declared just and in accord with the Way, from out of [his] works (or: made right, turned in the right direction and justified by actions; = included in covenant from [his] deeds), he yet holds something to boast about (a ground or right for boasting), but not toward (or: face to face with) God.

⁵ But to (or: for; with) the person not habitually working, yet constantly believing (actively placing [his] trust and reliance) upon the One [Who is] continuously making right the irreverent (or: the One habitually rightwising, pointing in the right direction, putting in right relationship, justifying, and placing the profane person in the midst of the [covenantal] Way pointed out), his faith (trust; convinced, confidence and loyal allegiance) is logically being considered (constantly reckoned and credited on account) into (unto; for) right behavior in accord with the Way pointed out (justice; fairness; right, equitable and well-ordered living).

¹⁶ On account of this (or: Therefore) [it is; it was; the Promise comes] from out of faith-trust, to the end that [it is] down from, in line with and according to grace: a joy-producing act of favor [leading] unto (or: into) the [situation for] the Promise to be continuously firm (steadily walked; secured, confirmed and established; guaranteed as valid and made sure) in all (or: to all; for all) the seed (or: = realized by all the offspring), not in the [seed] (or: to the one; for the person) from out of the Law only (or: by that only from out of custom), but rather also in the [seed] (or: to the one; for the person; or: by that) from out of Abraham’s faith, which is a father of all of us (or: out of [the] trust of Abraham, who is [the] father of us all).

¹ Being, then, folks that were rightwised (placed in the right relationship of [covenantal] solidarity in the Way pointed out and made fair, equitable, just, free from guilt and turned in the right direction) from the midst of faith, out of trust and with conviction as the source, we continuously hold and progressively have [other MSS: let us (or: we can) habitually retain and enjoy] peace and harmony face to face with God (or: [directing and conducting us] toward God), through our Owner and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: Master, [the] Anointed Jesus), ² through Whom, also, we have had and now hold the conducted approach and access (or: the act of bringing toward to gain entr'e9e), by faith and in trust, into this grace and joyous favor within which we have stood and in union with which we now stand, and so we keep on speaking loudly of and habitually boasting upon the expectation (or: expectant hope) of God’s glory (the manifestation from God which calls forth praise; the splendor which is God; and: God's good reputation; the opinion from God; the imagination which has the quality of God).

⁶ For during our yet existing [as] weak folks and continuing in being without strength (or: [B reads: Since in fact] when we were infirm, and thus helpless), Christ, still corresponding to and in accord with [the] appointed season (or: down from a kairos; in the sphere of and down into the level of a fitting situation; in line with a fertile moment), died for the sake of the ungodly and irreverent (or: died over [the situation of] and on behalf of those without awe of God).

⁸ Yet God constantly stands together with His own love [flowing] into us (or: But God continuously puts the urge for accepting-reunion, from, and which is, Himself, together into the midst of us), because during our still continuing to exist being (= while we were yet) failures (folks deviating from the goal; ones missing the target and making mistakes; sinners; outcasts), Christ died over our [condition and predicament] (or: on our behalf; for the sake of us). ⁹ Much more, then – being now (at the present time) rightwised (turned in the right direction, placed in right relationships of solidarity and made fair within the Way pointed out; or: justified and made free from guilt; = placed in covenant) within His blood (or: in union with the blood from, and which is, Him) – through Him we will continue being rescued (saved; delivered; made healthy and whole; returned to our original state and condition; kept safe), away from the [conditions or situations of] personal emotion (inherent fervor; natural mental bent or disposition; teeming passion and swelling desire; or: [our] anger and [human] wrath). ¹⁰ For you see, since (or: if) while continuously existing being actively hostile ones (or: enemies [of people, or of God]) we were suddenly changed from enmity to friendship by God (or: conciliated to God; or: changed to be wholly other and to be in line, consistent and compatible IN God) through His Son’s death, much more (or: all the more, then) we will continue being kept safe and will be progressively delivered (rescued; saved; cured and restored to the health and wholeness of our original state and condition) – being folks that were conciliated (fully changed from enmity to friendship and made totally other than we were) within His Life (or: in union with the life which is Him).

¹⁰ For you see, since (or: if) while continuously existing being actively hostile ones (or: enemies [of people, or of God]) we were suddenly changed from enmity to friendship by God (or: conciliated to God; or: changed to be wholly other and to be in line, consistent and compatible IN God) through His Son’s death, much more (or: all the more, then) we will continue being kept safe and will be progressively delivered (rescued; saved; cured and restored to the health and wholeness of our original state and condition) – being folks that were conciliated (fully changed from enmity to friendship and made totally other than we were) within His Life (or: in union with the life which is Him).

¹² Because of and through this (or: Therefore; That is why), just as through one man (or: So it is that, even as through the act or agency of one person,) The Sin (or: the failure, miss of the target and deviation from the goal) entered into the aggregate of humanity (ordered system of religion, culture, society and government; or: world; cosmos), and through The Sin (failure; the mistake; the miss of the target; the deviation) The Death [also], in this way The Death thus also passed through in all directions (or: came through the midst causing division and duality; went throughout) into all mankind (or: into the midst of humanity; or: to all people), upon which [situation, condition, and with the consequential result that] all people sin (or: everyone failed, missed the target, fell short of the goal; or: all make mistakes and deviate from the goal) ¹³ – for until (up to the point of; = prior to) Law (or: custom), sin (failure; missing of the target; deviation from the goal) continued existing within the ordered System (world of religion, government, economy and culture; or: organized societies; or: cosmos), yet sin (failure; missing; deviating) is not continuing to be logically considered (is not being taken into account; is not habitually being put on one’s account; is not continually counted), there being (or: existing) no law (or: custom) – ¹⁴ But nonetheless The Death reigned (or: holds royal and kingly rule) from Adam as far as and as long as Moses [= Law], even upon those not sinning (failing to hit the target; deviating from the goal) upon [B and other MSS: within] the result of that which is conformed to (upon the occasion of the effect of the similarity of, or in the likeness of) the stepping aside (or: the transgression) of Adam – who is, and continues being, a type (an impress; a prefigure; a pattern) of the One being repeatedly (or: always) about to '85 [be (?) come (?) do something (?)] (or: the One habitually impending) (or: which exists being an impression made by a blow from the [situation; Person; creation; realm; arrangement] progressively being about to [exist]). ¹⁵ Yet to the contrary, [it is] not in the same way [with] the effect of grace (result of favor; the thing graciously given) as [it was with] the effect of the fall to the side (or: = the result of the stumbling aside and the offence is not simply balanced out by the result of the joyful gift of grace – the gratuitous favor). For you see, since (or: if) by (or: in) the effect of the fall to the side (the result of the stumbling aside and the offense) of the one THE MANY (= the mass of humanity) died, MUCH MORE (= infinitely greater) [is] the Grace of God (God’s Grace; favor which is God), and the gift (or: gratuitous benefit) within Grace – a joy-producing act of Favor – by that of the One Man, Jesus Christ, surrounded (or: encircles) into encompassing superabundance (extraordinary surplus and excess) into THE MANY (= the mass of humanity). ¹⁶ And further, [it is] not [with] the effect of the gush and flow of the gratuitous gift as [it was] through one missing of the target (failing; deviating; sinning). For you see, on the one hand, the effect of the decision and judgment (result of the separating, evaluation and verdict) [was] from out of one [failure and deviation, which led] into a commensurate effect of a decision (a corresponding result of a negative evaluation which fell in line with the decision and followed the pattern which divided [us] down). But on the other hand, the effect of the grace (the product of the gratuitous favor and the resulting joyous benefit) [is] from out of the effect of many falls to the side (result of many stumblings-aside and offenses) into the effect of a rightwising [of covenant inclusion] (the result of a placing into right relationships within the Way pointed out; or: the effect of an act of justice; an effect of equity; a just award; or: a result of fairness, removal of guilt, and justification, while being turned in the right direction; an amendment of what was wrong; a just-effect; = the effect of covenant inclusion and participation). ¹⁷ For since (or: if) by the effect of the fall to the side (or: in the result of the stumbling aside; with the effect of the offense) of the one The Death reigned (or: reigns; rules as king) through that one, much more, rather, will the peoples (= the masses of humanity) – in continuously receiving and seizing upon (taking in hand) the surrounding superabundance (encircling, extraordinary surplus and excess) of the Grace and of the gratuitous gift of the rightwising (of the fair and equitable dealing; from the placement in right [covenant]-relationship in the Way; of the justification and freedom from guilt while being turned in the right direction) – continue reigning (or: ruling as kings) within and in union with Life through the One, Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ Consequently, then, as [it was] through the effect of one fall to the side (or: the result of one offense) [coming] into all mankind ([permeating] into all humanity; = [extending] into the whole race) [bringing them] into a commensurate effect of a decision (a corresponding result of a negative evaluation which fell in line with the decision and followed the pattern which divided [us] down), THUS ALSO and in the same way, through one just-effect and the result of one right act which set [all humanity] right and in accord with the Way pointed out (through the result of one act of justice, equity and solidarity; through a single decree creating rightwised relationships; through one effect of rightwising which turns [people] in the right direction) [it comes] into ALL MANKIND (all humanity; all people; = the whole race) [bringing them] into a setting right of Life and a rightwising from Life [including them in covenant community] (or: Life’s turning [folks] in the right direction resulting in right relating, equity and justice which is in accord with the Way pointed out; a making of situations and conditions to be right, which pertain to Life; an expressing of fairness and equity, which is LIFE; a rightly directed solidarity coming from Life; a just-acting having the qualities of life). ¹⁹ For you see, JUST AS through the unwillingness to listen, or to pay attention, resulting in disobedience (or: the erroneous hearing leading to disobedience) of the one person THE MANY (= the mass of humanity) were rendered (established; constituted; placed down and made to be) sinners (failures; ones who diverge and miss the target), THUS – in the same way – ALSO through the submissive listening and paying attention resulting in obedience of the One, THE MANY (= the mass of humanity) will continue being rendered (placed down and established as; constituted; appointed to be) just ones (folks who have been rightwised; people in the Way pointed out; righteous ones who are free from guilt; fair, equitable, rightly-turned folks in right, covenant relationships). ²⁰ Now Law and custom at one point entered in alongside (or: intruded into the situation by the side) to the end that the effect of the fall to the side (or: so that the result of the offense and the stumbling aside) would increase to be more than enough (should greatly abound and become more intense). But where the Sin (the failure; the divergence and missing of the target) increases (or: abounded to be more than enough; becomes more intense) THE GRACE ("the act producing happiness, which is granted as a favor" – Jim Coram) at once super-exceeds (or: hyper-exceeded) over and above, surrounding to excessive abundance and overflow, ²¹ to the end that JUST AS the Sin (the failure; the erroneous act; the deviation and digression which issued in missing the goal) at one point reigned (or: ruled as king; exercised sovereign sway) within, and in union with, the Death, THUS SO (or: in THIS way) also the Grace and joyous favor would reign (should rule as king; can exercise sovereign sway) through rightwisedness (or: by means of rightly-turned existence with equity in [covenantal] solidarity of right relationships which accord to the Way; through a Justice-[expression]) [which leads] into Life which belongs to, pertains to and has the characteristics of the Age (or: eonian life; Life of the Age [of Messiah]; a life for the ages) – through Jesus Christ, our Owner (Lord; Master).

⁴ We, then (or: consequently), were buried together (entombed together with funeral rites) in Him (or: by Him; with Him), through the immersion (baptism) into the death, to the end that just as (or: in the same manner as) Christ was roused and raised forth from out of the midst of dead folks THROUGH (through means of) THE GLORY (the glorious manifestation of splendor which calls forth praise; the notion; the renown; the reputation; the imagination) of The Father (or: which is the Father), thus also we can walk around (or: we also should likewise conduct ourselves and order our behavior) within newness of life (in union with life characterized by being new in kind and quality, and different from that which was former). ⁵ For since (or: You see, if) we have been birthed (have become; have come to be) folks engrafted and produced together (or: planted and made to grow together; brought forth together; congenital) in, by, to and with the result of the likeness of (or: effect of the similar manner from) His death, then certainly we shall also continue existing [in the effects of the likeness] of The Resurrection (or: which is the resurrection; or: from, and with qualities of, the resurrection), ⁶ while constantly knowing this by intimate experience, that our old, former humanity is crucified together (or: was simultaneously and jointly impaled and put to death on an execution stake) with [Him], to the end that the body of the Sin (the body belonging to the failure; the corporal manifestation that pertains to the deviation; the group of people [Adam] who missed the target) could and would be rendered useless and inoperative (idled-down to be unproductive; made null, inactive and unemployed), for us to no longer continually be a slave to the Sin (or: perform as a slave in the failure, for the Sin, or by deviating and thus missing the goal),

¹² Do not, then, let the Sin to continue reigning (or: Therefore, stop allowing the failure, the mistake, or the deviation from the goal to continue on the throne ruling as king) within your mortal body, [leading] into the continual listening in submissive obedience to its earnest desires (its full rushing of emotions, passions and lusts).

¹⁸ For I have seen and thus know that good (or: virtue) is not habitually making its home (housing itself; dwelling; = living) within me – that is, within my flesh (= alienated self; or: = life under Torah) – for the [ability or condition] to will (or: intend; purpose) is continually lying near beside me, but the [ability, condition or circumstance] to constantly produce (work down, effect and accomplish) the ideal (the fine; the excellent; the beautiful) [is] not.

¹ Nothing, consequently, [is] now a result of condemnation in (or: a commensurate effect of a decision for; a corresponding result of a negative evaluation which falls in line with a decision or follows the pattern which divides [folks] down, with) those within Christ Jesus (or: [There is] not one thing [that is] really now an effect of a downward-judging to, in or with the folks in union with [the] Anointing of Jesus)! [A, D & later MSS here add: {They} are not habitually walking around (= living their lives) in accord with (or: corresponding to) flesh] [Aleph2, D2 & later MSS here add: but to the contrary, in the sphere of spirit and attitude (or: Breath-effect; or: {the} Spirit).] ² For the principle and law of, from and which is the spirit and attitude of 'The Life within Christ Jesus' (or: For you see, the Law of Life’s spirit, joined with [the] Anointing of Jesus; or: For the Spirit’s law of life within Christ Jesus; or: the Law [= Torah] from the Breath-effect, which is Life in union with [the] Anointed Jesus) frees you away from the Law of the Sin (or: the principle of failure and the missing of the target; the code of behavior that produces error; the principle of deviation from the goal) and the Death (or: immediately set you [other MSS: me] at liberty from the law that deals with and has the character of sin and death). [comment: = the principle of the old Adamic life, and Israel's Torah] ³ You see, [because of] the powerlessness and inability of the Law (from the written code; = associated with Torah) – within which it kept on making [folks] weak and feeble ([note: the active voice]; but as an intransitive: in which [incapability] it was constantly falling sick and continued being without strength) through the flesh (= the alienated self oriented toward the System; or: = Torah culture and cultus, with boundary-marker observances) – in sending His own Son (or: by sending the Son, Who is Himself) within a result of a likeness of flesh that is connected with sin (or: in an effect of being made similar to sin’s flesh; = in union with a result from being made like the alienated existence that is marked by failure), and concerning sin (or: encircling failure and error; to address a missed target; surrounding deviation; [note: or, as a technical term for the sin offering: = to be the sin-offering; see: Lev. 4:32; 5:6-9; 2 Chron. 29:24; Ps. 40:6; Ezk. 42:13, LXX]), God gives a commensurate decision from a corresponding negative evaluation which falls in line with and follows the pattern which divides down (or: condemned; gives a down-oriented verdict; passed down a sentence on and gave judgment against) the Sin within the flesh [system] (or: the failure, the error, the miss of the target and the deviation [which is] in union with the human condition; or: = the mistake of the estranged, System-dominated self),

⁷ Because of that, the result of the thinking (disposition; thought processes; mind-set, outlook) of the flesh (= attention to Torah boundary-markers, custom and cultus; or: = the human condition) [is; brings] enmity, alienation and discord [streaming] into God (or: hostility unto, or active hatred with a view to, God), for it continues not being humbly aligned and supportive (habitually placed under and submitted; or, as a middle: subjecting, humbly arranging or marshaling itself) to the principle and law which is God (or: in God’s principle; by the Law from God), for neither is it able nor does it have power.

⁷ Because of that, the result of the thinking (disposition; thought processes; mind-set, outlook) of the flesh (= attention to Torah boundary-markers, custom and cultus; or: = the human condition) [is; brings] enmity, alienation and discord [streaming] into God (or: hostility unto, or active hatred with a view to, God), for it continues not being humbly aligned and supportive (habitually placed under and submitted; or, as a middle: subjecting, humbly arranging or marshaling itself) to the principle and law which is God (or: in God’s principle; by the Law from God), for neither is it able nor does it have power. ⁸ Now the folks continuously existing in the midst of (or: So people being in union with, or centered in,) flesh (= the alienated human condition; or: = the religious system involving flesh sacrifices, Torah boundary-markers/customs) have no power and are not able at any point to please God (or: to fit or adapt to God; or: to be content with God; or: to be acceptable in God). ⁹ Yet you folks are not constantly existing within the midst of flesh (or: you are not in union with nor centered on [the alienated human condition, or Torah-keeping with flesh sacrifices]), but rather within spirit, in union with Breath-effect and centered on [His] attitude, since indeed God’s Spirit (or: if so be that [the] Breath-effect which is God; or: if as is the fact that an attitude which corresponds to God) is continuously housing Itself (making His abode; residing; dwelling; by idiom: cohabiting; living together as husband and wife) within and among you folks. Yet if anyone is not continuously having, or not habitually and progressively holding, Christ’s Spirit and [the Messiah's] Attitude (or: So if a certain person is not regularly possessing a Breath-effect which is Anointed), this one is not habitually existing from Him as his Source (or: is not now having His character or qualities; or: presently is not His). ¹⁰ But since Christ (or: Yet if [the] Anointing) [is] within you folks, on the one hand the body is dead (lifeless) because of sin (through failure, deviation and missing the target), yet on the other hand, the Spirit, Attitude and Breath-effect [is] Life because of justice, [covenant] rightwisedness and equitable relationships within the Way pointed-out (or: on account of [His] covenant faithfulness which set us in the Right [Christ], turning us into the Right Direction). ¹¹ Now since the Breath-effect (or: Spirit; Attitude) of the One arousing and raising Jesus forth from out of the midst of dead folks is continuously housing Itself (making His abode; residing; making His home; by idiom: living together as husband and wife) within, and in union with, you folks, the One raising Christ Jesus forth from out of dead ones will also continue progressively giving Life to (or: will even habitually make alive) the mortal bodies of you folks (or: your mortal bodies) through the constant indwelling of His Spirit (or: the continual in-housing of His Breath-effect; the continuous internal residing of the Attitude, which is Him,) [other MSS: because of His habitually-indwelling Spirit] within and among you folks.

¹⁵ For you folks did (or: do) not receive again a spirit of slavery to fear (or: get slavery’s spirit or breath-effect again, unto fear; or: take an attitude which personifies being a slave [in Egypt or under the Law, leading] into fear again), but rather you received a spirit of being placed as a son (or: a Breath-effect which set you in the position of a son; or: you receive an attitude of one having been adopted [in accord with Greek or Roman law]), within which (or: in union with Whom) we are habitually crying out, “Abba (Dad), O Father!”

²⁶ Now similarly (or: likewise; in like manner), the Spirit also (or: even the Breath-effect; the Attitude) habitually takes hold together on the opposite side of a situation so as to assist in our weakness (or: joins with a helping hand in our lack of strength and infirmity), for we have not seen, and thus do not know nor are aware of, the thing which we should think, speak or do toward things going well and being good – to accord with what must be (or: can pray commensurately to what is necessary and down from what is binding), but rather the Spirit Himself (the Breath-effect Itself; this Attitude itself) from above constantly hits the target within us (or: falls in on our behalf; instead of us hits within; falls in for and over us; or: makes hyper-intercession) with unexpressed, unutterable or inexpressible groanings (or: in sighs too deep for words; with wordless and inarticulate battle cries of deep emotion; in shouts of victory from the core of His Being). ²⁷ But the One continuously searching (tracing; exploring; trying to find out [concerning]) the hearts has seen, and thus knows and is aware of, what [is] the effect of the mind-set and way of thinking of the Breath-effect (or: the Spirit’s opinion and thinking; or: the frame of mind and thought of the [person’s] spirit and attitude), that (or: because) down from God (or: in accord with God; on the level of and commensurate with God) it (or: It; He) continually hits on target within (encounters and falls in union; obtains within while interceding), over [the situation of] and for the sake of [the] set-apart folks (saints; holy ones; sacredly different people).

²⁹ because those whom He foreknew (whom He knows from previous intimate experience), He also marked out beforehand (determined, defined and designed in advance) [as] copies (joint-forms) of the image (material likeness; portrait; mirrored image) of His Son (or: He previously divided, separated and bounded conformed patterns from the image of His Son) into the [situation for] Him to be (or: to continually exist being) the Firstborn among, within the center of, and in union with many brothers (= a vast family of believers)!

⁴ the very ones who are Israelites, whose [is] the placing in the condition of a son (or: the deposit of the Son; the setting in place which is the Son; the constituting as a son) and the glory (the things which call forth praise and bring a splendid reputation) and the arrangements(or: covenants; [other MSS: the Covenant) and the placing of the Law (or: even the setting of custom and legislation by/as [Torah]) and the sacred service and the promises, ⁵ whose [are] the fathers (= ancestors) and forth from out of the midst of whom [is] the Christ, the [descendant] down the line of flesh (or: on the level of the human realm) – the One continuously being upon all mankind: God, worthy of praise and blessing on into the ages! It is so (or: – corresponding to natural descent – [is] the Anointed One [= the Messiah] who exists being God: One with a message of goodness, ease and well-being – superimposed on all things – on into the indefinite time periods! Amen – count on it)!

⁸ That is, [some MSS: That is because] the children of the flesh (= those born physically by humans; or: = the self that is produced by influence from the alienated System) – these [are] not the children of God! But rather, “the children of The Promise” is He continually considering into [being] seed (or: He is constantly counting into [the] Seed; [that] is habitually reckoned and reasonably concluded for a seed).

¹¹ For you see, not as yet being born ones, nor ones practicing (performing; accomplishing) anything good or vile (mean; sorry; careless; bad [p46 reads: worthless; of bad quality; corrupt; evil]) – to the end that God's purpose and aim, which He designed and set beforehand, may continually remain (abide; dwell) down from (corresponding to and in accord with) election (a selection; a choosing-out; a choice), not forth from out of works (or: actions), but instead from out of the One repeatedly calling (or: from the continual summoning) –

¹⁵ For He is saying to Moses, "I will continue being merciful to (will progressively relieve the distress and misery of) whomever I should presently be merciful (or: I may continuously relieve of distress and misery), and I will continue being compassionate to whomever I should (or: may; would) be continuously compassionate." [Ex. 33:19] ¹⁶ Consequently, then, [it is] not of or from the one constantly exercising [his] will (or: [it does] not pertain or belong to habitually intending or designing), nor of the one constantly rushing forward (or: nor does it pertain or belong to the one continuously running or habitually racing), but rather of, from, pertaining to and belonging to God, the One constantly being merciful (or: but from God’s habitually and continuously relieving from distress and misery; or: but to the contrary, [it is] from the One repeatedly dispensing mercy, which is God).

¹⁶ Consequently, then, [it is] not of or from the one constantly exercising [his] will (or: [it does] not pertain or belong to habitually intending or designing), nor of the one constantly rushing forward (or: nor does it pertain or belong to the one continuously running or habitually racing), but rather of, from, pertaining to and belonging to God, the One constantly being merciful (or: but from God’s habitually and continuously relieving from distress and misery; or: but to the contrary, [it is] from the One repeatedly dispensing mercy, which is God).

²² Now since (or: So what if) God – habitually willing (or: repeatedly intending) to display and demonstrate inherent fervor, natural impulse, propensity and disposition (or: teeming passion; swelling desire; or: anger, wrath and indignation), and also to make known by personal experience His power and ability – in much long-suffering (long-breathing; forbearance) bears and carries (or: brought forth and produced; or: enduringly supports while moving) containers (vessels; instruments; utensils) of natural impulse (belonging to a passionate disposition; displaying inherent fervor; from teeming passion and swelling desire; or: of anger; having the character of wrath; owned by indignation), being folks having been fully outfitted, thoroughly prepared and made correspondingly adequate for loss (or: having equipped, adapted and adjusted themselves down into ruin, waste and destruction [of their well-being]), and now continuing in this condition, ²³ [it is] to the end that He could and would (or: may) also at some point make known by intimate experience the wealth of His glory (or: of His manifestation of that which calls forth praise; of the glory which is Him; which pertains to His reputation; from His imagination and opinion) upon containers of mercy (instruments of mercy), which He beforehand prepares into [being] (or: made ready and provides into the midst of) a manifestation of [that] glory

⁹ namely that whenever you can speak the same saying (or: agree) in your mouth, that "Jesus Christ [is] Lord" (or: so that if at any time you would confess in your mouth the declaration that Jesus [is] Lord [with other MSS: because if ever you should suddenly avow in your own mouth, “Lord Jesus!”]) and would believe within your heart (= trust and have confidence in the core of your being) that God raised (or: arouses and awakens) Him forth from out of the midst of dead folks, you will proceed being delivered (healed and made whole; kept safe; rescued; saved; restored to your original state and condition). ¹⁰ You see, in (or: by; with) [the] heart (= core of your being) it is progressively believed and trusted (or: a person is made loyal and given confidence) [leading] into rightwisedness (justice; a turn in the right direction with equitable dealings and right relationships with the Way pointed out; also = covenant inclusion and participation), yet by (or: in; with) [the] mouth the same thing is being repeatedly said (or: it is agreed and habitually confessed and professed) [leading] into the midst of a deliverance (a rescue; salvation; health and wholeness).

¹² You see, there is no distinction or separation made by putting asunder in order to define or distinguish between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord (Owner; Master) of everyone (or: for the same One [being] Lord of all) is continuously being rich unto (or: is constantly abundantly furnishing [Himself] into) all the folks habitually calling upon Him.

¹⁴ How, then, can (may; should; would) they at some point call unto (= invoke) One Whom (or: that which) they do not trust or believe (or: did not have faith in)? And how can (may; should; would) they believe where they do not hear (or: trust in Whom they did not hear)? And how can they at any point hear apart from a person continually making public proclamation (habitually publishing and extensively heralding)?

¹⁷ Consequently, the faith (or: the trust; confidence; loyalty) [comes or arises] from out of the midst of, or from within, hearing, yet the hearing [comes] through a gush-effect of Christ, even through the result of a flow which is Christ (or: through Christ's utterance; through something spoken concerning Christ; or: by means of a declaration which is anointed, or from Christ; through a word uttered which is Christ; [other MSS: God's speech]).

⁵ Thus then, also, within the present season (or: In this way, therefore, even in the current appropriate situation and in union with the present fertile moment) a destitute remainder (or: a forsaken minority under the effect of lack; a left-behind surviving group; a worn-smooth, plain, inferior, unsculptured, unembossed part; a remnant) has been birthed (has come to be and exists) down from a selection of grace (in accord with an election which is grace and a choosing-out for favor). ⁶ Now since (or: if) [it is] by grace (in a gift of favor), [it is] no longer from out of works (deeds; actions)! Otherwise grace (the joyous gift of favor) comes to be no longer grace (or: Else grace is no longer birthed, or comes to be, grace; [some MSS add: but if from out of works, it is no longer grace, otherwise the work is no longer work]).

⁶ Now since (or: if) [it is] by grace (in a gift of favor), [it is] no longer from out of works (deeds; actions)! Otherwise grace (the joyous gift of favor) comes to be no longer grace (or: Else grace is no longer birthed, or comes to be, grace; [some MSS add: but if from out of works, it is no longer grace, otherwise the work is no longer work]).

³⁰ For just as you folks were once (or: at one time) incompliant to God (or: unconvinced, disobedient, unwilling to be persuaded and stubborn by God), yet now (at the present time) you folks are (or: were) mercied (made the recipients of mercy) by (or: in; with) the incompliance (disobedience; stubbornness; lack of being convinced) of these folks.

² And stop constantly conforming yourselves to (or, as passive: So then, quit being repeatedly molded by, fashioned for or patterned together with) this age [with other MSS: and not to be continuously configured to this age, or not to constantly remodel yourself for this age], but on the contrary, be progressively transformed (transfigured; changed in form and semblance) by the renewing (or: in the renewal; for the making-back-up-new again) of your mind [with other MSS: from The Mind; of the intellect; pertaining to the faculties of perceiving and understanding; of the mindset, disposition, inner orientation and world view] into the [situation and condition for] you folks to be habitually examining in order to be testing and, after scrutiny, distinguishing and approving what [is] God's will (design; purpose; resolve; intent): the good and well-pleasing, even perfect (finished, complete and destined)! (or: = the thing [that is] virtuous, satisfying and able to succeed in its purpose.)

¹⁴ but rather, you folks must clothe yourselves with (or: enter within and put on) the Lord, Jesus Christ, and stop (or: do not continue) making forethought (constructing provision; planning ahead; performing provident care) into excessive desires of the flesh (= into rushing upon emotions which pertain to the inner self or the estranged humanity; = into the setting of feelings and longings upon something of the human nature that is oriented to the System).

⁸ For I am saying and laying out the idea [that] Christ has been birthed to become, and remain, a Servant and Dispenser from circumcision (or: an Attendant, Helper and Minister of and pertaining to [the] Circumcision [i.e., God’s covenant people]), over [the situation of] God's reality (or: Circumcision's Dispenser of provisions for the sake of a truth from and about God, and a reality which is God), into the standing to confirm (stabilize; make good; cause to stand by stepping in place on a good footing; or: to guarantee the validity of) the promises from, which pertain to, and which belong to, the fathers (or: the patriarchal promises), ⁹ and on the other hand [to place on good footing and confirm the standing of] the ethnic multitudes (the nations; the non-Israelites; the pagans), [for them] to glorify God (to enhance the reputation of and the opinion about God) over [the situation of] mercy (for the sake of [His] mercy), just as it has been written, "Because of this I will continue openly professing and acclaiming You (speaking out of the same word for and to You; agreeing and promising) within ethnic multitudes (among nations that are pagans and Gentiles), and I will continue playing music (striking the string; making melody; singing with musical accompaniment) to, for and in Your Name." [2 Sam. 22:50; Ps. 18:50] ¹⁰ And again he is saying, "Be of a good frame of mind (Be merry and glad; Have thoughts of wellness), you ethnic multitudes (non-Jews), together with His people." [Deut. 32:43] ¹¹ And again, "You folks – all the multitudes (all nations; all of the Gentiles) – be continually praising the Lord [= Yahweh]." [Ps. 117:1] ¹² And again, Isaiah is saying, "There (or: He) will continue being The Root (or: the Sprout from the root) of Jesse, even the One habitually standing up (placing Himself back; raising Himself up) to continue being Ruler (being The Chief; to repeatedly be the Beginner) of multitudes (of nations; of Gentiles). Upon Him ethnic multitudes (non-Jews; nations) will continue placing their expectation (will rely; will hope)." [Isa. 11:10]

²⁰ And now the God Who is The Peace (the God of harmony Who is the source of shalom; the God whose character and quality is this peace) will progressively rub together, trample and crush the adversary (beat the opponent to jelly; shatter satan) under your feet swiftly! The grace and joyous favor of our Lord Jesus [is, and continues] with you folks.

²⁹ so that no flesh [nature, government or religious system] – [including, or at] all – could boast in God's sight or presence (or: before God). ³⁰ Now you folks are, and continuously exist being, forth from out of the midst of Him – within and in union with Christ Jesus, Who came to be (or: is birthed) wisdom in us (or: to us; for us) from God; likewise, both fairness and equity ([covenantal] relationship in the Way pointed out; rightwisedness – being turned in the right direction – and justice) and the essence of being set-apart to be different – even release by payment of a ransom (or: redemption) –

³⁰ Now you folks are, and continuously exist being, forth from out of the midst of Him – within and in union with Christ Jesus, Who came to be (or: is birthed) wisdom in us (or: to us; for us) from God; likewise, both fairness and equity ([covenantal] relationship in the Way pointed out; rightwisedness – being turned in the right direction – and justice) and the essence of being set-apart to be different – even release by payment of a ransom (or: redemption) – ³¹ to the end that, correspondingly as it has been and stands written, "The one constantly boasting: let him habitually boast and constantly take pride in [the] Lord [= Yahweh]." [Jer. 9:23]

⁹ For we are God's fellow-workers (or: we are co-workers of and from God; we exist being co-workers who belong to God). You folks are God's farm (or: field under cultivation), God's building (or: construction project; structure, or act of building).

⁹ For we are God's fellow-workers (or: we are co-workers of and from God; we exist being co-workers who belong to God). You folks are God's farm (or: field under cultivation), God's building (or: construction project; structure, or act of building). ¹⁰ Corresponding to, in accord with and to the level of God's grace and favor [which are] being given to (or: by) me, as a skillful master-carpenter (a wise chief-builder; a clever head-artisan; [the] learned and insightful leading-builder; wise architect, engineer or foreman; a wise originating begetter) I lay [other MSS: have laid] a foundation (or: laid a foundation [Stone]), yet another is progressively building a house upon [it]. Now let each one continue watching to observe (= take care) how he keeps on building the house upon [it] (or: upon the house), ¹¹ for no one can (or: continues able to; is having power to) lay another foundation (or: to place or set another foundation [Stone] of the same kind) beside (or: in addition to and distinct from) the One lying (or: continuing being laid): which is (continues being) Jesus Christ (Jesus [the] Anointed One; = Jesus, [the] Messiah).

¹⁶ Have you folks not seen, to now know, that you people continuously exist being God's Temple (Divine habitation; holy place and holy of holies; inner sanctuary), and God's Spirit is constantly dwelling (God's Breath is making Its home; the Wind which is God is housing Himself; the Attitude from God is progressively co-habiting) within the midst of you folks?

¹⁶ Have you folks not seen, to now know, that you people continuously exist being God's Temple (Divine habitation; holy place and holy of holies; inner sanctuary), and God's Spirit is constantly dwelling (God's Breath is making Its home; the Wind which is God is housing Himself; the Attitude from God is progressively co-habiting) within the midst of you folks? ¹⁷ If anyone habitually spoils, ruins, wrecks or corrupts God's Temple, God will spoil, ruin, wreck and corrupt this person; for you see, God's Temple – which you folks, yourselves, are (exist being) – is set-apart (holy; sacred; different from the common).

⁷ For who continues making you to discriminate (or: who is now thoroughly separating or dividing you through the midst, for evaluation; or: who is repeatedly discerning or distinguishing you; or: what makes you completely different and separated)? And what are you habitually holding (constantly having) which you did not receive? Now since (or: if) also you received [it], why do you continue boasting, as though not receiving [it]?

¹⁰ and [I am] not wholly or altogether [referring] to this world's (or: secular society's) fornicators or male paramours (or: the male prostitutes of this cultural, religious and political system [note: the concept of sexual misconduct also has a figurative aspect in Scripture, denoting unfaithfulness to God]); or to those who are greedy and want to have more than, and to take advantage of, others and/or [are] folks who snatch things away, as extortionists; or [who are] idolaters (or: hirelings of the idols). Otherwise, in that case, you folks continue under obligation to consequently exit the System (go forth from out of the midst of the world of religion, culture and society) –

⁹ Or have you not seen so as to know that unfair (unjust; inequitable; wrongly-turned) folks will not proceed to inherit a kingdom from God (or: receive an allotment in God's sovereign reign or activities)? Do not be repeatedly misled or constantly caused to wander (or: be deceived). Neither sexually licentious folks (paramours; fornicators), nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor unmanly (effeminate; men who wear soft, delicate clothes; catamites; men or boys who allow themselves to be used homosexually), nor men who lie with and have sexual intercourse with males, ¹⁰ nor thieves, nor greedy (covetous) ones; not drunkards, not verbal abusers, not people who ravenously snatch, swindle or extort, will proceed to inherit a kingdom from God (or: will continue in receiving an allotment in God's sovereign reign and activities). ¹¹ And some of you were these things. But now you folks bathed yourselves off (took a bath to cleanse things away). But further, you were set apart (made holy; sanctified). But also you were rightwised and placed in the Way pointed out (turned in the right direction, made fair and equitable, and then joined in right relationship with God and mankind; = put in covenant) in union with and within the midst of the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ – even in union with and within the midst of the Spirit of (or: Breath-effect and Attitude which is) our God!

¹¹ And some of you were these things. But now you folks bathed yourselves off (took a bath to cleanse things away). But further, you were set apart (made holy; sanctified). But also you were rightwised and placed in the Way pointed out (turned in the right direction, made fair and equitable, and then joined in right relationship with God and mankind; = put in covenant) in union with and within the midst of the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ – even in union with and within the midst of the Spirit of (or: Breath-effect and Attitude which is) our God!

¹⁹ Or, have you folks not seen so as to know that your body (or: the body of you folks) is a temple of the set-apart spirit (or: a sanctuary belonging to the Holy Spirit; a holy place and a holy of holies which pertains to the Sacred Breath; or: that the body, which is you folks, exists being a divine habitation which has the qualities and characteristics of the Holy Attitude) – within the midst of you (or: in union with you folks; or: among you people) – which you people constantly hold and progressively possess from God? And further, you are not folks belonging to yourselves (or: Also then, you people do not exist from yourselves),

⁴ Therefore, concerning the eating of the [foods] that were offered in sacrifice to idols, we have seen and know that an idol is nothing (or: = meaningless) within [the] System (in the world of [our] culture or religion, or within the midst of the created universe), and that [there is] no other God, except One. ⁵ For even though certainly there are ones being habitually termed or called "gods" – whether within heaven or upon earth (or: in sky and atmosphere, or on land) – just as there are many "gods" and many "lords," ⁶ to the contrary, to us (or: for us; with us) [there is] one God, the Father, from out of the midst of Whom [is] the whole (or: [are] all things) – and we [directed and proceeding] into Him – even one Lord (or: as well as one Owner and Master), Jesus Christ: through Whom [is] the whole (or: [are] all things) – and we through means of and through the midst of Him!

⁶ to the contrary, to us (or: for us; with us) [there is] one God, the Father, from out of the midst of Whom [is] the whole (or: [are] all things) – and we [directed and proceeding] into Him – even one Lord (or: as well as one Owner and Master), Jesus Christ: through Whom [is] the whole (or: [are] all things) – and we through means of and through the midst of Him!

¹⁹ What, then, am I now meaning and affirming? That what is sacrificed to an idol is anything? Or, that an idol is anything (= something more than an idol)? ²⁰ To the contrary (or: Not at all!): that which the multitudes of ethnic groups (the nations; the pagans; the Gentiles) habitually sacrifice, they continue sacrificing to, for or by demons (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences), and not to, for or by God (or: even to or by a non-god, or a no-god), and I am not intending for (willing; wanting) you folks to proceed to becoming partakers of and thus common-beings with the demons (= partners and ones who share common participation pertaining to the animistic influences [possibly: = evil or deranged spirits, mental conditions or attitudes]).

² You have seen, and know, that when you were being (or: continued existing being) ethnic multitudes ([the] nations; Gentiles; non-Jews) [you were] folks being constantly led astray (or: led off [the path] and away) toward the voiceless idols (silent images; mute forms) – as often as you were being periodically and progressively led.

¹² You see, correspondingly as the [human] body is one [body] and continuously has (possesses; holds) many members (body parts), and all the members of the one body – being many – are one body, in this way, also, [is] the Christ (or: even thus [is] the Anointed One and the Anointing). ¹³ For we, ourselves – within the midst of one Spirit (or: in union with one Breath-effect and Attitude) – are all submerged into one body (or: were all immersed into, so as to be enveloped by, one body) – whether Jews or Greeks (or: Hellenists), whether slaves or free folks – and we all are (or: were) made (or: caused) to drink one Spirit (or: spirit; Breath-effect; Attitude).

¹³ For we, ourselves – within the midst of one Spirit (or: in union with one Breath-effect and Attitude) – are all submerged into one body (or: were all immersed into, so as to be enveloped by, one body) – whether Jews or Greeks (or: Hellenists), whether slaves or free folks – and we all are (or: were) made (or: caused) to drink one Spirit (or: spirit; Breath-effect; Attitude).

²⁸ whom also God Himself, indeed, placed within and in union with the called-out community. [Now He] first [set] those sent off on a mission (emissaries; envoys; representatives); second [He placed] folks who have light ahead of time and speak it before others publicly [on behalf of God] (spokesmen [for God]; prophets); third [He set] people who teach. Then after that [He gave] abilities and powers, adding then effects of grace which result in cures and healings. [He also gave] folks who take [things] in hand, in place of another, and grasp with their mind and apprehend the replaced [situation] and exchange (or: those who lay hold of the other side of something in order to aid and assist; or: occasions of receiving in turn or in exchange; or: = helpful services; supports given in turn) [and provided] situations and skills for steering the course (or: abilities to guide and direct action; acts of pilotage; helmsman abilities and services; wise counsel and guidance; = administrative and managerial skills). [He then gave] species (or: families; races; kinds) of languages (or: tongues).

⁴⁵ Thus also (or: In this way also), it has been written, "The first human (or: man), Adam, came for existence (or: was birthed) into [being] a living soul" [Gen. 2:7]; the Last Adam into [being] a continuously life-making (life-engendering; life-creating; life-giving) Spirit (or: Breath-effect; Attitude).

⁴ within and among which folks the God of this age (or: the God who owns this indefinite time-period; the God Who is in relationship with this eon) blinds (or: deprived of the ability to see) the effects of the intellects and mental powers (or: the results of directing the mind to something) of those without faith (of the un-trusting ones; of the unbelieving and disloyal), [leading them] into the [situation that] the shining forth of light and the illumination of (or: the beaming forth of enlightenment from) the good news of the glory of the Christ (or: of the message of goodness, ease and wellness whose source is the glory of the Anointed One; of the glad tidings pertaining to the manifestation which calls forth praise to the [Messiah]) – Who continuously exists being God's image (a resemblance and likeness of [Concordant Text adds: the unseen; the invisible] God) – would not shine forth as the dawn to irradiate them.

⁵ Now the One working this down, producing and fashioning us into this very [situation is] God, the One giving to us the down payment (earnest; pledge; first installment) of the Breath-effect (or: which is the Spirit and the Attitude).

¹⁴ for you see, Christ's love (urge for accepting reunion) continuously holds us together. [We are] deciding (discerning; judging) this: that [some MSS add: since] One Person (or: Man) died over [the situation of] all mankind (or: for the sake of all); consequently all people died (or: accordingly, then, all humanity died).

¹⁷ Consequently, since someone [is] within Christ (or: So that if anyone [is] in union with [the] Anointed One; or: And as since a Certain One [was] in Christ), [there is] a new creation (or: [it is] a framing and founding of a different kind; [he or she is] an act of creation having a fresh character and a new quality): the original things (the beginning [situations]; the archaic and primitive [arrangements]) passed by (or: went to the side). Consider! New things have come into existence (have been birthed; or: It has become new things; or: He has been birthed and now exists being ones of a different kind, character and quality). [note: cf Rev. 21:5] ¹⁸ Yet further, all these things [are] (or: the Whole [is]) forth from out of the midst of God – the One transforming us to be completely other [than we were] (or: bringing us into another place or state of being; changing us to correspond with other [perceptions and conceptions]; altering us to be conformed to another [person]; changing us from enmity to friendship; reconciling us) in Himself (or: with Himself; by Himself; to Himself; for Himself), through Christ, and giving to us the attending service of, and the dispensing from, the transformation [for folks] to be other [than before] (or: the change into another [position]; the changing to correspond with other [situations; perceptions]; the alteration to be another [person]; the change from enmity to friendship; the reconciliation), ¹⁹ as that God was existing within Christ (God was and continued being in union with [the] Anointed One) progressively and completely transforming [the] aggregate of humanity (or: world) to be other [than it is] (or: progressively bringing [the] ordered System into another level or state; repeatedly changing [the] universe to correspond with other [conditions; perceptions]; progressively altering [the] ordered arrangement of culture, religions, economy and government to be in line with another one; habitually and progressively changing [the] secular realm [of humanity] from enmity to friendship; reconciling [the] world [of mankind]) in Himself, to Himself, for Himself and by Himself, not accounting to them (not putting to their account; not logically considering for them; not reasoning in them) the results and effects of their falls to the side (their trespasses and offences), even placing within us the Word (the Idea; the Reason; the message) of the corresponding transformation to otherness (or: the full alteration; the change from enmity to friendship; the conciliation). ²⁰ Over [the situation] in regard to Christ, then (or: Then for Christ's sake), we are elders of God, performing as ambassadors from God, as [Him] continually calling alongside to give comfort and relief (performing as a Paraclete) through us. We are constantly begging and urgently asking, on behalf of Christ (or: for Christ's sake): "Be fully transformed in, be correspondingly altered by, be changed from an enemy to be a friend with, be reconciled to, and be altered to be another [person] by, God!" (or: "You folks must be completely exchanged in God; or: Be conciliated to, for and with God!"),

²⁰ Over [the situation] in regard to Christ, then (or: Then for Christ's sake), we are elders of God, performing as ambassadors from God, as [Him] continually calling alongside to give comfort and relief (performing as a Paraclete) through us. We are constantly begging and urgently asking, on behalf of Christ (or: for Christ's sake): "Be fully transformed in, be correspondingly altered by, be changed from an enemy to be a friend with, be reconciled to, and be altered to be another [person] by, God!" (or: "You folks must be completely exchanged in God; or: Be conciliated to, for and with God!"), ²¹ for you see, He made (or: formed; makes) the One not at any point knowing failure (sin; error; mistake) by intimate experience [to take the place of; to be] failure over us and our [situation] (or: He constructed [as] a sin [offering], for our sake, the Person who was not at that point having an experiential knowledge of missing the target or making a mistake), to the end that we may be birthed (come into existence being; come to be) God's rightwised qualities (God's right relationship with fair and equitable dealing which accords to the Way pointed out; God's justice; God's way it should be, with well-ordered living and right thinking; also: = participants in a covenant from God), within Him and in union with Him.

¹⁶ Now what mutual deposit (or: concurrence or agreement arrived by group decision) [does] God's Temple [have] with idols (or: external forms or appearances; or: phantoms of the mind; unsubstantial images or forms)? For, you see, we [other MSS: you folks] continuously exist being (we/you are) a temple of [the] living God, just as God said, "I will proceed to make My home and will continue walking about within and among them (= I will habitually reside, as in a house, and live My life within and among them), and I will proceed existing being (or: I will continue being) their God, and they will proceed existing being (or: will continue being) My people." [Lev. 26:12; etc.]

¹ Therefore, beloved ones, continuing in possessing (having and holding) these – the [aforementioned] promises – we can and should cleanse ourselves off from every stain, pollution or ceremonial defilement of flesh (= the estranged human nature; = a self oriented to the System) and of spirit (or: from flesh as well as from a spirit or attitude; or: pertaining to an alienated persona, or even to an attitude bound to the System), while progressively bringing the state and condition of being set-apart (holiness) to a successful completion (or: in continuing to perform dedicated consecration amidst its destined goal), centered in a reverence from God (or: in union with respect, with regard to God; in God’s fear; [p46 reads: in God's love]).

⁸ Moreover, God is constantly able with continuous power to furnish all grace to surround and to make every favor superabound into you folks, to the end that, continuously having every ability in yourselves to ward things off and constantly holding all self-sufficiency and complete contentment at all times [and] within every [situation] and in union with every person, you can (or: may; should; would) continuously superabound into every good action and noble work,

¹⁴ The grace from, and joyous favor of, the Lord – Jesus Christ – and (or: even) the love of God (or: the unambiguous, uniting acceptance and participation from, which is, and has the character of, God), and the common-existence partnership, sharing, communion and participation of the set-apart Breath-effect (or: of and from the Holy Spirit; or: which is a sacred spirit and attitude) [continue being] with all of you folks. It is so (Count on it; Amen)! [written circa A.D. 56 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]

⁴ – the One at one point giving Himself, over [the situation of] (or: on behalf of; for the sake of; [p46, Aleph*, A, D & other MSS read: concerning]) our failures (situations and occasions of falling short or to the side of the target; deviations; mistakes; errors; sins) so that He could carry us out from the midst of the present misery-gushing and worthless age (or: bear us forth from the indefinite period of time – characterized by toil, grievous plights and bad situations – having taken a stand in [our] midst; or: extricate us from the space of time having been inserted and now standing in union with base qualities), corresponding to (or: down from; in accord with; in line with; in the sphere and to the level of) the effect of the will (or: intent; purpose; design) of our God and Father,

⁹ then Jacob (or: James), Cephas and John – those continuing to be disposed to thinking and imagination (or: those yet forming opinions) and seeming, by reputation, to be pillars (or: supportive columns [note: a figure of a living temple]) – recognizing (or: coming to know) by intimate experience the grace and favor being given by me (or: to me; in me; for me), gave to me and to Barnabas [the] right [hands] of common partnership, from common participation, in regard to common existence/situation and which signified equal belonging in fellowship, community and sharing, to the end that we [would continue] into the nations (multitudes; ethnic groups; Gentiles; non-Jews) – yet they, into the Circumcision –

¹⁵ We – Jews by (or: in) nature, and not outcasts (ones who miss the target or deviate from the goal; failures; sinners) from out of the multitudes (herds; nations; ethnic groups; Gentiles) –

¹⁵ We – Jews by (or: in) nature, and not outcasts (ones who miss the target or deviate from the goal; failures; sinners) from out of the multitudes (herds; nations; ethnic groups; Gentiles) – ¹⁶ having seen and thus knowing that humanity (or: mankind; or: a person) is not normally being put in right relationship made fair and equitable; made free from guilt and set into the Way pointed out; rightwised and made to be a just one; = being presently brought into covenant) from out of works of Law (or: forth from a law's deeds or actions from custom), but instead through Jesus Christ's faith (or: faith that belongs to and originates in Christ Jesus), even we ourselves trusted and believed into Christ Jesus, to the end that we would be put in right relationship made to be just, fair and equitable; be released from guilt; be rightwised and placed into the Way pointed out; also = be made a member of the covenant) from out of the midst of Christ's faith, as a source and sphere (or: forth from trust and conviction, which are Christ),– NOT from out of the midst of works of Law, as a source and sphere, because from out of the midst of works of Law (or: forth from a law's deeds or actions corresponding to custom; or: out of works which comprise [the] Law) "no flesh (= person or human) at all will be put in right relationship made to be just, fair and equitable; be freed from guilt; be rightwised or turned in the right direction from being placed into the Way pointed out; = put in covenant)." [Ps. 143:2]

²⁰ I was crucified together with Christ [= the Messiah], and thus it remains (or: I have been jointly put on the execution stake in [the] Anointed One, and continue in this state), yet I continue living! [It is] no longer I, but it is Christ continuously living and alive within me! (or: No longer an "I" – now Christ constantly lives in the midst of, and in union with, me). Now that which I, at the present moment, continue living within flesh (= a physical body), I am constantly living within faith, trust and confidence – in and by that [faith] which is the Son of God (or: in union with the trust and confidence that is from God’s Son [with other MSS: in the confidence belonging to God and Christ]), the One loving me and giving Himself over to another for the sake of me (or: even transmitting Himself, over my [situation and condition]; or: also passing Himself along for me).

¹⁰ You see, however many people continue their existence from the midst of observances and works of Law (= Everyone who lives by deeds and actions based upon the Torah) are continuously under a curse (a negative, down-focused or adversarial prayer; an imprecation), for it has been and now stands written, namely that, "A curse (or: an adversarial prayer; imprecation) [is settled] upon all (or: [is] added to everyone) not constantly remaining within all the things having been and standing written within the scroll of the Law [= Torah], in order to do them." [Deut. 27:26]

¹⁴ to the end that the Good Word (the Blessing; the Word of wellness and goodness) pertaining to Abraham (belonging to and possessed by Abraham; whose intermediary source is Abraham) could within Jesus Christ suddenly birth Itself (or: may from Itself, within Christ Jesus, at once come into being [and be dispersed]) into the multitudes (the nations; the ethnic groups; the Gentiles), so that we [note: "we" = the new "one" mankind?] could receive the Spirit's promise through the Faith (or: to the end that we [all] may take in hand the Promise from the Breath-effect, through trust; or: in order that we [Jew and Gentile] can lay hold of and receive the Promise – which is the Spirit – through faith and conviction).

¹⁶ Now the promises were declared (said; spoken) to (or: for; in) Abraham, and to (or: for; in) his Seed (Descendant). It (or: He) is not saying, "And to the seeds (descendants)," as upon many, but rather, as upon One, "And to, for and in your Seed," [Gen. 12:7; 13:15; etc.] Who exists being Christ (or: which is [the] Anointed One [= the Messiah]). ¹⁷ Further, I am now saying and meaning this: the Law [= Torah], being that having come into existence after four hundred and thirty years, is not invalidating (depriving of authority; annulling) into the situation to idle-down (render ineffective, useless, unproductive or inoperative) the Promise – a settled arrangement (contract; covenant; will and testament deed of gift) existing as having been previously validated (confirmed; legally ratified) by, and under [the authority of], God!

²² But to the contrary, the Scripture encircles and encloses [as fish in a net] all things, shuts them up together and locks the whole (the totality of everything) under (or: by) failure (error; deviation; the missing of the target; sin), to the end that the Promise would (or: could) suddenly be given to (or: in; for) the folks habitually trusting (or: progressively believing with faith's conviction) from out of Jesus Christ's faith (or: forth from the midst of the faith whose source and origin is Jesus Christ; from the midst of the trust and conviction which is Jesus Christ; or: so that the promise [which comes] forth from Jesus Christ’s trust, can at some point be given to the people presently having convinced assurance).

²⁶ For you folks are all [i.e., Jew and non-Jew; male and female; slave and freeman] God's sons, through the faith resident within Christ Jesus (or: by means of the trust in union with an Anointing from Jesus)! ²⁷ For you see, as many of you folks as were immersed into Christ, at once clothed yourselves with Christ (or: were plunged into so as to be enveloped by then saturated and permeated with Anointing – or, the Anointed One – instantly entered within and put on [the] Anointing)! ²⁸ Within [Him; us], there is not (there does not exist) Jew nor Greek (or: Hellenist); within, there is not (does not exist) slave nor freeman; within, there is not (does not exist) male and female; for you folks all exist being one within Christ Jesus (or: are all one person in union with an Anointing from Jesus).

²⁸ Within [Him; us], there is not (there does not exist) Jew nor Greek (or: Hellenist); within, there is not (does not exist) slave nor freeman; within, there is not (does not exist) male and female; for you folks all exist being one within Christ Jesus (or: are all one person in union with an Anointing from Jesus).

⁶ Now, because we exist being (are presently and continuously) sons, God sends off His Son's Spirit (or: the Breath-effect, which is His Son) as an emissary into our hearts, repeatedly crying out (habitually calling out or exclaiming in an inarticulate cry; even: screaming, shrieking [verb also means: croak, as a bird]), "Abba (Aramaic: = Dad, or, Daddy!), O Father!"

⁸ But on the other hand, at that time, in fact, having not perceived and thus not knowing God, you folks were, and performed as, slaves to (or: for) those [who], by nature, are not gods.

⁸ But on the other hand, at that time, in fact, having not perceived and thus not knowing God, you folks were, and performed as, slaves to (or: for) those [who], by nature, are not gods. ⁹ Yet now, coming to know God by intimate experience and personal insight – or, rather, being known intimately by God – how are you folks progressively turning around again, upon the weak (feeble; infirm; diseased; impotent) and poor (beggarly) elementary and rudimentary principles to which (for which; in which) you people are presently wanting (and progressively intending) to again become, and perform as, slaves anew (or: back again)?

²⁶ Yet, on the other hand, the Jerusalem above is (continues being) free, who is (or: which particular one continues being) our mother. ²⁷ For it has been and stands written, "Be made well-minded (Be given a competent way of thinking; Be made glad; Be turned to a good attitude), barren (or: sterile) woman, O woman consistently not bringing forth (not bearing; not giving birth; not producing)! Break forth (or: Shatter) in pieces and shout for joy (or: implore aloud), O woman consistently not having labor pains (birth pangs), because many [are] the children (the born-ones) of the desolate woman (of the abandoned woman of the desert), rather than of the woman continuously having (holding; possessing) the husband." [Isa. 54:1, LXX] ²⁸ Now we [other MSS: you folks], brothers (= fellow believers; = my family), down from (or: corresponding to; in the sphere of) Isaac, are (continuously exist being) children of Promise (or: ones-born of [the] Promise). ²⁹ But nevertheless, just as then, the one being born down from (in accordance with; corresponding to; on the level of) flesh (= human efforts) was constantly pursuing and persecuting the one down from (in accordance with; corresponding to; in the sphere of) spirit (or: Breath-effect), so also now. ³⁰ Still, what does the Scripture yet say? "Cast out (or: At once expel) the servant girl (the slave-girl; the maid) and her son, for by no means will the son of the servant girl (the slave-girl; the maid) be an heir (take possession of and enjoy the distributed allotment) with the son of the freewoman." [Gen. 21:10] ³¹ Wherefore, brothers (= fellow believers; family), we are not (we do not exist being) children of a slave-girl (a servant girl; a maid), but, to the contrary, of the freewoman.

¹⁶ So I continue saying, be habitually walking about (= living your life) in spirit (or: by [the] Spirit; with a Breath-effect), and you should under no circumstance (or: would by no means) bring to fruition (carry to its goal; end up with; bring to maturity) the full rushing passion (the over-desire; craving) originating in flesh (= pertaining to the estranged human nature, or the self which has been dominated by a system of culture or religion; or: corresponding to flesh- [righteousness]; belonging to [a religious system] of flesh-works). ¹⁷ For the flesh [system or nature] is constantly rushing passionately down upon (or: against) the spirit (or: Breath-effect), and the spirit (or: Breath-effect) down on (or: against) the flesh [nature, or, system of religion], for these things are constantly lying in opposition to each other (lying set to displace each other), so that – whatever you may habitually be intending (wanting; willing; purposing) – these things you repeatedly can not be doing. [comment: either because of the estranged flesh nature, or, because of the rules of the system] ¹⁸ Yet since (or: if) you folks are continuously being led in spirit (by [the] Spirit; to [the] Spirit; with a Breath-effect), you do not exist (you are not) under Law [= Torah; = the flesh system of works]. ¹⁹ Now the works (actions; deeds) of the flesh [religion] (or: = whose source and origin are the estranged human nature; or: pertaining to the flesh [system, or, nature]; or: = whose results and realm are the self in slavery to a system) [are] seen and made apparent in clear light, which are, and continue being, the works of a prostitute (or: [the] Prostitute): uncleanness (or: waste or worthless material, as of decayed flesh; a never-pruned tree; material that has not been sifted), excess (immoderation; outrageous behavior), ²⁰ idolatry (being a servant to or worshiping external forms or appearances, phantoms of the mind, unsubstantial or reflected images, or conveyed impressions) sorcery (employment of drugs and enchantments; magic rites; witchcraft), hostilities (enmities; alienations), strife (contentious disposition), jealousies (or: zealous emotions), stirring emotions (rushing passions; furies), factions, standings-apart (divisions), sects (religious denominations; parties with a particular opinion; the making of choices from preferences), ²¹ envies, murders, intoxications (times of being drunk), festal processions (or: excessive feastings), and things like to these [whether religious, or personal], which things I continue predicting (saying beforehand; or: = giving warning) to you folks, just as I said before, that those habitually practicing (or: performing) such [religious, or personal,] things will not be inheriting (receiving and enjoying a distributed allotment of) God's reign (kingdom; sovereign influence and activities). ²² Now the Spirit's fruit (or: So the fruit whose origin and source is the Spirit; But the fruit which is Breath-effect; Yet the fruit of the Attitude) is: love (unrestricted acceptance and the drive to overcome existential separation), joy, peace (or: harmony; [= shalom]), length before a stirring of emotion (slowness of rushing toward something; long-enduring; longsuffering; patience), useful kindness, goodness (virtuousness), faith (or: faithfulness; trust; trustworthiness; loyalty; reliance; reliability; allegiance; fidelity), ²³ gentle friendliness (meekness; mildness), inner strength (self-control). [The] Law is not down from such things (or: In the sphere of such things [the] Law does not exists; There is no law against such things; Law does not correspond to and is not on the level of such things). ²⁴ Now those whose source and origin is Christ Jesus (or: those who belong to the Anointed Jesus) crucified the flesh (or: put the flesh [system] on an execution stake; or: = associate their old estranged human nature as being put to death along with Christ Jesus), together with the results and effects of the experiences (emotions; feelings; sufferings; passions) and the over-desires (rushing passionately upon things; full-rushing emotions).

¹⁰ Consequently, then, as we are continuing to hold a fitting situation [or, with other MSS: while we may continue having occasion or a fertile moment], we can keep on actively working the good [other MSS: we should habitually be performing the excellent; we can continue in the business of the virtuous] toward all – and especially toward the members of the family and household of the faith and trust (the conviction and loyalty)!

¹² As many as continually want (intend; will; purpose) to make a good impression (a pleasing appearance; a fair face, front or facade) within flesh [i.e., in a flesh system or religion], these are habitually urging, or trying to compel or force, you folks (or: making you feel obliged) to proceed to be circumcised – only so that they may not be continually pursued and persecuted for (or: in; with) the cross of Christ Jesus (or: by the execution stake that pertains to the Anointed Jesus).

¹⁵ For you see [some MSS add: within Christ Jesus], neither circumcision nor uncircumcision continues being anything, but rather: a new creation (a founding and settling [as a village] with a new character, in a place that was wild and without order; a new act of framing and building).

³ Characterized by and full of thoughts of well-being, good words and messages of ease (or: Worthy of being spoken well of) [is] the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ the One speaking Good to (or: blessing; expressing thoughts of well-being to) us within every spiritual good word (or: thought of well-being and blessing having the qualities of the Breath-effect) within the things situated upon the heavens (or: in the midst of the phenomena upon the atmospheres; [participating] in the full, perfected heavenlies; in union with the celestials) centered in, resident within, and in union with, Christ ([the] Anointed One), (or, taking eulogetos in apposition with a predicative force: The God and Father of our Owner, Jesus [the] Anointed One, [has] the qualities of a Word of goodness. He [is] the One speaking goodness, ease and well-being [to] us in every thought, word and expression of goodness which embodies the qualities of [the] Breath-effect resident within the superimposed atmospheres within the midst of Christ, and in union with [His] anointing,) ⁴ even as He chose us out (or: selects and picks us out) within Him, and in union with Him, before [the] (or: prior to a) casting down (or: a laying of the foundation; a conception) of [the] ordered system (world; universe; cosmic order; or: human aggregate), [for] us to continuously be set-apart ones (or: to progressively exist being sacred and dedicated people) and flawless folks (people without stain; blameless ones) in His sight and presence (or: in the midst of the sphere of His gaze) in union with love. [or, putting this last phrase at the beginning of vs. 5:]

⁷ within and in union with Whom we continuously have (constantly hold; progressively possess) the redemption (the release into freedom procured by the payment of a ransom; the liberation from our predicament) through His blood the sending away (causing to flow off; forgiveness; dismissal) of the effects and results of the fallings-aside (the stumblings by the side; wrong steps; offences; transgressions), in accordance with (or: down from; corresponding to; in keeping with; to the level of) the wealth and riches of His grace and joyous favor,

¹⁹ And further, [I pray that you may know] what [is] the continually surpassing greatness (or: the constantly transcendent, repeatedly overshooting and thrown-beyond huge extent) of His ability and power [being given] unto, and into, us the people continuously believing, progressively trusting and constantly loyal in accord with (or: down from; corresponding to) the operation (or: energizing; internal working) of force (or: might) of His strength,

¹⁹ And further, [I pray that you may know] what [is] the continually surpassing greatness (or: the constantly transcendent, repeatedly overshooting and thrown-beyond huge extent) of His ability and power [being given] unto, and into, us the people continuously believing, progressively trusting and constantly loyal in accord with (or: down from; corresponding to) the operation (or: energizing; internal working) of force (or: might) of His strength, ²⁰ which is operative (or: which He exerted and inwardly worked) within the Christ (the Anointed One; = the Messiah), awakening and raising Him forth from out of the midst of dead folks and then seating Him within (or: = at) His right [hand] (or: in union with the place of honor, strength and receiving which is Him), within the things (or: among the folks, places or realms) situated upon the heavens (or: in the super-heavenlies; within the full, perfected heavenlies; in union with the celestials; among the folks [residing] upon the atmospheres),

¹ And you folks [who were] continuously existing being dead ones by (or: to; with; in) the results and effects of your stumblings aside (offences; wrong steps) and failures to hit the mark (or: mistakes; errors; times of falling short; sins; deviations) ² within the midst of and in union with which things you once walked about (= lived your lives) in accord (or: in keeping; corresponding) with (or: as directed by) the age of this ordered System (or: down through the time period of this world of secular culture, religion, economy and government), in line with the primary directive of the right and privilege of air (or: corresponding to the Ruler out of Being with regard to air): the Breath-effect of the One at the present time continuously operating within the sons of The Disobedience (or: down under the controlling aspect of the authority of "the blowing" of the Spirit of the One now progressively working internally in union with people having the character and qualities of incompliance; or: in correlation to the chief and leader of the privilege which comes from blowing: the attitude which expresses a lack of persuasion, or of not being convinced, which repeatedly energizes at the present time; or: in keeping with the one in first position with regard to the right concerning the atmosphere the attitude now habitually effecting inward action within the midst of people displaying non-conviction or an incompliant disposition), ³ immersedamong which folks we all also were once twisted up (or: entangled; overturned; upset) within the cravings (full longings; over-desires) of our flesh (= the estranged human nature, or the alienated self; or: = system of our works and sacrificial religion), continually doing the will (or: producing the intentions) of the flesh (= our existence while in bondage, or the duties of religion), and of the divided thoughts and things passing through the mind. Furthermore, we were continuously existing in essence (in natural condition; by instinct) being children of natural impulse (natural disposition; inherent fervor and swelling passion; teeming desire; or: anger; wrath) even as (or: as also) the rest (the remaining ones) [were]. ⁴ But God, continuously being wealthy and rich in mercy, because of His vast (much; great in magnitude and quantity; outstretched; long-lasting; repeated) Love in (or: with) which He focused love on (or: loves and accepts) us [p46 reads: had mercy on us], ⁵ even us, being continuously dead ones by (or: in; to; with) the results and effects of stumblings aside (wrong steps; offences) [p46 reads: ... in (to; by) the bodies; other MSS: by the failure (s) to hit the mark (sin/sins); B reads: within the stumblings aside and the cravings (lusts)], He made alive together by (or: joins us in common life with, for and in; [p46, B: within; in union with]) the Christ by Grace and joyous favor you continually exist, being folks having been delivered (rescued and saved, so that you are now safe; made whole)!

⁵ even us, being continuously dead ones by (or: in; to; with) the results and effects of stumblings aside (wrong steps; offences) [p46 reads: ... in (to; by) the bodies; other MSS: by the failure (s) to hit the mark (sin/sins); B reads: within the stumblings aside and the cravings (lusts)], He made alive together by (or: joins us in common life with, for and in; [p46, B: within; in union with]) the Christ by Grace and joyous favor you continually exist, being folks having been delivered (rescued and saved, so that you are now safe; made whole)! ⁶ and He jointly roused and raised (or: suddenly awakens and raises) [us] up, and caused [us] to sit (or: seats [us]) together within the things situated upon [thus, above] the heavens (or: in union with the full, perfected heavenlies; or, although neuter: among those comprising the complete and perfected heavenlies; among the ones [residing] upon the atmospheres; in union with the celestials) within and in union with Christ Jesus, ⁷ to the end that within the continuously oncoming ages (the indefinite time periods continually and progressively coming upon and overtaking [us]) He may exhibit (display; point out; give proof of) the continuously transcending (being cast beyond; overshooting) riches and wealth of His grace and favor, in useful goodness (beneficial kindness) [flooding] upon us, within Christ Jesus (or: in union with [the] Anointed Jesus). ⁸ For you see, by (or: to; in; for; with) the grace and joyous favor you are (you continuously exist being) folks having been delivered (rescued; kept safe; saved; made whole; restored to your original state and condition) so as to now be enjoying salvation through [some MSS add: the] faith (or: trust; confidence), and this not forth from out of you folks, [it is] the gift of and from God (or: the gift which is God; or: the gift whose source is God),

¹⁰ or the fact is, we are (continually exist being) the effect of what He did (or: His creation; the thing He has constructed; the result of His work; His achievement; His opus; the effect of His Deed): people being founded from a state of disorder and wildness (being framed, built, settled and created), within and in union with Christ Jesus, upon good works (virtuous actions; excellent deeds) which God made ready (prepared; or: prepares) beforehand, to the end that we may walk about (= live our lives) within and in union with them.

¹² that (or: because) you were, and continued on being for that season (or: in that appointed situation), apart from Christ ([the] Anointed One; = [the] Messiah): people having been alienated from the state of being a citizen (or: estranged from citizenship in the commonwealth) of Israel and [being] strangers pertaining to the arrangements of (or: foreigners from covenants and testamentary dispositions whose origin is) The Promise (or the assurance), continually having no expectation (or: hope), and [were] folks without God (or: godless; atheists) within the ordered System (world of culture, religion and governments). ¹³ But now, within, in union with and centered in Christ Jesus, you the folks once being (continuously existing) far off (or: at a distance) came to be (were birthed; are generated; are suddenly become) near, immersed within and in union with the blood of the Christ (the Anointed One). ¹⁴ You see, He Himself is our Peace (or: continuously exists being our harmony [= Shalom]) the One making (forming; constructing) The Both [to be] one, and within His flesh (= physical being; or: = system-caused crucifixion) is instantly destroying (unbinding; unfastening; loosing; causing to collapse) the middle wall of the fenced enclosure (or: the partition or barrier wall): the enmity (cause of hate, alienation, discord and hostility; characteristics of an enemy), ¹⁵ rendering useless (nullifying; rendering down in accord with inactivity and unemployment) the Law (or: the custom; = the Torah) of the implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive) consisting in decrees (or: prescribed ordinances), to the end that He may frame (create; found and settle from a state of wildness and disorder) The Two into One New [p46 & others: common] Humanity within the midst of, and in union with, Himself, continuously making (progressively creating) Peace and Harmony (= shalom); ¹⁶ and then should fully transfer from a certain state to another which is quite different (or: make completely other while moving away from what existed; or: fully reconcile) The Both within One Body with, by, in, to and for God through the cross (execution stake) within Himself killing the enmity (or: discordant hatred; characteristics of an enemy). ¹⁷ And so upon coming, He brings goodness and proclaims as good news (or: as a message of ease and wellbeing), Peace (harmony; lack of discord; [= shalom]) to you, the folks far off, and Peace (harmony; = shalom) to the people nearby,

¹⁹ Consequently then (or: Thereupon), you folks no longer continuously exist being strangers (foreigners) and sojourners (temporary residents in a foreign land), but continually exist being fellow-citizens (folks residing together in a City) of those set apart: even God's family (members of God's household), ²⁰ being fully built as a house upon the foundation of the sent-forth representatives (or: emissaries) and prophets (folks who had light ahead of time), Jesus Christ continuously being a corner-foundation [stone] of it (or: there being an extreme point of the corner, or, capstone: Jesus Christ Himself), ²¹ within and in union with Whom all the home-building (all the construction of the house; or: = every house that is constructed, or, the entire building), being continuously fitted [and] progressively framed together (closely and harmoniously joined together; made a common joint by a word), is continuously and progressivelygrowing into a set-aparttemple (or: separate, different and holy inner sanctuary) within [the] Lord [= Christ, or, Yahweh]: ²² within the midst of (or: in union with) Whom you folks, also, are continuously and progressively being formed a constituent part of the structure (or: being built together into a house) into God's down-home place (place of settling down to dwell; abode; permanent dwelling) within [the] Spirit (or: in spirit; or: in the midst of a Breath-effect and an attitude).

⁵ which to other generations (or: for births of a different kind; in different generations of another nature) was not made known to the sons of mankind (humanity; the humans) as it is now (at the present time) uncovered (unveiled; revealed) in spirit (or: within a Breath-effect; or: in union with [the] Spirit) by (or: to; among) His set-apart emissaries (or: consecrated folks that are sent forth from Him as spokesmen) and prophets (folks having light ahead of time),

⁵ which to other generations (or: for births of a different kind; in different generations of another nature) was not made known to the sons of mankind (humanity; the humans) as it is now (at the present time) uncovered (unveiled; revealed) in spirit (or: within a Breath-effect; or: in union with [the] Spirit) by (or: to; among) His set-apart emissaries (or: consecrated folks that are sent forth from Him as spokesmen) and prophets (folks having light ahead of time), ⁶ (or, reading the phrase "in spirit" with the next phrase rather than the previous one: in spirit) the nations (the Gentiles; the ethnic multitudes; non-Jews) are to continuously be joint-heirs (fellow-participants by allotment) and a Joint Body (a body together) and joint sharers (partakers) of The Promise [along with the rest], resident within (or: of the assurance in union with) Christ Jesus through the good news (or: [spreading] throughout the midst by means of the message of goodness, ease and well-being)

⁶ (or, reading the phrase "in spirit" with the next phrase rather than the previous one: in spirit) the nations (the Gentiles; the ethnic multitudes; non-Jews) are to continuously be joint-heirs (fellow-participants by allotment) and a Joint Body (a body together) and joint sharers (partakers) of The Promise [along with the rest], resident within (or: of the assurance in union with) Christ Jesus through the good news (or: [spreading] throughout the midst by means of the message of goodness, ease and well-being) ⁷ of which I came to be (was birthed; became) an attendant (a server; one who renders service and dispenses) in accord with, down from, in the sphere of and commensurate with the gift of God's grace and favor that being given to me (or: by me) in accord with (or: down from; corresponding to; to the level of; in line with) the operative, effective, internal working energy of His power and ability! ⁸ To me, the one far inferior to (or: less than the least among) all of those set apart (or: the saints; the holy people), was given this grace and joyous favor: to myself address the nations (non-Jews; Gentiles; ethnic multitudes) with the good news of (or: whose source is) the untrackable (untraceable; or: not-searched-out and unexplored) riches of the Christ (or: to for myself declare and bring to the ethnic groups the message of goodness, ease and well-being of the unexploreable wealth which is the Anointed One),

⁸ To me, the one far inferior to (or: less than the least among) all of those set apart (or: the saints; the holy people), was given this grace and joyous favor: to myself address the nations (non-Jews; Gentiles; ethnic multitudes) with the good news of (or: whose source is) the untrackable (untraceable; or: not-searched-out and unexplored) riches of the Christ (or: to for myself declare and bring to the ethnic groups the message of goodness, ease and well-being of the unexploreable wealth which is the Anointed One),

¹² within, and in union with, Whom we continuously have (progressively possess and hold) the freedom of speech (or: boldness, which comes with citizenship, to publicly speak the truth of a matter without fear of reprisal) and conducted access (escorted admission), in the midst of trust (confident reliance and loyalty), through His faithfulness, trust, confidence and loyalty!

¹⁴ On account of this I continually bend my knees (= in loyalty, respect and reverence) to (toward; or: face-to-face with) the Father [other MSS add: of (or: Who is) our Lord Jesus Christ], ¹⁵ forth from Where (or: out of the midst of Whom) every family (lineage; kindred; descent; paternal group) within heaven and upon earth (or: in [the] sky or atmosphere, and on [the] land) is one after another being named (or: spoken of, or to, by name; or: designated),

¹⁷ to inhabit (dwell down in; take up permanent abode in) the Christ (or: to house the Anointed One), through the faith and trust within your hearts, being folks having been rooted (or: having taken root) and now established and placed on a foundation within the midst of and in union with Love (or: having been grounded and rendered firm, centered in love).

²¹ y Him (to Him; for Him; in Him; with Him) [is] the glory (the manifestation which calls forth praise) within the called-out community (the summoned-forth congregation) as well as within Christ Jesus: unto (or: [proceeding] into) all the generations (births; progenies) of the Age of the ages (= the most significant, or crowning, Age of all the ages)! Make it so (or: Amen)!

¹ I myself the prisoner (or: bound one; captive) within, and in union with, [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] am therefore repeatedly calling you folks, as it were, alongside: exhorting, admonishing, imploring and entreating youto walk [your path] (= behave; = live your life) worthily pertaining to (or: in a manner suitable to the value of) the callingand invitation in regard to which you folks arecalled (or: from which you were summoned),

⁴ [being] one body and one spirit (attitude and effect of the Breath), according as you folks were (or: are) also called within the midst of one expectation (or: in union with one expectant hope) of your calling (or: invitation),

¹¹ And He Himself at one point gave (or: gives; [p46: has given and it now exists as a gift]), on the one hand (or: indeed), the folks sent off with a commission (the emissaries; the representatives), yet also those who have light ahead of time andspeak it before others (the prophets), and on the other hand those who announce goodness and well-being and bring good news, and then the shepherds, and finally teachers (or: the shepherds-and-instructors), ¹² facing and with a viewtoward the bringing down of the fresh and timely, for the preparation (mending; knitting together; adjusting; fitting; repairing; perfectly adjusting adaptation; equipping; completely furnishing) of the set-apart folks (the saints; the holy ones) untoa work (or: into an action; into the midst of a deed or task) of attending service, [leading] unto (or: into) construction (house-building) of the body which is the Christ (or: whose source, character and quality is from the Anointed One; or: the body formed by the Anointing), ¹³ [to go on] until we the whole of mankind (all people) can (or: would) come downto the goal (or: attain; arrive at; meet accordingly; meet down face-to-face): into the state of oneness fromThe Faithfulness (or: the unity of, that belongs to and which characterizes that which is faith; or: the lack of division which has its source in trust, confidence and reliability, and has the character of being loyal), and of the full, experiential and intimate knowledge (or: recognition; discovery; insight) from (or: of) the Son of God, [growing] into [the] purposed and destined (or: complete; finished; mature; full-grown; perfect; goal-attained) adult man into (or: unto) [the] measure of [the] stature (full age; prime of life) of the entire content which comprises the Anointed One (or: which is the result of the full number which is the Christ; of the effect of the fullness from the [Messiah]; of the effect of that which fills and completes that which pertains to the Christ; of the result of the filling from, and which is, the Christ)

¹³ [to go on] until we the whole of mankind (all people) can (or: would) come downto the goal (or: attain; arrive at; meet accordingly; meet down face-to-face): into the state of oneness fromThe Faithfulness (or: the unity of, that belongs to and which characterizes that which is faith; or: the lack of division which has its source in trust, confidence and reliability, and has the character of being loyal), and of the full, experiential and intimate knowledge (or: recognition; discovery; insight) from (or: of) the Son of God, [growing] into [the] purposed and destined (or: complete; finished; mature; full-grown; perfect; goal-attained) adult man into (or: unto) [the] measure of [the] stature (full age; prime of life) of the entire content which comprises the Anointed One (or: which is the result of the full number which is the Christ; of the effect of the fullness from the [Messiah]; of the effect of that which fills and completes that which pertains to the Christ; of the result of the filling from, and which is, the Christ) ¹⁴ to the end that no longer (or: no more) wouldor shouldwe exist beinginfants (immature folks; not-yet-speaking ones), continuously being tossed by (= being caused to fluctuate from) [successive] waves and repeatedly being carried hither and thither (or: around in circles) by every wind of the teaching (or: from what is taught) within the caprice (the throw of the dice; versatile artifice; games of chance; the trickery) of mankind, in readiness to do anything (amoral craftiness; working everything; or: = while stopping at nothing) with a viewtoward and leading to the methodical treatment (or: the systematizing or technical procedure) of The Wandering (the straying; the deception). ¹⁵ But continuously being real and true (living in accord with reality and the facts; holding to, speaking, pursuing and walking in Truth; truthing it) within, and in union with, love, we can grow up (enlarge; increase) into Him the ALL which is the Head: Christ (or: [and] we would in love make all things grow up into Him Who is the head and source: [the] Anointed One)! ¹⁶ from out of Whom (or: out from the midst of Which) all the Body (or: the entire body) being continuously fitted and framed together (made a common joint by a word; laid out and closely joined together) and constantly being knit together and caused to mount up united through every fastening (or: joint) of the supply of rich furnishings (or: through every assimilation of the full supply of funds; through every touch {kindling; setting on fire} of the completely supplied requirements) in accord with (or: down from; commensurate to) the operation (operative, effectual energy) within [the] measure of each one part [other MSS: member], is itself continually making (or: is for itself progressively producing and forming) the growth and increase of the Body, [focused on and leading] into house-construction (or: unto building [up] and edification) of itself within the midst of, and in union with, love.

¹⁶ from out of Whom (or: out from the midst of Which) all the Body (or: the entire body) being continuously fitted and framed together (made a common joint by a word; laid out and closely joined together) and constantly being knit together and caused to mount up united through every fastening (or: joint) of the supply of rich furnishings (or: through every assimilation of the full supply of funds; through every touch {kindling; setting on fire} of the completely supplied requirements) in accord with (or: down from; commensurate to) the operation (operative, effectual energy) within [the] measure of each one part [other MSS: member], is itself continually making (or: is for itself progressively producing and forming) the growth and increase of the Body, [focused on and leading] into house-construction (or: unto building [up] and edification) of itself within the midst of, and in union with, love. ¹⁷ This, then, I am continually saying and giving evidence of (or: attesting) within the Lord: no longer are you to be continuously walking [your path] (i.e., conducting yourself; adjusting your behavior) according to the way that the nations (the multitudes; the non-Israelites; the Gentiles; the ethnic or special or pagan groups) are continuously walking around (ordering their behavior) within the emptiness (vanity; frivolity; futility) of their mind (or: intellect), ¹⁸ being folks having been, any still yet being, darkened in (or: by) the divided thought and the thing passing through the mind, having been and continuing being alienated (estranged) away from the Life of God (or: God's life; or the life which is God) through the ignorance continuously existing (or: being) within them [and] through the petrifying (becoming stone; callousness; = insensitivity) of their heart,

¹⁸ being folks having been, any still yet being, darkened in (or: by) the divided thought and the thing passing through the mind, having been and continuing being alienated (estranged) away from the Life of God (or: God's life; or the life which is God) through the ignorance continuously existing (or: being) within them [and] through the petrifying (becoming stone; callousness; = insensitivity) of their heart, ¹⁹ which certain people, being folks having ceased to feel pain (being insensible or callous), gave themselves over (abandoned themselves) to outrageous behavior (excessive indulgence; wantonness; licentiousness), into every unclean performance (work, trade, business or labor of impurity) in greed (always wanting more; covetousness; schemes of extortion; = wanting more than ones due, in disregard for others).

²² to put off from yourselves [as clothing or habits] what accords to the former entangled manner of living (or: twisted up behavior): the old humanity (or: the past, worn-out person) the one continuously in process of being corrupted (spoiled; ruined) down from and in accord with the passionate desires (the full-covering, swelling emotions) of the deceptions (or: seductive desires)

²⁴ and to enter within (or: clothe yourselves with) the new humanity (or: the person that is new and fresh in kind and quality) the one in accord with and corresponding to God (or: the person at the Divine level) being formed (framed, built, founded and settled from a state of disorder and wildness; created) within the Way pointed out (or: in union with fair and equitable dealings with rightwised relationships, justice and righteousness; also = in covenant participation) and reverent dedication (or: benign relationship with nature) pertaining to the Truth (or: in intrinsic alignment with reality).

⁶ Let no one keep on deceiving (or: seducing) you by empty words (or: messages; reasons; thoughts; ideas), for because of these things, God's inherent fervor (natural impulse and disposition; intrinsic teeming desire and swelling passion; or: anger; indignation) is continuously coming upon [note: cf John 3:36] the sons of The Disobedience (the incompliance; or: = folks having the quality of not being convinced or being disobedient and stubborn).

⁸ for you folks were once existing being darkness (dimness; obscurity; gloom; shadiness), yet (or: but) now [you are] light, within and in union with [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh].

¹⁴ for you see, all that is continuously being manifested (clearly displayed, made apparent and is progressively shown for what it is) is, and continually exists being, light.Wherefore Heis now saying, "Let the sleeper (the person continuously down and being fast asleep) be waking up, continue rousing, and then stand up (arise) from out of the midst of the dead ones, and the Christ will continue shining upon you (enlightening you)!"

¹² because for us [other MSS: for you] the wrestling is not against (toward; with a view to) blood and flesh (= physical bodies), but rather against (toward; i.e., "face to face" with) the beginning controls and rules (or: original rulings; or: rulers and controllers; governments; those things or people in first position; the beginning things or people; the original ones; the princes) and face to face with the rights and privileges (or: liberties to do as one pleases; or: authorities; or: aspects from out of existence), with a view to the strengths of the System (or: strengths of the order; or: universal powers; the world's strong-ones) of this darkness (realm of shadows, gloom and dimness; [comment: = ignorance]), facing (toward; or: with a view to) the spiritual aspects (or: breath-effected attitudes; or: conditions and qualities of a spirit) of the worthlessness (the badness of conditions; the unsoundness and miserableness; the wickedness and depravity; the evil and malice; the disadvantageousness; the unprofitableness; the thing that brings toilsome labor and a gush of misery) among those situated upon elevated positions (or: situated within the heavenly positions or places; among the imposed heavenly realms; positioned in union with the celestials and heavenly ones; resident within the midst of added atmospheres). [note: this verse could be speaking about the ruling authorities of the religious world of ignorance, with its now worthless sacrifices, or, about the political system of darkened strength which was currently in power, bringing bad situations; Walter Wink, in Engaging the Powers, uses the phrase against suprahuman systems and forces for part of this verse]

¹⁸ By means of all thought, desire or imparted message toward having things be well (or: Through every prayer) and request (or: declaration) regarding need, [be] folks continuously thinking, speaking and acting toward goodness and well-being (or: praying) within every season (in union with every fitting situation; on every occasion; in the midst of every fertile moment) within and in union with [the] Spirit (Breath-effect; Attitude), while maintaining a constant alertness (or: in spirit being constantly vigilant and abstaining from sleep), also, to that end, in all focus to unremitting and stout continuance (or: in union with every view to resolute, potent perseverance which brings control) and request regarding need concerning (or: surrounding) all of the set-apart folks (holy ones; saints; sacredly different people),

⁶ being persuaded and convinced of this very thing: that the One inwardly beginning (making an inward start; inciting; inwardly originating [note: in the context of sacrifices, this word meant “to begin the offering”]) a good work, a virtuous action or an excellent deed within you people (or: among you folks; or: in union with you [all]), will fully bring it to the goal (will be bringing perfection upon it; shall continue upon it to the final act and finished product: its completion; will bring upon its destiny; [note: this was a technical term for the ending of the sacrifice]) – until (or: right up to) [the] Day of or from Christ Jesus [with other MSS: as far as {the} Day which is Jesus Christ]! –

²⁹ because to you folks it is given by grace (or: He graciously was given in you people, as a favor for you people), over the [issue] of, and on behalf of, Christ, not only to be progressively believing and habitually trusting into Him, but further, also, to be repeatedly having sensible experiences over Him (or: to constantly experience feelings and impressions on behalf of Him; to habitually suffer and be ill used for His sake; to be continuously affected on account of the things pertaining to Him) –

¹³ for you see, God is the One habitually being inwardly active, constantly working and progressively effecting [results] within you folks – both the willing (intending; purposing; resolving) and the [situation] to be continuously effecting the action and inward work – above the thing that pleases (or: over [the situation of] well-thinking and delight; for the sake of [His] good pleasure).

³ For you see, we ourselves are (exist being) The Circumcision: the people (or: those) continuously rendering sacred service in a spirit of God (or: by God's Breath-effect; to God's Spirit; with God's breath; [some MSS: service to God in spirit; p46 omits "God," so simply: serving in spirit]) and constantly making our boast (being loud-tongued, vaunting and exulting) within, and in union with, Christ Jesus; even folks (or: those) being people having been persuaded and thus continuing to put no confidence within flesh (= having no reliance upon what is physical: e.g., religious works or natural heritage; or: the estranged human nature; [comment: this could be a reference to animal sacrifices]).

²⁰ You see, our citizenship (result of living in a free city; or: commonwealth-effects; political realm) continues inherently existing (or: continues humbly ruling; continuously subsists; repeatedly has its under-beginning) resident within the midst of [the] atmospheres (or: heavens), from out of where (or: which place) we also continuously receive and take away in our hands from out of a Deliverer (a Savior; One restoring us to the health and wholeness of our original state and condition): [the] Lord (or: a Master), Jesus Christ,

⁵ because of the expectation (or: expectant hope) – the one continuously lying stored away as a reserve – resident within the atmospheres (or: heavens), which you folks already heard (or: heard before) within the word (message; discourse; or: Logos) concerning the Truth (or: the word of truth; the idea belonging to and having its source in Reality; the message which is truth and reality) which originates in and pertains to the message of ease, goodness and well-being (or: which belongs to the good news).

¹⁰ [Thus we pray for you] to walk about worthily (i.e., to live your life with corresponding value) with regard to the Lord (the Owner; [= Yahweh or Christ]) [progressing] into all pleasing (or: into every desire to please; into the midst of entire pleasure) within every good work or virtuous action, while habitually bearing fruit and constantly being folks [that] are being progressively caused to grow and increase in the full, accurate, experiential and intimate knowledge of God (or: with God's full experience of intimate knowledge and insight; or: by the added insight and experiential knowledge which is God),

¹² [We are folks who are] constantly giving thanks to the Father: the One calling you [other MSS: us] – as well as making [you; us] competent (sufficient; qualified; fit; suitable) – into the divided share of the lot of the inheritance (or: into the part and portion of the allotted possession) of the set-apart folks (or: pertaining to the holy ones; belonging to the saints; from the sacred people; which is the different-from-the-ordinary folks) within the Light; ¹³ He who drags us out of danger (or: rescued us) forth from out of the midst of the authority of the Darkness (from Darkness's jurisdiction and right; from existing out of gloomy shadows and obscure dimness; = the privilege of ignorance), and changes [our] position (or: transported [us], thus, giving [us] a change of standing, and transferred [us]) into the midst of the kingdom and reign of the Son of His love (or: into the midst of the sovereign influence of the Son Who has the characteristics and qualities of His accepting love; into union with the sovereign activities of the Son Whose origin is His love; or: into the sphere of the reign of the Son of the Love which is Him; into the center of the kingdom of the Son, which is His love), ¹⁴ in Whom (or: in union with [which Son]) we continuously have and hold the redemption (the release and liberation procured by payment of a ransom) [which results in] the sending away of the failures (or: the dismissal of the errors pertaining to falling short and straying to the side of the target; the flowing away of the sins; the divorce from mistakes).

¹⁸ and so He is the Head (or: Source) of the body – which is the called-out community (the ecclesia; the summoned congregation) – Who is the Beginning (or: the Ruler; the Originator and Ruling Principle; the Beginning Power and Ability of the process), a Firstborn forth from out of the midst of dead folks, to the end that He would be birthed (may come into existence; or: could come to be) within all things and in all people: He continuously holding first place (or: constantly being preeminent; or: habitually being the First One; or: continuing being the First Man [note: this phrase has in Greek literature been used as a title for a person]),

²⁰ and THROUGH Him at once to transfer the all (the whole; = all of existential creation), away from a certain state to the level of another which is quite different (or: to change all things, bringing movement away from being down; to reconcile all things; to change everything from estrangement and alienation to friendship and harmony and move all), INTO Him – making (constructing; forming; creating) peace and harmony through the blood of His cross (execution stake): through Him, whether the things upon the earth (or: land) or the things within the atmospheres and heavens!

²⁰ and THROUGH Him at once to transfer the all (the whole; = all of existential creation), away from a certain state to the level of another which is quite different (or: to change all things, bringing movement away from being down; to reconcile all things; to change everything from estrangement and alienation to friendship and harmony and move all), INTO Him – making (constructing; forming; creating) peace and harmony through the blood of His cross (execution stake): through Him, whether the things upon the earth (or: land) or the things within the atmospheres and heavens! ²¹ And so you folks, being at one time people having been alienated away (being estranged; being rendered as belonging to another; = having been put out of the family) and enemies (or: hated ones) by the divided thoughts (in the dualistic perceptions and things going through the mind in every direction) within (or: in the midst of; in union with; or: = in the performance of) the miserable deeds (gushes of wicked actions; laborious and painful works) –

²¹ And so you folks, being at one time people having been alienated away (being estranged; being rendered as belonging to another; = having been put out of the family) and enemies (or: hated ones) by the divided thoughts (in the dualistic perceptions and things going through the mind in every direction) within (or: in the midst of; in union with; or: = in the performance of) the miserable deeds (gushes of wicked actions; laborious and painful works) – ²² yet now He at once reconciled (or: changed and transferred to a different state; [p46 & B read: you folks were reconciled]) within the body of His flesh (= His physical being), through His death, to place you folks alongside, down before Him and in His sight: set-apart (holy) folks and flawless (unblemished; blameless) ones, even people not accused, with nothing laid to your charge (or: unaccusable ones; unimpeachable ones; folks without reproach),

²⁷ to whom God wills (or: at one point purposed; or: intends) to make known by intimate experience, what [are] the riches of the glory of this Secret (or: the wealth which has its source in this sacred mystery's manifestation which calls forth praise) within the multitudes (among the nations; in the Gentiles; IN UNION WITH the swarms of ethnic groups), which is (or: exists being) Christ within you folks, the expectation of and from the glory (or: which is [the] Anointed in union with you people: the hope of the manifestation which calls forth praise; or: which is [the] Anointing within the midst of you folks – the expectation which is the glory),

¹⁰ and you folks, being ones having been filled up (or: made full), are (or: exist) continuously within, and in union with, Him, Who is (or: exists being) [other MSS: the One being] the Head of (or: the Source of) all government and authority (or: of every beginning and right; of all rule and privilege which comes from being), ¹¹ within Whom you folks were also circumcised (or: in union with Whom you are cut around and off) by (or: in; to; with) a circumcision not done by hands (not handmade): in the sinking out and away from (or: the stripping off and undressing of; the going out and away from) the body of the flesh (= the corporate body of the Jewish religion and national heritage; or: = the natural body, or, the body pertaining to the natural realm; or: = the estranged human nature and alienated self) – in the circumcision of the Christ (in Christ's circumcision; in the circumcision which was done to Christ; or: in the circumcision which is the Anointing),

¹¹ within Whom you folks were also circumcised (or: in union with Whom you are cut around and off) by (or: in; to; with) a circumcision not done by hands (not handmade): in the sinking out and away from (or: the stripping off and undressing of; the going out and away from) the body of the flesh (= the corporate body of the Jewish religion and national heritage; or: = the natural body, or, the body pertaining to the natural realm; or: = the estranged human nature and alienated self) – in the circumcision of the Christ (in Christ's circumcision; in the circumcision which was done to Christ; or: in the circumcision which is the Anointing), ¹² being buried together in Him (jointly entombed with Him) – within the placing into (in the immersion and saturation, and its result; in the plunging for permeation; within the overwhelming; in the dipping into; within the baptism) – within the midst of Whom you folks were awakened and caused to rise up together through the faith which is (or: belonging to; coming from) the inward operation of God (or: the trust belonging to the effectual energizing from and which is God): the One awakening and raising Him up, forth from out of the midst of dead folks.

¹² being buried together in Him (jointly entombed with Him) – within the placing into (in the immersion and saturation, and its result; in the plunging for permeation; within the overwhelming; in the dipping into; within the baptism) – within the midst of Whom you folks were awakened and caused to rise up together through the faith which is (or: belonging to; coming from) the inward operation of God (or: the trust belonging to the effectual energizing from and which is God): the One awakening and raising Him up, forth from out of the midst of dead folks.

¹² being buried together in Him (jointly entombed with Him) – within the placing into (in the immersion and saturation, and its result; in the plunging for permeation; within the overwhelming; in the dipping into; within the baptism) – within the midst of Whom you folks were awakened and caused to rise up together through the faith which is (or: belonging to; coming from) the inward operation of God (or: the trust belonging to the effectual energizing from and which is God): the One awakening and raising Him up, forth from out of the midst of dead folks. ¹³ And you folks – continuously being dead ones within [other MSS: by] the results and effects of falls to the side, and in (or: by) the uncircumcision of your flesh (= physical bodies or national heritage; or: = estranged human nature and alienated self) – He makes (or: made) alive together: you [other MSS: us] jointly together with Him, gracing us and granting favor to us [for; in] all the effects of the falls and stumbling to the side (= false steps),

¹³ And you folks – continuously being dead ones within [other MSS: by] the results and effects of falls to the side, and in (or: by) the uncircumcision of your flesh (= physical bodies or national heritage; or: = estranged human nature and alienated self) – He makes (or: made) alive together: you [other MSS: us] jointly together with Him, gracing us and granting favor to us [for; in] all the effects of the falls and stumbling to the side (= false steps),

¹³ And you folks – continuously being dead ones within [other MSS: by] the results and effects of falls to the side, and in (or: by) the uncircumcision of your flesh (= physical bodies or national heritage; or: = estranged human nature and alienated self) – He makes (or: made) alive together: you [other MSS: us] jointly together with Him, gracing us and granting favor to us [for; in] all the effects of the falls and stumbling to the side (= false steps), ¹⁴ anointing and wiping out the handwriting in the decrees (bonds; bills of debt; ordinances; statutes) put down against (or: with regard to the effects of the thoughts or suppositions, and the results of the appearances of what seemed [to be], corresponding to) us, which was continuing to be under, within and set in active opposition to us, and He has picked it up and lifted it from out of the midst, nailing it to the cross (or: on the execution stake),

¹⁴ anointing and wiping out the handwriting in the decrees (bonds; bills of debt; ordinances; statutes) put down against (or: with regard to the effects of the thoughts or suppositions, and the results of the appearances of what seemed [to be], corresponding to) us, which was continuing to be under, within and set in active opposition to us, and He has picked it up and lifted it from out of the midst, nailing it to the cross (or: on the execution stake),

²⁰ Since (or: If) you folks died together with Christ, away from the world's system of elementary principles (or: the rudimentary teachings and fundamental assumptions of the organized System [e.g., world of religion, secular society, education or culture]), why, as living in [the] world (in an organized system), are you constantly being subjected to (or, as a middle: submitting to; binding yourself to) rules (decrees; commands; or: effects of thoughts or results of imaginations; "dogmas" [of the system]):

¹ Since, therefore, you folks were awakened and are raised up together in the Christ (or: If, then, you are aroused and raised with the Anointed One), be constantly seeking and trying to find the upward things (or: the things being above), where the Christ is (exists being), continuously sitting within the right [side] (or: at the right [hand]; = at the place of receiving, and in the place of honor and the power) of God.

¹ Since, therefore, you folks were awakened and are raised up together in the Christ (or: If, then, you are aroused and raised with the Anointed One), be constantly seeking and trying to find the upward things (or: the things being above), where the Christ is (exists being), continuously sitting within the right [side] (or: at the right [hand]; = at the place of receiving, and in the place of honor and the power) of God. ² Be constantly minding (thinking about; setting your disposition and sentiments toward; paying regard to) the upward things (or: the things above), not the things upon the earth,

² Be constantly minding (thinking about; setting your disposition and sentiments toward; paying regard to) the upward things (or: the things above), not the things upon the earth, ³ for you folks died, and your life has been hidden so that it is now concealed together with the Christ, within the midst of God (or: in union with God).

³ for you folks died, and your life has been hidden so that it is now concealed together with the Christ, within the midst of God (or: in union with God). ⁴ Whenever the Christ, our life [other MSS: your life], may be brought to light (or: should be manifested), you folks also will proceed being brought to light (or: will keep on being manifested), together with Him, within the midst of glory (or: in union with a manifestation which calls forth praise; or: in a good reputation; or: = in His manifest presence). (or: When Christ, the Anointing, can be manifested, then your life – even you yourself, together with Him – will continue being manifested in His manifest presence).

⁶ – because of which things God's inherent fervor (natural impulse and propensity; internal swelling and teeming passion of desire; or: anger; wrath) is repeatedly (or: continuously; progressively) coming [other MSS add: upon the sons of The Disobedience (or: those having the condition of being unpersuaded; or: the stubbornness); note: “the disobedience” could refer to Adam and Eve eating from the tree, and thus, the “sons of the disobedience” could refer to all of mankind] – ⁷ within which things you folks also at one time (once; formerly) walked about (= lived your lives), when you were living within these things.

¹⁰ and then [be] suddenly clothing yourselves with (or: entering within) the new one (the fresh one which existed only recently), the one being continuously (or: repeatedly; habitually; progressively) renewed (made back up new again, in kind and character) into full, accurate, added, intimate and experiential knowledge and insight which is down from and corresponds to the image (an exactly formed visible likeness) of its Creator (of the One framing and founding it from a state of wildness and disorder), ¹¹ wherein (or: in which place) there is no Greek [figure of the multitudes who are non-Jews, and of those who are cultured and civilized] and Jew [figure of a covenant people of God], circumcision and uncircumcision [figure for religious in-groups and out-groups; there is no longer a covenant people versus non-covenant people], barbarian [foreigner who speaks a different language], Scythian [figure or example of wild, uncivilized groups], slave, freeman, but to the contrary, Christ [is] all, and within all (or: Christ [is] all humanity, and within all mankind; or: Christ [is] everything or all things, and within everything and all things; [note: the Greek is plural, and is either masculine, signifying “mankind,” or neuter, signifying all creation, in these phrases]).

¹⁵ Furthermore, let the peace [= shalom] of the Christ (belonging to and originating in the [Messiah]; the harmony which is the Anointing [other MSS: God]) continuously umpire (act as a judge in the games) within your hearts (= in union with the core of your being) – into which [peace] you folks are called (were called; were invited), within one body. And progressively come to be thankful people (or: continue becoming folks expressing gratitude for the goodness, ease and well-being that comes in grace; be habitually graceful folks).

⁵ not in a feeling of excessive desire (or: in union with an experience of full-rushing passion), just as also the nations (ethnic multitudes; non-Israelites) [do] who, having not perceived, do not know (aren't aware of; aren't acquainted with) God.

¹³ Now then, we are not wanting (or: willing, intending) you to continue ignorant, brothers, concerning the folks who are from time to time falling asleep [other MSS: those having been put to sleep (= passed away; died), and continuing made to be sleeping], to the intent that you may not continuously be made to be sad or sorrowful according as even (or: just like also) the rest (the ones remaining or left), the folks continuously having no expectation (or: hope).

⁹ These certain folks who will proceed paying the thing that is right (incur justice, fairness and equity): ruin pertaining to the Age [of Messiah] (or: an unspecified period of ruin or destruction; or: ruin for an age; eonian destruction having the character of the Age) [coming] from the Lord's face [= the Christ's or Yahweh’s presence], even from the glory of His strength (or: spreading from the manifestation which calls forth praise regarding, and having the character of, His strength) –

¹² so that the Name of our Lord, Jesus [other MSS add: Christ], may be invested with glory (glorified; made to be a manifestation and a reputation which calls forth praise) within you folks, and you within Him, according to (down from; in line with; on the level of) the grace and favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: from our God, and [the] Owner, Anointed Jesus).

¹³ However we, ourselves, are presently indebted (or: continuously owing) to be constantly expressing gratitude to God (or: speaking of the goodness of grace and the well-being of the favor in God) always, concerning you: brothers (= fellow believers) having been loved continuing to be unambiguously accepted by the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] because God chose you for Himself, from [the] beginning, unto deliverance, [other MSS: God selected and took you in preference {to be} a firstfruit into a restoration to the original state and condition (or: into the midst of health and wholeness; {leading you} unto rescue and salvation)], in a setting-apart of spirit and faith which has the character of truth (or: a making sacred from Breath-effect and trust from reality; or: in union with Spirit's differencing and Truth's faith),

¹⁶ Now may our Lord, Jesus Christ Himself, even (or: and) our God and Father, the One loving us and giving a calling alongside pertaining to the Age (or: performance as a Paraclete with age-lasting aid; eonian relief, encouragement, consolation and admonition) as well as a good expectation (or: a virtuous and excellent hope) in grace (or: in union with favor), ¹⁷ be at once calling your hearts alongside and establishing (making to stand fast; making stable and firm) you in every good (or: excellent; virtuous) work and word (or: thought; idea; message) [with other MSS: in all the Word and in virtuous action].

¹ Paul, one sent away with a commission pertaining to [the] Anointed Jesus (or: Jesus Christ's representative and envoy), down from (or: in line and accord with) an imposed arrangement from (an injunction of; a decree and charge set upon [me] pertaining to) God our Savior, even (or: and) from Christ Jesus, our Expectation (or: expectant Hope),

¹⁴ Yet our Lord's grace and favor overwhelms (is above more than enough; is overabounding) with faith and trust, as well as love, which are resident within Christ Jesus.

¹⁶ But nonetheless, through this I was mercied (or: I am given mercy), to the end that within me first (= as the foremost case) Jesus Christ may point out so as to publicly display every emotion which is long in arriving (all long-suffering patience) with a view to being an underline (toward [being] a subtype; as facing a sketch or outline; for a pattern) of those about to be habitually believing (or: progressively trusting; one-after-another placing faith) upon Him, [that is, ] into the midst of eonian life (into Life which pertains to and has the qualities and characteristics of the Age [of Messiah]; into life of, and which lasts through, the ages). ¹⁷ So, to [the] King of The Ages (or: eons; indefinite time periods), to [the] incorruptible (undecayable; unspoilable), invisible (unseen; not-able-to be seen) One, to [the] only God [some MSS add: wise; so: only wise God], [be] honor (value; worth) and glory (reputation which calls forth praise), on into the ages (or: indefinite time periods) of the ages. It is so (Amen)! (or: Now in and by the King to Whom belongs the ages – in and by the imperishable, invisible [and] only One – in and by God [is] honor and glory, [leading] into the [most important] eons of the eons. So it is!)

¹⁰ but rather – what is suitable (proper; fitting; becoming) in (or: for; to) women giving instruction on reverence for God [note: refers to women who taught “God-fearers” in synagogues, to prepare these folks for conversion] – through good works and virtuous actions.

⁶ yet the woman continuously indulging herself in riotous luxury (excessive comfort; sensual gratification), continuing being alive (or: [though] living), she is dead (or: she has died).

¹⁰ having a continuing reputation founded in beautiful acts (ideal works; fine deeds): if she nourishes children (or: reared a family), if she is (or: was) hospitable to strangers and foreigners, if she washes (or: bathed) the feet of the set-apart folks (the holy ones; the saints), if she successfully wards off distress for those being constantly pressured (or: relieves those consistently being in tribulation and affliction), if she follows up on every good work (attends to every virtuous deed).

²⁵ Similarly, the beautiful acts (the excellent deeds; the fine and ideal works) are obvious (portrayed before the public), and yet the ones habitually holding otherwise (having [acts or deeds] in a different way) are not able to be continuously hidden.

⁹ Yet those wanting and determining to be rich are continually falling in – into a trial and a trap and many senseless and hurtful strong passions (many over-desires void of understanding and bringing weakness; disadvantageous wants and needs), which things habitually swamp those people, sinking them to the bottom, into ruinous corruption (or: destruction) and loss,

¹⁸ to be habitually energizing goodness and working at virtue (or: working profitably), to continue being rich in beautiful deeds (to continue wealthy in ideal actions and in union with fine works), to be liberal contributors (folks good with giving) – folks having the qualities of community and common existence (people who partner and are ready to share; folks who are fellow participants),

⁹ pertaining to and from the One delivering and calling us (or: which is rescuing, healing restoring, saving and calling us) in a set-apart calling (or: to a holy invitation; for a separated and different sacred call); not corresponding to our works (or: down from our deeds; in accord with or on the level of our [ceremonial] activities), but on the contrary, corresponding to (down from; in accord with; on the level of) His own prior placing (or: previously setting-forth; thus: definite aim and purpose which He personally is bent on achieving), even grace: that [which is] being given to us within Christ Jesus (or: corresponding to His own predetermined purpose and the favor being given to us, [which is] belonging to and pertaining to Jesus, resident within Christ), before times having the qualities and characteristics of the ages (before [the] age-lasting time periods; prior to eonian times; = before [the] time segments of [the] ages [began]),

²¹ If, then, anyone should ever clean himself out from these [aforementioned worthless, dishonorable and common] things, he will proceed being a container (or: utensil; piece of equipment) [placed] into [use for] honor and things of worth, having been set aside (dedicated and being one made sacred and holy) for honorable and valuable use by the Owner (Master of the house), one having been made ready and now being prepared, [directed and now proceeding] into every good work (or: virtuous action).

¹⁷ to the end that God's [corporate] Person (or: the person belonging to God; the human having his origin in God; humanity in relation to God) may be exactly fitted (can exist being precisely prepared; would be entirely suited), being one having been completely furnished and equipped toward every good work (with a view to every virtuous and excellent action).

¹⁰ for you see, Demas, loving the present age, forsook and abandoned me and went into Thessalonica; Crescens into Galatia; Titus into Dalmatia.

⁷ [while] constantly holding yourself at [their] side, offering (tendering; presenting; exhibiting) yourself [as] a model (example; pattern; an impression) of beautiful actions (fine deeds and ideal works), [exhibiting] incorruptness (absence of spoil or ruin; incapability of decay) [and] seriousness (gravity; dignity) [p32 & other MSS add: freedom from envy; willingness] within the teaching:

¹¹ For God's saving grace (the salvation-imparting influence and boon of undeserved kindness, favor and goodwill whose source is God and which brings deliverance, rescue, restoration and health) has been fully set in clear Light for all mankind (or: was fully manifested to all humanity; has been made to completely appear in all people; or: has additionally shined within all humans) [other MSS: You see, the joyous favor of God: a Savior for (to; in) all mankind, has been fully displayed; or: So you see, the grace, which is God, was made to suddenly appear {as} a Savior for all humans],

¹⁴ Who gave (or: gives) Himself over us (= over our situation; on our behalf), to the end that He could loose and redeem us (= set us free) from all lawlessness – by payment of a ransom – and would cleanse and make pure in Himself (for Himself; by Himself; with Himself) a people being encircled around [Him], laid up as a super-abounding acquisition of property, zealous (bubbling up; or: boiling hot; = extremely enthusiastic) with regard to beautiful actions (or: for ideal works; from fine deeds).

¹ Repeatedly bring folks under recollection, constantly causing them to think again and remember to be habitually placing themselves in subjection to (or: to be supportively aligned with; be continually arranged under by) governments (or: rulers; sovereignties; originating headships) – to (or: by) those having the right of authority – [and] to continuously comply in persuaded obedience, yielding to these authorities; to constantly be ready ones: facing and progressing toward every good work (or: virtuous action);

³ You see, we also were, ourselves, at one time people habitually being foolish, senseless and without understanding (without perception or proper use of our minds) – noncompliant and disobedient ones, folks being constantly caused to wander and being led astray (or, as a middle: repeatedly deceiving ourselves; habitually going astray), continuously being and performing as slaves to various (a diversity of many kinds of) full-rushing passions and pleasures (enjoyments; gratifications), habitually carrying ugly worthlessness (bad quality or malice) and envy (or: jealousy) throughout (= leading a bad life): detestable ones (abhorrent folks) continuously hating one another.

³ You see, we also were, ourselves, at one time people habitually being foolish, senseless and without understanding (without perception or proper use of our minds) – noncompliant and disobedient ones, folks being constantly caused to wander and being led astray (or, as a middle: repeatedly deceiving ourselves; habitually going astray), continuously being and performing as slaves to various (a diversity of many kinds of) full-rushing passions and pleasures (enjoyments; gratifications), habitually carrying ugly worthlessness (bad quality or malice) and envy (or: jealousy) throughout (= leading a bad life): detestable ones (abhorrent folks) continuously hating one another. ⁴ Yet, when the beneficial usefulness in meeting needs and the affectionate friendship for mankind (the fondness for, the liking of, and the love – as shown in kissing – for humanity) of God (or: coming from, and which is, God), our Deliverer (Savior; Rescuer; Healer; Restorer), was fully set in clear Light (was made to completely appear; was fully manifested) –

⁴ Yet, when the beneficial usefulness in meeting needs and the affectionate friendship for mankind (the fondness for, the liking of, and the love – as shown in kissing – for humanity) of God (or: coming from, and which is, God), our Deliverer (Savior; Rescuer; Healer; Restorer), was fully set in clear Light (was made to completely appear; was fully manifested) –

⁴ Yet, when the beneficial usefulness in meeting needs and the affectionate friendship for mankind (the fondness for, the liking of, and the love – as shown in kissing – for humanity) of God (or: coming from, and which is, God), our Deliverer (Savior; Rescuer; Healer; Restorer), was fully set in clear Light (was made to completely appear; was fully manifested) – ⁵ not from out of works [which arise from] within religious performance which we ourselves do [= deeds associated with the temple cultus of the old covenant] (or: not forth from actions in union with an act of righteousness which we, ourselves, did; not in a relationship based upon our own performance; not deeds in a system of justice, equity and fairness which we, ourselves, constructed), but to the contrary, down from and corresponding to His mercy, He delivered us (or: He saves, rescues and restores us to the wholeness and health of our original condition) through a bath of and from a birth-back-up-again (or: [the] bathing of a regeneration; note: can = a ritual immersion pool of rebirth) and a making back-up-new (of a different kind and quality) again from a set-apart Breath-effect (or: of a renewal and renovation whose source is [the] Holy Spirit; or: a set-apart spirit's creating or birthing [us] back-up-new-again; a renewal which is a holy spirit) –

⁵ not from out of works [which arise from] within religious performance which we ourselves do [= deeds associated with the temple cultus of the old covenant] (or: not forth from actions in union with an act of righteousness which we, ourselves, did; not in a relationship based upon our own performance; not deeds in a system of justice, equity and fairness which we, ourselves, constructed), but to the contrary, down from and corresponding to His mercy, He delivered us (or: He saves, rescues and restores us to the wholeness and health of our original condition) through a bath of and from a birth-back-up-again (or: [the] bathing of a regeneration; note: can = a ritual immersion pool of rebirth) and a making back-up-new (of a different kind and quality) again from a set-apart Breath-effect (or: of a renewal and renovation whose source is [the] Holy Spirit; or: a set-apart spirit's creating or birthing [us] back-up-new-again; a renewal which is a holy spirit) –

⁵ not from out of works [which arise from] within religious performance which we ourselves do [= deeds associated with the temple cultus of the old covenant] (or: not forth from actions in union with an act of righteousness which we, ourselves, did; not in a relationship based upon our own performance; not deeds in a system of justice, equity and fairness which we, ourselves, constructed), but to the contrary, down from and corresponding to His mercy, He delivered us (or: He saves, rescues and restores us to the wholeness and health of our original condition) through a bath of and from a birth-back-up-again (or: [the] bathing of a regeneration; note: can = a ritual immersion pool of rebirth) and a making back-up-new (of a different kind and quality) again from a set-apart Breath-effect (or: of a renewal and renovation whose source is [the] Holy Spirit; or: a set-apart spirit's creating or birthing [us] back-up-new-again; a renewal which is a holy spirit) – ⁶ which (or: from which source) He pours forth (or: poured from out of) upon us richly through Jesus Christ, our Deliverer (Savior; Healer; Rescuer; Restorer; Safe-keeper), ⁷ to the end that, being rightwised, and set in right relationship in the Way of fairness and equity which has been pointed out (also: = being placed in covenant membership) – by and in the grace and favor of That One – we can (could; would; may) come to be (or: be birthed; be made to exist being) heirs (possessors and enjoyers of the allotment), corresponding to, in line with, and down from [the] expectation (or: an expectant hope) that comes from eonian life (or: of life whose character, origin, source and realm is the Age [of the Messiah]; or: a life of unspecified duration which leads on into the ages; [the] life of and for the ages). ⁸ The Idea (The Logos; The Word; The Message; The Thought) [is] full of faith (or: faithful; trustworthy), and I am continuing in intending (determining; designing; or: wishing; wanting) to progressively set you on thoroughly good footing (to make you continue thoroughly stabilized and confidently insistent) about (or: concerning) these things – to the end that those having put trust in God (or: the ones having believed God and now having faith in God) can habitually give careful thought and concern to constantly put themselves in the forefront (or: to continually promote, maintain and stand themselves for the interests) of beautiful deeds (ideal works; fine actions). These things continue being beautiful (fine; ideal), as well as augmenting a furtherance for humanity (profitable to mankind; beneficial in people).

¹⁴ Now let our people (our own folks) be progressively learning how to habitually put themselves in the forefront (to continually promote, maintain and stand themselves for the interests) of beautiful actions (fine deeds; ideal works) [directed] into the indispensable needs (or: wants of compressed necessity), so that they may not exist being unfruitful ones.

³ For this [reason] He (or: You see, this One) has been esteemed worthy of more glory and a greater reputation than Moses, proportionally to the degree that He who constructs (or: prepares; fully implements) it has more value (honor; worth) than the house itself. ⁴ For every house is constructed, prepared and fully implemented by someone, but the One constructing all humanity (or: all [situations; circumstances]; = everything) [is] God!

¹⁵ For you see, we do not have a chief priest who is unable or has no power to sympathize (to have a sense-experience with; to feel a stab of sympathy or suffer together; cf ch. 2:10) with our lack of strength, but One having been put to the proof – in accord with all things (or: down with all men; corresponding to all people) [and] in corresponding likeness – apart from failure (mistake; error; sin; failing to hit the target). ¹⁶ We should, then, be repeatedly and habitually coming to the throne of Grace ([= mercy seat and place of Grace's authority]; or: the throne which is grace; the throne that is marked by grace and whose source is joyous favor) with freedom in speaking and outspoken boldness as a citizen who has no fear of reprisal, so that we can at once receive and take mercy as well as grace and favor into a timely (seasonable; well-suited) response to a cry for help [reading with B; or, with other MSS: receive mercy and then at once find grace and favor, unto opportune help (or: leading into help marked by a season of well-being; with a view to aid whose character is a good situation and a fertile moment of wellness)].

¹⁸ so that by two unchangeable transactions (practice-effects) in which [it is] impossible (without power or ability) [for] God to deceive (to lie or be false), we – those fleeing to refuge – may be constantly having (holding; possessing) strong consolation (a calling alongside with relief, aid and encouragement; services of the Paraclete) to be strong to get into one's power the prescribed and settled expectation (or: expectant hope) continuously lying before [us],

² to whom also Abraham divided a tenth of all – being first, indeed, translated "King of the Way pointed out" (King of fairness and equity; King of Justice and Righteousness; King of Rightwised Relationships; also: = King of covenant living) and then also (or: afterwards) "King of Salem," which is "King of Peace and Harmony."

¹⁶ Who has not been born (brought into existence) down in accord with a law of a fleshly implanted goal (in line with an impartation of a finished [human] product and destiny within; or: in correspondence to a custom of a fleshly injunction; = following the pattern of a human directive), but to the contrary, according to and on the basis of a power and ability of an indissoluble life (a life not subject to destruction).

¹⁹ you see, the Law perfects nothing (brought nothing to its goal or destiny; finishes nothing) – yet on the other hand [this is] a fully leading-in (or: a bringing-in upon; an introduction; [note: according to Thayer, this was used in Josephus of the introduction of a new wife in place of one repudiated]) of a superior (stronger and better) expectation (or: expectant hope) through which we are continuously and progressively drawing near to and in, by and with God.

¹³ In thus to be saying "new [in kind and quality]," He has made the first (or: former) "old," and that [which is] progressively growing old and obsolete (failing of age; ageing into decay), [is] near its disappearing (vanishing away).

⁹ which is a parable, [pointing] unto the present season (or: the fertile moment and situation having been placed within the midst and which is now here) – in accord with which [parable] both gifts and sacrifices are continually being offered, [though] not being able (or: not having power) to perfect (complete; bring to the goal and destiny; finish; mature), in regard to conscience and shared consciousness, those repeatedly doing the sacred service, ¹⁰ [relying] only upon foods and drinks and various immersions (baptisms; ceremonial washings), as well as rites and products of the way then pointed out (or: applications of fairness and equity) pertaining to the flesh (or: = [the] flesh's [religious] ordinances and external regulations of justice; or: = the system of human works), continuously lying upon them (thus: pressing upon them; = being imposed by them) until a fitting situation (or: season; fertile moment) of raising-up-through (or: thoroughly raising upright and making straight).

¹⁸ Consequently, not even the first (or: former) has been initiated (innovated; inaugurated; or: dedicated) apart from blood, [signifying a death].

²³ Indeed, then, [it was] a necessity for the under-exhibits (examples; copies; effects of suggestive signs) of the things within the atmospheres and heavens to be cleansed by these [means], yet the very super-heavenly things (or: the things [situated] upon the atmospheres) themselves by superior (stronger and better) sacrifices besides these.

¹ For the Law (= Torah), holding a shadow of (having shade from) the impending good things (virtues; excellent, agreeable or useful qualities or results) – not the very image of or the same reproduced likeness from those transactions (results of executing or performing; effects of practices) – continues not even once able (or: still never has power) at any point to perfect (bring to the goal and destiny, finish, complete or mature) those folks repeatedly coming near (approaching) by offering the [other MSS: their] same sacrifices every year, on into the whole length (or: extended or stretched into the unbroken continuance) [of its existence]. ² Otherwise would they not cease being habitually offered? Because those constantly serving, upon having once for all been cleansed, would not still continue to have even one consciousness about sins (or: awareness of failures, mistakes or errors). ³ But in contrast, in these folks [there is] yearly (or: year by year) a remembrance of sins (a recollection of failures and falling short of the goal). ⁴ For you see, blood from bulls and from he-goats [is] without ability [and is] powerless to be periodically carrying away sins (or: lifting failures from; taking off misses of the target). ⁵ Wherefore (or: Because of which), repeatedly (habitually; continually; periodically; or: presently) coming into the System (or: entering the cosmos and the world of religion, culture, secular society and government) He is saying, "You do not will (purpose; intend) sacrifice and offering, but You completely equipped (thoroughly adjusted down, put in order, knit together) in and for Yourself a body for and in Me. ⁶ "And the results and effects of whole burnt offerings about sin (concerning failure to hit the target) You do not think well of (or: have a good opinion about). ⁷ "Then I said, 'Consider! I am arriving to do (make; form; create; produce; perform) Your will (purpose; intent; resolve), O God!' – in a little head of a scroll (a summaryof a little scroll), it has been written concerning Me.'" [Ps. 40:6-8] ⁸ Up above, in saying that,"You do not will (purpose, intend), neither think well of (or: approve), sacrifice and offering and the result and effect of whole burnt-offerings, even concerning sin (failure; error) [offerings]" – which things, down from and in accord with Law and custom, continue being repeatedly offered – ⁹ He then said, "Consider! I am arriving to do (form; make; create) Your will (purpose; intent; resolve), O God!" – He is habitually (or: progressively; or: presently) taking back up the first, so that He could make the second [cf. ch. 9:28] to stand (or: that He may place and establish the second) – ¹⁰ within which will (or: in union with which intent and purpose), we are folks having been made set-apart ones (sanctified folks; sacred and holy people) through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

¹⁹ Therefore, having freedom, openness and boldness of speech which comes from being citizens, brothers (= fellow members), with a view to the Entrance of the set-apart places (or: into the Pathway-into the midst, pertaining to the Holiest Place, which is the separated ones and which pertains to the sacred folks) – within and in union with the blood of Jesus;

¹⁹ Therefore, having freedom, openness and boldness of speech which comes from being citizens, brothers (= fellow members), with a view to the Entrance of the set-apart places (or: into the Pathway-into the midst, pertaining to the Holiest Place, which is the separated ones and which pertains to the sacred folks) – within and in union with the blood of Jesus; ²⁰ a Way (Path; Road) which was done anew (or: which He innovates and makes new in species, character or mode, within and in the midst) for us and in us, recently slain and yet living, through the veil that is His flesh (or: which way through the veil He did anew for us – that is, His flesh (= His body): recently slain, and now living) –

²⁰ a Way (Path; Road) which was done anew (or: which He innovates and makes new in species, character or mode, within and in the midst) for us and in us, recently slain and yet living, through the veil that is His flesh (or: which way through the veil He did anew for us – that is, His flesh (= His body): recently slain, and now living) – ²¹ along with a Great Priest [enthroned] upon God's House (or: the house from God) – ²² we can be continuously and progressively approaching with a true heart in fullness of faith (or: in faith's being brought to the full), the hearts having been sprinkled from a misery-gushed consciousness of what is evil or unserviceable (or: a joint-knowledge full of labor; a conscience in a bad condition), and then the body having been bathed in and by clean water.

²⁴ And so, let us be constantly directing [our] minds to give careful attention to (or: keep on bearing in mind and fully considering) one another into an incitement of love and fine works (or: unto a keen spurring on of unrestricted acceptance and beautiful acts; to a sharpening alongside from love's urge to overcome separation or estrangement, and from ideal deeds),

¹³ Down from faith (or: In line with confidence; Corresponding to trust; In the sphere of loyal allegiance and faithfulness) all these folks died off, not taking hold of (or: receiving; [other MSS: not being ones carrying off to themselves for kindly keeping]) the promises, but still, after seeing them forward at a distance, and drawing them to themselves and clinging to them, even speaking alike (saying the same thing; confessing in verbal agreement) that they are, and continue being, strangers and sojourners (or: foreigners and alien residents living in a foreign place) upon the land (or: earth).

³⁴ extinguished [the] power (quenched [the] ability) of fire, escaped mouths (= edge) of [the] sword; were empowered (enabled), moving away from a [state of] of weakness (or infirmity); were made to be (were caused to become) strong ones in the midst of war (or: combat; battle); they caused battle lines of foreigners to bend (or: caused encampments of aliens to bow down; wheeled [the] ranks belonging to [the] armies of others);

²² But to the contrary, you folks have approached so that you are now at Mount Zion – even in a city of a continuously living God; in "Jerusalem upon heaven" (or: in a Jerusalem pertaining to and having the character and qualities of a superior, or added, heaven and atmosphere; or: in Jerusalem [situated] upon, and comparable to, the atmosphere) – also among ten-thousands (or: myriads) of agents and messengers (people with a/the message): ²³ [that is] in (or: to) an assembly of an entire people (or: an assembly of all; a universal convocation) and in (or: to) a summoning forth (or: a called-out and gathered community) of firstborn folks having been copied (from-written, as from a pattern; or: enrolled; registered) within [the; or: various] atmospheres (or: heavens), and in (or: to; with) God, a Judge (an Evaluator and Decider) of all mankind, even among (or: to; with) spirits of just folks (or: breath-effects from those who are fair and equitable and in right relationship within the Way pointed out) having been brought to the destined goal (perfected; finished; matured; made complete), ²⁴ and in (or: to) Jesus, a Medium (or: an agency; an intervening substance; a middle state; one in a middle position; a go-between; an Umpire; a Mediator) of a new and fresh (young; recently-born) arrangement (covenant; settlement; a deposit which moves throughout in every direction; a placing through the midst; a will and testament), and to and in blood of sprinkling, and to One continuously speaking something superior to (or: stronger and better than) Abel.

²⁰ Now may the God who is Peace (or: who is the origin of and has the character and qualities of harmony [= shalom]), the One at one point leading our Lord (Master; Owner) – Jesus, the Shepherd of the sheep, the Great One – back up again out from the midst of dead folks, ²¹ at once render you folks thoroughly equipped (fitted; adapted) in the midst of all good and in every virtue, immersed in, and in union with, the blood of a thorough arrangement (or: a covenant; a deposit which moves throughout in every direction; a placing through the midst; or: a will and testament) pertaining to and having the qualities of the Age (or: an eonian – through the ages – settlement), in order to at once do (produce; perform) His will (the effect of His intent and purpose; the result of His design and pleasure) – progressively creating (doing; forming; producing) within you folks and in union with you people [other MSS: in us] the well-pleasing and satisfying [result] in His presence and sight, through Jesus Christ, in Whom (and: for Whom, by Whom, and to Whom) [is] the glory (the reputation and the manifestation which calls forth praise) on into the ages of the ages. It is so (Count on it; Amen)!

⁷ For that man must not habitually suppose (or: normally assume) that he will continue receiving (or: taking in hand; seizing; getting) anything from beside (= from being in the presence of) the Lord [= Yahweh, or, Christ].

¹⁶ Do not be repeatedly caused to wander (or: Be not continuously deceived), my beloved brothers (= family members; = fellow believers)! ¹⁷ Every good leaving of a legacy, profitable contributing or excellent dosing, as well as all virtuous giving, and (or: All giving [is] beneficial, and yet), every perfect gift (finished, complete or mature result of giving) is from above, descending from the Father of the lights, beside Whom there is no otherness at [His] side (or: in the presence of Whom is no parallel otherness; [other MSS: along with Whom {is} not one interchange, variation, shifting or mutation]), nor a shadow cast by turning [other MSS: an effect caused by the passing of shadows]. ¹⁸ Being purposed (intended; willed), from pregnancy He brought us forth by a Word (collected thought; message) of Truth and Reality – [placed] into us – to be (or: to continuously exist being) a specific firstfruit of His created beings (or: of the effects of His act of creating; or: from the results of the creation which is Himself).

⁹ With it we continuously speak well of (or: speak a good word about; bless) the Lord [other MSS: God] and Father, and with it we constantly curse (pray down upon) those men having been born “according to (down from and corresponding to) God's likeness.” [Gen. 1:26-27]

¹ From what situation (place; source) [arise] battles (or: wars; situations of combat) and fights (quarrels; strife; controversies) among you folks? Are they not from this source (or: place): from out of your sensual pleasures (enjoyments and gratifications) [which are] themselves continually performing as soldiers within your members? ² You folks are continuously strongly desiring to possess, and yet continuously you do not have; you continue murdering and are repeatedly jealous (boil with rivalry), and so you are perpetually unable to hit the mark (to attain or master [something]). You are habitually quarreling and fighting. (or: You people constantly have full longing, desire and lust – and still you are not presently holding or possessing – and so you repeatedly murder. You are progressively envious, boiling with rivalry, and yet continue having no power to obtain [your goal], so you are constantly striving and having controversies – even doing combat and waging wars!) You continue not having [your desires] because you yourself do not continue asking (or: you are not normally asking for yourselves). ³ You continue asking (requesting), and yet are not receiving because you are asking inappropriately (worthlessly requesting; or: = asking for a wrong purpose) to the intent that you may spend (= waste) it in (or: on) your pleasures. ⁴ Adulterers and adulteresses (= Folks unfaithful to Christ or God as your husband)! Have you not seen, and are you not aware, that the System's friendship (the affection whose source is this world of religion, secular culture, economy and government) is a source of enmity with God (or: hostility and active hatred with regard to God; [Aleph reads: exists being alienation to God])? Whoever, then, may have been made to want (to intend; to purpose) to be the System's (or: world's) friend is continuing to be established (habitually set down; progressively rendered or constituted) [as] God's alienated and hostile person.

³ Well-spoken of (or: Eulogized; Blessed; or: Well-gathered, laid-out with ease, and worthy of praise) [is] the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ (or: Who is our Owner, Jesus Christ), the One bringing us to birth again (regenerating us; begetting us back up again; causing us to be born again) down from, in line with and in correspondence to His abundant mercy (or: the much-existing sympathizing and active compassion which is Him) – through Jesus Christ's resurrection forth from out of the midst of dead folks. [We are born again]: into a progressively living expectation (or: into the midst of continuously living hope);

⁵ the ones being continuously garrisoned within (or: kept under watch and guarded in the center of) God's power, in union with an ability which is God, through [His] faithfulness, into a deliverance (a rescue which brings health, wholeness and a return to your original state and condition; salvation; a [period of] rescue) [which is now] ready to be unveiled (revealed; disclosed) within the midst of and in union with [this] last season (or: resident within a final fitting situation; in a final fertile moment; on [this] last occasion),

¹² to which folks (or: in which ones) it was unveiled (revealed; disclosed) that not to or for themselves, but to and for you people, they had been progressively dispensing and serving them – which things are now announced (or: which tidings were brought back) to you through those announcing (proclaiming; bringing and communicating) the message of well-being and goodness (or: good news) to you within [or, with other MSS: by] a set-apart Breath-effect (or: [the] Holy Spirit; or: sacred spirit) being sent forth from [the] atmosphere (or: heaven) – into which things agents (or: messengers; folks that had the message) are habitually and earnestly desiring (are constantly in full passion and craving) to stoop down beside and look (or: peer; peek) inside, so as to obtain a clearer and more accurate view.

¹⁴ As children of (= having the qualities of and characteristics from) submissive, attentive hearing (or: Like listening and obedient born-ones), not being folks repeatedly molding, forming, fashioning or configuring yourselves to and by the former cravings (the prior over-desires or full passions), within your ignorance,

¹⁷ And since (or: if) you folks are habitually calling upon a (or: [the]) Father – the One consistently separating and deciding (or: judging) impartially (without reception of faces, persons, appearances or external circumstances) according to (down from; corresponding to) each one's work or action – let the time of your sojourn (your temporary stay, dwelling alongside as an alien resident or an exile) be turned upward, in the fear of reverent living, ¹⁸ having seen, and thus knowing, that you folks were not unbound and released by a ransom of corruptible things (things that are perishable and subject to spoiling) – by little coins of silver or gold – from out of your fruitless behavior (vain conduct; idle and foolish way of life) handed down by tradition from the fathers (= your ancestors), ¹⁹ but rather by Christ's precious blood (or: in valuable blood, which is [the] Anointed One; with honorable blood of anointing; by costly blood from [the Messiah]) – as of a flawless (unblemished) and spotless Lamb:

²¹ the ones [who] through Him [are] folks trustingly adhering unto God (or: [are] believing ones, ones full of faith, and confiding ones [proceeding] [p 72 & other MSS read the present participle: ones habitually putting trust] into God): the One awakening and raising Him up, forth from out of the midst of dead folks (or: from out of union with dead people), and giving glory to Him (a good reputation for Him; a manifestation which calls forth praise in Him). Consequently, your faith (trust; confidence; loyalty) and expectation (or: hope) are to continuously exist being [plugged; put; focused] into God (or: are to be [returned] into the midst of God)!

⁴ Continuously approaching toward Whom – a living Stone, on the one hand being One having been and still being thrown away (rejected; disapproved) by mankind (humans; people), as the result of a test; yet, on the other hand a Chosen One, a Precious (Inwardly-valuable; [held]-in-honor) One, beside God (= side-by-side with God; = in the presence of God; = in God's view) – ⁵ you yourselves are, as living stones, continuously being erected (or: progressively constructed and built up), [being] a spiritual house (a building with its source being the Spirit, with the characteristics of a Breath-effect), into a set-apart (or: holy; sacred; different-from-the-ordinary) priesthood to bear up spiritual sacrifices (or: offerings) well (or: most) acceptable in God (or: by God; to God; with God), through Jesus Christ,

⁷ Therefore, in (or: for; with) you folks – those habitually trusting (constantly believing and remaining convinced) – [is] the Precious and Honorable One (or: To you then, who continue loyal, [He is] valuable). Yet for (or: to; in; with) those continuing being without faith (or: being habitually distrustful; being constantly unbelieving or disloyal), [He is] "A Stone which those in process of building the house reject (or: threw away after inspecting and trying) – this One is brought to be (or: was birthed) into [position of] Head and Source of [the] corner, " [Ps. 118:22] ⁸ also [He is] "A Stone that [people] strike against and that causes a stumbling-effect, even a Rock-mass which functions as a trap-spring (designed to be a snare), " [Isa. 8:14] who, continuing being unpersuaded (unconvinced and thus, uncompliant or stubborn), are repeatedly stumbling by (or: in) the Word (or: who are constantly stumbling, habitually being disobedient to the message), into which [situation] they were placed (= as it was planned).

¹⁰ [you] who [were] once (or: formerly) "not a people, " but now [are] "God's people;" [formerly] being the ones having "not been given mercy, " yet now [are] "folks being mercied (being given mercy)." [Hos. 2:25] ¹¹ Folks that are loved (Beloved ones): I am presently calling you alongside to encourage, aid, comfort and admonish you, as resident aliens (exiles; sojourners; one dwelling beside citizens in a foreign country) and temporary residents (expatriates; strangers) to continually hold yourselves away from the fleshly over-desires (passions; full-rushing upon things), which things are constantly warring (doing military service; battling) down against the soul (the inner self and being), ¹² continuously holding your beautiful behavior (your fine and ideal turning yourselves back around) among the multitudes (the companies; the associations; the ethnic groups; the nations; the castes; the non-Jews, or, Gentiles), to the end that, within what thing they are continually speaking down pertaining to you folks (repeatedly speaking against you) as of ones constantly doing the worthless and things of bad quality (or: as of evildoers or criminals; as of those repeatedly creating bad situations or forming what not ought to be), repeatedly looking upon and observing as eyewitnesses the outcome from the beautiful actions (the fine deeds; the ideal and honorable works), they may glorify (or: give a good opinion of) God, within a day of inspection and overseeing care.

¹⁵ Now "you folks set [the] Lord [= Yahweh] – the Anointed One – apart (or: Yet, let the Lord Christ be set-apart)" [Isa. 8:13], within your hearts! (or: So, treat the Anointed Owner as holy, in the core of your beings), always ready (ever prepared) toward a defense to everyone – for the one repeatedly asking you for a word (i.e., a rational explanation and a logical response) about the expectation within you folks – but still with gentleness (tenderness; meekness; kindness) and deep respect (or: serious caution; reverence; [the] fear [of the Lord]),

¹⁸ because even Christ (or: considering that Messiah also) died [other MSS: suffered], once for all, concerning and in relation to failures to hit the target (about errors and mistakes; around and encompassing sins [some MSS: our failures; other MSS: your failures]) – a Just One (a rightwised One; One in accord with the Way pointed out; a fair and equitable individual) over [the situation of] (or: for the sake of) unjust ones (capsized folks; those out of accord with the Way pointed out; unfair and inequitable people) – to the end that He at once may bring (or: can lead; would conduct) you folks [other MSS: us] to (or: toward) God. [He], on the one hand, being put to death in flesh (= a physical body), yet on the other hand, being made alive in spirit (or: indeed, being put to death by flesh {or: = the estranged human condition}, yet, being engendered a living one by Breath-effect {or: [the] Spirit}),

¹ Christ, then, having undergone experiences and suffering in flesh (or: being physically and emotionally affected to the point of suffering) over us (or: over our [situation] and for our sakes), you folks also arm and equip yourselves with the same mental inclination (idea; thought; way of thinking; frame of mind; attitude), because the person [thus] suffering or going through physical or emotional experiences which affect him in [the] flesh (or: = by [his] estranged humanity or alienated self) has in and for himself put a stop to failures, errors and mistakes (or: sins) [or, with other MSS: has been caused to cease from sin], ² [and comes] into the [condition or situation] to no longer live out the additional remaining course [of his] time within [the] flesh (= in the natural realm) in the midst of (or: in union with) [the] full passions (or: for [the] over-desires; to [the] rushings of emotions upon things) of humans (or: pertaining to or originating in mankind), but to the contrary, in God's will (or: for God's intent; to God's purpose).

² [and comes] into the [condition or situation] to no longer live out the additional remaining course [of his] time within [the] flesh (= in the natural realm) in the midst of (or: in union with) [the] full passions (or: for [the] over-desires; to [the] rushings of emotions upon things) of humans (or: pertaining to or originating in mankind), but to the contrary, in God's will (or: for God's intent; to God's purpose). ³ For the time having gone by [is] sufficient (= you have spent enough time, in the past,) to have accomplished (to have worked down and effected) the thing desired by (or: the intention of) the multitudes (the nations; the swarms of ethnic groups living together; the non-Jews; the Gentiles), having gone from place to place in indecent and licentious debaucheries (deeds of loose conduct), in rushing passions and over-desires, in excesses bubbling over with wine, in carousing and festive processions, in drinking parties, and in forbidden (i.e., illegal in respect to the natural laws of reason, conscience and common decency) idolatries (or: being a servant to or worshiping external forms or appearances, phantoms of the mind, unsubstantial or reflected images, or conveyed impressions),

³ For the time having gone by [is] sufficient (= you have spent enough time, in the past,) to have accomplished (to have worked down and effected) the thing desired by (or: the intention of) the multitudes (the nations; the swarms of ethnic groups living together; the non-Jews; the Gentiles), having gone from place to place in indecent and licentious debaucheries (deeds of loose conduct), in rushing passions and over-desires, in excesses bubbling over with wine, in carousing and festive processions, in drinking parties, and in forbidden (i.e., illegal in respect to the natural laws of reason, conscience and common decency) idolatries (or: being a servant to or worshiping external forms or appearances, phantoms of the mind, unsubstantial or reflected images, or conveyed impressions),

¹⁴ people always having bulging eyes very full of an adulteress (= for nothing but adultery), and being unceasing regarding sin and error; people by habit using bait to entrap unstable souls (= people); folks constantly having a heart that has been exercised (trained in gymnastic discipline) regarding greed (desire for advantage and riches); children of a cursing (or: having the qualities and character of [the] curse).

¹⁸ For you see, in continuously uttering over-swollen (over-weighted; extravagant; pompous) things pertaining to emptiness (vanity; futility), they are constantly using bait to trap – in the midst of cravings (or: full passions) of flesh (= alienated human nature) by outrageous (or: licentious) behavior – those folks scarcely [other MSS: actually] fleeing from the people habitually twisting themselves up in deception (in wandering),

⁷ Yet if we keep on walking about (= continue living our life) within the midst of and in union with the Light, as He exists (or: is) within the Light, we constantly have common being and existence (or: hold common fellowship, participation and enjoy partnership) with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, keeps continually and repeatedly cleansing us (or: is progressively rendering us pure) from every sin (or: from all error, failure, deviation, mistake, and from every [successive] shot that is off target [when it occurs]). ⁸ If we should up and say that we have no error (or: do not periodically possess deviation or hold sin and mistake), we are continuously leading ourselves astray (or: deceiving ourselves and driving ourselves off the Path), and the Truth is not (or: reality does not exist) within us. ⁹ If it would be our habit to confess (admit; avow; say the same thing as; speak in accordance with; or: would continue in agreement [about]) our error (our failure; our sin; our mistake), He is constantly faithful and just (fair; in accord with the Way pointed out and in right relationship; rightwised), to the end that He would at once send away for us (or: dismiss or pardon and cause to flow away in us) the errors ([some MSS add: our] failures, mistakes and deviations) and then would cleanse [other MSS: He will cleanse] us from all injustice (all that is contrary to the Way pointed out; every unrighteousness; all unfairness, inequity and unrighteous relationships; every behavior that is turned in the wrong direction). ¹⁰ If we would say that we have not failed to hit the target (or: sinned; made a mistake; erred; deviated), and exist thus, we habitually make Him a liar (one who utters falsehood), and His Word (Thought; Idea; message; Logos) does not exist among (or: is not within) us.

¹ My little children (born ones), I am writing these things to you (or: for you) to the end that you may not fail to hit the target (deviate from the goal; sin). And if anyone should at some point fail (or: suddenly commit sin, make a mistake or deviate), we constantly have One called alongside to help, give relief and guide us toward the Father (or: we continuously possess a Paraclete, face to face with the Father): Jesus Christ, [the] One in accord with the Way pointed out (or: a Just One; [the] Righteous One; [the] Fair One who is in right relationship with all; a Rightwised One; [the] right one; a Person that is turned in the right direction). ² And He Himself exists continually being a cleansing, sheltering cover around our mistakes and errors, sheltering us from their effects so that we can be in peaceful and rightwised relationships (or: being the act by which our sins and failures are cleansed and made ineffective, effecting conciliation [to us]), yet not only around those pertaining to us (or: having their source in us), but further, even around the whole ordered System (secular realm and dominating world of culture, economy, religion and government; or: universe; or: aggregate of mankind)!

⁶ The person habitually speaking [thus, as though] to be constantly abiding (remaining; dwelling) within Him, is continuously under obligation himself also to go on walking about (= behaving and conducting his life) just as That One (or: on the level and in the sphere as [He]) walked (or: walks; = lives His life).

⁸ Again, (or: Once more) I am writing to you an implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive) new in kind and quality, which is (exists being) true (actual; real; genuine) within Him, and within you [other MSS: us], that the Darkness (the obscure dimness of the realm of the shadows and of lack of the light of the Day; [note: a figure of the ignorance of the prior system and realm]) is progressively being caused to pass by, and the True Light (or: = real knowledge and understanding; = Light of the new Day) is already (before now) progressively shining and appearing.

¹⁵ You folks should not be habitually loving (as indicative: are not normally accepting; as imperative: Stop constantly seeking reunion with) the world (secular realm and the controlling ordered System of culture, religion, economy and government), neither (or: not even) the things within the world (ordered system). If anyone is in the habit of (or: keeps on) loving the world (ordered system of religion, or of secular society), the Father's [other MSS: God's] Love (or: the love which the Father has; the Love which is the Father) does not exist within him, ¹⁶ because everything within the world (ordered but dominating System of the secular and the religious) – the flesh's over-desire (full passion of the alienated human nature; lust of the estranged self; earnest wants of the false persona that was conformed to the System), and the eyes' over-desire, and the arrogant ostentation (haughty, presumptuous or pretentious egoism) pertaining to living (= the biological and sociological life we live), is not out of the Father as a source (or: does not proceed from the Father), but rather is continuously forth from out of the world (the ordered System of society, culture and religion),

¹⁶ because everything within the world (ordered but dominating System of the secular and the religious) – the flesh's over-desire (full passion of the alienated human nature; lust of the estranged self; earnest wants of the false persona that was conformed to the System), and the eyes' over-desire, and the arrogant ostentation (haughty, presumptuous or pretentious egoism) pertaining to living (= the biological and sociological life we live), is not out of the Father as a source (or: does not proceed from the Father), but rather is continuously forth from out of the world (the ordered System of society, culture and religion), ¹⁷ and the world (ordered System of religion, society, culture, economy and government) is progressively (or: constantly; repeatedly) being caused to pass along (pass by; pass away), as well as its over-desire (full passion; earnest wants; lust), yet the person constantly doing (or: performing) God's will (intent; purpose; desire) remains (abides; dwells) on into the Age (= the time and sphere characterized by the Messiah).

¹ You people at once consider (or: look and perceive) what kind of (what sort of; what unusual, foreign or exotic) love (or: acceptance) the Father has given to (or: in; for) us [other MSS: you], which we now have as a gift, to the end that we can (may; should; would) be called (or: named) God's children (born-ones; bairns)! And we are! Because of this (On account of this; Therefore) the System (the world; the realm of the secular and religious; the ordered arrangement of culture, religion, economy and government) is not habitually having experiential or intimate knowledge of us (does not know or have insight into us [other MSS: you]), because it did not know (or: it does not have an intimate, experiential knowledge of) Him.

³ So everyone who continuously has (or: habitually holds) this expectation (or: expectant hope) [placed; resting] upon Him is [by this] constantly (repeatedly; progressively) purifying himself, just as (according as; in the way that) That One is (or: exists being) pure.

⁸ Yet the person habitually practicing (repeatedly doing; progressively producing) the error (the failure to hit the target or accomplish his purpose; or: the sin; the mistake; the deviation) is existing from out of the adversary who thrusts something through the midst, [with a weapon, or with ill-intent], creating a wound or division (or: = is [operating] from [the influence of] the “devil”), because this adversary is habitually sinning (or: repeatedly missing the target; continuously falling short of the goal; constantly deviating from his purpose) from [the] beginning (or: from [its] origin). Into this [situation] was (or: is) God's Son manifested and made visible, to the end that He would unbind (loose; untie; destroy; disintegrate) the works and actions of the adversary who casts things through the midst of folks.

¹⁰ [Both] God's children and the adversary's children are constantly visible (apparent; manifest) within this [thing or situation]: everyone not practicing righteousness (not habitually doing justice; not progressively constructing his life turned in the right direction to accord with the Way pointed out; not being fair or equitable; not being in [covenant] relationships) as well as the one not continuously loving his brother (= a believer, or fellowman) is not existing out of God (= is not living with God being his source of life and direction),

¹⁴ We ourselves have seen, and thus know (or: are aware), that we have walked together (or: proceeded to change, passing from) out of the Death into the Life, because we are habitually loving the brothers (= fellow believers; [some MSS: our brothers; {or: = our fellow human beings}]). The person not habitually loving [some MSS add: his brothers] continues remaining (dwelling; abiding; staying) within the Death.

²⁴ And the person habitually watching to attentively keep His implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives of destiny) continuously remains (dwells; abides; stays) within and in union with Him, and He Himself within and in union with him. And within this we are constantly coming to know by intimate experience that He is continuously abiding (dwelling; remaining; staying) within us and in union with us: from out of the Spirit (or: from the midst of the Breath-effect; forth from the attitude) which He gives (or: at one point gave) to us (or: in us).

⁴ Little children (born ones), you continuously exist from out of God (or: you exist with God as your source; you originate your being from God), and you have conquered (overcome) and are now victorious over them, because greater is the One (or: He) within you than the one within the ordered System (the person in union with the world of religion, culture, society, economy and government; or: the individual centered in either the secular or the religious).

¹⁰ Within this exists (or: is) the Love, not that we ourselves have loved [other MSS: not that we ourselves love or accept] God, but in contrast, that He Himself loves us and sends (or: urged toward reunion with us and sent) His Son as a Representative (Emissary): a cleansing, sheltering covering around our sins (failures to hit the target, errors, mistakes, deviations). ¹¹ Beloved ones, since thus (or: in that manner) God loves (or: loved) us, we also are constantly indebted (or: under obligation) to habitually love and accept one another. ¹² No one (or: Not even one) has yet once (or: ever yet) gazed upon God as an object in a theater (as a public spectacle). If we are (or: may be) habitually loving (urging toward reunion, acceptance and participation in) one another, God constantly remains (dwells, abides) within us, and His love (or: the love, which is Him,) is existing having been brought to its goal and is now matured, perfected and has reached its destiny within us, and among us. ¹³ Within this we are continually knowing by experience that we are constantly remaining (dwelling; abiding) within the midst of, and in union with, Him and He Himself within us, because He has given to us from out of His Breath-effect (or: Spirit; Attitude).

¹³ Within this we are continually knowing by experience that we are constantly remaining (dwelling; abiding) within the midst of, and in union with, Him and He Himself within us, because He has given to us from out of His Breath-effect (or: Spirit; Attitude). ¹⁴ And we have gazed upon this public situation, and are repeatedly testifying (giving witness and evidence) that the Father has sent forth (dispatched as a Representative) the Son – [the] Savior of the world (or: Deliverer of the ordered and controlling System of religion and secular society; Restorer of the universe; or: = the Rescuer and Healer of all humanity). ¹⁵ Whoever may speak in accord (confess; avow; say like words; say the same thing; agree) that Jesus exists being God's Son (or: is continuously the Son which is God), God continuously dwells (abides), remaining in him, and he himself within God. ¹⁶ And we have come by intimate experience to know and have believed, trusted and are convinced of the Love which God has (or: holds) continuously within (or: among) us. God exists continually being Love (God is Love), and the person continuously remaining (dwelling; abiding) within, and in union with, the Love, is continuously remaining (dwelling; abiding) within, and in union with, God – and God constantly dwells (remains; abides) within him and in union with him.

¹⁶ And we have come by intimate experience to know and have believed, trusted and are convinced of the Love which God has (or: holds) continuously within (or: among) us. God exists continually being Love (God is Love), and the person continuously remaining (dwelling; abiding) within, and in union with, the Love, is continuously remaining (dwelling; abiding) within, and in union with, God – and God constantly dwells (remains; abides) within him and in union with him. ¹⁷ Within this the Love has been brought to its goal, been matured, reached its destiny and is now perfected with us, to the end that we may continuously have confident freedom of speech (the boldness of a citizen to speak publicly without fear of punishment) within the day of sifting and separation (distinction, evaluation and decision; judging; judicial proceeding; or: administering of justice), because just as That One is, we also continuously exist being: within the midst of this ordered System (or: because in this world of culture, religion, economy and government, even we, ourselves, progressively exist – correspondingly as, and to the according level as, That One continuously exists and is progressively being). ¹⁸ Fear does not exist within the Love, but rather perfect love (mature love; love having reached its goal) repeatedly (habitually; progressively) throws the fear outside, because the fear constantly has and holds a pruning (a curtailment; a checking; restraint; a lopping off – thus, a correction). But the one habitually fearing or dreading has not been perfected within the Love (has not been brought to the destined goal of maturity – in union with love). ¹⁹ We ourselves are [some MSS add: now] habitually loving (or, as a subjunctive: can and should be constantly loving) because He Himself first loved (or: urges to reunion with) us.

⁴ because everything having been born from out of the midst of God continuously overcomes (habitually conquers and is progressively victorious over) the controlling System (ordered world or religion, secular culture, economy and government). And this is the victory (or: conquest) at once overcoming (conquering; victorious over) the controlling System (ordered world of religion, culture, economy and government): our trust, confidence and faith!

¹⁰ The person continuously and progressively believing (or: keeping confidence and habitually putting trust) into the midst of God's Son constantly holds (or: has; possesses) the testimony (witness; evidence) [p74 & A add: of God] within himself; the one not believing in God [A reads: the Son] has made Him out to be (or: has construed Him) a liar, because he has not believed or put trust into the evidence (testimony; witness) which God has attested and affirmed concerning His Son (or: shown as proof round about the Son from, and which is, Him). ¹¹ And so this is the evidence (or: exists being the testimony, witness and attested affirmation): that God gives (or: gave; grants) Life pertaining to, and having the quality of the Age (life whose source is the Age [of Messiah]; eonian life; Life of, for and on through the ages) to, for and in us, and this very Life continuously exists within His Son (or: is in union with the Son which is Him)! ¹² The one continually holding (or: constantly having; progressively possessing) the Son continuously holds (constantly has; progressively possesses) the Life. The person not continuously holding (constantly having) God's Son does not now have (or: hold) the Life. [comment: it seems that the Son is the Life]

¹⁹ We have seen and thus know that we are continuously existing from out of the midst of God, yet the whole ordered System (or: the entire realm of the religious and the secular) is continuously lying outstretched (lying as asleep, idle or dead; reclining) within the gush of misery (within the disadvantageous, laborious and worthless situation; within the sorry plight; in union with wickedness and evil; in the midst of the misery-gushed [attitude and existence]),

¹⁶ These are, and continue to be, murmurers (or: those who speak privately and in a low voice, making a grumbling buzz of under-toned mutterings of critical and discontented comments), complainers (or: those who find fault with their lot; discontented ones), continuously passing from one place to another according to their strong desires (or: lusts; full passions), and their mouth continually uttering (or: speaking) over-swollen (hyper-weighty; pompous; boastful) things, continually admiring (or: wondering at) faces (= personal presences; = individuals; = personalities) for the sake and benefit of advantage and furtherance. ¹⁷ But you, dearly loved ones, remember the things spoken (the gush-effects; the results of the flow of what was said; the flowing declarations) by the sent-forth folks (representatives; emissaries) in regard to those things having been told beforehand of (or: foretold from and concerning) our Lord, Jesus Christ, ¹⁸ that they said to you, "Upon [other MSS: Within (or: During; In union with)] [the] last of the time folks will repeatedly be (or: there will constantly exist) mockers (those acting or playing in the manner of children; sporting, using childish gestures), continuously passing from one place to another according to (or: in correspondence with) their irreverent strong passions (or: their full desires and lusts of things not having the qualities of things approved by God)."

²⁰ But you, dearly loved ones, while constantly and progressively building yourselves up by your most holy trust and with you people's most sacred, convinced loyalty (or: in y'alls' most set-apart faith), [and] continuously thinking, speaking and acting toward having well-being and things going well (or: praying) within the midst of a set-apart Breath-effect (or: in union with [the] Holy Spirit; centered in a separated and consecrated attitude and life-force),

¹ "Next, to (or: in; for) the agent of (or: messenger from; person with the message pertaining to) the called-out community within Sardis, write: 'The One having (or: holding) the seven spirits and attitudes of God – and (or: even) the seven stars – is presently saying these things, I have seen, and thus know (am aware of) your works (actions; deeds) [and] that you have a name (= reputation) that you are living, and yet you are dead!

²⁰ "Consider! I have stood, and continue standing, upon (= at) the door (entrance), and I am constantly knocking; if ever anyone may (or: can) hear My voice (or: sound) and would open the door, I will proceed entering (coming or going in) toward him, and then I will continue eating the evening meal with him, and he with Me." ²¹ "To (or: In; For) him who is habitually conquering (repeatedly overcoming; normally victorious) I will continue giving [the right? the ability? the honor?] to sit (or: be seated) with Me within My throne, as I also conquer (or: conquered; overcome; overcame and was victorious) and sit (or: sat down) with My Father within His throne.

⁹ And they repeatedly sing a new song (ode; hymn), constantly saying, "You are worthy to take (of equal value to receive) the scroll (or: codex; book) and to open its seals, because You were (or: are) slaughtered and bought us by God (for God; in God; with God), within Your blood (or: in union with the blood which is You), from out of the midst of every tribe and tongue (or: language) and people and ethnic multitude (or: nation).

⁹ And they repeatedly sing a new song (ode; hymn), constantly saying, "You are worthy to take (of equal value to receive) the scroll (or: codex; book) and to open its seals, because You were (or: are) slaughtered and bought us by God (for God; in God; with God), within Your blood (or: in union with the blood which is You), from out of the midst of every tribe and tongue (or: language) and people and ethnic multitude (or: nation). ¹⁰ "And You made (or: make; form; construct) them [minuscule 792, the Clementia Vulgate (1592) and Primasius (sixth century) read: us] kings [other MSS: a kingdom] and priests in (for; to; by) our God, and they [the Armenian, Clementia Vulgate (1592) and Primasiua read: we] continue reigning [reading with Westcott & Hort (following A); other MSS: they will reign] upon the Land (or: the earth)." ¹¹ Next I saw and also heard a sound (or: a voice) of many agents forming a circle around the throne, the living ones, and the elders. And the number of them [is; was] innumerable groups of innumerable groups (myriads of myriads), even thousands of thousands, ¹² repeatedly saying with a great voice, "The little Lamb, the One having been slaughtered, is worthy (of value) to take (receive) the power and ability, as well as wealth and riches, and wisdom and strength and honor and glory (or: reputation) and blessing." ¹³ And all creation (or: every creature) which exists within the sky (or: atmosphere; heaven), and on the earth, even down under the earth (or: ground; soil), as well as which is upon the sea – even all things (the whole; everything) within them – I heard repeatedly saying, "The blessing and the honor and the glory (good reputation) and the strength (might) [are] in (by; for; to; with) the One continuously sitting upon the throne, and in (by; to; for) the little Lamb, on into the ages of the ages." ¹⁴ And then the four living ones say (or: said), "It is so (Amen)!" And the elders fall (or: the older people fell [forward]) and worship (or: worshiped; kissed the hand toward [the throne] and paid homage).

⁹ And so thrown (or: hurled; cast; tossed) is (or: was) the great dragon, the serpent from the very beginning (or: the original, or ancient, serpent) – the one being continuously called "slanderer" (one who thrusts something through [folks]; false accuser; separator; a "devil;" one who casts something throughout the midst [to cause division]) and the adversary (the opponent; the satan; [p47 and other MSS: one who stands in opposition; a counter-worker]), the one continuously causing the whole inhabited area of the earth to wander (or: that which causes straying; the one continually deceiving). It was (or: is) hurled (thrown; cast; tossed) into the earth (or: Land), and its agents were (or: are) thrown (cast; tossed) with it.

⁸ And all those continually dwelling upon the earth (or: Land) will proceed worshiping it – concerning which folks, their name has not been written within the scroll of (or: which is) "The Life of the little Lamb" – the One having been slaughtered from a casting-down of [the] ordered arrangement (world of culture, religion, government and economics; or: from [the] world's founding).

¹⁴ It also continually leads astray (causes to wander; deceives) those [other MSS read: Mine] who are continuously dwelling upon the Land (or: earth), because of the signs which it was (or: is) given to it to perform (or: allowed to do, make or construct) in the presence of (before; in sight of) the [first] little animal (little creature or wild beast). [It is] constantly saying – to those habitually dwelling upon the Land (or: earth) – to make (or: construct) an image (likeness; resemblance; an icon) to (or: for) the little animal (little wild beast) which continuously has the blow (wound; stripe) of the sword, yet lives.

¹⁷ Next the seventh one poured (or: at once pours) out his bowl (or: cup) upon the air – and a great voice came (or: goes) forth from the Temple of the atmosphere (or: heaven) [other MSS: out of the temple from the throne; other MSS: out of the temple of God], from the throne, repeatedly saying, "It has come to be (or: He has been birthed; It has come into existence; It has occurred)!"

² And He seizes (or: put a power-hold on) the dragon, the primeval (ancient; original) serpent, who is a false accuser and the adversary (or: a devil, even satan), and He binds (or: bound) it (or: him) "a thousand years."

¹² continuously having a great and high wall, having twelve gates, and upon the gates twelve agents, and names [Sinaiticus adds: of them] having been inscribed (engraved; imprinted) upon [them], which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel: ¹³ from the east (a rising) three gates; from the north three gates; from the south three gates; from the west (a sinking) three gates. ¹⁴ And the wall of the City continuously has twelve foundations, and upon them twelve names of the twelve emissaries of the little Lamb.

¹⁴ And the wall of the City continuously has twelve foundations, and upon them twelve names of the twelve emissaries of the little Lamb. ¹⁵ And he who is speaking with me was holding and continues having a measure, a golden reed, so that he may measure the City – even her gates and her walls. ¹⁶ And the City is lying (or: is continually being laid) square (four-angled; four-cornered), and her length [is] even as much as the width. And he measured (or: measures) the City with the reed upon twelve thousand race-courses (stadiums; fixed standards of measure): her length and width and height are equal. ¹⁷ And he measured her wall: one hundred forty four cubits – (a) human’s measure, which is an agent's [measure]. ¹⁸ And that which was built within her wall is jasper, and the City [is] pure (clear; clean; cleansed) gold like pure (clear, clean) crystal (or: glass), ¹⁹ and the foundations of the wall of the city are ones having been set in order (made a system, a world; adorned) with every precious stone. The first foundation: jasper; the second, sapphire (or: lapis lazuli); the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; ²⁰ the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius (or: carnelian); the seventh, chrysolite (or: topaz); the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz (or: peridot); the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, hyacinth (jacinth); the twelfth, amethyst. ²¹ And the twelve gates [are] twelve pearls – each one of the several gates was [made] out of one pearl. And the broad place (street; plaza; square) of the City [is] pure (clean, clear; cleansed) gold, as a translucent crystal (or: transparent glass). ²² And I did not see an inner sanctuary [= the holy place, or places, of the Temple] within her, for the Lord [=Yahweh], Almighty (All-Strong) God, even the little Lamb, is her inner sanctuary (or: dwelling place). ²³ And the City continually has no need of the sun nor of the moon, to the end that they may (should) continually shine for her, for the Glory of God illuminates (enlightens; gives light to) her, and her lamp [is] the little Lamb. ²⁴ And the multitudes (nations; people groups; ethnic groups; or: non-Jews) will continue walking about (i.e., living their lives) by means of her Light. And the kings of the Land (or: earth) continually carry (bring; bear) their glory [Codex Vaticanus adds: and honor] into her. ²⁵ And her gates shall by no means be closed (or: locked) [by] day, for night will not be in that place (or: for there will not be night there). ²⁶ And they will continue carrying (or: bringing) the glory (or: reputation; notion; opinion; appearance; imagination) and the honor (or: value; worth; respect) of and from the multitudes (nations; non-Jews; ethnic groups) into her.

²¹ The Grace and favor of the Lord Jesus [is] with everyone (or: all humanity; [other MSS read: ... with all of you; ... with the set-apart ones; ... with all the set-apart folks]). Count on it (or: It is so; Amen). [written circa A.D. 68-70 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]