Ephesians 6 Cross References - JMNT

¹ You children make it a habit to humbly listen and pay attention to, and thus submissively obey, your parents, in union with the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh], for this is in accord with the Way pointed out (is fair, right and just). ² "Be continuously honoring (holding in respect; valuing; reverencing; treating as precious and with dignity) your father and mother," which very one is a foremost implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive) within an act of promising (or: in [the] promise; or: = that embodies assurance), ³ "to the end that it may come to be well and easy for (or: to; in) you and you will continue existinga long time upon the land (or: earth)." [Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16] ⁴ And so you fathers: do not continually bring along inherent fervor to (or: irritate; exasperate to anger; bring impulse alongside) your children, but rather be continually nourishing them within child-training discipline and education, and then the placing (or: setting) of the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] in the mind (or: as well as the Master's mind-set; or: and the Owner's admonition; or: and instruction about the Lord). ⁵ Slaves: you folks be continually paying attention, listening humbly to and obeying [your] owners (masters) those [being such] in respect to the flesh (= this human condition and natural realm) with fear (or: respect, reverence, = earnestness) and trembling (= concerned focus), joined with singleness (simplicity; uncompoundedness; = pureness of substance) of your heart (= with the core of your being willing one thing [comment: which is Kierkegaard's "the Good"]), as though to (or: as if for; as being in, and with) the Christ, ⁶ not in accord with eye-service (or: in line with slavery to the eyes [of folks watching]; or: = doing it only when being watched) as folks desiring to please men, but rather as slaves of Christ, constantly doing (performing; producing) the will and intent of God from out of [the] soul (= with the whole inner being: mind, will, emotion, life-force; or: = spontaneously) ⁷ with a good disposition (well-mindedness; a good will; a good attitude), habitually serving (or: being; working) as a slave, as for (or: to; in; with) the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ], and not for (or: to) people (humans; mankind), ⁸ having seen and thus knowing (perceiving; being aware; recognizing) that each person, if he or she may do some good thing (perform some virtuous act; produce some excellence and quality), this she, or he, will continue receiving for herself, or himself, for kindly keeping alongside of the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh]: whether slave, whether free. ⁹ And now for the owners (lords; masters): be practicing (continually doing) the same toward them, constantly being lax (loosening up) in the threatening, knowing (having seen; being aware) also that their Owner (Lord; Master) as well as yours is continuously existing within [the] atmospheres (or: heavens), and partiality through respect or acceptance of faces (= persons) does not exist alongside of Him. ¹⁰ Of the remainder (or: Finally), be constantly empowering yourselves within (engendering ability within yourselves), centered in and in union with [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] even within, and in union with, the force (or: strength) of His might (or: the mightiness of His strength and forcefulness): ¹¹ you folks must enter within (or: clothe yourselves with) the full suit of armor and implements of war (panoply; the complete equipment for men-at-arms) which is God (or: which comes from and belongs to God), in order for you to be continuously able and powerful to stand (or: to make a stand) facing toward the crafty methods (stratagems) of the adversary (or: that which throws folks into dualism with divided thinking and perceptions; or: the person that throws something through the midst and casts division; the one who thrusts things through folks; the slanderer who accuses and deceives; or, commonly called: the "devil"), 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] ¹³ On account of this, you folks receive back again (or: at once take up) the full suit of armor (panoply; implements of war) which is God (or: which belongs to and has its source in God), to the end that you would have powerand be able to withstand and resist (to stand opposite, over against as facing an opponent; or: stand in [other folks'] place, instead of [them]) within the harmful and misery-gushed day (or: the day of bad conditions), and then accomplishing all (achieving and effecting everything [the whole]), to stand firm. ¹⁴ You folks stand (or: at once take your stand), then, after girding yourselves aroundyour waist (or: loins) in union with Truth and within the midst of Reality, and then, entering within (putting on; clothing yourself with) the breastplate armor (cuirass; corslet) of fair and equitable dealing (or: which is the rightwised relationships of the Way pointed out; the Righteousness; the Justice; also = covenant inclusion and participation), ¹⁵ and next sandaling (or: binding under) the feet in readiness and preparedness which comes from, has the character of and which belongs to the good news (or: message of goodness, ease and well-being) of the Peace (or: which are peace and harmony [= shalom]) ¹⁶ within all things and situations (or: in union with all people) [be] at once receiving again (or: taking back up) the large oblong shield of the Faith (or: Trust; Confidence; Faithfulness; Assurance; Loyalty), within which you will continue having powerand be progressively ableto extinguish all the fiery arrows of and from the worthless person (or: evil one; unsound and miserable situation; disadvantageous and unprofitable condition; malicious and depraved attitude; toilsome labor that is gushed with misery). ¹⁷ And at once accept (or: receive and retain) for yourselves the helmet of the Deliverance (or: which comes from the Salvation; that belongs to health and wholeness; which is the restoration to the original realm and condition) and the Spirit's sword (the short sword from the Attitude; or: the dagger which is spirit; the dirk which is the Breath-effect) the one being God's gush-effect (or: which is the result of the flow from God; the one existing [as] a result of a flux or an effect of a continuous movement, the source of which is God; or: which is a spoken Word of God; or: that being an utterance or declaration which is God). 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), ¹⁹ and further, in behalf of me, so that to me a word (or: message; thought; idea; logos) would be given, in the midst of opening my mouth in freedom of speaking openly in public and with the boldness and rights of a citizen, to make known the secret (or: mystery) of the good news (or: which is the message of goodness, ease and well-being), ²⁰ over which I am an old man in a manacle (or: on behalf of which I continue performing the duties of an elder and an ambassador in a chain!) to the end that within Him (or: it) I may speak freely (or: in public, boldly as a citizen), as it is necessary for me to speak. ²¹ Yet so that you also may know (may have seen, so as to perceive) the things that [come] down to (or: on) me (= my circumstances and affairs), what I am continually involved in (what matters or business I am transacting; what I'm doing), everything (or: all) will proceed being made known to you [by] Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful attending servant within the Lord, ²² whom I send (or: sent) to you for this very purpose, to the end that you may come to know our concerns (or: circumstances) and [that] he may call your hearts alongside (assist, admonish, encourage, comfort and give relief to your hearts; = do the work of a paraclete for the cores of your beings). ²³ Peace and harmony [= shalom] to the brothers (= family or fellow believers; [p46 reads: the set-apart folks]), and love (unrestricted acceptance; [A reads: mercy]) along with faith and trust, from God, [the] Father and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: from Father God, and {or: even} [the] Lord Jesus Christ). ²⁴ Grace and favor, in union with incorruption (or: within a state or condition of being unspoiled, and being incorruptible [note: see 1 Cor. 15:42]), [are] with all the people continuously loving our Lord (or: Owner; Master), Jesus Christ ([the] Anointed Jesus). Amen (It is so; Count on it)! [written circa A.D. 58 Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson] Subscription [some MSS]: To Ephesians. [others add]: Written from Rome, through Tychicus. Possibly a circular letter to the assemblies in first century Asia Minor

⁴ Yet He, making a discerning reply, said, "It has been written, 'Mankind (or: The human) will not be habitually living on bread, alone, but rather on every utterance (gush-effect; result of a saying; effect of a flow; declaration; spoken word) which is constantly going forth (or: proceeding out) through God's [= Yahweh's] mouth.'" [Deut. 8:3]

⁷ Jesus affirmed to it, "Again, it has been written, 'You will not continue putting [the] Lord [= Yahweh], your God, to the test (or: You will not repeatedly attempt to set Yahweh out on trial or check out some proof about Him).'" [Deut. 6:16]

¹⁰ At this [saying], Jesus then says to it, "Bring [it] under control, adversary (or: Subject [yourself], satan; Sink down below, adversary; Carry [this] off below, hateful accuser; or: Go away, satan)! You see, it has been written, 'You will constantly pay homage to (do obeisance to; worship; fall down and kiss the feet of) [the] Lord [= Yahweh] your God, and to Him alone you will repeatedly render hired service (or: sacred service).'" [Deut. 6:13] ¹¹ At that point, the opponent (the adversary; the one who had been thrusting [Him] through) progressively flowed away from Him (or: proceeded to divorce Him; presently abandoned Him) – and, note and consider this! – agents (messengers) approached (came forward) and began giving attending service to (or: continued rendering ministering service and provision for) Him.

¹² be continuously rejoicing and repeatedly express extreme exultation, because your wage (compensation; reward) [is] much (large; great), within the heavens (or: atmospheres [that surround you])! You see, they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

¹ "Now you folks make it a habit to hold to close attentiveness [so as] not to be doing your fairness, equity or rightwised behavior – all which comprise the Way pointed out – in front of people, in order to be observed by them, otherwise you do not continue holding wages (or: having a reward) alongside of (from beside; = from the presence of) your Father – the One in the atmosphere and the firmament, and in union with and within the midst of the heavens.

⁴ "so that your gift of mercy can continue existing within the hidden [realm; place] (or: may be in hiding), and then your Father – the One continuously looking within the hidden [realm; place] (or: observing amidst the concealed) – will continue giving back to you!

¹³ Also, may You not bring (or: carry) us into an ordeal or a putting to the proof – neither by trial, nor by temptation, nor by examination. But to the contrary, rescue us away from the bad situation (the wicked person; the miserable condition; the painful labor; the unprofitable endeavor; the malicious man). [later MSS add: because Yours is the reign (kingdom) and the ability (power) and the manifestation which calls forth praise (the reputation; the glory), on into the ages. It is true (Make it so; Amen).]'

²² "The eye is the lamp of the body. If, then, your eye may continue being single-fold (or: simple and uncompounded; perhaps: single-focused and suggest being straightforward; may = healthy; may suggest generosity), your whole body will continue being (will continuously exist being) illuminated (enlightened; or: lustrous; luminous; radiant; shining).

²⁴ "No one continues being able (has habitual power) to continue being, or performing as, a slave for two owners (lords; masters). You see, he will either proceed in hating (or: regarding with ill will) the one and will continue loving the different one, or he will continue holding firmly to and having instead the one, and will proceed despising (having a negative attitude and disposition toward) the different one. You folks are not able (still have no power) to continue being, or performing as, slaves for God and at the same time for money and riches (you can't be enslaved to both God and wealth)!

¹² "Therefore, all things – as many as you folks may continue wanting or should by habit be purposing – that people (mankind; men) should be habitually doing to or for you, thus also (or: likewise), you folks, yourselves, be continuously doing to and for them (or: = Treat others in the way that you yourselves would like to be treated). You see, THIS is (or: exists being; = is the meaning of) the Law and the Prophets (= this sums up the message of the Scriptures)!

²¹ "Not everyone constantly saying to Me, 'O Lord! Lord!' will proceed to be entering into the reign (or: sovereign rule; kingdom; realm of action and rule) of the heavens (or: which has the character of, and emanates from, the atmospheres) but rather, the one habitually performing the result or progressively producing the effect of the will, intent and purpose of My Father – the One within and in union with the heavens, and in the midst of the atmospheres – [will proceed entering].

⁹ "You see, I too am myself (or: even I, myself, am) a person (a man) being set in a continued arrangement under authority – continuing in holding (having) soldiers under me – and I normally say to this one, 'Go your way,' and he proceeds going his way; and to another one, 'Proceed coming,' and he proceeds coming, and to my slave, 'Do this,' and by habit he is doing [it]."

²⁷ "What I am now saying to you folks within the darkness (the shaded areas of obscurity; = being within the system and religion of the dim shadows) you say within the light (= the light of the coming Day). And what you are now hearing whispered into the ear, you people, as heralds, publicly proclaim upon the housetops (= make it publicly known). ²⁸ "Stop being (or: Do not continue being [other MSS: You should not be]) made to fear from the one normally killing the body, and yet continuing unable (with no power) to be killing the soul. But rather, be habitually fearing (or: continue being wary of, with a healthy respect for) the person being constantly able and continuing with power to loose-away and destroy (or: to cause to be lost) both soul (the interior life; [note: may refer to the person's reputation in regard to character and other personal qualities]) as well as body within the Valley of Hinnom (Greek: Gehenna; Jerusalem's garbage dump: the place where criminals and folks with disgraced lives, and thus considered unfit for proper burial, were cast away; the disgraced end of an outcast or criminal).

⁴¹ "The person who by habit receives, welcomes and embraces a prophet into [the place of regard and function] that pertains to a prophet's reputation and vocation, will repeatedly receive a prophet's wage and reward. Likewise the person who by habit receives, welcomes and embraces a fair and just person (one who maintains right relationships with God and mankind, and who has been rightwised into the path of the Way pointed out) into [the place of regard and function] that pertains to a fair and just person's reputation and way of life, will habitually receive a wage and reward that pertains to a rightwised and equitable person. ⁴² "And further, whoever should give only a cup of cold water to drink to one of these little ones, into [the place of regard and function] that pertains to the reputation and vocation of a disciple, assuredly, I now say to you, he can by no means be lose his wage or reward.

⁵⁰ "You see, whoever may be doing the will, intent, purpose and desire of My Father – the One within and in union with [the] heavens (or: in the midst of [the] atmospheres) – that very person is My brother and sister and mother!"

⁴ "For God said, 'Be habitually honoring and expressing value for the father and the mother,' [Ex. 20:12] and, 'The person habitually saying a bad, ugly or worthless word or message to or concerning (= verbally abusing) father or mother, let him progressively come to fruition (or: reach his end; be finished) in (or: by) death.' [Ex. 21:17] ⁵ "Yet you, yourselves, are habitually maintaining, 'Whoever may at some point say to the father or the mother, "Whatever from me should have benefited or helped you [is now] a 'gift' [cf "Corban," Mark 7:11; meaning: a gift to God; i.e., it is consecrated for God's use, and can at any time be claimed for Temple use, and is thus unusable for any other purpose], ⁶ "'he shall by no means honor [a request for help from] his father (= he will be rid of the duty to honor his father; or: he will not [in this] be not honoring his father).' And thus you people at once invalidate (make void of authority; cancel and make of no effect) God's idea, word and message through you tradition!

²⁵ Yet she, upon coming, continued paying Him homage by kneeling down and with obeisance kissing toward Him, even reverently kissing His feet, repeatedly saying, "O Lord (or: Master; Sir), be now running to my aid and continue to give help to me!" ²⁶ Now He, responding from discernment, said, "It is not proper or ideal (thus, it is not an act of beauty) to take the children's bread and to throw it to the little pet dogs!" ²⁷ So the [woman] said, "Yes, sir. And yet... you see... the little pet dogs and puppies habitually eat from the crumbs which are constantly falling from their owner's (or: master's) table!" ²⁸ At that point Jesus, in making a decided reply, said to her, "O woman (or: O dear lady), your trust, faith and confidence [are] great! Let it at once come to be and happen just as you continue intending and desiring." And so, from that hour, her daughter was cured and healed.

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)!

²⁷ You see, the Son of the Man (or: mankind's son; or: = the Son of Adam; or: [the eschatological Messianic figure]; or: the Human Being) is presently about to continue progressively coming within the glory (the manifestation which calls forth praise) of His Father, with His agents (messengers). And at that time, He will proceed giving back (or: repaying; recompensing) to each one in corresponding accord with his practice, behavior and operation of business.

⁸ "Thereupon, he is saying to his slaves, 'The wedding feast indeed continues being ready, yet those having been invited were not worthy folks (folks of corresponding value; or: worthy of the honor).

¹⁰ "And so, upon going out into the streets and alleys, the paths and roads, those slaves gathered and led together all whom they found – both worthless (or: wicked; bad; of poor character) folks and good (virtuous) ones – and so the wedding hall was filled with folks presently reclining [at the tables].

³⁷ So He affirms to him, "' You will continue loving [the] Lord [= Yahweh], your God, in union with your whole heart – and within the midst of the core of your being, and in union with your whole soul – and within the midst of your entire soul-life, and in union with your whole intellectual capacity – and within the midst of your whole thinking process and comprehension.' [Deut. 6:5]

⁴⁸ "But if that worthless (ugly; bad quality) slave should say within his heart, 'My owner (master; lord) continually delays and fails [to come] for a long time,'

⁵¹ "and so he will proceed to be cutting him in two [hyperbole for: severely punish; or, metaphor: cut him off from employment] and then he will proceed putting (placing; setting) his part with the perverse, opinionated scholars who have all the answers and are hyper-critical and overly judgmental [hupokrites; see 6:2, above]. The weeping, moaning and the grinding of the teeth will continue being in that place and situation.

⁴¹ "You folks continue awake and keep on watching. And continue praying to the end that you folks may not enter into a test (a trial; a putting to the proof). On the one hand the spirit [is] eager (the attitude [can be] the first to rush forward with passion); on the other hand the flesh (= the estranged human nature; the alienated self; the person who has been molded and dominated by the System) [is] without strength (weak and infirm)."

²⁰ "constantly teaching and progressively training them to habitually watch over, guard, keep and maintain everything (or: all things) – as many things as I Myself implanted as goals (imparted as the finished product within; gave as interior, destiny-laden directives) in and for you folks. And now – look and consider this! – I Myself continuously am (exist being) with you folks all the days, on until the joint-goal (or: the conjunction; the end [of all] brought together; the conclusion, consummation and fruition; the combined finished product and actualization) of the age (or: which is that Age [= the Age of the Messiah]; or: as far as the attending and associated end of this age; or: until the consummation brought by the Age [of Messiah])." [written circa A.D. 40-60 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]

⁹ Further, He went on to say to them, "You men keep on beautifully (adroitly) setting aside God's implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive and purposed destiny) so that you can keep and maintain your tradition, ¹⁰ "For instance, Moses said, 'Be habitually honoring and constantly expressing value for your father and your mother,' [Ex. 20:12] and, 'Let the one habitually saying something worthless, of bad quality, corrupt, or evil to or about father or mother progressively come to an end by (or: in) death (or: = be put to death).' [Ex. 21:17] ¹¹ "Yet you folks are yourselves constantly saying [that] a person (a man) can at any time say to father or mother, 'Whatever of mine by which you might have been helped or benefited [is] Corban (or: a korban; = an oblation, offering or sacrifice) ' – which is an approach present (a gift dedicated to God and usable for no other purpose). ¹² "You continue allowing him to no longer do a single thing (or: And so you people still continue releasing him to do nothing) for father or mother! ¹³ "This is habitually invalidating (depriving of lordship; making void of authority) the Word of God (God's Logos; God's thought and idea; God's message) by (or: in) your tradition which you folks give over (= handed down) – and you are constantly doing many such things of this kind (or: repeatedly performing many such similar [rituals] along this line)."

²² "You see, false 'Christs' (false anointed ones; counterfeit anointings) and false prophets will continue being roused and raised up (perhaps = come to prominence) and they will be repeatedly providing signs and miracles (wonders; portents) [aiming] toward the accomplishment of leading-astray – if [they are] able – the chosen ones (or: with a view to the situation for the selected and picked-out folks to wander off [the path] – since [it is] possible and [they are] having power).

³³ "Continue looking, observing, taking note – and be on your guard! Be constantly awake, watchful and alert! Be habitually thinking, speaking and acting with a view to goodness, ease and wellbeing (or: continuously praying)! You see, you folks have not seen and are thus unaware of when it is the appointed season (or: the fitting situation; the kairos; the fertile moment).

³⁸ "You men be constantly alert and watchful, and continue praying with a view toward having things go well – to the end that you folks will not continue coming (or: going) into a test (or: a trial; an ordeal). Indeed, the spirit (the Breath-effect; or: the attitude) [is] eager (rushing ahead with passion), yet the flesh (= the estranged human nature; the alienated self; the person who has been molded and dominated by the System) [is] weak (without strength and powerless; feeble and infirm)."

⁵¹ And so He walked back down with them and came into Nazareth, and continued being set in a supportive arrangement for them (or: kept on being subject to and under them). His mother also continued carefully watching, noting and keeping all these sayings (gush-effects; results of the flows; declarations; matters) within her heart.

²⁶ [son] of Maath, [son] of Mattathias, [son] of Semein, [son] of Josech, [son] of Joda (or: Yoda),

³⁷ [son] of Methuselah, [son] of Enoch, [son] of Jared, [son] of Mahalaleel, [son] of Cainan,

³¹ "And so, correspondingly and exactly as you folks are normally wanting and intending that humanity (people; mankind) should habitually do to and for you, you, yourselves also, be constantly doing likewise to and for them.

³⁵ "In any case, be continuously loving your enemies (the ones hostile to you), and be constantly doing good, and also be habitually lending while expecting [to get] nothing back. Then your wage and reward will proceed being much, and you folks will continue be sons (= have the character and qualities) of the Most High. "You see, He Himself continuously exists being benevolent, usefully kind and profitable upon the ungracious, unthankful and ungrateful, as well as the useless, unprofitable, pernicious and wicked folks.

¹³ "Now those upon the rock-mass [are] those who – whenever they should hear – continue welcoming and receiving the Word (thought; idea; message) with joy. And yet, these do not continue having a root. They are folks who continue trusting and believing for a season, and then, during a season (or: within a situation) of testing and trial, they progressively stand off and position themselves away, continuing to withdraw.

⁵ Then He said to them, "Which person from among you folks will proceed in having a friend (someone you are fond of and care about), and you will from time-to-time go your way to him [at] midnight and then say, 'Friend, let me use (= borrow) three loaves of bread, ⁶ "'since, in fact, a friend (or: loved one) of mine happened along to me from out of the road (path; way), and I am not presently having something which I will proceed putting at the side for him (= serving him to eat).' ⁷ "And that person giving a decided reply from inside may be saying, 'Do not continue providing and holding out troubles and weariness for me (= Stop bothering me)! The door has already been shut and locked, and my young children are now [put] into bed with me – I am now unable [to be] rising up to give [something] to (or: for) you.' ⁸ "I am now saying to you folks, [that] although he will not, after getting up, proceed in giving [something] to him because of the [situation of] him being his friend, [yet] because of the fact of his bold and shameless persistence (or: chutzpah), upon getting up he will proceed giving to him as much as he is presently needing.

³⁵ "Let your loins (from the waist to the genitals) constantly exist being bound around and fastened (or: girded about; = be dressed and ready for work or prepared for battle) and your lamps continuously burning,

⁴⁵ "Yet, if that slave should ever say within his heart, 'My lord (master; owner) continues taking a long time and delays [his] coming,' and then should begin both to habitually beat the boys and the maids (= the male and female servants) and to be constantly eating and drinking – even to be repeatedly getting drunk, ⁴⁶ "the owner (lord; master) of that slave will proceed in arriving on a day in which he continues not anticipating or suspecting [it], and in an hour in which he continues having no personal knowledge [of it]. Then he will proceed to cut him in two (figurative: = severely punish him; perhaps: = sever him from his position after lashing him with a whip) and next will proceed putting his part (or: setting his position) with the unfaithful and unreliable [slaves].

²⁴ "You folks be continually struggling and constantly exerting yourselves vigorously even to the point of agonizing, as contestants in the public games, to at once enter through the narrow door (or: cramped entry), because many people – I now tell you – will continue seeking to enter, and yet they will not continue having strength.

¹⁴ "and you will continually be a happy, blessed and fortunate person, because they continue having nothing [with which] to repay you, so you see, it will proceed being repaid to you within (or: in union with) the resurrection of the fair and equitable folks (or: the standing, placing, putting or setting back up again of the just and rightwised people who are in right relationships and are in union with the Way pointed out)."

²⁹ "– so that, after his laying a foundation and then not being [financially] strong enough to finish everything out, those folks continuing in watching might not at some point start to repeatedly ridicule and make fun of him, ³⁰ "one after another saying, 'This person (human) started to progressively build, and yet he was not [financially] strong [enough] to finish [it] out.' ³¹ "Or, what king, continuing on his way to progressively engage into the midst of a war with a different king, will not first – after sitting down – proceed taking counsel with himself (consider, deliberate, ponder and plan) [to see] if he is powerful and able to undertake a face to face meeting, [himself being] in the midst of ten thousand [troops], with the [king] constantly coming upon him with twenty thousand [troops]?

²² "But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly! Bring out the first robe – the one that signifies the first arrangement with the first equipment and which places him in first place – and clothe him! Then give a ring into his hand, and sandals unto (= for) [his] feet.

¹ Now He went on [and] told them a parable (an illustration cast alongside) with a view facing the [circumstances for] them, [that] it is of necessity at all times to be constantly thinking, speaking and active with an aim toward goodness, ease and well-being (or: keep praying), and not to give in to the bad or worthless [situation or conditions] (or: to dwell within an ugly mood or a disposition of poor quality; or: to respond badly in [something]), ² proceeding in saying, "A certain judge was living within a certain city [who was] not in the habit of fearing or reverencing God, and also was not normally respecting (turning himself back upon so as to concern himself for) people. ³ "Now there was a widow in that city, and she kept on coming (or: going) to him, repeatedly saying, 'Decide the case from our custom and take up my cause by avenging and vindicating me from my adversary at law (or: plaintiff)!' ⁴ "And yet for some time he continued unwilling and would not. But after these [repeated pleas] he said within himself, 'Although (or: Even if) I am not normally fearing, being wary of or reverencing God nor respecting or concerned about people, ⁵ "'yet in fact, because of the [situation with] this widow constantly holding wearisome labor at the side for me (or: continually furnishing me with trouble and vexation while affording me personal cuts; or: = keeps pestering me), I will proceed deciding the case for her and continue avenging her (or: giving her a favorable ruling), so that with [her] continual coming, unto [the] end [of the matter], she may not repeatedly hit me in the face [with it] (or: = treat me severely and wear me out with pestering).'" ⁶ So the Lord said, "Listen to, and hear, what the judge of the disregard for what is right (the injustice; the actions which were not in accord with the way pointed out; = the dishonesty) is here saying! ⁷ "Now [think about it]! Would (or: Should) not God by all means make the situation right (or: do that which will bring the fairness, equity and justice) for His picked out and chosen people – those constantly crying, or calling, out to Him day and night – and will He continue long in rushing with passion upon them (= will he continue to delay acting and keep them waiting)? (or: and He will be continuing with forbearance and patient endurance on them). ⁸ "I am now telling you that He will proceed quickly making the situation right (doing that which will bring fairness, equity and justice) concerning them. But more than this, at the coming of the Son of the Man (= Adam's Son; = the anticipated messianic figure), will He really (or: in fact; consequently) continue finding trust upon the Land (or: faith and loyalty on the earth)?"

³⁶ "So you people be constantly staying awake, alert and watchful – in each season and every situation (or: in union with every fertile moment and on every occasion) – repeatedly asking with urgency, or begging, so that you can be fully strong to flee out and escape all these things being presently and progressively about to be happening, and then to be placed (or: cause to stand) in front of the Son of the Man (the Human Being; = Adam's Son; = the eschatological messianic figure)."

⁴⁶ And so He said to them, "Why do you folks continue sleeping? Upon standing up (or: rising), carry on thinking of having ease and well-being (or: praying), so that you folks would not enter into a test or a trial."

⁵³ "During My being with you folks daily, within the Temple courts (or: grounds), you did not stretch out [your] hands upon Me. But now, this is your hour, and the privilege of the darkness (or: even the authority of the gloomy realm of shadow and dim obscurity)." [comment: this second rendering equates the darkness to this adverse group]

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]).

¹³ "You men are repeatedly addressing (calling) Me 'Teacher (= Rabbi)' and 'Lord (Master),' and you keep on speaking (or: saying [it]) beautifully (ideally; finely), for I am.

²⁷ "I am continuously sending off (releasing away; hurling off) peace to (or: for; by; in; with) you people. My peace I am constantly giving to you (or: in, by, for you folks). I Myself am not giving [it] to you the way (or: according as) the System (the world of religion, politics and culture) continually gives [it]. Do not let your heart be constantly shaken, disturbed or agitated, neither let it be habitually timid (shrinking, as with palpitations; responding cowardly). [compare Deut. 31:8; Josh. 1:9]

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),

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]).

¹⁵ Then, when they had finished breakfast, Jesus says to Simon Peter, "Simon of John [other MSS: Jonah], are you continuously loving Me (accepting Me without restriction) more than these (= more than you love these folks, or, more that these folks love Me)?" He [Peter] says to Him, "Yes, Lord (Master), You, Yourself, have seen and know that I am fond of (or: like) You and am Your friend." He [Jesus] says to him, "As a herdsman, be habitually feeding (or: grazing) and tending My young lambs!" ¹⁶ Again, a second [time], He continues, saying to him, "Simon of John [or: Jonah], are you continuously loving Me (is your whole being progressively driving toward accepting reunion with Me)?" He [Peter] says to Him, "Yes, Lord (Master), You, Yourself, have seen and know that I am fond of (or: like) You and am Your friend." He [Jesus] says to him, "Constantly shepherd (herd for grazing; = lead, protect, care for, nourish) My sheep [other MSS: small sheep]!" ¹⁷ "Simon of John [or: Jonah]," He continues, a third [time] saying to him, "Do you like Me and are you habitually My friend, having fondness and affection for Me?" Peter was made to grieve and be sad and sorry, because He said to him, the third [time], "Are you habitually My friend, liking and having fondness and affection for Me?" So he said to Him, "O Lord, You, Yourself, have seen and know all things. YOU continue knowing by progressive intimate experience that I like You and continue as a friend with affection and fondness for You." Jesus says to him, "As a herdsman, be habitually feeding (or: grazing) and tending My sheep [other MSS: small sheep]!

¹⁴ All these men were continuing to be carrying on forward with strength and with the same passion and temperament constantly persisting in the prayer with a view to goodness – together with [the] women, as well as Mary [other MSS: Mariam], the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

⁴ And then they all were filled with [the] Consecrated Breath-effect (or: [the] Holy Spirit; or: a set-apart attitude), and they started (or: began) to continuously (or: repeatedly) speak in different tongues (= languages) – accordingly and correspondingly as the Breath-effect (or: the Spirit; the Attitude) kept on giving (or: granting) to them to be continuously (or: intermittently) uttering loudly and clearly.

⁴⁶ Not only daily continuing strongly focused and persevering while devoting themselves in like passion and with one accord within the Temple courts and grounds, but also regularly breaking bread (= having meals) from house to house (or: home by home; or: in accord with [their] homes), they were sharing and partaking together of food (nourishment) in the midst of great rejoicing and with the evenness and smoothness of a heart without a stone,

¹³ Now as they continued watching and observing the bold confidence and outspoken freedom of speech of Peter and John – and grasping that they were uneducated (= without the effects of technical training in the professional rabbinical schools of Hillel or Shammai) and untrained people (= laymen; common laborers or folks of some trade, or, of the peasant class) – they began marveling and continued filled with wonder, and they began to fully realize (or: recognize) [about] them, that they had been (or: used to be) with Jesus.

²⁹ "And so at this time, O Lord [= Christ or Yahweh], gaze upon (= take note of and attend to) their threats, and then give (or: at once grant) to Your slaves to continue speaking Your Word (or: message; idea; thought) with the right of complete freedom from constraint, and with all boldness to be publicly open and frank

³¹ Then, after their urgently making their needs known in [this] prayer (or: while they are still presenting their earnest requests in prayer), the place – within which they were continuing assembled, having been gathered together – was suddenly shaken (moved to and fro, vibrated and then put into a state of moving in a wave), and then they were all filled full of the Set-apart Breath-effect (or: the Holy Spirit; or: with the consecrated attitude). Later they began speaking God's message (the Word, thought and idea of God) with the right of complete freedom from constraint, and with all boldness being publicly open and frank.

²⁹ So Peter, along with the sent-forth folks, in giving a decisive reply, said, "It continues binding and necessary to with persuaded faithfulness habitually obey and yield to God as the Ruler, rather than humans (people)!

⁴ "Yet we ourselves will continue enduring strongly focused on and loyally persist in the thought, speaking and action aimed at having goodness, ease and well-being (or: with prayer) and the attending service of the Word (and: the dispensing pertaining to the Idea and from the Message which originates in the Logos)."

²⁷ So Barnabas, taking on [the problem] (or: taking him on [as a friend]; or: taking him by the hand), led him to the sent-forth folks (the emissaries) and then he [i.e., Paul] fully related to them how he saw the Lord on the road, and that He spoke to him (or: he spoke to Him) and how in Damascus he spoke in the Name of Jesus with the right of complete freedom from constraint, and with all boldness being publicly open and frank.

²⁹ Repeatedly speaking in the Name of the Lord with the right of complete freedom from constraint, and with all boldness being publicly open and frank, he continued both speaking and making joint-deliberations to the Hellenists (the Jews who spoke Greek or had adopted the Greek culture, or both). Yet these folks began taking in hand to assassinate him.

² a person of well-directed reverence (or: devout and virtuous conduct; one who properly stands in awe of God) and by habit fearing God, along with all his household, constantly performing many acts of mercy and making lots of gifts that express [his] compassion to the people, as well as repeatedly making requests of God (or: from God) throughout all times and situations.

⁷ Now as soon as the agent (messenger) that had been speaking to him went away, upon summoning two of the household servants and a devout soldier (a warrior with well-directed reverence) of those being constantly in loyal attendance to him (or: regularly attached to his service), ⁸ and then leading them through a detailed narrative of all the things [that occurred], he sent them off on the mission, into Joppa.

³⁴ At this Peter, opening his mouth said, " [Based] upon truth and reality, I continue grasping with force and fully receiving [understanding] that God is neither partial nor takes folks at face value (does not receive faces or appearances),

⁵ Therefore Peter, consequently, continued being kept in custody (remained under guard and was being watched) within the prison (or: jail), yet thoughts and speech toward having things be well [for him] (or: prayer) continued being repeatedly birthed (or: was continuously coming to be) extendedly (i.e., in a way or manner that stretched forth from out of [their] midst) focused on God around him (or: toward God concerning him), by the called-out community.

⁴⁶ Continuing bold, expressing the inherent right to speak the whole truth publicly with freedom from reprisal, both Paul and Barnabas said, "It was a matter of constraint, compulsion, and pressed indispensability [for] God's Logos (Word; message; idea) to be spoken to you folks first! Yet since you folks continue to push it away from yourselves, and are repeatedly judging (or: deciding) yourselves [to be] not worthy of the eonian life (the life pertaining to the Age [of Messiah]; the life whose source and character is from the Age), look! We are now being turned (or, as a middle: progressively turning ourselves) unto the nations (the ethnic multitudes; the Gentiles; the non-Jews).

³ Therefore, as a result, they spent adequate time constantly and repeatedly speaking out freely, boldly and openly in public – as is the right of respected citizens – upon (or: on [the authority and basis of]; or: [with trust and reliance] on; or: = about) the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh], [Who] was continuously giving evidence and bearing witness to the Logos (Word; message; idea) of His grace and favor by repeatedly giving signs and miracles (or: portents; wonders) to be happening through their hands.

²⁶ More than this, this person started to be consistently speaking boldly, as with the right of a citizen, within the synagogue. So after hearing him, Priscilla and Aquila took him to themselves and more accurately exposed (or: expounded; set out from the midst) God's Way (or: path).

⁸ Now upon entering into the synagogue, [D adds: in union with great power and ability] he began speaking publicly with the boldness and freedom which comes from citizenship – making this a habit for about three months – repeatedly holding discussions while thoroughly laying thoughts out with reasonings, as well as habitually seeking to persuade and endeavoring to convince [folks; other MSS read: {about} things], concerning the reign of God (or: about God's kingdom; sovereign influences and activities which are God).

⁴ Now [D: therefore with his being progressively about to depart], it continued being arranged for him to be met, as far as [the province of] Asia, [by] Sopater, [the son] of Pyrrhus, a Berean. Now [there was] also Aristarchus and Secundus, from Thessalonica, and Gaius from Derbe, as well as Timothy. Then, from [the province] of Asia, [there were] Tychicus and Trophimus.

³³ At that point the commander (or: tribune), drawing near, took hold of him (= arrested him). Then he gave orders [for him] to be bound with two chains, and began inquiring who he might be and what it is he had done.

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).'

²⁹ So Paul [responds], "I would ever claim it for the goodness in God (or: speak in boast to the well-being [that is] by God) [for] both in a little [time] as well as even in a great (= long) [space of time] not only you, but further also all those presently hearing me today, to at some point come to be folks of such a sort as I myself presently am – with the exception (or: yet at the outside) of these bonds!"

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."

³¹ continuously and progressively making public proclamation and heralding the reign of God (or: God's kingdom and sovereign influence), as well as habitually teaching the things concerning the Lord [p74 reads, instead of "Lord": the salvation and deliverance which comes from] Jesus Christ (or: the Lord, Jesus [the] Anointed One [= the Messiah]) – unforbidden and without hindrance, with all the bold outspoken freedom of speech which is the right of a citizen! [Written circa A.D. 57-63 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]

⁷ to (or: for) all those being in Rome: God’s loved ones (folks dearly loved of God), set-apart (holy) called ones, joyous grace and peace to you (or: favor and harmony [= shalom] [are] in and with you) from God, our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: from our Father God, and [the] Master, Jesus Christ; or: from God our Father, even [the] Owner – [the] Anointed Jesus).

⁶ Who will progressively award in each person (or: give back to each one; pay for each one) down from (in line with; in accord to; to the level of) his works (actions; deeds): ⁷ in those (to those; for those), on the one hand, in accord with [the] patient endurance (humbly remaining under for persistent support) of a good work (or: virtuous action) [who] are constantly seeking glory (a good reputation; a manifestation of that which calls forth praise) and honor (value; worth) and incorruptibility (or: incorruption) – life which belongs to, is connected with, and is proper to the Age (or: eonian life; the life of and for the ages). ⁸ Yet, on the other hand, in those (to those; for those) out of a work for ambitious, factious or contentious purposes, and in (or: by) being continuously incompliant (disobedient; unwilling to be persuaded) to (or: by) the Truth (reality; veritable essence), but constantly compliant (obedient; persuaded) in, to, by and for the injustice (inequity; that which is not in accord with the Way pointed out), [there will be] personal emotion (or: inherent fervor; passionate impulse; anger; indignation; wrath; a habit of mind; a mental bent or disposition) and rushing of feelings (or: intense passion of the mind; violent breathing; glowing animation; turbulent commotion of the mind; or: rage; fury), ⁹ pressure (affliction; trouble; tribulation; ordeal) and squeezed narrowness (tight restriction; distress; anguish) – upon every soul of mankind which is persistently in himself working down and effecting the bad (the ugly; the worthless; the evil; the injurious; the bad situation; the worthless quality; the malicious intent) – both of a Jew, first, and also of a Greek (or: one of the Hellenist culture); ¹⁰ but yet glory (a manifestation of that which calls forth praise; a credible reputation) and honor (value; worth) and peace (or: harmony; [=Shalom]) in, to, for and with everyone habitually working and accomplishing in himself the Good (or: the virtuous and excellent) both in, to, and for a Jew, first, and also in, to and for a Greek (or: Hellenist); ¹¹ for partiality (favoritism; receiving on the basis of faces, countenances or personalities) does not exist alongside of God (or: by God’s side; = with God or in His presence and dealings).

¹⁷ But Grace by God (or: Now [this is] happiness granted as favor in God): that you folks were existing, continuing to be slaves of the Sin (slaves of failure; slaves belonging to the missing the target), yet now you submissively hear and pay attention, so as to obey – from out of heart! – [the] type of instruction (or: chiseled and imprinted pattern of teaching) into which you are (or: at one point were) given over (handed over and entrusted; given alongside).

¹² And thus (or: Consequently) the Law [= the Torah], indeed, [is] set-apart (holy; sacred; consecrated) and the implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive; commandment) [is] set-apart (holy; sacred) and in accord with the Way pointed out (fair; equitable; just; = related to covenant) and good (virtuous).

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).

³⁸ For you see, I have been persuaded and now stand convinced that neither death, nor life (or: living existence), nor agents (or: messengers), nor sovereignties (rulers; those in prime position; or: beginnings), nor things being now here (being placed within, at present), nor things about to be (impending, or about to consecutively come), nor powers (or: capabilities),

¹⁵ Yet how can they publicly proclaim unless they may be sent forth as representative with a mission (or: as emissaries)? Just as it has been and stands written, "How timely and seasonable [are] the feet of the folks continually bringing and announcing goodness (or: the good news of ease and well-being): the good and excellent things!" [Isa. 52:7]

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.)

¹² In and with expectation (or: By expectant hope) [be] people continuously rejoicing; in pressure (squeezing; tribulation; compression) [be] folks constantly remaining under to give support (or: humbly enduring); in thinking or by acting, and with speaking, toward having goodness, ease and well-being (or: by and with prayer) [be] people habitually persevering (persisting in adherence and engagement).

⁷ Render (give away in answer to a claim; pay) the debts (the duties; what is owed) to everyone: to the tax [collector], the tax; to the [one collecting] civil support tax, the civil government tax; to [whom] fear [is due], fear; to the one [due] honor and value, honor and value.

¹² The night advances, and the day has approached and is presently near. We should put, then, the acts of the Darkness (works from the realm of the shadows; actions that belong to dimness and obscurity) away from ourselves (or: take off and put away the deeds pertaining to darkness; = ignorance; that which was before the light arrived), and clothe ourselves with the instruments (tools; weapons; implements; [some MSS: works; deeds]) of Light (or: The Light).

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).

³⁰ So I am calling you alongside (entreating and exhorting you), brothers, through our Lord (Master; Owner), Jesus Christ, even through the Spirit's love (or: and by means of the uniting and accepting love which is the Breath-effect; or: as well as through the urge toward reunion from this Attitude), to struggle together with me (or: to contend and fight together with me, as in the public games) within the thoughts and words of goodness and well-being [directed] toward God over me (or: in union with prayers, face to face with God, for my behalf),

² to the end that you folks may reach out with your hands and take her in your arms, within [the] Lord [= Yahweh or Christ], worthily (in a manner of equal value) of the set-apart folks (of the saints; of the holy ones), and may stand beside her within whatever matter (practice-effect; event; affair; result of a transaction) she may continue having need of [from] you folks, for she also became one who stands before many (or: a leader or presiding officer over many; = a champion, protector or patron of many) – even of me, myself!

² to God's called-out community (or: summoned-forth group that has God as its source, and which belongs to God), the one being within Corinth; to those having been set-apart within Christ Jesus (or: made holy, sacred, different from the normal and sanctified, in union with [the] Anointing of Jesus); to called (or: invited) folks [and] to set-apart people (holy ones; saints; sanctified folks; sacred ones) – together with all those in every place constantly calling upon the Name of our Lord [note: the phrase applied to Yahweh in Gen. 12:8; Zech. 13:9], Jesus Christ – their [Lord] as well as ours: ³ Grace (the influence and boon of undeserved favor, kindness, joy and goodwill) and peace (or: harmony; = shalom), from God, our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: from our Father, God, and [the] Owner, Jesus [the] Anointed).

⁵ because within the midst of everything, and in union with all humanity, you folks are (or: were) made rich (enriched) within, and in union with, Him – within every thought (in the midst of all [the] Logos; in all reason; within all [the] message; in every word and expression) and in all intimate, experiential knowledge and insight (gnosis) –

³ So I, myself, came to be with and toward you, and faced you folks, in lack of strength (or: in union with weakness), and in fear – even in much trembling and agitation of mind (or: very nervous; shaking with reverence and respect; or: = with earnestness and much concern),

⁷ To the contrary, we habitually speak God's wisdom within the midst of a secret (or: we normally speak – in [the form or realm of] a mystery which only the initiated understand – the wisdom which is God): the [wisdom] having been hidden away and remaining concealed, which God before marked out and set its boundaries (or: previously designed) – before the ages – [leading] into our glory (our manifestation which calls forth praise; our good reputation),

¹ Thus, let a person (a human) continue logically considering (or: measuring and classifying) us as God's subordinates (God's deputies; those under God's orders; God's under-rowers) and house-managers (or: administrators) of God's secrets (or: mysteries from God which require initiation for receiving; secrets which are God).

¹⁷ Because of this, I sent Timothy to you folks – he who is my beloved child (loved born-one) and one full of faith (or: a loyal, reliable, faithful and trustworthy person) within and in union with [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh], who will continue calling you back to remembrance (will be repeatedly reminding you) of my ways (roads; paths) – the ones in union with an Anointing [other MSS: in the midst of Christ Jesus (or: in {the} Anointing of Jesus); others: within {the} Lord Jesus; others: in Jesus] – correspondingly as (according as; along the lines as and to the level as) I am habitually teaching everywhere, within the midst of every called-out community (ecclesia; summoned forth covenant assembly).

²² In fact, the person within the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] – being one that was called [when being] a slave – is [the] Lord's freed-person (or: exists being [Christ's or Yahweh's] emancipated slave). Likewise, the person being one that was called [when being] free, or a freedman, is Christ's slave.

²⁵ Now every person habitually engaging in a contest (participating in the violent struggle of the public athletic games) constantly exercises inner strength and self-control in all things, and among all folks: those, of course, therefore [do it] so that they may (can) grasp (take; receive) a corruptible wreath that will soon wither, yet we an incorruptible (un-withering) one. ²⁶ So now, I myself am constantly running (racing) in this manner – not as without clear visibility of the goal (not in an uncertain or aimless manner which lacks clear purpose); thus I am habitually boxing – not as repeatedly flaying (= punching) air. ²⁷ To the contrary, I am repeatedly "striking my face below my eyes and beating my body black and blue" (= treating my body severely by discipline and hardship) and continually leading [it] as a slave (or: causing it to lead the life of a slave), lest somehow, while proclaiming (heralding; preaching; [note: at the games it means to announce the rules of the game and call out the competitors]) to (or: for) others, I myself should (can; may; would) come to be one that does not stand the test (or: unproved; or: without the approval which comes from testing; or: disapproved and disqualified).

¹³ No trial (or: ordeal; temptation; putting to the proof; effect of probing and testing) has laid hold of or seized you folks except a human one (something pertaining to the human nature and situation). Now God [is] faithful, loyal, trustworthy, and full of faith and trust – One who will not permit (let, allow; or: let go; leave alone) you folks to be tested, tried, tempted or made to undergo an ordeal above (or: over; = beyond) that which you people continue having ability and power [to handle or endure], but to the contrary, together with the trial (or: ordeal), He will also continually make the way out (the egress; or: He also will habitually do the stepping forth from out of the midst; or: He will even progressively construct the out-come) to continually enable and repeatedly empower you folks to undergo [it] (to bear up under [it]; to carry on under [it], sustain [it], and lead on).

³¹ Therefore whether you folks are habitually eating or continually drinking, or anything you are constantly doing, be continuously doing all things unto God's glory (or: performing everything [directed toward and leading] into a good reputation pertaining to God; making all things into a manifestation which calls forth praise to God).

⁵⁰ Now I am saying this, brothers (= fellow members and believers), that flesh and blood (= humans in their estranged condition; = people of dust who have not been resurrected) have no power and continue unable to inherit or receive and participate in an allotted portion of God's reign (kingdom or sovereign action) – neither is corruption and decay (the perishable) continuing on to inherit (participate in the allotment of) the Incorruption (Imperishability).

⁵⁸ Consequently, my beloved brothers, progressively come to be seated and settled folks – immovable and unswerving people – continuing to always be surrounded by more than enough (or: superabounding) within the midst of the Lord's work (= [Yahweh's or Christ's] deed or act), having seen and now knowing that your fatiguing labor (or: toil) does not exist without contents (is not empty) within and in union with [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh].

¹³ You folks be habitually awake and constantly watching (= be alert and with your wits about you)! Continue standing fast in union with trust, and within the midst of The Faith (or: Constantly stand firm, centered in loyalty and confidence)! Repeatedly behave as adult males (or: = Be progressively made courageous)! Continue being strengthened.

²² If anyone continues having no fondness or affection for the Lord, let him constantly be a person placed up [in prayer to be consecrated before the Lord] – [you see,] our Lord is present (has come). ²³ The joyous favor and grace of the Lord Jesus, [the] Christ (or: [the] Anointed Master, Jesus,) [continues] with you folks!

¹¹ Your habitually cooperating and working together in undergirding support over us (= on behalf of us, or, concerning our situation), even in the need (or: and by the [or: your] petition regarding [our] need), [gives the result] that forth from out of [other MSS: in] many faces (= people; or: = outward appearances) [and] through (or: by means of) many folks, the effect and result of grace and favor can (or: may; would) be sent (or: given) unto us in the ease, prosperity and wellness of grace over our [situation] (or: may be given in gratitude on our [other MSS: your] behalf). ¹² For you see, our boasting (or: expression of being proud) is this – [and it is] the witness and testimony of our conscience: that within the midst of the System (world of religion, culture, economy, secular society and government), and especially (or: more exceedingly) in our relationship with you folks, we were turned back and caused to live our lives and conduct ourselves within, and in union with, God's simplicity [other MSS: quality and aspect of being set apart (holiness)] and clearness from a decision made in sunlight (or: a sincerity which is God) – and this not within fleshly wisdom or cleverness, but to the contrary, within the midst of and in union with God's grace (or: the favor from, and which is, God).

²⁴ Not that we are constantly acting like your owners and exercising lordship with regard to the faith (or: performing like masters over your loyalty and trust), but to the contrary, we exist being (or: we are) fellow workers regarding and pertaining to your joy, for you folks have taken a stand and now stand firm by trust (or: in and for the faith; with confident loyalty).

¹¹ to the end that we may (or: can; would) not at some point be held or possessed in more things or situations by the adversary (or: be made by satan to desire to have more than other folks; be overreached by the adversary so as to desire personal advantage), for we do not continue being without intimate and experiential knowledge (or: we are not still ignorant, unaware or without gnosis) of the effects and results from its directing our minds.

¹² Therefore, progressively possessing (having and holding) an expectation (or: expectant hope) such as this, we habitually use much freedom of speech and bold lack of reserve (or: are constantly telling it all with absolute unreservedness, based upon our citizenship), unlike Moses.

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.

¹⁶ For this reason we do not habitually behave with a bad attitude, or perform in a worthless manner, or act from out of a mood that is poor in quality, or become discouraged. But to the contrary, even if (or: since also) our outside person (or: outer humanity) is being progressively wasted away (is constantly being decayed and brought to ruin and corruption), certainly our inside [person] (= inner humanity or self) is day by day (or: from day to day; on a daily basis) being progressively made new again (or: renewed) in kind and quality so as to have a different character that is fresh and effective. ¹⁷ So you see, the momentary light [aspect or character] (or: lightness) of the pressure and squeezing (the affliction, oppression and tribulation) is progressively working down in us a corresponding and consecutively transcending eonian weight of glory (or: is repeatedly producing for us a heavy burden of glory, down from one over-casting on into another over-cast, each of which pertains to the Age; or: is now accomplishing with us an according, age-lasting weight of a good reputation – [each] a transcending one [leading] into [another] transcending one; or: is continuously effecting in us – on the level of “surpassing leading into surpassing” – a weight which has the quality of the realm of [Messiah's] Age, and which belongs to a manifestation which calls forth praise), ¹⁸ while we are not constantly fixing our gaze on or carefully noting the things that are being constantly seen or repeatedly observed, but rather, [we are continuously looking at] those things not being constantly seen or repeatedly observed, because the things being constantly seen and observed [are] for a season (temporary; set toward a certain situation; transient), but those things not being habitually seen or observed pertain to and have their source in the Age ([are] eonian; [continue] age-lasting).

¹⁰ for it continues (or: is repeatedly) necessary for us – the all (= the whole of humanity) – to be manifested in front of Christ's elevated place (a step, platform, stage, or place ascended by steps to speak in public assembly in the center of a city; or: = an official bench of a judge or public official), to the end that each one may himself take into kindly keeping, for care and provision (= be responsible for), the things [done] through (or: by means of; or: [during our] passing through [with]) the body – [oriented] toward what things he practices (or: she accomplished), whether good or bad, whether serviceable or inefficient, whether fair or foul, whether capable or careless. (or: for you see that it continues binding for us all to be set in light so as to be clearly seen in the presence of the judgment seat which is Christ, so that each should keep and provide for the things performed through the body, with a view to, and face to face with, what things [were practiced], whether virtuous or vile).

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.

⁷ with and in a message of Truth (or: centered in a thought, idea and Word of Reality); within God's power and ability; through means of the tools and instruments (or: weapons; utensils; implements) of the rightwised behavior and relationships with the fairness and equity of the Way pointed out (also = from covenant participation) – on the right hand and on the left;

⁴ [There is] much freedom of speech, frankness, outspokenness and boldness in me, toward you folks. [There is] much boasting in me, over (in regard to) you! I have been filled full so that I am stuffed with relief, encouragement and comfort – I continue overflowing from the progressive flood of superabundance which encircles me in joy – which tops all our pressure and tribulation (or: by the joy upon every squeezing, ordeal, affliction and oppression).

¹⁵ Also, his innermost feelings and compassions (internal organs; intestines) are progressing more abundantly into you folks, while progressively calling back to mind the submissive hearing and humble obedience of you all – as with fear and trembling (or: respect and attentive concern) you received him.

⁷ But further, even as you folks continuously superabound within everything – in faith (or: trust; loyalty) and word (thought; idea; reason; message) and experiential knowledge, as well as with all haste to earnest diligence, and in the love from out of the midst of us [that is] within the midst of you [other MSS: the love from you [that is] within us] – that you may be progressively superabounding in this grace, also. ⁸ I am not now saying [this] down from some arrangement put upon [you], but still [I am] also continuing in testing and proving the legitimacy of the birth (or: the genuineness) of the love, which belongs to you, through means of the haste to earnest and diligent care from different folks.

¹² You see, if the eagerness continues lying before [a person], [it is] well-embraced and very acceptable – in proportion to whatever one may normally possess (have and hold), not corresponding to what he does not normally have.

⁴ for you see, the tools and weapons of our military service and warfare [are] not fleshly (= do not pertain to our human condition; [“are not the weapons of the Domination System” – Walter Wink]), but rather, [are] powerful ones and capable ones in God (or: by God), [focused] toward [the] pulling down (demolition) of effects of fortifications (or: strongholds; strongly entrenched positions [of the “Domination System” – Walter Wink, Engaging the Powers]),

² for I continue with hot zeal (eager vehement passion) concerning you in (or: with; by) God's fervent zeal (an eager vehement passion which is God), because I myself joined you folks in marriage to one husband, to make a pure virgin (= unmarried girl) to stand alongside in the Christ. ³ Yet I continue fearing lest somehow, as the serpent thoroughly deceived (or: seduces; fully deludes) Eve within its capability for every work (its cunning ability in all crafts and actions; its readiness to do anything), the results of directing your minds should be decayed (could be ruined; would be spoiled or corrupted) away from the singleness [of purpose] and simplicity [of being] – even the purity – which [focuses us] into the Christ (or: [leads] into the Anointing).

³ Yet I continue fearing lest somehow, as the serpent thoroughly deceived (or: seduces; fully deludes) Eve within its capability for every work (its cunning ability in all crafts and actions; its readiness to do anything), the results of directing your minds should be decayed (could be ruined; would be spoiled or corrupted) away from the singleness [of purpose] and simplicity [of being] – even the purity – which [focuses us] into the Christ (or: [leads] into the Anointing).

¹³ For such folks [are] false emissaries (pseudo-representatives) – fraudulent and deceitful workers – constantly changing their outward fashion and transforming themselves into emissaries of Christ (representatives of [the] Anointed One). ¹⁴ And no wonder ([it is] no marvel or cause for astonishment), for the adversary (opponent; satan) itself is repeatedly changing its form and outward fashion (transforming itself) into a messenger of light (or, as a passive: is from time to time being transformed and changed in its outward expression into an agent from [the] Light). ¹⁵ Therefore, [it is] no great thing if its attending servants and dispensers also repeatedly change their form and outward fashion (or: are habitually transformed) as attending servants of fairness and equity (dispensers of the way pointed out; = ministers of the covenant) – whose finish (or: end in view; finished product; attained goal; consummation; accomplished end) will proceed in being in accord with, along the line of, to the level of and corresponding to their works and actions (or: = their outcome will constantly be what they reap from their deeds).

⁹ and yet He has said to me – and His declaration stands, "My grace is continuously sufficient in you (or: My joyous favor is constantly adequate to ward [it] off for you), for you see, ability (or: the [other MSS read: My] power) is habitually brought to its goal (or: finished; perfected; matured) within the midst of weakness (or: in union with lack of strength and infirmity)." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather continue boasting within the midst of and in union with weakness, to the end that the ability of the Christ (or: the Anointed One's power) can pitch its tent (or: should tabernacle) upon me (or: = set up residence upon me during this transient life and journey; perhaps: = fulfill the type of the Feast of Tabernacles with me; or: = be my house from heaven; [cf: ch. 5:1])! ¹⁰ Wherefore I habitually delight and take pleasure within weaknesses (or: in union with lack of strength or infirmity); in the midst of outrageous insults and ignominious situations of mistreatment; in union with pressured necessities; in the midst of pursuits for persecution and cramped situations over and on behalf of Christ, for whenever I continue being (or: may periodically be) weak, then I am powerful (or: I then exist being capable)!

¹¹ As to the rest, brothers (= fellow believers and members – family), be habitually rejoicing (or: be progressively happy); be continuously adjusted so as to be completely equipped and fully made ready while being thoroughly knitted together into perfect unity; be repeatedly called alongside to give or be given aid, relief, comfort and encouragement; constantly mind the same thing and agree, being of the same opinion (have the same frame of mind and be mutually disposed); continuously dwell in and with peace (be at and keep peace; be in and cultivate harmony; live in [shalom]) – and the God of the Love and Peace (or: the God Who is the urge toward reunion and harmony) will continue being with you folks.

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]

¹⁰ Come now, am I at the present moment habitually appealing to humans, or God? (or: am I right now constantly trying to convince and persuade mankind, or God ?) Or, am I repeatedly seeking to keep on pleasing and accommodating people (humans)? If I had been still continuing to please and accommodate people (mankind), I would not have been being Christ's slave.

¹⁶ to unveil (reveal; uncover; disclose) His Son within the midst of me (or: in union with me), to the end that I in myself (or: for myself; by myself; of myself) would announce and proclaim the message of goodness, [which is] Him, within the ethnic multitudes (or: may bring and tell the message of ease and well-being: Him [now] among the nations), I did not immediately place myself back toward flesh and blood (= present my cause up for the approval of other people; consult anyone; seek communication or advice from my race, kin or religion),

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!"

⁶ for within Christ Jesus (or: for you see, in union with [the] Anointed Jesus) neither circumcision continues having strength, for competence or effectiveness, to be availing (or: be of service for) anything, nor [does] uncircumcision, but rather, [it is] faith-and-trust: of itself continuously working effectively (operating; being inwardly active and productive) through Love (" [God's] acceptance of the object of love without restriction, in spite of the estranged, profanized and demonized state of the object; the whole being's drive and movement toward reunion with another, to overcome existential separation; an ecstatic manifestation of the Spiritual Presence" – Tillich, ibid., on agape; brackets mine; cf John 3:16; 1 Cor. 13:4-8).

¹⁶ So as many as are habitually advancing [other MSS: will advance; can advance] in line by ranks, corresponding to this measuring rod (or: continue belonging to the rank living in conformity to this rule; or: shall in this standard progressively observe the rudimentary elements or elementary principles and walk in line with them), Peace (harmony; [= shalom]) and Mercy [are continually] upon them – even (or: that is) upon the Israel whose origin and source is God (or: God's Israel).

¹ Paul, a sent-forth person belonging to Jesus Christ (or: an emissary from, and a representative pertaining to, Jesus, [the] Anointed One [= Messiah]) through and by means of God's will (resolve; determined purpose; resultant choice), to all those who continue being set-apart folks (or: holy ones; saints) [other MSS add: within Ephesus], as well as to believing folks (or: trusting and loyal people) within, in union with and centered in Christ Jesus: ² Grace and peace [= shalom] to you (or: Favor and harmony [are] in and with you folks) from God, our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: from our Father-God, even the Owner, Jesus [the Messiah]; or: from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ). 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,)

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:] ⁵ In love [He was] marking us out beforehand (or: definitively appointing us in advance; before-setting our boundaries and defining us, with a designation) [and directing us] into a placing in the condition of a son (or: a deposit of the Son; a setting in place which is the Son; the constituting as a son; a placing in the Son) through and by means of Jesus Christ [moving us] into Himself, according to (or: down from; in correspondence with; following the pattern of) the good thought, the intention of well-being, and the well-imagined delight of His will (determined purpose). ⁶ [This was] with a view unto praise of His grace's glory (or: This [led] into [the] praise of [the] reputation and honorable consideration of His favor) with which He graced us (or: favors and gifts us with grace) within the One having been, and continuing being, loved (or: the Beloved One; or: the One having been given and now expressing the essence and qualities of love; [some MSS: within His beloved Son]), 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, ⁸ which He caused to superabound around [and] unto us (or: which He makes to be more than enough unto us; which He excessively supplied and then lavishes into us) within the midst of, in union with and centered in all wisdom (or: in every wise thing) and thoughtful prudence (gut-intelligence; mindful purpose; considered understanding). ⁹ [This occurred] while making known to us (acquainting us by intimate, experiential knowledge; suddenly making us to realize) the secret (mystery; hidden knowledge) of His will (determined purpose; resolve) in accord with (or: down from and following the pattern of; corresponding to; in line with) His good thought which He before placed within Himself (or: corresponding to the measure of His pleasing imagination and intent of well-being which He designed beforehand and determined by setting it forth within Himself),

⁹ [This occurred] while making known to us (acquainting us by intimate, experiential knowledge; suddenly making us to realize) the secret (mystery; hidden knowledge) of His will (determined purpose; resolve) in accord with (or: down from and following the pattern of; corresponding to; in line with) His good thought which He before placed within Himself (or: corresponding to the measure of His pleasing imagination and intent of well-being which He designed beforehand and determined by setting it forth within Himself), ¹⁰ [leading] into a planned administration of the effects of that which fills up the appointed seasons and fertile moments (or: unto a dispensing of the entire contents of the opportune situations; [leading] into a house-law of the result from the full measure of the fitting situations and a management of the household of the complement of the seasons; into an administration of the full effect from the eras), [designed] to itself bring back all things (or: the whole) up under one Head (or: to bring back to and gather round the main point and source of all things) within and in union with the Christ: those things upon [other MSS: within] the heavens (or: the atmospheres) and the things upon the land (earth) within and in union with Him! ¹¹ Within and in union with Whom we were (or: are) also chosen (or: appointed) by lot (or: were made an allotted portion; or: received an inheritance), being previously marked out (or: being before designated) in keeping with (or: down from; corresponding to; in accord with) a before-placed (or: predetermined-by-setting-forth) aim anddesign of the One continuously operating (effecting; energizing) all things (or: the whole) in accord with (or: down from; in line with; in correspondence to) the deliberated purpose (intent; design; plan; determined counsel) of His will (or: resultant decision of His resolve; effect of His desire), ¹² [and progressing] into the [situation for] us to continuously be (or: exist) [oriented and moving] into [the] praise and approval of His glory and reputation [we] being the ones having before placed expectation within the Christ and who have left our expectation there (or: the folks who have continued expectantly hoping in advance [of others]). ¹³ Within and in union with Whom you also, upon hearing the Word of the Truth (or: the thought and idea of Reality; the message of the Logos) the good news (the message of goodness, ease and well-being) of your [other MSS: of our] deliverance (rescue; return to health and wholeness; salvation) within and in union with Whom also, upon trusting and believing, you are stamped (or: weresealed; marked for acceptance, or with a signet ring; = personally authorized) by the set-apart Breath-effect of The Promise (or: with the holy attitude of assurance; in the sacred essence of the promise; or: by the Holy Spirit which is the Promise) ¹⁴ Which is continuously a pledge of our inheritance (or: Who remains being an earnest payment, a security and the first installment of our portion which was acquired by lot) [and brought] into a redemption (a release into freedom, procured by the payment of a ransom,) from that which was made to surround [you] (or: of the encircling acquisition; or: which is that which has been constructed as a perimeter around [us]), [leading] into the praise and approval of His glory (or: the praise from His manifestation which calls forth admiration and which yields a good opinion and reputation; the approval which pertains to His imagination)! ¹⁵ On account of this, I also, on listening to (or: after hearing) along with and in accord with you folks (or: in the same sphere as you; down from you; on the same level with you people) the faith resident within the midst of the Lord Jesus (or: the trust centered in the Owner, Jesus; the loyalty based on union with the Master, Jesus), as well as the love and unrestricted acceptance [being dispersed] unto all the folks set apart (holy ones; saints), ¹⁶ [I] do not pause (or: cease; stop myself) in continuously giving thanks over you (or: speaking good favor on your behalf; or: expressing the well-being of grace because of your [situation or condition]), constantly making mention (constructing a recollection; producing for myself a mental image) upon the [occasions] of my speaking and thinking toward having wellness and goodness (or: imparted desires; prayers),

¹⁶ [I] do not pause (or: cease; stop myself) in continuously giving thanks over you (or: speaking good favor on your behalf; or: expressing the well-being of grace because of your [situation or condition]), constantly making mention (constructing a recollection; producing for myself a mental image) upon the [occasions] of my speaking and thinking toward having wellness and goodness (or: imparted desires; prayers), ¹⁷ to the end that the God of (or: pertaining to; or, reading the genitive as in apposition: Who is) our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of the Glory, might give (suddenly impart) to you a spirit (or: breath-effect; attitude) of wisdom and revelation (unveiling; uncovering; disclosure) within the midst of a full, experiential and intimate knowledge of Himself (or: in a full realization of Him; or: within and in union with His full, personal knowledge; or: resident within an added insight from Him, and which is Him), ¹⁸ the eyes of your heart (= the insights and perceptions of the core of your being) having continued being enlightened (or: being progressively illuminated into a state of enlightenment) into the [situation for] you folks to have seen and thus perceive and know what is the expectation (or: expectant hope) of His calling (or: from HIS calling; belonging to His summons; from the invitation which is Him) and what [is] the wealth and riches from the glory (or: of the imagination and opinion; pertaining to the reputation) of and from the enjoyment of His lot-acquired inheritance within, in union with, and among the set-apart, sacred people. 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), ²¹ up over (or: back above) every primacy (or: ruler; principality; government; controlling effect; or: beginning; origin) and authority (or: right and privilege from out of being) and power (or: ability) and lordship (or: ownership), as well as every name being continually named not only within this age, but also within the impending one (the one being presently about to come)

²¹ up over (or: back above) every primacy (or: ruler; principality; government; controlling effect; or: beginning; origin) and authority (or: right and privilege from out of being) and power (or: ability) and lordship (or: ownership), as well as every name being continually named not only within this age, but also within the impending one (the one being presently about to come) ²² and then placed and aligned all people in humbleness under His feet (or: and arranges everyone in a supportive position by His feet; or: then by the feet which are Him He subjects all things), and yet gives (or: gave) Him, [as] a Head (or: Source; origin and beginning of a series; or: extreme and top part) over all humanity and all things, for the called-out community (or: and as a Head over all humanity, gave Him to the summoned and gathered assembly; or: and then by the called-forth congregation He gives Him [to be the] Source over [the situation] of, and for, all humanity), ²³ hich [community] is His body, the result of the filling from, and which is, the One Who is constantly filling all things within all humanity (or: which continues existing being His body: the resultant fullness, entire content and full measure of Him [Who is] progressively making full and completing all things in union with all things, as well as constantly filling the whole, in all people).

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),

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).

¹ For this gracious cause (or: In favor of this; For this pleasure) I, Paul, [am] the bound one (or: prisoner; captive) of, from and belonging to Christ Jesus in behalf of (or: over [the situation of]) you folks, the nations (non-Jewish ethnic multitudes; the Gentiles).

³ that, in accord with an unveiling (or: down from a revelation; in keeping with a disclosure), the secret (or: mystery) was made known to me even as I before wrote (or: wrote aforetime), in brief ⁴ toward which [end] you, the folks continually reading (or: habitually reviewing and recognizing; progressively gathering up knowledge), are constantly able and continue with power to comprehend (conceive; understand; apprehend) my understanding (insight; confluence; my sending insights together) in the secret (or: mystery) of the Christ (or: which is the Anointed One [= the Messiah]),

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),

¹⁰ to the end that now (at this present time), in union with the highest heavens, God's greatly diversified (exceedingly varied in colors, as a tapestry that depicts a scene; or: = many-phased) wisdom could be made known through the called-out community to the governments (or: rulers; sovereignties; chief ones) as well as to the authorities and folks with privilege among those situated upon elevated positions (or: made known through the summoned and gathered congregation: by the original members and the folks who have the right, that is, among the upper-heavenly folks; or: made known by means of the ecclesia with the founders and people having the privilege in union with these celestial ones and within the midst of the things situated upon the atmospheres),

¹⁶ to the end that He would give to you folks, in accord with (or: down from; in correspondence to and on the scale of) the riches of His glory (or: the wealth of the glory which is Him), to be strengthened (rendered strong; reinforced; made to grow strong and acquire strength) inpower and with ability through His Breath-effect for the interior person (or: by means of the Spirit, which is Him, [proceeding] into the midst of the humanity within,)

¹⁸ To this end, may you folks be fully powerful and thus act out of strength to grasp (receive down for yourselves; take possession of so as to comprehend), together with all the set-apart folks (saints; holy ones), what [is] the width and length and height and depth,

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),

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).

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).

⁹ Be constantly walking about (= Habitually conduct yourselves) as children of Light (born ones from light) for the fruit of the Light [other MSS: Spirit] [is] in union with (or: [exists] within the midst of) all Goodness (virtue; beneficence), Justice (fair and equitable dealing in rightwised relationships which accord with the Way pointed out; also = covenant participation) and Truth (or: Reality)

¹⁶ making it a habit [to be] intensively buying-out for yourselves (as at a market, exhausting the supply; redeeming; reclaiming) the season (fitting situation; opportunity; fertile moment), because the days (= present times) are of a bad quality (or: a gush of misery; unsound; harmful; or: in a sorry plight; or: toilsome). ¹⁷ On account of this, stop becoming (or: Do not continually come to be) foolish ones (folks not having common sense; people without reflection or intelligence; imprudent ones; thoughtless and inattentive folks), but rather, be constantly understanding (sending your perceptions together to comprehend) what [is] the will (result of the resolve; determination of what shall be done; design; effect of the purpose) of the Lord (= Christ or Yahweh; [other MSS: God; Christ]).

²² Wives (or: Women) [are] to (or: with) their own husbands (or: adult males), as to (or: with) the Lord (or: the Owner; or: = Christ, or, Yahweh) [note: this reading follows p46, B, Clement, Origen, other church fathers & other MSS, and is the reading in Westcott and Hort, Panin, Nestle-Aland, Tasker, and is bracketed by Griesbach; however, the following reading is also in Clement, Origen, other church fathers and MSS, as well as in Aleph and A: Wives, be by habit humbly aligned and placed subordinate so as to be supportive to your own husbands, as to (or: in; by; for) the Lord],

⁵ Slaves: you folks be continually paying attention, listening humbly to and obeying [your] owners (masters) those [being such] in respect to the flesh (= this human condition and natural realm) with fear (or: respect, reverence, = earnestness) and trembling (= concerned focus), joined with singleness (simplicity; uncompoundedness; = pureness of substance) of your heart (= with the core of your being willing one thing [comment: which is Kierkegaard's "the Good"]), as though to (or: as if for; as being in, and with) the Christ,

⁵ Slaves: you folks be continually paying attention, listening humbly to and obeying [your] owners (masters) those [being such] in respect to the flesh (= this human condition and natural realm) with fear (or: respect, reverence, = earnestness) and trembling (= concerned focus), joined with singleness (simplicity; uncompoundedness; = pureness of substance) of your heart (= with the core of your being willing one thing [comment: which is Kierkegaard's "the Good"]), as though to (or: as if for; as being in, and with) the Christ, ⁶ not in accord with eye-service (or: in line with slavery to the eyes [of folks watching]; or: = doing it only when being watched) as folks desiring to please men, but rather as slaves of Christ, constantly doing (performing; producing) the will and intent of God from out of [the] soul (= with the whole inner being: mind, will, emotion, life-force; or: = spontaneously)

⁶ not in accord with eye-service (or: in line with slavery to the eyes [of folks watching]; or: = doing it only when being watched) as folks desiring to please men, but rather as slaves of Christ, constantly doing (performing; producing) the will and intent of God from out of [the] soul (= with the whole inner being: mind, will, emotion, life-force; or: = spontaneously) ⁷ with a good disposition (well-mindedness; a good will; a good attitude), habitually serving (or: being; working) as a slave, as for (or: to; in; with) the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ], and not for (or: to) people (humans; mankind),

¹¹ you folks must enter within (or: clothe yourselves with) the full suit of armor and implements of war (panoply; the complete equipment for men-at-arms) which is God (or: which comes from and belongs to God), in order for you to be continuously able and powerful to stand (or: to make a stand) facing toward the crafty methods (stratagems) of the adversary (or: that which throws folks into dualism with divided thinking and perceptions; or: the person that throws something through the midst and casts division; the one who thrusts things through folks; the slanderer who accuses and deceives; or, commonly called: the "devil"), 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] ¹³ On account of this, you folks receive back again (or: at once take up) the full suit of armor (panoply; implements of war) which is God (or: which belongs to and has its source in God), to the end that you would have powerand be able to withstand and resist (to stand opposite, over against as facing an opponent; or: stand in [other folks'] place, instead of [them]) within the harmful and misery-gushed day (or: the day of bad conditions), and then accomplishing all (achieving and effecting everything [the whole]), to stand firm.

¹³ On account of this, you folks receive back again (or: at once take up) the full suit of armor (panoply; implements of war) which is God (or: which belongs to and has its source in God), to the end that you would have powerand be able to withstand and resist (to stand opposite, over against as facing an opponent; or: stand in [other folks'] place, instead of [them]) within the harmful and misery-gushed day (or: the day of bad conditions), and then accomplishing all (achieving and effecting everything [the whole]), to stand firm. ¹⁴ You folks stand (or: at once take your stand), then, after girding yourselves aroundyour waist (or: loins) in union with Truth and within the midst of Reality, and then, entering within (putting on; clothing yourself with) the breastplate armor (cuirass; corslet) of fair and equitable dealing (or: which is the rightwised relationships of the Way pointed out; the Righteousness; the Justice; also = covenant inclusion and participation), ¹⁵ and next sandaling (or: binding under) the feet in readiness and preparedness which comes from, has the character of and which belongs to the good news (or: message of goodness, ease and well-being) of the Peace (or: which are peace and harmony [= shalom]) ¹⁶ within all things and situations (or: in union with all people) [be] at once receiving again (or: taking back up) the large oblong shield of the Faith (or: Trust; Confidence; Faithfulness; Assurance; Loyalty), within which you will continue having powerand be progressively ableto extinguish all the fiery arrows of and from the worthless person (or: evil one; unsound and miserable situation; disadvantageous and unprofitable condition; malicious and depraved attitude; toilsome labor that is gushed with misery). ¹⁷ And at once accept (or: receive and retain) for yourselves the helmet of the Deliverance (or: which comes from the Salvation; that belongs to health and wholeness; which is the restoration to the original realm and condition) and the Spirit's sword (the short sword from the Attitude; or: the dagger which is spirit; the dirk which is the Breath-effect) the one being God's gush-effect (or: which is the result of the flow from God; the one existing [as] a result of a flux or an effect of a continuous movement, the source of which is God; or: which is a spoken Word of God; or: that being an utterance or declaration which is God).

¹⁹ and further, in behalf of me, so that to me a word (or: message; thought; idea; logos) would be given, in the midst of opening my mouth in freedom of speaking openly in public and with the boldness and rights of a citizen, to make known the secret (or: mystery) of the good news (or: which is the message of goodness, ease and well-being),

²⁴ Grace and favor, in union with incorruption (or: within a state or condition of being unspoiled, and being incorruptible [note: see 1 Cor. 15:42]), [are] with all the people continuously loving our Lord (or: Owner; Master), Jesus Christ ([the] Anointed Jesus). Amen (It is so; Count on it)! [written circa A.D. 58 Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson] Subscription [some MSS]: To Ephesians. [others add]: Written from Rome, through Tychicus. Possibly a circular letter to the assemblies in first century Asia Minor

⁴ at all times (or: always) in my every request (or: petition) over [the situation of] you all (or: on behalf of all of you folks), habitually making the request (or: petition) with joy

⁷ just as (or: correspondingly as) it is fair for me (or: it is right in me; it accords with the Way pointed out to me) to habitually think this regarding all of you folks (or: to continuously have this opinion and disposition over you all), because of the [situation for] me to constantly hold (or: have) you folks within my heart, both within my bonds (fetters; chains) and within the verbal defense (a word spoken from and on behalf of) and legally valid confirmation (the placement on a good footing to establish and make firm and steadfast) of the message of goodness and well-being – you all being my co-participants (common partners; fellow-sharers together) of the grace and joyous favor! (or: ... to continuously possess you people in the midst of the core of my being – you all being my joint-partners of this grace, both in union with my imprisonments and in verification of the good news!)

¹² Now I am constantly intending (purposing and deciding for) you folks to habitually know through intimate experience, brothers, that the affairs pertaining to me have rather come, and yet remain, into an advancement (a progression; a striking ahead) of God's message of goodness and well-being, ¹³ so that my bonds (prison fetters) [are] clearly seen (visible; apparent; illuminated so as to be widely known) to be within Christ, within the whole of the praetorium (the living quarters of the emperor's guards), and among all those left over (the rest; the remaining ones), ¹⁴ and by my bonds most of the brothers (= the majority of the fellow believers), having become persuaded and now being confident in the Lord, [are] to a greater degree (or: more exceedingly) courageously daring to be fearlessly continuing to speak the Word of God (or: God’s thoughts and message)!

¹⁹ For I am aware (have seen and thus know) that this will continue stepping away into deliverance (rescue; health and wholeness; salvation) for me (and: in me) through your request and the supply (support; provision) of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (or: from the attitude pertaining to and having the characteristics of Jesus Christ; of the Breath-effect which is Jesus, [the] Anointed), ²⁰ in accordance with my looking away – with my head stretched out to watch – and [the] expectation (or: hope) that within nothing will I proceed being put to shame (disgrace; embarrassment), but to the contrary, within all freedom of speech (boldness and public openness which comes from being a citizen) – as always, even now (at the present moment) – Christ will progressively be made great (be magnified; be enlarged) within my body, whether through life, or through death!

²⁰ in accordance with my looking away – with my head stretched out to watch – and [the] expectation (or: hope) that within nothing will I proceed being put to shame (disgrace; embarrassment), but to the contrary, within all freedom of speech (boldness and public openness which comes from being a citizen) – as always, even now (at the present moment) – Christ will progressively be made great (be magnified; be enlarged) within my body, whether through life, or through death!

¹⁰ to the end that within The Name: Jesus! (or: in union with the name of Jesus; in the midst of the Name belonging to [Yahweh-the-Savior]), every knee (= person) – of the folks upon the heaven (of those belonging to the super-heaven, or [situated] upon the atmosphere) and of the people existing upon the earth and of the folks dwelling down under the ground (or: on the level of or pertaining to subterranean ones; [comment: note the ancient science of the day – a three-tiered universe]) – may bend (or: would bow) in worship, prayer or allegiance, ¹¹ and every tongue (= person) may speak out the same thing (should and would openly agree, confess, avow and acclaim) that Jesus Christ [is] Lord (Master; Owner) – [leading] into [the] glory of Father God (or: unto Father God's good reputation; [progressing] into a manifestation which calls forth praise unto God [the] Father)! ¹² Consequently, my loved ones, according as at all times (or: as always) you folks submissively listened, paid attention and humbly obeyed, not as only in my presence, but further, now (at this moment) much more in my absence – in company with fear and trembling (or: = earnestness and concern) – be habitually working commensurately with the deliverance (or: be constantly producing on the level and sphere of the wholeness and well-being which are the outcome of the rescue and salvation) of, or pertaining to, yourselves,

¹⁹ Now I continue expecting – in the Lord Jesus – to quickly send Timothy to you folks, so that I also may continue well in soul (in good cheer; in good spirits), knowing the [situations and circumstances] concerning (or: the things about) you folks.

²⁵ Now I consider it necessary and pressing to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and co-worker (joint-operative) and fellow soldier, yet your envoy (representative; emissary; sent-forth agent), and a public servant of my need,

¹ As for the rest (or: For what remains), my brothers (= family; = fellow believers), continue rejoicing (be habitually glad and delighted) within [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh]. To be repeatedly writing the same things to you (or: To continue writing these very things for you) [is] surely not troublesome for me (or: delaying me or causing me to hesitate), and for you [it is] something to secure you from stumbling.

⁶ Do not be habitually worried, anxious or overly concerned about anything! On the contrary, in everything (and: within every situation), by thinking and speaking toward having goodness and having things go well and with ease (or: in prayer) and in expression of need – together with thanksgiving – repeatedly let your requests be made known to (toward; face to face with) God,

⁸ In conclusion (or: Finally; or: What [is] left), brothers (= fellow believers; [my] family), as much as is true (or: as many things as are genuine and real), as many as [are] awe-inspiring (serious; respectable; noble; dignified by holiness), as much as [is] rightwised (put right; fair, equitable; just; in right relationship within the Way pointed out), as many as [are] pure and innocent, as much as [is] affection-inducing (friendly; directed toward what is liked; lovable or lovely; agreeable; well-regarded; winsome; engendering fondness; attractive; kindly disposed; loveable), as many as [are] well-spoken-of (commendable; reputable; of good report; the effect of fair speaking; renowned), if [there is] any excellence and nobleness (virtues of braveness, courage, good character, quality, self-restraint, magnificence, benevolence, reliability) [in them] and if [there is] any praise applied (expression of high evaluation; honor paid; approval or applause) [to them], be habitually thinking about these things in a logical way (repeatedly make these things the focus of careful consideration and analysis; continuously take these things into account)!

¹³ I constantly have strength for all things among all people, [from being] in union with and within the midst of the One continuously enabling me (empowering me; infusing me with power and ability): Christ!

⁴ upon hearing of your faith, loyalty and trust [being, resident, or having its source] within Christ Jesus (or: in union with [the] Anointed Jesus) and the love which you folks habitually have and hold [which is extended and given] into all the set-apart folks (or: holy ones; saints; sacred people)

⁷ Just in this way, you folks [were taught and] learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-slave, who is full of faith and loyal, an attending servant of the Christ on our [other MSS: your] behalf (or: who is a faithful dispenser of the Christ [who is] over us [or: you folks]),

⁹ And because of this (or: So that is why) we, from the day on which we heard, are not ceasing constant praying (thinking and speaking toward having things being well) over your [situation] and asking (or: making a request) on behalf of you folks, to the end that you may (or: would) be filled full with the entire contents of the accurate, full, experiential, intimate knowledge and insight of His will (His design, purpose, plan and intention; or: so that you may know and experience all that He wants you to know and experience) within the sphere of all wisdom and spiritual understanding (comprehension; a junction of that which is sent together; discernment; being able to make the pieces fit together).

¹¹ being continuously empowered in every ability (being ones progressively enabled within all power) corresponding to the strength of His glory (or: down from and in the sphere of the might pertaining to and having its source in His reputation or His manifestation of that which calls forth praise; or: = the strength coming from His manifested presence [= His Sh'khinah]) [leading] into every [situation of] persistent remaining under [difficulties] to humbly give patient support (or: unto all relentless endurance) and long-waiting before rushing into emotions (or: long endurance; a long time before breathing violently with passion; or: perseverance; tolerance towards others), accompanied by (or: together with) joy.

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),

²⁶ the Secret (or: sacred mystery) having been hidden away and remaining concealed away from the ages (or: from [past] eons), as well as away from the [past] generations, yet now (at the present time) is set in clear light in His set-apart folks (or: was manifested to His holy ones; is caused to be seen by His saints; is shown for what it is, for His sacred people), 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),

² to the end that their hearts may be called near, alongside, for comfort, relief, aid and encouragement – being joined cohesively (jointly knitted; welded together; literally: mounted together in copulation) and united in love and acceptance – even into all the riches (or: wealth) pertaining to the state of having been brought to fullness (or: of the full assurance and conviction) from the comprehension (or: which is the joint-flow of discernment; of the junction of that which is sent together for a person to be able to catch on and understand) [leading] into full, accurate, intimate and experiential knowledge and insight of God's Secret: Christ (or: of the secret of the God, who is Christ; or: of the secret from God, which is [the] Anointing; [with other MSS: of the sacred mystery of the God and Father, in relation to the Christ {or: having its source in [the] Anointing; or: belonging to Christ}]),

¹⁵ after Himself causing the sinking out and away of (or: stripping off and away [of power and abilities]; undressing [them of arms and glory]; putting off and laying away [of categories and classifications]; or: divesting Himself of) the governments and the authorities (or: the ruling folks or people of primacy, and the privileged folks). And then He made a public exhibit, in a citizen’s bold freedom of speaking the truth, leading them in a triumphal procession within it [i.e., the cross]. (or: Undressing Himself {or: Stripping [them] off from Himself}, He also made a public display of the rulers and the authorities, with boldness leading them as captives in His victory procession in it {or: in union with Him}.)

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]).

¹⁶ Let Christ's Word (or: the Logos, which is the Christ; the Idea which is the Anointing; or: the message of and from the Christ [other MSS: of God; of {the} Lord]) be continuously making its home within you folks (or: progressively indwelling – centered in and in union with you) richly, within the midst of and in union with all wisdom, habitually teaching [it] and placing [it] in the minds of yourselves by psalms, in hymns, by spiritual songs and odes, within grace and amidst favor constantly singing within your hearts to God (or: habitually singing to God [other MSS: to {the} Lord], in union with the grace resident within your hearts {= the core of your being}). ¹⁷ And everything – whatsoever you may be habitually doing, in word or in action (within a thought or message, or within a work or deed) – [do] everything (all; all things) within and in union with [the] Name of [the] Lord, Jesus [other MSS: of Jesus Christ; others: of {the} Lord, Jesus Christ], constantly giving thanks (expressing gratitude) to Father God (or: in union with God, [the] Father) through Him.

¹⁷ And everything – whatsoever you may be habitually doing, in word or in action (within a thought or message, or within a work or deed) – [do] everything (all; all things) within and in union with [the] Name of [the] Lord, Jesus [other MSS: of Jesus Christ; others: of {the} Lord, Jesus Christ], constantly giving thanks (expressing gratitude) to Father God (or: in union with God, [the] Father) through Him. ¹⁸ Wives, be habitually aligned to humbly support (or, as a middle: place and arrange yourselves in order, under) [your] husbands (or: Women, continue subjecting yourselves to the adult males [note: this was culturally appropriate at that time]), in the same way as there has progressively come again to be a connection in [the] Lord (or: since there has been an arrival back in union with [our] Master and Owner). ¹⁹ Husbands, habitually love [your] wives (or: Adult males, be constantly showing loving acceptance to the women), and do not become repeatedly sharp toward them (or: stop being rough, bitter or insensitive to them). ²⁰ Children, continue submissively hearing (or: paying attention), being constantly obedient to the parents in regard to all things (corresponding to every situation), for this continues being well-pleasing, within the Lord.

²⁰ Children, continue submissively hearing (or: paying attention), being constantly obedient to the parents in regard to all things (corresponding to every situation), for this continues being well-pleasing, within the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not constantly excite (or: continuously incite or stimulate; repeatedly irritate, vex or provoke) your children, so that they would not become habitually without strong passion (discouraged and timid; without motivation; dispirited, listless, moody or sullen).

²¹ Fathers, do not constantly excite (or: continuously incite or stimulate; repeatedly irritate, vex or provoke) your children, so that they would not become habitually without strong passion (discouraged and timid; without motivation; dispirited, listless, moody or sullen).

²¹ Fathers, do not constantly excite (or: continuously incite or stimulate; repeatedly irritate, vex or provoke) your children, so that they would not become habitually without strong passion (discouraged and timid; without motivation; dispirited, listless, moody or sullen). ²² Slaves, in regard to all things continue submissively hearing, paying attention and being constantly obedient to those [being] owners (masters; lords) on the level and the sphere of flesh (= human, or "earthly," masters) – not within eye-slavery (bondage to eyes; = slavery to doing in order to be seen, or working only when someone is watching), as desiring to please people (or: wanting to be pleasing to people so as to win their favor; human-pleasers), but rather within simplicity (or: singleness) of heart (or: single-hearted sincerity), constantly being folks reverenced by the fear of (or, as a middle: being ones habitually engendering reverence because of respectful fear toward) the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ; p46 & other MSS: God].

²² Slaves, in regard to all things continue submissively hearing, paying attention and being constantly obedient to those [being] owners (masters; lords) on the level and the sphere of flesh (= human, or "earthly," masters) – not within eye-slavery (bondage to eyes; = slavery to doing in order to be seen, or working only when someone is watching), as desiring to please people (or: wanting to be pleasing to people so as to win their favor; human-pleasers), but rather within simplicity (or: singleness) of heart (or: single-hearted sincerity), constantly being folks reverenced by the fear of (or, as a middle: being ones habitually engendering reverence because of respectful fear toward) the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ; p46 & other MSS: God].

²² Slaves, in regard to all things continue submissively hearing, paying attention and being constantly obedient to those [being] owners (masters; lords) on the level and the sphere of flesh (= human, or "earthly," masters) – not within eye-slavery (bondage to eyes; = slavery to doing in order to be seen, or working only when someone is watching), as desiring to please people (or: wanting to be pleasing to people so as to win their favor; human-pleasers), but rather within simplicity (or: singleness) of heart (or: single-hearted sincerity), constantly being folks reverenced by the fear of (or, as a middle: being ones habitually engendering reverence because of respectful fear toward) the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ; p46 & other MSS: God]. ²³ Everything – whatever you folks may be habitually doing – be constantly working (doing business; practicing a trade; earning a living) from out of soul (from the whole being: intellect, emotions, will), as to (for; in) the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] and not for people (to mankind),

²³ Everything – whatever you folks may be habitually doing – be constantly working (doing business; practicing a trade; earning a living) from out of soul (from the whole being: intellect, emotions, will), as to (for; in) the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] and not for people (to mankind),

²³ Everything – whatever you folks may be habitually doing – be constantly working (doing business; practicing a trade; earning a living) from out of soul (from the whole being: intellect, emotions, will), as to (for; in) the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] and not for people (to mankind),

²³ Everything – whatever you folks may be habitually doing – be constantly working (doing business; practicing a trade; earning a living) from out of soul (from the whole being: intellect, emotions, will), as to (for; in) the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] and not for people (to mankind), ²⁴ having seen, and thus, knowing that you folks will receive back from the Lord [Yahweh or Christ] and take away the corresponding compensation of, from and which consists in the enjoyment of the allotted inheritance. Be constantly slaving for Christ, the Owner (Lord; Master) [or, with other MSS, and as an indicative: For you are constantly performing as a slave in (or: by; with) the Lord, in {the} Anointed One].

²⁴ having seen, and thus, knowing that you folks will receive back from the Lord [Yahweh or Christ] and take away the corresponding compensation of, from and which consists in the enjoyment of the allotted inheritance. Be constantly slaving for Christ, the Owner (Lord; Master) [or, with other MSS, and as an indicative: For you are constantly performing as a slave in (or: by; with) the Lord, in {the} Anointed One].

²⁴ having seen, and thus, knowing that you folks will receive back from the Lord [Yahweh or Christ] and take away the corresponding compensation of, from and which consists in the enjoyment of the allotted inheritance. Be constantly slaving for Christ, the Owner (Lord; Master) [or, with other MSS, and as an indicative: For you are constantly performing as a slave in (or: by; with) the Lord, in {the} Anointed One]. ²⁵ Certainly, the person habitually doing wrong (constantly acting unjustly or inequitably; repeatedly being unfair and walking contrary to the Way pointed out) will continue receiving in himself what he wrongly does (or: will progressively take for his own dealing what inequity and unfairness he did) – and there is no partiality (favoritism; consideration because of personal appearance or of the face presented; receiving of a facade; taking of personage into account).

²⁵ Certainly, the person habitually doing wrong (constantly acting unjustly or inequitably; repeatedly being unfair and walking contrary to the Way pointed out) will continue receiving in himself what he wrongly does (or: will progressively take for his own dealing what inequity and unfairness he did) – and there is no partiality (favoritism; consideration because of personal appearance or of the face presented; receiving of a facade; taking of personage into account).

² Be habitually occupied diligently in prayer (or: Be constantly stout toward thinking with a view to having well-being; Be continuing persistent and persevering by speaking toward having goodness [in situations]) within an expression of gratitude (or: thanksgiving), continuously watching and remaining awake and alert in it, ³ at the same time also progressively praying (speaking to having ease and goodness) about us, to the end that God may open a door of the Word for us to speak the secret of the Christ (or: may open a door pertaining to the message, for us to speak the mystery which has its origin in the Christ – the secret which is the Christ), because of which [B G F read: Whom], also, I have been bound (or: tied; = imprisoned), ⁴ so that I may set it [i.e., the secret] in clear light (can bring it to light; would manifest it), as it is continuously binding me (making it necessary for me) to speak.

⁷ Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful (or: loyal; trustworthy) attending servant – even fellow slave – within [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh], will proceed personally making known all the things with reference to me,

⁷ Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful (or: loyal; trustworthy) attending servant – even fellow slave – within [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh], will proceed personally making known all the things with reference to me, ⁸ whom I send toward you folks unto this very thing, so that you might intimately become acquainted with the things about (or: concerning) us [with other MSS: so that he may come to intimately experience and know the things about and concerning you], and that he may call your hearts to his side for comfort, relief, aid and encouragement (or: so he can be a paraclete for you folks).

⁸ whom I send toward you folks unto this very thing, so that you might intimately become acquainted with the things about (or: concerning) us [with other MSS: so that he may come to intimately experience and know the things about and concerning you], and that he may call your hearts to his side for comfort, relief, aid and encouragement (or: so he can be a paraclete for you folks). ⁹ Together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother – who is from among you folks – they will personally and intimately continue acquainting you with (making known to you) all the things here.

¹² Epaphras – the one from among you folks; a slave of Christ Jesus – continues embracing and greeting you folks, at all times (or: always) in constant struggle as in a contest over [the circumstances of] you folks, within prayers (speaking to having goodness and well-being), to the end that you can stand [other MSS: would at once be set and placed] [as] mature folks (or: complete people; finished ones; those having reached the purposed goal and destiny; perfect ones) and people having been brought to fullness (or: carried to the full measure) within, and in union with, all God's will, intent, design and purpose.

¹⁸ The embrace and greeting [is] by my hand – Paul's. Call to mind (Remember; Be mindful of) my bonds (= chains; = imprisonment). Grace and favor [are] (or: [The] act producing happiness, which is granted as a favor [is]; – Jim Coram) with you folks! It is so (Count on it; Amen). [written circa A.D. 58 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]

² but rather, after previously experiencing ill treatment and being outraged (subjected to insolent, riotous, or insulting behavior) in Philippi, according as you are aware, we spoke freely and boldly – publicly, as is the right of citizens – within, and in union with, our God, [proceeding at once] to utter God's message of goodness (or: the good news from God; the message of ease and well-being, which is God) toward you in the midst of much striving (conflict; arguing; or: within a large stadium or racecourse; or: in much agony of struggle).

⁴ but rather, to the degree that and according as we have been approved by testing under God to be entrusted [with] the message of goodness, ease and well-being, thus we are continuously speaking: not as constantly pleasing to people, but rather [as] to the God [Who is] repeatedly testing our hearts!

² and then sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow-worker in Christ's message of ease and goodness, to perhaps set you firmly (make you stable) and possibly call you alongside (to aid, encourage, exhort, console and give relief) over the [situation] of your trust and faith (or: conviction and loyalty),

³ You see, this is the will (intent, purpose) of God: your state of being set apart from the common use or condition (or: sacred difference; = covenant living) – you are to continuously hold yourself from (be distant from; abstain from) all of the prostitution [note: figuratively, the worship of idols or false religions, and a break from covenant].

⁸ We, on the other hand, being of Day (belonging to and having characteristics of [the] Day; having [the] Day as our source), can and should continuously be sober (clear-headed), putting on (or: clothing ourselves with; enveloping ourselves in; entering within) a breastplate (or: thorax) of faith and love (or: which is and is composed of faith and love; = have trust & love as body armor) and, as a helmet, an expectation (or: expectant hope) of deliverance (health and wholeness; rescue and salvation; restoration to our original state and condition),

¹⁷ Continuously think, speak and act with a view toward having well-being and goodness – unceasingly (or: By habit be praying unintermittingly).

¹⁹ Do not continually extinguish (put out; quench) the Breath-effect (or: Spirit; spirit).

²⁵ Brothers (= Fellow believers; = Family), you must also continuously pray concerning us (think and speak with a view to having goodness, ease and well-being around us).

³ We continue being indebted to be constantly expressing gratitude to God (or: We are continually owing [it] to be habitually acknowledging the goodness of grace and the well-being from the favor in God) – always – concerning you, brothers (= fellow believers; = Family members), according as it is continually valuable (pushes the scales down; is worthy), because your faith (or: trust; conviction; loyalty) is constantly flourishing (growing above; over-growing; exceedingly increasing) and the love of each one of you all continuously abounds (exists in abundance) unto and into the midst of each other,

⁹ whose presence is continuously existing in correspondence to (or: in line with; in the sphere of; on the level of) the adversary's (opponent's; or: satan's) in-working activity (or: is constantly in accordance with the operation of the “adversary” or satan), in all power (or: within all ability) as well as signs and wonders of falsehood (or: which are a lie), ¹⁰ and within every deception (delusion; seduction) of the injustice (wrong; thing that is not the way pointed out and which is not right) within the folks continuously or repeatedly being lost (or: by the folks progressively destroying themselves) in return for which (or: in the place of which) they do (or: did) not take unto themselves and welcomely receive the love of, and from, the truth (or: Truth's love; the Love which is Truth and Reality; or: an appreciation of and affection for reality), into the [situation for] them at some point to be suddenly delivered (restored to health and wholeness; rescued; saved; restored to the original state and condition). ¹¹ And so, because of this, God is continuously sending to (or: in) them an in-working (or: operation) of wandering (or: which is the source of being caused to stray; which has the character of error and deception) into the [situation for] them to believe, and to trust, the lie,

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 The remainder (or: What is left; Finally), brothers (= fellow believers), keep on praying concerning us (surrounding us with words and thoughts having goodness and well-being), to the end that the Word of the Lord (or: the Lord's idea and message) would continuously run (move quickly) and may constantly be made glorious (or: be characterized by a manifestation which calls forth praise; be of good reputation), according as [it is and does] also with you,

¹⁶ Now may the Lord of the peace (or: the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] Who is peace and harmony [= shalom]), Himself, at once give the peace to you folks through everything (or: through all humanity; through all [time] and every [situation]), within every turn (or: in every way; [other MSS read: within every place]). The Lord [Christ or Yahweh] [is] with all of you.

³ Just as I called you alongside – while traveling into Macedonia – to encourage you to remain focused in Ephesus, to the end that you should pass on an announcement (should notify; would bring along a message) to certain folks (or: for some) not to continue teaching different things,

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.

¹ Consequently I am habitually calling you alongside to encourage, counsel and exhort you to first of all be constantly making petitions for needs, prayers (speaking, thinking and doing toward things being well), encounters (or: intercessions; meetings within situations to converse or hit and obtain the objective), [and] expressions of gratitude (or: of the goodness of grace and favor) over (or: on behalf of; for) all mankind (humanity) –

¹⁶ and so confessedly (admittedly; with common consent and sameness of speech) great is the secret (or: mystery) of the reverence (the standing in awe of goodness, with adoration; the healthful devotion and virtuous conduct of ease, in true relation to God): which is made visible (manifested) within flesh (= a physical body), is rightwised (set in equity and right relationship in the Way pointed out; also = is placed in covenant) in spirit (in union with Breath-effect), is seen by agents (or: messengers), is heralded (preached) within multitudes (among nations and ethnic groups), is trusted and believed within [the] world (an ordered system; secular culture), is received back in good opinion and reputation. (or: Who [some MSS read: God; others: He] was brought to clear light within flesh (= the natural realm); was shown righteous and just (= set in covenant) within spirit and attitude; was seen by agents; was proclaimed among Gentiles {non-Jews}; was believed within [the] world of society, religion, and government; was taken back up again, within glory – a manifestation which calls forth praise!)

⁶ Placing these things under as a base or foundation, to give advice or make suggestions to and for the brothers (= fellow believers), you will continue being a beautiful (fine; ideal; excellent) supportive servant of Christ Jesus, habitually being inwardly nourished by the words of the faith (or: in the arranged expressions, utterances and messages of trust; or: with ideas of loyalty; or: for thoughts from trust), and of the beautiful (fine; ideal; excellent; good quality) teaching in which you follow alongside closely (or: to which you nearly accompany and attend).

⁴ But if any widow currently has children or grandchildren (descendants), let these keep on learning to first show reverence with ease and virtuous devotion to goodness with pious care, for and in their own household, and to keep paying a due compensation to their parents and grandparents (progenitors), for this is welcomely received in God's sight.

⁸ Now if anyone is not habitually having forethought or perceiving beforehand in order to provide for those who are his or her own (= relatives), and especially ones of the household (family or domestics) she or he has disowned (turned her or his back on; denied; renounced; refused) the Faith-loyalty and is worse than an unbeliever (or: has disregarded and declined their trust and exists being worse than one without faith).

¹ Let as many as are (or: exist being) slaves, joined under a yoke, constantly regard (consider; esteem) their own masters (or: owners) worthy of all honor, to the end that God's Name and the teaching may not be repeatedly blasphemed (defamed with a false image; vilified; misrepresented in a way that hinders the Light; spoken of injuriously; slandered). ² Further, let not those having believing masters (or: trusting and loyal owners who are full of faith) be in the habit of despising (having a condescending attitude about; be thinking down upon) [them], because they are brothers (= fellow believers). But rather, let them consistently perform as slaves to a greater extent, because those being continual recipients of their good service (receiving the well-doing in return; those being supported by the benefits) are believers and beloved (or: are folks full of faith and love). Keep on teaching these things, and keep on encouraging by calling others alongside to aid and exhort them (or: continually perform as a paraclete). ³ If anyone continues teaching something different, and is not approaching by sound words (or: in healthful messages; with sound thoughts or ideas) – in or by those of our Lord, Jesus Christ – even in the teaching which accords with reverence (or: by instruction which is down from a standing in awe of wellness, with adoration, and with training that is in line with a healthful devotion to virtuous conduct for goodness, that is in true relation to God),

³ I constantly hold grace in God (or: I am habitually having gratitude to God; I repeatedly possess favor, by God), in Whom (or: to, for, by or with Whom) I continually render sacred service – [handed down] from [the] ancestors (or: those born earlier; forefathers) – within a clean conscience (or: co-knowledge; a joint-knowing from shared seeing), as I constantly hold (or: am presently having) an unceasing remembrance (or: a memory which leaves no interval) about you within my expressions of need (or: seekings of aid; requests), by night and by day,

⁵ taking [other MSS: continually getting] a suggestion to my memory of the unhypocritical faith (or: the faith that is not overly critical of matters; the trust that is not deficient in its ability to sift and decide; the reliance which is not hyper-judgmental; a loyal allegiance that is not scrutinizing and judging from an inferior position, and then becoming gradually separated) resident within you, which first inhabited (made its home within) your grandmother, Lois, and then in your mother, Eunice. Now I have been persuaded and stand convinced that [it is] also within you.

¹⁶ May the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] give mercy to the house (or: household) of Onesiphorus, because many times (often; frequently) he refreshed me (he breathed back cool on me; he souled me up again), and he was not ashamed of (or: embarrassed by) my chain (= my imprisonment).

¹ You, then, my child (or: one born of me), be habitually enabled (continuously and progressively empowered; repeatedly made powerful inside) within the grace, and in union with the favor, [which are] within Christ Jesus (or: [by being] in union with [the] Anointing of Jesus).

⁵ So also, if anyone may be repeatedly competing in the athletic games, he is not normally being crowned with a winner's wreath if he does not compete lawfully (according to the rules of the game).

⁹ in which I am continually experiencing bad situations (suffering evil; experiencing bad treatment and conditions of poor quality) to the point of bonds (fetters or imprisonment) as a worthless worker (a criminal; one who acts badly; a worker of evil), but by comparison, the Word of God (or: God's thought, idea and message) has not been bound or imprisoned, and thus remains untied!

¹⁵ and that from an infant (babe) you have seen and thus know [the] sacred Scriptures (or: Temple writings): the ones being constantly able (those continuously having power) to give you wisdom – [that leads you] into deliverance (wholeness, good health, rescue and salvation) – through Jesus' faith, resident within Christ (or: through means of the faith and trust that [exists] in Jesus [the] Anointed; by faith which is Jesus in union with an Anointing).

¹² – now I sent off Tychicus with a mission into Ephesus –

¹⁷ Yet the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] took a stand beside me (or: stood alongside in me) – and He empowered me (enabled me; gave me inward ability), to the end that through me the message that is being heralded (the contents of the public proclamation) would (or: may; could) be fully carried throughout with complete assurance, to full measure, and with absolute certainty, and so [that] all the ethnic multitudes (nations; Gentiles; Goyim; non-Jews) would (could; may) hear [it] – and I was dragged (or: drawn) from out of the mouth of a lion!

²² The Lord [= Yahweh or Christ; A reads: Jesus; others: Jesus Christ] [is] with your spirit ([is] in accompany with your breath)! Grace and favor [are] with you folks. It is so! (Amen.) [written circa A.D. 58 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]

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:

⁹ [Encourage] slaves to habitually place themselves in subjection (or: to be continually in humble alignment, supportively arranged under) their own owners (or: masters) in all things – to be constantly well-pleasing and satisfying, not repeatedly speaking contrarily or refuting (or: talking back), nor embezzling (secretly putting aside for oneself; pilfering), ¹⁰ but to the contrary, habitually displaying all good faith (every virtuous trust, faithfulness, confidence, loyalty and reliability), so that they can progressively set the teaching, which pertains to, and whose source and origin is, God, our Deliverer (Savior; Rescuer; Restorer to health, wholeness and our original state of being), into the System – in all things, within every area and among all people!

¹² Whenever I shall proceed sending Artemas or Tychicus toward you, urgently endeavor to come toward me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

¹⁵ All those with me continue embracing and greeting you. Greet and embrace our friends in [the] faith (or: those who have love and affection for us in trusting allegiance and loyalty). Grace and favor [are] with all you folks! It is so (Amen). [written circa A.D. 57 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]

⁵ constantly hearing of your love and faith (or: of the love and the loyal, trusting allegiance which is associated with you [and]) which you are continuously holding (or: having) toward [other MSS: {projected} into] the Lord Jesus and unto all the set-apart folks,

⁵ constantly hearing of your love and faith (or: of the love and the loyal, trusting allegiance which is associated with you [and]) which you are continuously holding (or: having) toward [other MSS: {projected} into] the Lord Jesus and unto all the set-apart folks, ⁶ so that the common existence, sharing, partnership, fellowship and participation of your faith, trust and loyalty can come to be inwardly operative (may birth itself active, energized and effective) within a full and accurate intimate and experiential knowledge and insight of every good thing (or: of all virtue) – of that within us [other MSS: you] [directed and leading] into Christ (or: into the midst of [the] Anointing)! ⁷ For you see, I have much joy and comfort (relief; consolation; encouragement – the provision from a paraclete), based upon your love, because the compassions (tender affections of the very inner being; inward parts; intestines) of the set-apart people (the saints; the holy ones) have been soothed and refreshed (caused to rest again), through you, brother (= my fellow believer and Family member),

¹⁰ I am now calling you to [my] side to encourage and entreat (or: appeal to) you about my child (born-one), whom I, myself, gave birth to within my bonds: Onesimus (means: Useful),

¹⁶ no longer as a slave, but in contrast, above (over; = more than) a slave: a dearly loved brother (= fellow believer; = member of [His] family), most of all (especially) by and to me, yet how much rather by and to you, both in [the] flesh (= in person; or: = in the natural realm) as well as within [the] Lord [= in Christ or Yahweh]!

²² Now at the same time, also proceed to prepare and set in readiness a guest quarter (or: lodging) for me, for I am increasingly expecting that – through the projected thoughts and words with a view to having things go well (or: prayers) from you folks – I will, from favor, proceed being graciously given to you people.

¹² For the Word of God (or: God's thought, idea and message; or: the expressed Logos from God; or: the Word which is God) [is] living (or: alive), and active (working; operative; energetic; at work; productive) and more cutting above every two-mouthed sword, even passing through (penetrating) as far as a dividing (or: parting; partitioning) of soul and spirit (or: of inner self-life and breath-effect), both of joints and marrows, even able to discern (separate; judge; decide) concerning thoughts (ponderings; reflections; in-rushings; passions) and intentions (notions; purposes) of a heart (= core of the being).

⁷ Who, during the days of His flesh (= existence as a human), with a strong (or: robust) outcry and tears, offered both earnest requests (supplications from need) and petitions (or: supplications; literally: olive branches carried by suppliants, which symbolized a request for help and protection) toward the One being continually able and powerful to deliver (rescue; save) Him forth from out of the midst of death. And so He was being heard (or: was being listened to), from this discretion and precaution (or: the disposition of taking hold well with prudent understanding; or: the receiving of goodness and well-being; or: [His] undertaking with care).

¹⁷ In [line with] which God – intending (or: willing; purposing) more abundantly to fully demonstrate to the heirs (or: possessors) of the promise the unchangeableness (immutable position) of His intent (will; purpose) – interposed (mediated between two parties) with an oath, 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],

²⁵ Consequently He is also continuously able and powerful to be constantly delivering (continuously setting-free, restoring to health and making whole) – unto the finishing of all (unto the completed goal of everything; into the midst of the all-perfection; unto the end of all; into the final act and destiny of all) – those folks habitually approaching God through Him [Who is] always living to be repeatedly effecting encounters over them and to hit the internal target.

³⁵ Therefore may you not cast away your freedom and openness in speaking (boldness and confidence which comes from being a citizen) which continuously has a great discharge of wages. ³⁶ For you continuously have need (necessity of the use) of persistent patient endurance (steadfast remaining under for support), so that doing (or: performing) the will (intent; purpose) of God you may carry away for yourselves – in order to provide and care for – the Promise.

²⁴ In faith, by trust, with confidence and for loyal allegiance, Moses, coming to be great (= important), refused (denies; disclaims; rejects; disowned) to be declared (or: termed) a son of Pharaoh's daughter, ²⁵ choosing for himself (taking to himself) more (in preference; rather) to constantly encounter adversity and ill-treatment along with God's People, than to have a temporary (toward a limited period of time marked by a suitableness of circumstances) enjoyment and pleasure involved with falling short of the goal (which are a failure; that originates with error; characteristic of missing of the target; of sin), ²⁶ considering the reproach associated with being the anointed one (or: pertaining to the Christ; or: = of Israel [at that time]) [to be] greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he began, and continued, looking away and giving his attention unto the reward (or: the discharge of wages).

²⁶ considering the reproach associated with being the anointed one (or: pertaining to the Christ; or: = of Israel [at that time]) [to be] greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he began, and continued, looking away and giving his attention unto the reward (or: the discharge of wages). ²⁷ In faith, by trust, with confidence and for faithfulness, he left Egypt behind, not fearing the rushing fury (violent breathing, rage and angry passion) of the king, for he was strong and stout as continually seeing the invisible (or: the Unseen One). ²⁸ In faith, by trust, with confident loyalty and for trustworthy allegiance, he had performed (or: has created so that it now stands as an institution) the Passover and the pouring of the blood, so that the One presently destroying (the Exterminator of) the first-born of people and animals would (or: could) not touch or come in contact with them. ²⁹ In faith, by trust, with confidence and in loyal allegiance, they walked through the Red Sea as through dry land – [whereas] the Egyptians, upon taking a trial of (or: making an attempt at) which, were gulped (or: swallowed) down. ³⁰ In faith, by confidence, and with trust mixed with loyal allegiance, the wall of Jericho suddenly fell, after being encircled upon and surrounded [for] seven days. ³¹ In faith, by confidence, with trust and for loyal allegiance, Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed or lost with those being unpersuaded (or: incompliant; [p46 reads: those not having faith, trust or loyalty]), having welcomingly received and embraced the scouts (or: spies) with peace. ³² And so, what am I yet presently saying? For the time shall fail me, while progressively leading throughout and relating concerning Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and the prophets, ³³ who through faith, trust and confident loyalty conquered (violently struggled and fought-down) kingdoms, worked a fair and equitable dealing (justice in covenant participation of the Way pointed out), hit right on target with regard to (thus: experienced and obtained) promises, fenced in (blocked; closed up) mouths of lions; 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);

¹ Consequently and for this very reason, then, we also, continuously having such a big cloud of witnesses (spectators; folks bearing testimony; people with evidence) environing us (lying around for us and [they] themselves surrounding and encompassing us), after at once putting off from ourselves all bulk and encumbrance (every weight; all that is prominent; or: getting rid of every arrow point within us) and the easily-environing (skillfully-surrounding; well-placed encircling) failure (sin; error; mistake; shooting off-target; missing of the point), we can and should through persistent remaining-under (or: relentless patient endurance and giving of support) keep on running the racecourse continuously lying before us (or: lying in the forefront within us; or: lying ahead, among us),

⁴ You folks do not yet resist (or: did not take a stand down against; or: put in place opposition) as far as blood (= to the point of bloodshed; or, as a figure: = to the depth of your soul-life), toward constantly struggling against (or: repeatedly contending and fighting in opposition to) the failure (the sin; the error; the miss of the target; missing the point). ⁵ And further, you have entirely forgotten (or: been oblivious of) the calling-near (the relief, aid, comfort and encouragement) which keeps on speaking-through (discoursing; reasoning through and conversing; laying out the issue in every direction) to you as to sons: "My son, do not be neglecting (giving little care to) the Lord's discipline (education; child-training), neither be exhausted (dissolved; = fall apart) while being continually scrutinized or convicted (exposed and put to the test; or: reproved) by (or: under) Him, ⁶ for whom the Lord [= Yahweh] is loving, He is continuously and progressively educating (or: disciplining; child-training), and He is periodically scourging every son whom He is taking alongside with His hands (accepting; receiving)." [Prov. 3:11-12] ⁷ [So] be constantly enduring (or: You folks are continuing to remain supportively under) with a view to education, discipline and child-training: as to sons is God Himself continuously bringing [it] to you. For who is a son (or: what son is there) whom a father is not disciplining, educating and training? ⁸ But if you are without education, discipline and training, of which all have become partakers (common participants; partners), accordingly you are really illegitimates (= rabbinic term mamzer: child of a prohibited marriage [Lev. 18], or of uncertain fatherhood) and not sons. ⁹ Then again, we indeed used to have instructors (educators; teachers of boys; discipliners) – the fathers of our flesh (= human parents) – and we continued being repeatedly turned among [them] (or: turned within and caused to reflect; = we listened to them and obeyed). To a much greater extent, shall we not be continually placed under and humbly arranged and aligned by the Father of the spirits (or: the Progenitor of breath-effects and Mentor of attitudes)? And then we shall proceed living (or: progressively live)! ¹⁰ You see, on the one hand, they were instructing (educating; disciplining; child-training) and continued thus toward a few days (= for a little while), according to and in line with that [which] normally was seeming [right] to them (or: was being in line with the opinion [held] by them). Yet on the other hand, upon this [instruction, arrangement and alignment] He is continuously bringing [things; situations] together (progressively collecting unto profitability) – unto this: to mutually partake of His set-apartness (or: to take by the hands together, share and mutually receive from the holiness and sacredness which is Him).

⁵ [Have] behavior (the turn, mode or manner of living) [that is] without love of silver (= money), constantly contenting ourselves (sufficing; warding-off for ourselves) in and by the things being continuously present (being at the side), for He Himself has said, "I can (or: could; would) by no means let you go (or: let up on you; send you back; release my grip on you), neither by any means may (or: could; would) I leave you down within (= forsake or fail you)," [Deut. 31:6; Josh. 1:5] ⁶ so that we, being constantly cheerfully courageous, [are able] to be habitually saying, "The Lord [= Yahweh] [is] a Helper (One who runs to the aid of those who cry for help) for, to and with me, and I shall not continue fearing (or: proceed to be afraid). What shall a human proceed to do to me (make for me; accomplish in me; perform for me)?" [Ps. 118:6]

¹⁸ Be continuously thinking, speaking and acting toward having things go well (or: projecting goodness and ease; praying) concerning us, for we have been persuaded that we have a beautiful consciousness (a fine and ideal share in knowledge; or: a sound and noble conscience), setting our will to behave ourselves beautifully (in a good way; ideally; soundly; honorably) in all things and among all people.

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)!

²⁵ Grace and joyous favor [are] with all of you! [written circa A.D. 67 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]

⁸ Since, however (or: If, really), you are continuously bringing to its goal (finishing; bringing to fruition; perfecting; ending; bringing to a close; fulfilling) the royal law (or: kingly custom; sovereign distribution; rule fit to guide a king), you are performing beautifully (doing ideally; producing excellently), down from and in accord with the Scripture, "You will continue loving your neighbor (the one near you; your associate) as yourself." [Lev. 19:18]

¹³ For you see, the separating and deciding (or: scrutinizing and judging) is merciless to the one not performing mercy. Mercy is consistently speaking loudly and boasting down against evaluating and separating (making decisions; scrutinizing; judging)!

⁴ Consider and look to the worker's wage – that having been withheld by you which belongs to those mowing your farms – which constantly utters (or: shouts) a cry, and now the outcries and shouts of those gathering in the harvest have entered into the ears of the Lord of hosts (= Yahweh of Armies)!

¹³ On which account (or: Wherefore), in preparation for work or action, girding up in yourselves the clothes about the loins (or: waist; = getting ready for action) of your divided thoughts and the things passing through your mind (or: mental perceptions; intellect and comprehension), continuously being perfectly (or: maturely) clear-headed and sober (unintoxicated), direct and set (or: being constantly sober-minded, completely direct and set) your hope and expectation upon the grace and favor being continuously brought (or: periodically and progressively carried) to you within an unveiling (or: in the midst of a disclosure) of Jesus Christ (or: a revelation which is Jesus [the] Anointed One; or: an uncovering which comes from and pertains to Jesus Christ).

¹³ Because of, and by, the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ], you folks are to be humbly aligned in and to every human creation and with every societal invention (or: be subordinated to every human framing; let yourselves be arranged under for support of every founding or institution pertaining to mankind which brings order to a state of wildness): whether to (or: by; for) a king, as to (or: by; for) one being superior (or: constantly holding over [others]; = as a prominent cultural institution),

¹⁵ Because thus is God's will (or: For God's intent and purpose exists in this manner): folks habitually doing good things (constructing excellence; performing with virtues; creating goodness) to repeatedly muzzle (continuously gag; thus: progressively silence) the ignorance of senseless and thoughtless people (humans without intellect and prudence; unreasonable folks);

¹⁸ The domestics (house servants or slaves; members of a household), those habitually being subordinated (being humbly aligned and subjected for support) by (or: to; for) the owners (masters): [conduct yourselves] in all fear and respect – not only to the good and lenient (reasonable, suitable; equitable; gentle; considerate) ones, but also to the crooked folks – ¹⁹ for this [is] grace: if through [the] conscience, which is God, (or: through awareness pertaining to God; or: by means of a joint-knowing with God; or: because of consciousness of God), someone is continuing to bear and hold up under distress or pains (griefs; sorrows; anxieties; sufferings), continuously experiencing it wrongfully (unjustly; contrarily, in regard to fairness and right relationship; undeservedly)! ²⁰ For what sort of credible report (honorable rumor; credit; fame; praiseworthy reputation) [is it] if, being ones habitually doing what is wrong (failing to hit the target; sinning) and being repeatedly beaten and struck with a fist [p72 & other MSS: repeatedly lopped-off and pruned], you folks will continue [p72 & other MSS read: you are constantly] remaining under and enduring [it]? But to the contrary, if while habitually practicing virtue (doing good; constructing excellence) and [at the same time] repeatedly experiencing such bad treatment (or: continually suffering) you will continue [p72 reads: you are constantly] humbly remaining under, enduring and supporting [it], this [is] grace at the side of (or: from beside; = in the presence of) God, ²¹ for into this you are called (or: were invited), because Christ also experienced [this] (or: suffered) over you folks (or: for your sakes), leaving continuously below (or: behind) in you (or: with and for you) an underwriting (a writing under which you are to write or copy; hence: a pattern; a model) to the end that you could (or: would) follow-on in the footprints of Him

² being eyewitnesses of (or: looking upon and observing) the pure behavior (or: way of life; conduct) of you folks – which is turned upward in reverence, respect and [sacred] fear and awe –

⁸ Now [this is] the goal (the final situation; the end of the process): all [are to be] like-minded (of the same frame of mind and disposition), folks sharing and expressing the same feelings (being sympathetic), ones being fond of and expressing affection for the brothers (= fellow believers; = communal members), people tenderhearted and compassionate, folks of a humble disposition and way of thinking;

²² Who continuously exists (or: is; has being) within [the place of] (or: = on or at) God's right [side, or hand; – i.e., the place of authority and ability to exercise power; the place of receiving], going from place to place, journeying into [the] atmosphere (or: heaven) of those being humbly aligned by Him (or: pertaining to those subjected, placed and arranged under in Him; which are the folks being set in order for support to Him): of agents (or: messengers; folks with the message), and of authorities (or: those who have the right and privilege from out of Being), and of powers (or: folks with abilities and influence).

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).

⁷ Now the Goal (or: the end; the final act; or: the finished Product; or: the completion of the plan) of all people (and: pertaining to and affecting all things) has approached and is now near at hand and [He] is close enough to touch (= has arrived)! Therefore, you folks keep a healthy and sound frame of mind (be sane and sensible) and be sober (be unintoxicated; i.e., be functional and with your wits about you) into [a state, condition or realm] with a view toward having goodness and well-being (or: into the midst of prayers).

⁸ Be sober (or: clear headed)! Be awake, alert and watch! Your barrier in the Way pointed out (your road hazard; your opponent at court; the one "in your face" opposing your fairness and equity), one who casts or thrusts something through the midst of folks (e.g., like a soldier casting a javelin or thrusting a sword through someone, or a person throwing an issue through the midst of a group, causing division; or: a slanderer), as a constantly roaring lion, is continuously walking about, incessantly seeking to drink something or someone down (or: searching to gulp and swallow someone down), [comment: this path-hazard and road barrier may have been local religions, cultural or political opposition, or a spirit of contrariness]

⁸ Be sober (or: clear headed)! Be awake, alert and watch! Your barrier in the Way pointed out (your road hazard; your opponent at court; the one "in your face" opposing your fairness and equity), one who casts or thrusts something through the midst of folks (e.g., like a soldier casting a javelin or thrusting a sword through someone, or a person throwing an issue through the midst of a group, causing division; or: a slanderer), as a constantly roaring lion, is continuously walking about, incessantly seeking to drink something or someone down (or: searching to gulp and swallow someone down), [comment: this path-hazard and road barrier may have been local religions, cultural or political opposition, or a spirit of contrariness] ⁹ to whom take a stand against (withstand; set yourself in opposition), [being] strong (firm; compact) ones in (or: by) the faith, trust and loyalty – [being] folks having seen and thus knowing about these same experiences and sufferings [that] are to repeatedly and progressively bring the goal upon (bring perfection upon; accomplish maturity upon) your brotherhood within the dominating arrangement of the System (or: in the midst of the secular realm; or: in the ordered world of religion, economy, culture and government). ¹⁰ Now the God of all grace and favor (or: the God whose character and quality is all grace and favor; the God Who is every grace and joyous favor), the One calling (or: inviting) you folks – ones experiencing a little and briefly suffering – into His eonian glory (His glory and reputation which has the quality and characteristics pertaining to the realm of the Age and which continues on into an unseen and indefinite time) within Christ Jesus [with other MSS: in union with the Anointed One (= the Messiah)], the Same One (or: He) will continue getting [things, or, you] down and prepare [them, or, you] (or: repair [them; you]; fit, knit or adjust [them; you] thoroughly), will continue setting [things; you] fast and establish [them; you], will continue imparting strength (will make [things; you] strong), [and] will progressively set a base upon which to ground and found [things and you]:

¹² Through Silvanus (or: Silas), the faithful and loyal brother who is full of trust, as I continue logically thinking and considering, I write through means of a few [thoughts, lines, or, words; p72 reads: through a short {letter}], persistently calling [you] alongside to encourage, comfort and aid [you], as well as constantly bearing a full witness and adding evidence of this continuing to be God's true (and: real) grace and favor, into which you folks should set yourselves to take a stand (or, as an imperative: into which, [enter] and stand firm!).

¹⁴ Embrace as you greet one another within love's expression of affection (a kiss from participation in the transcendent unity of the unambiguous life, and affection which is the urge toward accepting reunion that overcomes existential separation – a synthesis from Tillich's definitions of agape). Peace (and: harmony; = shalom) [is] in (or: [is] by; with) you folks – all those within, in union with, and centered on, Christ [other MSS add: Jesus]! It is so (Amen: Count on it)! [written circa A.D. 65 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]

¹ Yet false prophets also birthed themselves (or: Now of themselves folks who pretended to have light ahead of time, or who had false knowledge and spoke before folks, came to be) among the People – as also false teachers will continue existing (or: being) among you folks, ones who will proceed to stealthily introduce (or: will continue bringing in alongside or smuggling in) destructive choices (or: destructive sects or schools; heresies marked by, and which pertain to, loss or destruction) even repeatedly denying (disowning; disclaiming) the Sovereign Owner (or: Absolute Master) having purchased them (or: buying them at the gathering, or market, place), continuously bringing swift loss, ruin or destruction upon themselves. ² And many will progressively follow out to (for; in; by) their outrageous behaviors (extravagant or licentious conducts), on account of whom (or: because of which ones) the Way [other MSS: the glory] of the Truth and Reality will proceed being blasphemed (vilified; defamed; misrepresented with abusive slander; or: having its light hindered), ³ and in greed (desire to take advantage in order to have more), by formed (molded; fabricated, and thus, counterfeit) words, they will constantly exploit you (use you for business; market you; use you in trade and travel by sea), to whom (or: for which folks) the sentence (or: the result of the evaluation; the effect of a separating process) [coming] from long ago (or: out of old times; forth from old) is not continuing inactive (is not constantly unemployed; is not remaining idle), and their loss (or: destruction) is not nodding in sleep or taking a nap.

¹⁵ And so, make it a habit to consider the long-suffering patience of our Lord [= Yahweh, or Christ] [to be] deliverance (salvation; wholeness and health), according as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you, in accord with (or: down from) the wisdom being given to him (or: by him),

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).

¹⁶ Within this we have come to know the Love (acceptance which drives to overcome estrangement and achieve reunion) by intimate experience: that That One placed (or: places; sets; deposited) His soul over us; we ourselves are also constantly indebted (obligated) to place [our] souls over the brothers (= fellow believers, or, fellow humans; = [God’s] family).

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! ⁵ Now who is the person continuously overcoming (or: progressively conquering) the ordered System (world; secular realm; religious arrangement) if not the one continuously believing, progressively trusting and being constantly loyal to [the fact] that Jesus is (continuously exists being) the Son of God (God's Son; or: the Son who is God)?

³ Dearly loved friends, while progressively making all haste and performing every diligent effort to proceed in writing to you concerning our common, communal deliverance (or: the rescue, salvation, health and wholeness belonging equally to several of us, and in which we share and participate as partners; [Aleph & others add: and life]), I possessed a compressed and constraining necessity to write to you, progressively urging and encouraging [you] to be in the habit of strenuously contending (or: to continue adding to the contest; to be repeatedly on top, in combat of the public games; to repeatedly fully participate in the race course) by the faith, in the trust and with the loyalty and confidence having been once for all given over to, for and in the set-apart folks (or: sacred groups).

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),

²⁴ Now in and by (or: with; to) Him being powerful and able to keep and guard you folks from stumbling (or: tripping) and from harm, and then to stand you flawless and blameless (or: unblemished; without defect or stain) in the presence of His glory (or: down in sight of the manifestation of Him which calls forth praise and yields a good opinion and reputation; or: down in the center of a view of the glory which is Him) in extreme joy (in the center of a much-jumping exultation; in union with body-moving celebration).

⁴ John, to the seven called-out communities (congregations; summoned forth assemblies) within Asia: grace and peace to you (or: favor and harmony [= shalom] for and among you) folks from the One continuously existing (or: unceasingly being; Who continuously IS), even the One Who was, and continued being, and the One Who is continuously (or: repeatedly; habitually; progressively) coming or going – even from the Seven Spirits (or: Breath-effects; Attitudes) which [are] in front of His throne –

¹⁶ Furthermore, [He is] constantly holding (or: having; possessing) [the] seven stars within His right hand, and a sharp two-mouthed (= double-edged) broadsword is continuously (or: repeatedly) proceeding (issuing forth) from out of His mouth. And His appearance (countenance; sight) continually shines as the sun, in its power.

¹⁶ You must change your mind (your way of thinking), therefore! Yet if not, I am repeatedly (habitually) coming swiftly in you (to you; for you) [again: you, singular], and I will proceed waging war (do battle) with them within the broadsword of My mouth.'

²⁴ Now I am saying to you, to the rest (the remaining) within Thyatira – whoever are not holding this teaching – who do not know "the depths of satan (the adversary), " as they are saying, I will proceed casting no other burden (weight) upon you.

¹⁰ Because you keep watch over (observe; preserve; guard) the Word of My patient endurance (of My remaining-under), I, also, will continue keeping watch over (observing; preserving; guarding) you from out of the hour of the putting to the proof (or: trial; test) which is presently about to be progressively coming upon the whole territory where folks normally dwell (or: inhabited land), to put to the proof (to test, try and put through an ordeal) those continually dwelling down in houses upon the Land (or: inhabiting the territory).'

¹⁷ Because the great Day of their [other MSS: His] inherent fervor (internal swelling emotion, teeming and passionate desire; impulse; or: anger, wrath and indignation; or: natural bent) comes (or: came), and who (which one) is continuously able (or: continues having power) to be made to stand (or: to be established)?

⁹ And they were having breastplates – as breastplate armor made of iron – and the sound of their wings [was] as the sound of chariots of many horses continuously running into battle.

¹⁷ And thus I saw the horses in the vision: and the ones sitting upon them habitually having breastplates of Fire, even resembling hyacinth stone, and being divine in character (theios: deity; divinity; divine nature or character; the fire of God; brimstone or sulphur). And the heads of the horses [are] as heads of Lions. And Fire, Smoke and Deity (divine nature and character) continuously issues forth from out of their mouths.

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.

¹¹ And they at once overcame (or: at some point overcome; conquer) him because of the blood of the little Lamb, and (or: even) because of the word (or: message; Word; Logos) of their witness (evidence; testimony) – and they love not (or: did not love) their soul (soul-life; inner self; personhood) even to (or: until) death.

¹¹ Next I saw another little animal (little creature or beast), progressively stepping up out of the midst of the Land (or: earth), and it had two horns like a little lamb, yet it was, and continued, speaking as [the] dragon, ¹² and it is continually exercising (doing, performing, executing) all the authority of the first little animal (or: little wild beast) within its presence (before it; in its sight), and it repeatedly makes the Land (or: forms the earth) and those dwelling in her, to the end that they would (or: may) worship the first little animal (little creature or wild beast) whose death blow was cured (or: treated). ¹³ And it is continually making (doing; constructing; performing; producing) great signs (wonders; miracles; marks; inscriptions), to the end that it may even repeatedly make (a) fire to continuously (or: repeatedly) descend from out of the atmosphere (or: sky; or: heaven) into the Land (or: earth) within the presence of (in sight of) the people (or: humans). 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. ¹⁵ And it was given to it (or: allowed for her) to give spirit (breath; a spirit) to the image (or: icon) of the [first] little animal (little wild beast) so that the image (or: icon) of the little animal can both speak and can cause (or: make it; arrange) that whoever would not worship the image of the [first] little animal would (or: should) be killed.

¹⁵ Also, a sharp two-edged broadsword repeatedly goes out (issues forth; proceeds) from His mouth, to the end that in it He may smite (or: strike) the multitudes (nations; ethnic groups). And He will continue shepherding them with an iron staff. Furthermore He is continually treading, [as on a path], (or: trampling) the tub (the wine vat) of the wine of the strong passion of the internal swelling fervor (natural impulse; mental bent; personal emotion; or: indignation; wrath) of the All-Strong (Almighty) God.

²⁰ And yet the little wild animal (beast) was pressed and caught (or: is arrested), and with him the false prophet (the lying prophet) – the one that did (or: who does) the signs in his presence (or: before him), in which he led astray (or: he deceives) the folks taking the imprinted mark (carve-effect) of the little wild animal, and continually worshiping its image – the two were cast (or: thrown) into the lake (or: basin; artificial pool; marshy area) of the Fire: the one continuously burning within the midst of [the] Deity (or: the lake of the fire which constantly burns in union with the Divine Nature).

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." ³ Then He casts (or: threw) it (or: him) into the Deep (or: abyss) and He closes (or: shut; locked) and seals (or: stamped with a seal) over upon it (or: him), to the end that it (or: he) can no longer (or: would not still) deceive (lead astray; cause to wander) the multitudes (the nations; the non-Israelites; the ethnic groups), until the thousand years may be ended (finished, completed, perfected; brought to the destined goal; can have its purpose fulfilled). After these [events; things], it is necessary for it to be loosed [for] a little time.

⁷ Then, when the thousand years may be ended [other MSS: after the thousand years], the adversary (satan) will proceed being loosed from out of its prison (his place of being watched and guarded), ⁸ and it (or: he) will continue going forth (or: come out) to deceive (lead astray) those [other MSS: all the] nations (multitudes; ethnic groups) within the four corners of the Land (or: earth) – "Gog and Magog" [Ezk 38:2] – to gather them together into the battle (or: war): their number [being] as the sand of the sea.