descended is also he who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he
might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some to be apostles, some prophets,
some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the
work of service, for the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all
attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to
become mature, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. 14
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by
waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of
men, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. 15 But speaking the truth
in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into him, who is the head, into
Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being joined and held together by
what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each part,
causes the growth of the body and builds itself up in love.
17 Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no
longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds, 18 they are
darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of
the ignorance that is in them, due to the hardness of their heart; 19 and
they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality,
greedy for the practice of every kind of impurity. 20 But you did not learn
Christ in this way, 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were
taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to
your former manner of life, to put off your old self, which is being
corrupted by its deceitful lusts; 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your
minds, 24 and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in
true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, each one of you must
speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26 Be
angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27
and do not give the devil an opportunity. 28 He who has been stealing
must steal no longer, but rather must labor, doing useful work with his
own hands, so that he may have something to share with those in need. 29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is
good for building others up according to the need of the moment, that it
may impart grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit
of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all
bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from
you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
5
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love,
just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering
and sacrifice to God. 3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not
even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account