(A.D.60-62?) [Paul's treatise on the unity of the Church in Christ, both Jew and Gentile with one Christ, therefore, one Church for all. Likely a circular letter to all the churches surrounding Ephesus in Asia Minor.] The mystery of God's will from before the beginning to unite all into one, both Heaven and Earth, is now revealed in Christ. Paul is beside himself to be chosen in this predestination and the bearer of this glorious news to the Gentiles. Our purchase and His promise has been guaranteed by the gift of His Holy Spirit who is the down payment of all that is to come. Paul's benevolent prayer for them that they might know the hope of his calling, the riches of the glory of the saints' inheritance, and the power of Christ's resurrection, who is now highly exalted in Heaven, becoming the head of all things, even the Church, His body.

Once dead in sins and trespasses, being led blindly about by the prince of this world, following after the desires of one's own flesh, sin touching sin, you have now been made alive by His mercies of love through Christ. By His grace and not our dead works, we have been raised together with Him, created anew, no longer to walk as the dead still do. Once called unclean by Israel -- uncircumcised, having to stand afar, unable to approach as the Jew, you now have been brought together into the Holies, with no more separation from them, nor Him. He is now creating a new temple, having destroyed the veil of the old, rightly building upon the corner of a sure foundation laid by no other than Christ by His cross! Each will fit at its own chosen level and proper place, all united into one, called no more strangers, but fellowcitizens in His new city, with God Himself inhabiting it upon completion. (Rev.21:3,22-27) And when its crown is set, His work will be done, and glorious will be its dedication day. ( Rom.11:15; Isa.35; Rev.21:2-4)

God's grace and mystery is beyond measure ( Rom.11:33), but He has revealed it and what He has purposed from before the foundation of the world. (See Rom.11) It came through His Son, by and for whom all things were made. Though at one time Israel was chosen as His sanctified nation among nations, who alone had access into His inner courts, He now has rent the veil and swung wide the doors for all nations to come who will, no more division or exclusion, not in ceremony, nor in spirit. All who worship Him must now approach Him in the spirit of Christ's new covenant, His blood alone opening the way ( Jn.4:23). And because He has gone into the Holy before us, and turned and bid us come, we now have boldness, yea confidence, to enter ourselves, no longer fearing being struck down in His presence. We stand beside our Elder, basking in His righteousness, at last accepted by the Father, having been introduced by His Spirit, one Family, united in Christ, grounded in His love. Tribulation in this life -- what is that to compare to the riches and glory given us even now in Christ? And who can fathom the depth of those riches to come, to be enjoyed anew eternally, as at the very first! HE IS WORTHY OF ALL GLORY! ( Rev.5:12-13)

Seeing that we have been predestined to walk in Heavenly places, receiving His promised riches, let us be careful to walk worthy of such an high calling, yet with meekness and kindly affection toward each other. Let all be predisposed one toward the other now that He has joined all men everywhere, both Jew and Gentile, as one in Christ. Given the gift of brotherhood, each is equipped for the support of the whole, fulfilling their several functions with no dissimulation, until the body become perfected in His Love. Therefore, let all men be of the same mind, and that mind Christ's ( Phil.2:5), putting on the new man created in Him, not given to his old carnal unclean ways. Since we are fitly joined together, what one does affects the other; if one becomes spotted, the whole body becomes contaminated. So be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit, who is our connecting seal, by your treatment of each other. Forgiveness is the salve that heals the wound caused from the friction of an offended closely associated brother. Apply it liberally that the body continue functioning smoothly in harmony!

[Chapters 5 and 6 are practical in nature.] Since Christ has shown His love toward us by giving Himself for us, we so ought to live toward each other. In this is fulfilled His one commandment to us ( Jn.13:34), and He will be well pleased! We are people of the new covenant, and that covenant is holy, secured by no less than He who was holy. Therefore, we so ought to live, holy unto Him! Paul contrasts again the fruit of the flesh and that of the Spirit that we may know what others are seeing in us. As we live, our light is reflected in a dark world. What it sees reflects on Christ our Savior. Therefore, let it be an untarnished light that no one become a stumbling block in the path to Him of another, for it is by our light they see the way. How can Christ shine through a vessel given to the deeds of the dark filled with the fruit of the flesh? His light shines only when we are filled with His spirit, and we can not be filled with both simultaneously. How is one filled, you ask? Through psalms, hymns, and praise, making melodies in your hearts amidst your worldly cares, with all thanksgiving to God through Christ our Savior. Oh yes, one other thing, in total submission to Him and one another! That is how you are filled with His Spirit, seeing there is no obstacle to stop His flow. ( Jn.4:14; Jn.13:35)

All men are exhorted to be faithful and obedient in the present position of their calling, whether children or parents, servants or masters, bond or free. Let it all be done from the heart as though unto Christ, and your Heavenly Master will be well pleased. He does not expect us to live such a high calling within our own strength, for it is impossible. Satan is too strong. But be of good cheer, He has overcome ( Jn.16:33), and provided for us His spiritual armor as well. With it, having already been tested, we too will overcome. ( I Sam.17:38-40) Ours is not a war of the flesh to use carnal weapons, but of the spirit; therefore, His alone is sufficient! ( Lk.22:38; Jn.18:11) Paul solicits their prayers that he may be bold in his ministry. Tychicus, a well loved co-laborer, will bear these words to them. Benedictions of peace, grace, and love in Christ and the Father to all.