# verses

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


text:
<n>[with]</n> one Lord (or: Owner), one faith (or: loyalty, confidence, assurance, and trust; or: "one belief" - Bultmann), one submersion and envelopment which brings absorption and permeation to the point of saturation,


text:
one God and Father of all humans the One upon all people and moving through all people, and within the midst of all humanity and in union with all people and all things.


text:
Butto each one of us was given (or: Now in each one of us is imparted and supplied) the grace and favor down from, in accord with and to the level of (or: commensurate to) the measure of the undeserved gift of the Christ (or: the gratuity whose source is the Anointed One; or: the free gift which is the Anointing; or: the gift from the <n>[Messiah]</n>).


text:
For this reason He (or: it) is constantly saying, "Going up (or: Stepping up; Ascending) into a height (unto <n>[the]</n> summit) He led (or: leads) captive a captive multitude (or: He led 'captivity' captive). He gave (or: gives) gifts to mankind (or: to, for and in humanity)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 68:18'>Ps. 68:18</a>]</n>


text:
Now (or: Yet) this "He went up (ascended),"what is it if not (or: except) that He also <n>[first]</n> descended (stepped down) into the lower parts (or: the under regions) of the earth (or: land)?


text:
The One stepping down (descending) is Himself also the One stepping up (ascending) far above (back up over) all of the heavens (or: atmospheres; skies), to the end that He would at once fill the Whole (permeate and saturate everything; or: make all things full; bring all things to full measure and completion).


text:
And He Himself at one point gave (or: gives; <n>[<i>p</i>46: has given and it now exists as a gift]</n>), on the one hand (or: indeed), the folks sent off with a commission (the emissaries; the representatives), yet also those who have light ahead of time andspeak it before others (the prophets), and on the other hand those who announce goodness and well-being and bring good news, and then the shepherds, and finally teachers (or: the shepherds-and-instructors),


text:
facing and with a viewtoward the bringing down of the fresh and timely, for the preparation (mending; knitting together; adjusting; fitting; repairing; perfectly adjusting adaptation; equipping; completely furnishing) of the set-apart folks (the saints; the holy ones) untoa work (or: into an action; into the midst of a deed or task) of attending service, <n>[leading]</n> unto (or: into) construction (house-building) of the body which is the Christ (or: whose source, character and quality is from the Anointed One; or: the body formed by the Anointing),


text:
<n>[to go on]</n> until we the whole of mankind (all people) can (or: would) come downto the goal (or: attain; arrive at; meet accordingly; meet down face-to-face): into the state of oneness fromThe Faithfulness (or: the unity of, that belongs to and which characterizes that which is faith; or: the lack of division which has its source in trust, confidence and reliability, and has the character of being loyal), and of the full, experiential and intimate knowledge (or: recognition; discovery; insight) from (or: of) the Son of God, <n>[growing]</n> into <n>[the]</n> purposed and destined (or: complete; finished; mature; full-grown; perfect; goal-attained) adult man into (or: unto) <n>[the]</n> measure of <n>[the]</n> stature (full age; prime of life) of the entire content which comprises the Anointed One (or: which is the result of the full number which is the Christ; of the effect of the fullness from the <n>[Messiah]</n>; of the effect of that which fills and completes that which pertains to the Christ; of the result of the filling from, and which is, the Christ)


text:
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) <n>[successive]</n> 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).


text:
But continuously being real and true (living in accord with reality and the facts; holding to, speaking, pursuing and walking in Truth; truthing it) within, and in union with, love, we can grow up (enlarge; increase) into Him the ALL which is the Head: Christ (or: <n>[and]</n> we would in love make all things grow up into Him Who is the head and source: <n>[the]</n> Anointed One)!


text:
from out of Whom (or: out from the midst of Which) all the Body (or: the entire body) being continuously fitted and framed together (made a common joint by a word; laid out and closely joined together) and constantly being knit together and caused to mount up united through every fastening (or: joint) of the supply of rich furnishings (or: through every assimilation of the full supply of funds; through every touch {kindling; setting on fire} of the completely supplied requirements) in accord with (or: down from; commensurate to) the operation (operative, effectual energy) within <n>[the]</n> measure of each one part <n>[other MSS: member]</n>, is itself continually making (or: is for itself progressively producing and forming) the growth and increase of the Body, <n>[focused on and leading]</n> into house-construction (or: unto building <n>[up]</n> and edification) of itself within the midst of, and in union with, love.


text:
This, then, I am continually saying and giving evidence of (or: attesting) within the Lord: no longer are you to be continuously walking <n>[your path]</n> (i.e., conducting yourself; adjusting your behavior) according to the way that the nations (the multitudes; the non-Israelites; the Gentiles; the ethnic or special or pagan groups) are continuously walking around (ordering their behavior) within the emptiness (vanity; frivolity; futility) of their mind (or: intellect),


text:
being folks having been, any still yet being, darkened in (or: by) the divided thought and the thing passing through the mind, having been and continuing being alienated (estranged) away from the Life of God (or: God's life; or the life which is God) through the ignorance continuously existing (or: being) within them <n>[and]</n> through the petrifying (becoming stone; callousness; = insensitivity) of their heart,


text:
which certain people, being folks having ceased to feel pain (being insensible or callous), gave themselves over (abandoned themselves) to outrageous behavior (excessive indulgence; wantonness; licentiousness), into every unclean performance (work, trade, business or labor of impurity) in greed (always wanting more; covetousness; schemes of extortion; = wanting more than ones due, in disregard for others).


text:
since, indeed, you heard and listen to Him, and within Him as well as in union with Him, you wereand aretaught just as Truth and Reality continuously exist within Jesus


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


text:
and then to be continuously renewed (or: from time to time, or, progressively made young again) by (or: in; with) the spirit (or: attitude; breath-effect) of your mind (or: from the mind which is you),


text:
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).


text:
Wherefore, upon at once putting the false (or: the Lie) away from yourselves <n>[as clothing or habits]</n>, be continuously speaking Truth and reality, each one with his associate (the one near him; his neighbor), because we are (we continually exist being) members <n>[as of a body]</n> of one another (or: limbs or body parts belonging to one another and having our source in each other).


text:
Be habitually aroused by the internal pulse of life (or: Be constantly impulsive in reaction to your natural disposition and character; or: Continue indignant or even angry), yet be not continuously missing the target (making mistakes; sinning; failing; erring). Do not let sun be repeatedly setting upon your angry mood (exasperation; irritation; embittered anger; vexation; provocation),


text:
neither be constantly supplying or giving a place or position (or: so don't go on allowing opportunity or a chance) for (or: to) the one who thrusts things through <n>[folks]</n> (the slanderer; the adversary; the accuser; the devil; or: that which casts <n>[harm]</n> through the midst of folks).


text:
Let the person habitually stealing no longer continue stealing, but rather let him be normally spent with labor, constantly working (performing; doing the business of) the good (the profitable; the virtuous; quality) by his own hands, to the end that he can continuously have (or: possess) <n>[something]</n> <n>[in order]</n> to repeatedly share with the one constantly having a need.


text:
Do not continue allowing every rotten word (or: putrefied idea; bad quality message) to be proceeding (or: issuing) out of your mouth, but rather if anything <n>[is]</n> good (profitable; virtuous; <n>[having]</n> quality), <n>[speak it]</n> toward house-construction (building <n>[up]</n>; edification) which pertains to the need, to the end that it may impart (or: give) grace and favor to those listening and hearing.


text:
Also, don't you folks have the habit of grieving (distressing; giving sorrow or pain to; or: = troubling) God's set-apart Spirit (or: the Holy Breath-effect which is God), within Whom (or: in union with Which) you were (or: are) sealed (at one point stamped with a seal; suddenly marked; imprinted; = personally authorized) into the midst of redemption's Day (or: a Day of and pertaining to a dismissal and a loosing away into freedom because of the ransom that was paid).


text:
Let every bitterness, swelling negative emotion (inherent fervor; or: natural propensity, disposition and impulse; or: wrath), enraged impulse, clamorous outcry, and blasphemy (slanderous, abusive or light-hindering speech; malignment; vilifying defamation; harm-averment) be at once lifted up and removed from you folks, together with all worthlessness (that which ought not to be; that which is of bad quality; malice; ugliness; badness; depravity)!


text:
Yet keep on becoming kind folks (or: So progressively come to be {or: be birthed to be} useful and obliging ones) unto one another people <n>[who are]</n> tenderly compassionate folks constantly dealing graciously, extending favoramong yourselves (or: forgiving yourselves), according as God also, within and in union with the Christ, was and isgracious (or: deals favorably) to and with (or: freely forgives) you folks <n>[other MSS: us]</n>.


text:
Keep on becoming (or: Progressively come to be), then, imitators (those made exactly alike so as to portray, express and represent by means of imitation) of God, as beloved (or: like loveable) children,


text:
and keep on walking (walking around; = progressively living and maintaining your life) within, and in union with, Love, according as the Christ also loves (or: to the same level and commensurately as the Anointed One loved) you, and gives (or: gave) Himself over (or: up; alongside) in our behalf (over us and our <n>[situation]</n>; <n>[other MSS: you]</n>): a bearing toward and a bringingto be face to face, and then an offering (or: sacrifice) by (or: in; with; to; for) God (or: an approach <n>[present]</n>, even a sacrifice by God) <n>[turning]</n> into a fragrant odor (sweet smell).


text:
But all sexual vice (prostitution; fornication; sexual acts contrary to custom) and uncleanness (impurity), or greed (desiring or having more than one's due; gaining and having advantage over others), let it continuously not even be named among (or: within) you folks according as it is constantly appropriate (proper; conspicuously suitable and befitting) for set-apart people (or: holy and sacred folks).


text:
And obscenity (ugliness; indecency; indecorum; shamefulness; baseness), even stupid (moronic; foolish) speaking (talking) or coarse joking (vulgar talking; insinuation; wittiness; quickness in making repartee; making a good turn), which things it has not been proper or fitting to have come up but rather (in preference), giving of thanks (or: conversation marked by grace, gratitude and favor in well-being).


text:
For this you people constantly know (or: perceive), habitually recognizing by experience, that every practicer of sexual vice (or: male prostitute; paramour), or unclean (impure <n>[in character]</n>; morally indecent) person, or greedy (covetous; desiring advantage or more than one's due) one who is (or: continues being) an idolater, is not now holding enjoyment ofan inheritance (does not currently continue having use of an allotted gift from someone who has died) within the Christ's and God's reign or sphere of sovereign activity (or: kingdom; <n>[<i>p</i>46: within the reign of God]</n>).


text:
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 <n>[note: <i>cf</i> <a class='xref' href='bJohn 3:36'>John 3:36</a>]</n> the sons of The Disobedience (the incompliance; or: = folks having the quality of not being convinced or being disobedient and stubborn).


text:
Stop, therefore, becoming (or: Therefore you folks are not to continuously come to be) their joint partakers (their joint members or partners; ones sharing together with them),


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


text:
Be constantly walking about (= Habitually conduct yourselves) as children of Light (born ones from light) for the fruit of the Light <n>[other MSS: Spirit]</n> <n>[is]</n> in union with (or: <n>[exists]</n> 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)


text:
repeatedly testing so as to prove (or: approve) what is (or: continually exists being) fully pleasing and compatible (happily acceptable; well pleasing; good pleasure) to (or: for; in; with) the Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n>.


text:
And do not continually participate together (involve yourselves in joint communion or community; or: Stop having fellowship together) in unfruitful acts (works; deeds; performances) of the Darkness (dimness in the shadows; gloom and obscurity; <n>[comment: = the ignorance; = the lack of light; may refer to past religious acts]</n>), but rather even be continually questioning and cross-examining to expose (unmasking and making facts known), refute and reprove to bring conviction (= bring light to them),


text:
for you see, it is obscene (base; ugly; indecent; shameful) to habitually even be speaking of the things <n>[which]</n> secretly (or: in a hidden manner) may be coming into existence (be occurring; be being birthed) by them.


text:
Now everything (or: the whole), while being continuously exposed to show fact, beingrefuted and/or reproved unto conviction, is by the light being continuouslymanifested (clearly displayed, made apparent and shown for what it is),


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


text:
Be continuously observing exactly (or: accurately), then, brothers (= fellow believers; members of the Family), how you habitually walk about <n>[or, with other MSS: Be continually observing, then, how accurately you are conducting yourselves]</n>: not as unwise folks, but rather as wise ones,


text:
making it a habit <n>[to be]</n> 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).


text:
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 <n>[is]</n> the will (result of the resolve; determination of what shall be done; design; effect of the purpose) of the Lord (= Christ or Yahweh; <n>[other MSS: God; Christ]</n>).


text:
And stop being made drunk (or: Do not be continuously made intoxicated) by wine, within which exists the disposition of one having no hope of safety (unsavingness; dissipation and ill health; desperation), but rather be continuously or repeatedly filled full in spirit (within <n>[the]</n> Spirit; within the midst of <n>[the]</n> Breath-effect; in the sphere of attitude; in union with <n>[the]</n> Breath),


text:
continuously speaking (making vocal utterances) to (or: among) yourselves in psalms and hymns (or: songs of praise; festive songs) and spiritual odes (songs; chants), continually singing and playing stringed instruments (making music; psalming; sharply touching or plucking <n>[the strings or chords]</n>) in (or: by; with; or: for) your hearts to (or: for; by; with: in) the Lord <n>[= Christ, or, Yahweh]</n>,


text:
constantly giving thanks (expressing gratitude; or: speaking of the well-being that is in grace and favor) to God, even <n>[the]</n> Father <n>[<i>p</i>46 & others: to the Father, even God]</n> at all times (or: always; = on all occasions) concerning all things (or: for everything; or: over all mankind), within the midst of and in union with the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ <n>[= the Messiah]</n>,


text:
while continually setting and arranging yourselves under (placing yourselves in humble alignment; subordinating yourselves; being submissive) so as to support one another, in respect for Christ (or: in union with the reverence which is an Anointing; within Christ's fear; in reverence pertaining to, and the source of which is <n>[the]</n> Anointed One <n>[other MSS: God]</n>).


text:
Wives (or: Women) <n>[are]</n> to (or: with) their own husbands (or: adult males), as to (or: with) the Lord (or: the Owner; or: = Christ, or, Yahweh) <n>[note: this reading follows <i>p</i>46, 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]</n>,


text:
because a husband exists being a head of (or: is a source with reference to) the wife as also (or: even as) the Christ <n>[is]</n> Head (or: Source) of the called-out community (the ecclesia; the summoned-out assembly); He Himself is (continually exists being) <n>[the]</n> Savior (Deliverer; Rescuer; Restorer to health and wholeness) of the Body.


text:
But, just as the called-out community (summoned-forth assembly) continuously humbly aligns and places itself under for (or, as a passive: is normally subjected in support to) the Christ, thus also the wives to (or: for; with) the husbands, in everything (or: within all; among all mankind).


text:
O husbands, be constantly loving <n>[your]</n> wives (or: Men, continue loving the women), accordingly and correspondingly as the Christ also loved (or: to the degree that, and commensurately as, the Anointed One loves) the called-out community, and gave Himself up (or: commits and gives Himself over) in behalf of (for the sake of; over <n>[the situation of]</n>) her,


text:
to the end that He may set her apart (separate her; consecrate and make her holy), cleansing (purging) <n>[her]</n> by the bath of the Water <n>[that is]</n> within a result of a flow (or: in union with a gush-effect; or: in the midst of aspoken word, a declaration, or an utterance),


text:
so that He Himself could place beside Himself (or: should present to and make to stand alongside in Himself) the glorious (held in high esteem; in-glorious-array) called-out community, continuously having neither spot (or: stain), nor wrinkle, nor any of such things, but to the contrary, to the end that she may continuously exist being set-apart (holy; different from the ordinary and profane) and flawless (unblemished; or: unblamable).


text:
Thus (or: In like manner; In this way) the husbands also are continuouslyindebted (thus: obligated) to constantly love their wives as their own bodies (= persons).The one constantly loving his own wife continues loving himself,


text:
or you see, no one ever yet (at any time) hated (or: hates) his own flesh (= his body and interior self) but rather continually intensively nourishes (feeds and supports) and warms (cherishes; comforts) it, according as also the Christ <n>[does]</n> the called-out community,


text:
Answering this (or: In the place facing this <n>[situation or reality]</n>), "a man will continue leaving behind his father and mother, and he will be progressively glued (welded) to his wife, and the two will continue being <n>[made]</n> into one flesh (= one physical unit as though being one body)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bGen. 2:4'>Gen. 2:4</a>]</n>


text:
This secret (or: mystery) is great (= important), but I am speaking unto (or: into; with a view to) Christ, even (or: and; as well as) unto (or: into) the called-out community (or: the called-out person; or: the summoned-forth assembly).


text:
Moreover, you men also, individually, each one thus (in this way) be continually loving his own wife (or: woman) as (or: as she were) himself, andso the result will be that the wife would continually have deep respect for (or: may habitually stand in reverential awe of; can normally be fearing with a healthy respect for) the husband (or: adult man).


text:
You children make it a habit to humbly listen and pay attention to, and thus submissively obey, your parents, in union with the Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n>, for this is in accord with the Way pointed out (is fair, right and just).


text:
"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 <n>[the]</n> promise; or: = that embodies assurance),


text:
"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)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bEx. 20:12'>Ex. 20:12</a>; <a class='xref' href='bDeut. 5:16'>Deut. 5:16</a>]</n>


text:
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 <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n> in the mind (or: as well as the Master's mind-set; or: and the Owner's admonition; or: and instruction about the Lord).


text:
Slaves: you folks be continually paying attention, listening humbly to and obeying <n>[your]</n> owners (masters) those <n>[being such]</n> 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 <n>[comment: which is Kierkegaard's "the Good"]</n>), as though to (or: as if for; as being in, and with) the Christ,


text:
not in accord with eye-service (or: in line with slavery to the eyes <n>[of folks watching]</n>; 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 <n>[the]</n> soul (= with the whole inner being: mind, will, emotion, life-force; or: = spontaneously)


text:
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 <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n>, and not for (or: to) people (humans; mankind),


text:
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 <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n>: whether slave, whether free.


text:
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 <n>[the]</n> atmospheres (or: heavens), and partiality through respect or acceptance of faces (= persons) does not exist alongside of Him.


text:
Of the remainder (or: Finally), be constantly empowering yourselves within (engendering ability within yourselves), centered in and in union with <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n> even within, and in union with, the force (or: strength) of His might (or: the mightiness of His strength and forcefulness):


text:
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"),


text:
because for us <n>[other MSS: for you]</n> 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; <n>[comment: = ignorance]</n>), 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). <n>[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 <i>Engaging the Powers</i>, uses the phrase against suprahuman systems and forces for part of this verse]</n>


text:
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 <n>[other folks']</n> place, instead of <n>[them]</n>) within the harmful and misery-gushed day (or: the day of bad conditions), and then accomplishing all (achieving and effecting everything <n>[the whole]</n>), to stand firm.


text:
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),


text:
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 <n>[= shalom]</n>)


text:
within all things and situations (or: in union with all people) <n>[be]</n> 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).


text:
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 <n>[as]</n> 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).


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By means of all thought, desire or imparted message toward having things be well (or: Through every prayer) and request (or: declaration) regarding need, <n>[be]</n> 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 <n>[the]</n> 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),


text:
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),


text:
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.


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Yet so that you also may know (may have seen, so as to perceive) the things that <n>[come]</n> 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 <n>[by]</n> Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful attending servant within the Lord,


text:
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 <n>[that]</n> 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).


text:
Peace and harmony <n>[= shalom]</n> to the brothers (= family or fellow believers; <n>[<i>p</i>46 reads: the set-apart folks]</n>), and love (unrestricted acceptance; <n>[A reads: mercy]</n>) along with faith and trust, from God, <n>[the]</n> Father and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: from Father God, and {or: even} <n>[the]</n> Lord Jesus Christ).


text:
Grace and favor, in union with incorruption (or: within a state or condition of being unspoiled, and being incorruptible <n>[note: see <a class='xref' href='b1 Cor. 15:42'>1 Cor. 15:42</a>]</n>), <n>[are]</n> with all the people continuously loving our Lord (or: Owner; Master), Jesus Christ (<n>[the]</n> Anointed Jesus). Amen (It is so; Count on it)! <n>[written circa A.D. 58 Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n> Subscription <n>[some MSS]</n>: To Ephesians. <n>[others add]</n>: Written from Rome, through Tychicus. Possibly a circular letter to the assemblies in first century Asia Minor


text:
Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus for (or: to) all the set-apart folks (the holy ones; the saints) within and in union with Christ Jesus, to those being in Philippi, together with care-givers (folks keeping a watchful eye upon <n>[people and situations]</n>; those noting and being concerned for others; overseers) and attending servants:


text:
Grace and peace (or: Favor and harmony <n>[= shalom]</n>) to you folks from God, our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: from God, our Father, and <n>[the]</n> Lord, Jesus <n>[the]</n> Anointed One).


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I constantly give thanks (or: habitually speak of the goodness of grace) to my God upon every memory (or: recollection; or: mention) of you folks,


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


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upon <n>[the basis of]</n> your common being and existence, as well as the partnership, participation, communion, sharing, fellowship and contribution <n>[from you]</n> into the message of goodness, ease and well-being (or: good news), from the first day until the present moment (now),


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


text:
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 <n>[situation for]</n> 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!)


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You see, God <n>[is]</n> my witness (or: evidence), how I continually long (or: yearn) for all you folks within the inner seat of Jesus Christ's tender emotions (upper internal organs – heart, liver, lungs; = compassions).


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And this I habitually think and speak toward having things be well (or: pray): that your love may continually grow with excess and would progressively encompass <n>[you and your world]</n> with surpassing abundance still more and more, within full and accurate experiential and intimate knowledge and all insight and sensible perception,


text:
into the <n>[situation for]</n> you folks to habitually test, examine, distinguish and determine (or: make sure by proving) the things that carry through and are thus of consequence or make a difference, so that you may constantly be (continually exist being) folks judged by the light of the sun (thus: clearly sincere and with integrity) and ones <n>[that are]</n> not stumbling or jarring against <n>[anything]</n> nor striking toward <n>[someone]</n> and causing trouble, on into the Day of Christ,


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being people having been filled full with <n>[the]</n> Fruit of fair and equitable dealings which bring right relationship within the Way pointed out (or: = from covenant inclusion): the one <n>[that is]</n> through Jesus Christ <n>[that is]</n> leading into God's glory (good reputation and manifestation of that which calls forth admiration) and praise (approval and commendation) (or: being those filled full of fruit of a rightwised nature through Jesus Christ, which proceeds into glory and praise that belongs to and pertains to God; or: ... through Jesus Christ, with a view to inhabiting the qualities and characteristics of God's reputation and praise).


text:
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,


text:
so that my bonds (prison fetters) <n>[are]</n> 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),


text:
and by my bonds most of the brothers (= the majority of the fellow believers), having become persuaded and now being confident in the Lord, <n>[are]</n> 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)!


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Certain folks (or: Some), indeed, are also habitually proclaiming (or: are even heralding publishing and preaching) the Christ through (or: because of) envy, jealousy and rivalry, as well as strife (discord; debate); yet also, certain ones (or: some) through delight (or: because of a good disposition and a good opinion <n>[about it]</n>; or: through thinking well <n>[of it and/or people]</n>; because of approval <n>[of the message]</n>; or: = because they are pleased to do it).


text:
These, on the one hand, forth from out of love – having seen and thus knowing that I am constantly lying into (or: repeatedly located with a view to; habitually being laid down, and thus set into the midst of) a defense of the news of well-being and message of goodness.


text:
Yet those, on the other hand, from out of faction (partisan purposes; contentiousness; or: from self-interest, or from a motive of financial gain, or to enhance their careers) are habitually announcing in accord with the message of the Christ, not purely (= with pure motives) – being ones habitually presuming (or: supposing) to be repeatedly arousing and raising up squeezing (pressure; affliction; tribulation; oppression) to (or: for) my bonds (or: in my imprisonment).


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For what? (or: So what?; = What difference does it make?) That moreover, in every direction (or: by every turn; by every method), whether in pretense (as a cloak for other purposes) or in truth (reality; essential essence), Christ is continually being correspondingly announced, and in this I constantly rejoice.


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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, <n>[the]</n> Anointed),


text:
in accordance with my looking away – with my head stretched out to watch – and <n>[the]</n> 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!


text:
For you see, to me, to be living <n>[is]</n> Christ (or: For the <n>[situation]</n> in me and for me, life <n>[is the]</n> Anointed One), and to be dying <n>[is]</n> gain (advantage; profit).


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et since (or: Now if) <n>[<i>p</i>46, D: Whether]</n> the <n>[situation]</n> is to continue living within flesh (= in a physical body in the natural realm), this for me (or: in me) <n>[will be]</n> a fruit from work (produce relating to <n>[my]</n> action) – and so what (or: which) I will proceed choosing (taking to myself in preference; <n>[<i>p</i>46, B: I should and could choose]</n>) I am not presently making known.


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So I am being continuously held together (or: caught; squeezed) from out of the two: constantly having the craving (holding the strong desire and impulse) into the <n>[situation]</n> to untie and loose back up again <n>[as in loosing tent pins and ropes when striking camp, or loosing moorings to set sail]</n>, and to be (to exist being) together with Christ – for <n>[that is]</n> rather to a much higher rank (a more advantageous situation; a more profitable thing; <n>[it is]</n> much better)!


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Yet the <n>[situation]</n> to be staying (remaining-on) in the flesh <n>[is]</n> more necessary (indispensable; a more forced constraint) because of you folks.


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So, having been persuaded and still being convinced of this, I have seen and thus know that I will continue remaining on, and shall continue abiding (dwelling so as to be ready to give aid) together alongside with (or: among) all you folks – on into your progress (or: cutting or striking a passage forward; advancement) and joy that comes from, belongs to and has the characteristics of the Faith (or: which is the trust, conviction and loyalty),


text:
to the end that, in me – <n>[that is]</n>, through my presence again face to face with you – your loud-tongued exultation-results (or: your justification for boasting) in Christ Jesus (or: in union with <n>[the]</n> Anointed Jesus) may surround <n>[you]</n> in excessive abundance.


text:
Only, by habit live (or: continue living) worthily, as citizens with behavior corresponding in value to Christ's good news (message of goodness), so that whether coming and seeing to become acquainted, or continuing absent, I may go on hearing about you folks (the things concerning you): that you are constantly and progressively standing firm within the midst of and in union with one Breath-effect (or: = steadfastly united in spirit and attitude), continuing to be corporately striving in one soul (by one inner life competing side-by-side as in the public games) by the faith that comes from the good news (or: in the conviction that belongs to and pertains to the message of goodness and well-being; or: by the trust which is the message of wellness and ease),


text:
even constantly being folks <n>[that are]</n> in nothing startled, intimidated or frightened by (or: under) the opponents (the ones continuously lying in the opposing position) – which is a public indication (a pointing-out as of display; or: a showing within) of loss (ruin; destruction) for (or: to) them, yet of deliverance (wholeness, health, rescue and salvation) to, for and among you folks <n>[other MSS: in and among us; other MSS: of your deliverance]</n>, and this <n>[is]</n> from God,


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


text:
constantly having the very (or: continuously holding the same) contest <n>[as]</n> in the public games (or: race in the stadium; agonizing struggle in the gathered assembly) such as you saw (or: perceive) within me and now are presently hearing in me (or: and at this moment are repeatedly hearing <n>[to be]</n> in me).


text:
If, then, <n>[there exists]</n> any calling-alongside to receive relief, aid, encouragement, consolation, comfort or supporting influence (or: any receiving of the work of a paraclete) within Christ or in union with <n>[the]</n> Anointing, if <n>[there is]</n> any spoken comfort and consolation of love (belonging to love; having a source in love; or: which is love), if any common being and existence (common participation; fellowship; partnership; communion; sharing) of Breath-effect (or: belonging to spirit; from the result of <n>[the]</n> Breath), if any tender emotions (literally: upper internal organs) and compassions (or: pities),


text:
fill my joy full, so that you folks may be continually having the same frame of mind (may be mutually disposed; may have the same opinion; may mind the same thing), habitually holding (or: having) the same Love: folks joined together in soul (inner life of feelings, will, heart and mind), continuously minding The One (or: habitually holding one opinion; constantly thinking one thing; regularly disposed to one <n>[purpose]</n>; <n>[other MSS: the same]</n>) –


text:
nothing down from (or: along the line of; corresponding to; or: descending to) party interests (hireling-like contention; faction; self-serving; or: from a motive of financial gain, or to enhance one's career) nor down from (or: along the line of; corresponding to; or: descending to) empty reputation (futile opinion; vainglory; fruitless appearance) – but rather, in humility (or: by an attitude of being in a low station; in humbleness of disposition and way of thinking) constantly considering one another (or: each other) <n>[as]</n> those habitually holding <n>[a position]</n> above yourselves (or: <n>[as]</n> being superior in regard to yourselves),


text:
not each one continuing to attentively view (keep an eye on and look out for) the things or interests pertaining to themselves, but to the contrary, each one also <n>[looking out for]</n> the things and interests pertaining to others (or: of different folks; of people that are different).


text:
You see, this way of thinking (this attitude and disposition) is continuously within and among you folks (or, as an imperative: So let this minding be habitually within you folks) – which <n>[is]</n> also within Christ Jesus,


text:
Who, starting and continuing as inherently existing (or: beginning under; subsisting) within God's form (or: in an outward mold which is God), He does not consider the <n>[situation]</n> to be equals in and by God a plunder (or: a pillaging; a robbery; a snatching; or: a thing or situation seized and held), (or: Who, <n>[although]</n> constantly humbly and supportively ruling in union with an external shape and an outward appearance from God, did not give consideration to a seizure: the <n>[situation]</n> to continuously exist being the same things with God, even on the same levels in God, or equal <n>[things; aspects]</n> to God,)


text:
but to the contrary, He empties Himself (or: removed the contents of Himself; made Himself empty), receiving (or: taking; accepting) a slave's form (external shape; outward mold), coming to be (or: birthing Himself) within an effect of humanity's (mankind's; people's) likeness.


text:
And so, being found in an outward fashion, mode of circumstance, condition, form-appearance (or: character, role, phase, configuration, manner) as a human (a person; a man), He lowers Himself (or: humbled Himself; made Himself low; degrades Himself; levels Himself off), coming to be (or: birthing Himself) a submissive, obedient One (one who gives the ear and listens) as far as (or: to the point of; until) death – but death of a cross (torture stake)!


text:
For this reason, God also lifts Him up above (or: highly exalted Him; elevates Him over) and by grace gives to Him (or: joyously favors on Him) the Name – the one over and above every name! –


text:
to the end that within The Name: Jesus! (or: in union with the name of Jesus; in the midst of the Name belonging to <n>[Yahweh-the-Savior]</n>), every knee (= person) – of the folks upon the heaven (of those belonging to the super-heaven, or <n>[situated]</n> 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; <n>[comment: note the ancient science of the day – a three-tiered universe]</n>) – may bend (or: would bow) in worship, prayer or allegiance,


text:
and every tongue (= person) may speak out the same thing (should and would openly agree, confess, avow and acclaim) that Jesus Christ <n>[is]</n> Lord (Master; Owner) – <n>[leading]</n> into <n>[the]</n> glory of Father God (or: unto Father God's good reputation; <n>[progressing]</n> into a manifestation which calls forth praise unto God <n>[the]</n> Father)!


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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,


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


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Be habitually doing (accomplishing; constructing; producing) all things apart from grumbling complaints (or: murmurings) and reasoned considerations (or: designing thoughts; divided reckonings unto the settlements of accounts; arguments which permeate the environment or go in every direction),


text:
so that you folks may come to be blameless ones (those without defect), even unmixed (unblended; artless and sincere) children of God – unblemished (flawless) people in the midst of a crooked and distorted (as having been misshaped on the potter's wheel) generation (or: a twisted family which has been altered and turned in different ways so as to be dislocated), within which (or: among whom) you folks are continuously shining (giving light; or: appearing; made visible by light) as illuminators (causes of light; or: luminaries) within <n>[the]</n> ordered System (world of secular culture, religion, economics and government),


text:
constantly holding upon (or: having added; keeping a good grip on) Life's Word (or: a message which is life), <n>[leading you]</n> into loud-tongued exulting-effects (boasting; vaunting) for me (or: in me), on into Christ's Day (a day of <n>[the]</n> Anointed; or: a day which is anointed), because I do not (or: did not) run into emptiness (that which is without content), nor do I (or: did I) become weary or struggle in labor into emptiness (that which is without content).


text:
But even more, since (or: if) I am also repeatedly poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering and public service pertaining to your faith (or: which comes from your trust; in regard to the faithful loyalty which comprises you people), I am constantly rejoicing (or: glad) – even continually rejoicing (glad) together with all of you!


text:
Now in the same way, you yourselves also be constantly rejoicing – even continually rejoicing together with me.


text:
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 <n>[situations and circumstances]</n> concerning (or: the things about) you folks.


text:
You see, I presently have no one equal-souled (of the same soul; = equally sensitive) who will proceed to legitimately (or: genuinely) divide his mind so as to continue having his thoughts anxious about your interests and to keep on caring for the <n>[circumstances]</n> concerning (or: the things about) you folks.


text:
For all those <n>[others]</n> are constantly concerned with (looking out for; are seeking) their own interests (or: things), not with the interests and things pertaining to and belonging to, or having the qualities and characteristics of, Jesus Christ.


text:
Yet you folks continue knowing by experience his proof by scrutinized examination and testing, that as a child for a father, he slaves (performs as a slave) together with me, into the message of goodness, ease and well-being.


text:
I continue expecting, indeed then, to send this one immediately (out of the very time or situation) – as soon as I can look away from the things around me (or: see-off the <n>[situations and]</n> things concerning me).


text:
So I have been persuaded and am confident within <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n> that I myself, also, shall quickly proceed in coming to you folks.


text:
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,


text:
since he had been continuously having great affection and longing to see all of you folks, even being repeatedly dejected and deeply troubled because you heard (or: hear) that he fell sick (or: is ill).


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For he even fell sick (or: also is ill) as being a consort near alongside of death. But contrariwise, God had mercy on (or: mercies) him – yet not only him, but further, me also – to the end that I should not have pain and sadness upon pain and sadness (or: = major and added sorrow).


text:
More diligently (earnestly; eagerly), then, I send (or: sent) him, so that in seeing him again, you may be glad and rejoice – and I may be more relieved of pain and sadness.


text:
Be focusing on him, then, to welcome and continue receiving him within the Lord with all joy, and be constantly holding such people in honor and value,


text:
because through Christ's work (with other MSS: on account of <n>[the]</n> Lord's Act) he drew (or: draws) near, as far as death, with <n>[his]</n> soul casting himself to the side (or: in <n>[his]</n> inner being handing himself over and risking <n>[his]</n> life; = throwing self aside, he gambled <n>[his]</n> life), so that he might fill back up your deficiency (your lack; your coming too late; = what you were unable to do) in the area of public service toward me (= civic sponsorship and funding me).


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


text:
Constantly keep your eyes on and be aware of the dogs (= impudent, shameless or audacious people; scavengers without a master); habitually be observing so as to take heed of worthless workers (craftsmen of bad quality; laborers who are not as they ought to be); keep on seeing so as to continually observe and be aware of <n>[the party of]</n> the down-cision (the mutilation; the maimcision; the cutting-into; the sacrificial meat-hacking; the wounding or maiming; or: = folks who cut things down or off; <n>[comment: a sardonic slur = the circumcision]</n>).


text:
For you see, we ourselves are (exist being) The Circumcision: the people (or: those) continuously rendering sacred service in a spirit of God (or: by God's Breath-effect; to God's Spirit; with God's breath; <n>[some MSS: service to God in spirit; <i>p</i>46 omits "God," so simply: serving in spirit]</n>) and constantly making our boast (being loud-tongued, vaunting and exulting) within, and in union with, Christ Jesus; even folks (or: those) being people having been persuaded and thus continuing to put no confidence within flesh (= having no reliance upon what is physical: e.g., religious works or natural heritage; or: the estranged human nature; <n>[comment: this could be a reference to animal sacrifices]</n>).


text:
Even though I myself continue holding (or: having) <n>[grounds for]</n> trust and confidence also within flesh, if any other man is in the habit of thinking (or: is constantly seeming) or presuming to have come to a settled persuasion, thus having confidence within <n>[his]</n> flesh, I to a greater degree (more so; for a better reason; rather more):


text:
in circumcision, on <n>[the]</n> eighth day; out of race (from posterity; by birth; as to class or species), of Israel; of Benjamin's tribe; a Hebrew out of the midst of <n>[the]</n> Hebrews (or: = a supreme Hebrew); in accordance to Law, a Pharisee (or: down from custom, a Pharisee);


text:
in accordance to zeal, one constantly pressing, pursuing and persecuting the called-out community; in accordance to fairness and equity in the way pointed out in the Law, one coming to be, of myself, without defect (one becoming blameless).


text:
But to the contrary, whatever things (or: things which) were being gains (advantages; assets) to, for or in me, these things I have esteemed and now consider (or: regard) as a loss (a penalty; a forfeit; disadvantage; a bad bargain; a detriment) because of the Christ (or: on account of the Anointed One <n>[= the Messiah]</n>).


text:
But further – indeed, then, as a matter of fact – I even am habitually considering (or: regarding) all things (all; everything) to be a loss (a disadvantage; a bad bargain; damage; a forfeit; a penalty) because of (on account of; for the sake of) the thing that is constantly holding things above and thus having all-surpassing value and superiority: that which pertains to and comes from the experience of the intimate knowledge of my Lord, Jesus Christ (or: of Christ Jesus, my Owner) – on account of and for the sake of Whom I undergo loss of (experience the forfeit of; receive as a disadvantage) all things (everything; the whole life-experience, environment and possessions) and I continue considering (or: regarding) them to be <n>[either]</n> a lot of refuse and filth (pieces of dung; a pile of manure) <n>[or]</n> things that are cast away from the table to the dogs (garbage), to the end that I may have the advantage of Christ (or: could maintain the gain of the Anointing; enjoy the assets of or make a profit from <n>[Messiah]</n>),


text:
and may be found within Him (or: in union with Him) – not continuing having (or: holding) my pointed-out way (my fairness and equity; my relationships; my basis for what is right; my own righteousness) from out of the Law or custom, but to the contrary, the <n>[fairness and equity which accord with the Way pointed-out]</n> through means of Christ's faithfulness (or: the trust-conviction which is Christ; the faith of and from <n>[the Messiah]</n>): the <n>[covenant]</n> fairness and equity in right relationships from being rightwised within the Way pointed out <n>[which is]</n> forth from out of the midst of God as a source <n>[and is placed and thus based]</n> upon that faith, confidence and trust –


text:
to intimately and experientially know Him, and the ability – even the power – of His resurrection and also the <n>[other MSS: a]</n> common existence (participation; partnership, sharing and fellowship) of the results and from the effects of His experiences <n>[note: these include good times/feelings and passions, as well as sufferings]</n> – being a person that is being continuously conformed by (being progressively brought together with the form of; being habitually configured to) His death,


text:
since this is how I can fully meet face-to-face, participate and reach into the midst of (or: since in some way I would attain the level <n>[to be]</n> into the midst of; or: if by any means I may arrive and meet with the corresponding sphere <n>[leading]</n> into) the full resurrection (or: the arising and standing back up again from out of the midst; or: the out-resurrection) – the one <n>[arising]</n> forth from out of the midst of dead folks.


text:
Not that I already take it by the hand <n>[<i>p</i>46 & D add: or already have been rightwised and made to be one in accord with the Way pointed out with fairness and equity]</n> or have been already brought to the purposed goal and destiny (matured unto perfection and finished), yet I am consistently pursuing (running swiftly in order to catch), since I would (or: if I could) take down by the hand (seize; forcefully grasp and gain control over) even <n>[that]</n> upon which I also was (or: am) taken down by hand (seized; forcefully grasped and taken control of) by and under <n>[the control of]</n> Christ Jesus.


text:
Brothers (= Fellow believers; = <n>[My]</n> family)! I am not <n>[other MSS: not yet]</n> calculating (logically considering; reckoning) myself to have taken it down by hand (seized, grasped or gotten hold of it in order to have it), yet <n>[there is]</n> one thing: habitually forgetting, on the one hand, the things behind (or: in the back), and on the other hand constantly reaching and stretching myself out upon the things in front (or: ahead),


text:
I am continuously pressing forward, pursuing down toward <n>[the; or: an]</n> object in view (a mark on which the eye is fixed): into the awarded contest prize of God's (or: the award which is God's) invitation to an above place (or: an upward calling having the source from, with qualities and characteristics of, God) within the midst of and in union with Christ Jesus.


text:
Therefore – as many as <n>[are]</n> people who are mature (ones who have reached the goal, being finished and complete) – we should constantly be of this frame of mind (have this attitude and opinion; think this way; be minding and paying attention to this). And if you folks are habitually thinking differently (are continuing differently minded; are continually having a different attitude or opinion), God will also proceed in unveiling this to you (or: uncovering and revealing, or disclosing, this in you).


text:
Moreover, into that which we precede <n>[others]</n> (or: into what we went before in; into what we come ahead so as to arrive at; = unto whatever stage we have reached) in the very same thing <n>[our goal is]</n> to be habitually drawn into a straight line and consistently advance within our ranks <n>[Aleph2 and other MSS add phrases to read as follows: Besides, into what we outstrip {others}, by the same standard (measuring rod; rule) {it is for us} to habitually advance in line (i.e., frame our conduct in an orderly routine; or: consider the elements and observe the rudimentary principles by the same standard) – to constantly be intent on and keep thinking of the same thing (or: be of the same frame of mind and attitude)]</n>.


text:
Brothers (= Fellow believers; = My family), be progressively birthed to be joint-imitators of me (or: unite in becoming my imitators), and continually keep a watchful eye on and take note of those habitually walking about thus (i.e., those who thus live their lives), according as you folks continue having us as a pattern (model; example; type).


text:
For you see – I was often telling you about them, yet now I am also presently weeping (lamenting) in saying it – many continue walking about (i.e., are living their lives) as enemies of the cross of the Christ (the Anointed One's execution-stake),


text:
whose goal (eventual end; closing act; final stage; result; finished discharge) <n>[is]</n> ruin and loss (or: waste and destruction), whose god <n>[is their]</n> cavity (or: belly) and <n>[whose]</n> reputation (or: glory; opinion) resides within their shame (disgrace; embarrassment) – people continually thinking about (habitually being intent on; constantly minding) the things existing upon the earth (or: = folks whose minds are earthbound).


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


text:
Who will continue actively transfiguring (progressively refashioning and remodeling; continuously changing the form of) our body from the low condition and status (or: the body of our humiliation; or: the body which is us, pertaining to this lowliness) <n>[which is]</n> joint-formed in, by and with the body of His glory (or with other MSS: into the <n>[situation]</n> for it to be brought into existence conformed to, and having the same form together with, His body, from that which calls forth praise and has the character of His good reputation]</n>), down from (or: in accord with; in the sphere of; along the lines of; to the level of; following the pattern of; stepping along with; commensurate with; as directed by) the inward operation (energy; in-working) of the <n>[conditions or situation for]</n> Him to be continuously able (or: with power) also to humbly align The Whole to and in Himself (or: to subject and subordinate all things for Himself; to arrange everything under so as to have full control and to support <n>[it]</n> by and with Himself).


text:
Consequently, my brothers (= fellow believers; family) – loved ones and longed-for folks (people missed with a craving), my joy and winner's (or: festal) wreath – thus (in this way) you constantly stand within <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n>: <n>[as or being]</n> loved ones! (or, as an imperative: be habitually standing firm in thus manner: in <n>[the]</n> Lord, <n>[B adds: my]</n> beloved!)


text:
I am calling Euodia alongside, and I am calling Syntyche alongside, admonishing (entreating; begging; assisting) <n>[you two]</n> to be habitually thinking about the same thing (minding and being intent on the same thing; disposed in the same way; or: = agreeing and maintaining a common mind), within, and in union with, the Lord.


text:
Yes, I am asking you, too, O genuine and legitimate yokefellow (or: O loyal Synzugus; O Suzugos, one born in wedlock; O paired star who rises as I set; O joined and united one belonging to <n>[my]</n> birth group), be consistently taking these women together to yourself to aid and assist them – which women toil together with me (or: compete <n>[as]</n> in the public games along with me, and contend on my side) within the message of goodness and well-being (good news), with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names <n>[are]</n> within Life's Book (or: in a book of life; a book which is Life; <n>[comment: = participation in life]</n>).


text:
Be constantly rejoicing within, and in union with, <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= in Yahweh or in Christ]</n>, at all times (or: always)! Again, I will repeat declaring it, Rejoice (or: You folks be habitually rejoicing)!


text:
Let your gentle fairness, lenience, considerateness and suitable reasonableness be intimately and experientially known to all mankind (or: by and for all humans). The Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n> is near (close by – at hand, close enough to touch, and available)!


text:
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,


text:
and God's peace (= shalom; or: and so the harmony which is God), which is continuously having a hold over (is habitually holding sway over; or: is constantly being superior and excelling by having it over) all mind and inner sense (or: every intellect; all power of comprehension; or: all process of thinking), will continue garrisoning (guarding; standing sentinel over) your hearts and the results of thinking (thoughts; reasonings; understandings; effects from directing the mind on something; or: dispositions; designs; purposes; effects of perceptions; <n>[<i>p</i>16 adds: and bodies]</n>), within, and in union with, Christ Jesus <n>[<i>p</i>46: {the} Lord Jesus]</n>.


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


text:
Keep on practicing and accomplishing these things which you folks both learn and accept (or: learned and received alongside) – even <n>[what]</n> you heard and saw within me. And, the God of the Peace (or: And God, the source and quality of peace <n>[= shalom]</n>; Then the God which is harmony) will continue existing in company with you folks (or: will constantly be with you folks).


text:
Now I greatly rejoice (or: rejoiced) within the Lord <n>[= in union with Christ or Yahweh]</n> that now, at last, you folks shoot up to flourish to the extent to be constantly focusing your thinking over me (to continuously have my concerns intently in mind; to repeatedly take thought on my behalf) – upon which, also, you folks were progressively thinking, yet you continued without a fitting situation (you were being out of season; you kept on lacking the opportunity).


text:
Not that I am suggesting a need, for I learned and so know to be self-sufficient (to be contented by warding-off my own <n>[needs]</n>; or: to have independent provisions) within whatever circumstances or situations <n>[that]</n> I am.


text:
I am aware of <n>[what it is like]</n> to be repeatedly made low <n>[on provisions]</n>, as well as aware of <n>[what it is like]</n> to be continuously surrounded by more than enough (or: I have seen, and thus know, both to be humbled, and I have seen, and thus know, to be constantly and excessively abounding). I have been instructed to shut the mouth, and I am initiated into the secret (or: mystery): within everything and within the midst of all things (or: among all people), both to be (or: <n>[how]</n> to be) habitually feeding until satisfied, and to be (or: as well as <n>[how]</n> to be) habitually hungry; both to be (or: <n>[how]</n> to be) constantly and excessively abounding (continuously surrounded by more than enough), and to be (or: as well as <n>[how]</n> to be) repeatedly in need (or: lacking).


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


text:
Moreover you folks performed beautifully (acted ideally; did virtuously; produced finely), sharing (partnering; participating; having common association) together with me in my pressure (squeezing; tribulation; trouble; oppression).


text:
Now you Philippians have seen, and thus are aware (or: know), that within the original period (or: the beginning) of the message of goodness, ease and well-being (good news), when I went (or: came) out from Macedonia, not one called-out community expressed common being (or: communicated; participated; partnered; held common association; shared) with me (or: for me), <n>[leading]</n> into a discourse (or: with regard to an account or a matter of discussion; = injecting a thought) of giving and of receiving (or: of getting; of taking), except you folks, alone (or: only),


text:
because even in Thessalonica both once, and even twice!, you folks sent <n>[provision]</n> into my need.


text:
Not that I am in the habit of really seeking the gift! But rather, I am in the habit of really seeking the constantly abounding fruit which is overflowing into your discourse (or: your account; your word; your matter of discussion; your message; your thought).


text:
But now I am continually holding possessions from (collecting; or: = receiving payment for what is due me from) all things and from all folks; I am even constantly superabounding (being surrounded by more than enough). I have been filled full, receiving from beside Epaphroditus the things from your side: an odor of a sweet fragrance (a fragrant aroma), an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God (or: with God; for God; in God).


text:
So my God will continue and progressively be filling to the full your every need (or: will keep on making full all lack which pertains to you folks) down from His wealth <n>[being]</n> within <n>[the]</n> glory <n>[that resides]</n> within Christ Jesus (or: that accords to His wealth that resides within the opinion or imagination <n>[which is]</n> within Christ Jesus; to the level of His riches, within a manifestation of splendor which calls forth praise, within Christ Jesus; down through His abundance, within the reputation <n>[arising from]</n> within the midst of Christ Jesus; in the sphere of and in line with His riches <n>[which are]</n> in union with a glory resident within an anointing from Jesus).


text:
Now in our God and Father <n>[is]</n> the glory (or: Now for our God and Father <n>[is]</n> the reputation; Yet by our God and Father <n>[is]</n> the manifestation which calls forth praise; So to our God and Father <n>[is]</n> the good opinion; But with our God and Father <n>[is]</n> the imagination) on into the indefinite and unseen time periods of the ages! Count on it, for it is so!


text:
You folks gladly greet and embrace as a dear one every set-apart person (every holy one; every saint) within Christ Jesus. The brothers (= fellow believers; = the family) with me are habitually greeting and warmly embracing you folks.


text:
All those set-apart are habitually greeting and warmly embracing you folks – yet especially those of Caesar's house (= household).


text:
The grace of (or: The favor belonging to and having its source in; The grace which is) our Lord <n>[with other MSS: the Owner and Master]</n>, Jesus Christ, <n>[is]</n> with the spirit of you folks (or: <n>[is]</n> with your corporate breath-effect; or: <n>[is]</n> with the character and attitude manifested through you folks; <n>[other MSS: {is} with all of you]</n>). It is so! <n>[written circa A.D. 58 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
Paul, one sent with a mission pertaining to Christ Jesus (or: an envoy of <n>[the]</n> Anointed Jesus; an emissary who has his origin in Christ Jesus) through God's will, and Timothy, the brother (or: = fellow believer; or: the brother Timothy),


text:
To the set-apart folks (the holy ones; the sacredly different people) within Colossae – even to ones full of faith (or: to faithful and trusting people) – to <n>[the]</n> brothers within Christ (or: and to loyal fellow believers <n>[who are]</n> in union with <n>[the]</n> Anointed <n>[other MSS add: Jesus]</n>): Grace and joyous favor (or: The act that produces happiness, which was granted <n>[to all]</n> as a favor), as well as peace and harmony <n>[= shalom]</n>, to you folks from God our Father <n>[other MSS read: from God, our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ]</n>.


text:
We habitually express gratitude for the goodness in grace, and give thanks to God, the Father <n>[other MSS: to the God and Father]</n> of our Lord, Jesus Christ, at all times continually thinking and speaking goodness and well-being concerning (or: praying about) you folks,


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


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


text:
This <n>[Word; Logos]</n> is being continuously present alongside <n>[and proceeding]</n> into you folks, just as it is also continuously existing within all the ordered System (within the entire world of culture, secular society, religion, economics and government; or: in the entire universe; or: = the entire Roman Empire), repeatedly bearing fruit of itself and constantly being grown and caused to be increasing, just as also within you folks, from <n>[the]</n> day in which you heard and at once fully experienced – in intimate knowing and accurate realization – the grace of God, within Truth (or: God's favor resident within <n>[the]</n> truth; God's grace in the midst of reality; or: the favor which, in reality, is God).


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


text:
the person also clearly showing and making evident to us your love in spirit and attitude (or: your love within <n>[the]</n> Breath-effect; your love in union with <n>[the]</n> Spirit).


text:
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 <n>[situation]</n> 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).


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


text:
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 <n>[= His Sh'khinah]</n>) <n>[leading]</n> into every <n>[situation of]</n> persistent remaining under <n>[difficulties]</n> 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.


text:
<n>[We are folks who are]</n> constantly giving thanks to the Father: the One calling you <n>[other MSS: us]</n> – as well as making <n>[you; us]</n> competent (sufficient; qualified; fit; suitable) – into the divided share of the lot of the inheritance (or: into the part and portion of the allotted possession) of the set-apart folks (or: pertaining to the holy ones; belonging to the saints; from the sacred people; which is the different-from-the-ordinary folks) within the Light;


text:
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 <n>[our]</n> position (or: transported <n>[us]</n>, thus, giving <n>[us]</n> a change of standing, and transferred <n>[us]</n>) 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),


text:
in Whom (or: in union with <n>[which Son]</n>) we continuously have and hold the redemption (the release and liberation procured by payment of a ransom) <n>[which results in]</n> the sending away of the failures (or: the dismissal of the errors pertaining to falling short and straying to the side of the target; the flowing away of the sins; the divorce from mistakes).


text:
It is <n>[this Son]</n> Who is the Image (portrait; the Exact Formed Likeness; the Figure and Representation; visible likeness and manifestation) of the not-seen God (or: the unable to be seen God; the invisible God), the Firstborn of all creation (or: of every creature; or: of every framing and founding; of every act of settling from a state of disorder and wildness; or: pertaining to the whole creation; or: = the Inheritor of all creation Who will also assume authority over and responsibility for every creature <n>[note: this is the duty of the firstborn]</n>),


text:
because within Him was created the whole (or: in union with Him everything is founded and settled, is built and planted, is brought into being, is produced and established; or: within the midst of Him all things were brought from chaos into order) – the things within the skies and atmospheres, and the things upon the earth (or: those <n>[situations, conditions and/or people]</n> in the heavens and on the land); the visible things, and the unseen (or: unable to be seen; invisible) things: whether thrones (seats of power) or lordships (ownership systems) or governments (rulers; leadership systems; sovereignties) or authorities – the whole has been created and all things continue founded, put in order and stand framed through means of Him, and <n>[proceeds, or were placed]</n> into Him (or: = He is the agent and goal of all creation).


text:
And He is before (prior to; or: maintains precedence of) all things and all people, and the whole has (or: all things have) been placed together and now continues to jointly-stand (stands cohesively; is made to have a co-standing) within the midst of and in union with Him,


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


text:
because WITHIN Him all – the entire contents (the result of that which fills everything; all the effect of the full measure <n>[of things]</n>) – delights to settle down and dwell as in a house (or: because He approved all the fullness <n>[of all existence]</n> to permanently reside within Him)


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


text:
And so you folks, being at one time people having been alienated away (being estranged; being rendered as belonging to another; = having been put out of the family) and enemies (or: hated ones) by the divided thoughts (in the dualistic perceptions and things going through the mind in every direction) within (or: in the midst of; in union with; or: = in the performance of) the miserable deeds (gushes of wicked actions; laborious and painful works) –


text:
yet now He at once reconciled (or: changed and transferred to a different state; <n>[<i>p</i>46 & B read: you folks were reconciled]</n>) within the body of His flesh (= His physical being), through His death, to place you folks alongside, down before Him and in His sight: set-apart (holy) folks and flawless (unblemished; blameless) ones, even people not accused, with nothing laid to your charge (or: unaccusable ones; unimpeachable ones; folks without reproach),


text:
since in fact (or: inasmuch as) you folks are continually remaining on (or: are constantly persisting) by trust, in the faith and for loyalty, being ones having been provided with a foundation so as to continue grounded, even seated so as to be settled ones, and not people being repeatedly moved elsewhere (shifted; removed; or, as a middle: shifting yourselves) away from the expectation (or: expectant hope) pertaining to, belonging to and having its source in the message of ease, goodness and well-being of which you hear (or: heard): the <n>[message]</n> being heralded (announced; publicly proclaimed and preached) within all creation which is under the sky (or: heaven) – of which I, Paul, am myself come to be a herald, an emissary, and an attending servant (or: a dispenser).


text:
I am at this moment continuing to rejoice within the effects of experiences and the results of my sufferings over your <n>[situation]</n> and on your behalf, and I am progressively filling back up in turn – so as in <n>[His]</n> stead to replace, supply and balance out, within my flesh (or: = with the means of my natural situation) – the deficiencies (or: results from what is lacking; effects from need) with regard to the pressures (or: from the squeezings, tribulations and tight spots) that pertain to the Anointed One (or: that belong to and affect Christ; or: from the Christ) over <n>[the situation of]</n> His body, which is the called-out community (which exists being the summoned-forth congregation – the ecclesia) (or: Now I am progressively filled with joy – in union with the feelings coming from passion over you folks – and am habitually filling up again, to bring balance, the effects of what is lacking, resulting from the distresses of Christ – resident within my flesh – concerning His body, which is the invited-out assembly),


text:
of which I am come to be an attending servant (or: a dispenser), corresponding to (or: down from; in the sphere of) God's household administration (or: God's directives for the tasks of a household manager; the stewardship whose source is God and pertains to His house; God's economy; God's scheme and arrangement which He planned for His household) – the <n>[detailed plan]</n> being given by me unto you (or: to me <n>[and infused]</n> into you) – to fulfill God's Word (or: to make full the message pertaining to God; to make a full presentation of God's message; to deliver God's thought and idea in full; or: with a view to you fulfilling God's idea):


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the Secret (or: sacred mystery) having been hidden away and remaining concealed away from the ages (or: from <n>[past]</n> eons), as well as away from the <n>[past]</n> 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),


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to whom God wills (or: at one point purposed; or: intends) to make known by intimate experience, what <n>[are]</n> 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 <n>[the]</n> Anointed in union with you people: the hope of the manifestation which calls forth praise; or: which is <n>[the]</n> Anointing within the midst of you folks – the expectation which is the glory),


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Whom <n>[other MSS: Which]</n> we ourselves habitually proclaim down the line (or: announce in accord with the pattern), constantly putting <n>[Him]</n> into the minds of every person (or: human) and repeatedly teaching every person (or: human), within the sphere of all wisdom, to the intent that we may place every person (or: human) finished (mature; perfect with respect to purpose; complete; as having reached the goal of destiny) by <n>[our]</n> side, within and in union with Christ <n>[other MSS add: Jesus]</n>,


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unto which <n>[goal]</n> I habitually work hard (or: progressively toil on) and become weary, constantly struggling as in a contest, corresponding to (or: down from, yet on the level of) His inward working (or: energy and operation): the One continuously operating (energizing and inwardly working) within me – within power and in ability.


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You see, I continue wanting you folks to have seen and thus perceive (realize; know) <n>[the]</n> size of and how extensive a contest I am having and how intense a struggle I constantly hold (or: continue to have) over <n>[the situation of]</n> you and the folks in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in <n>[the]</n> flesh,


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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) <n>[leading]</n> 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 <n>[the]</n> Anointing; <n>[with other MSS: of the sacred mystery of the God and Father, in relation to the Christ {or: having its source in <n>[the]</n> Anointing; or: belonging to Christ}]</n>),


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within Whom (or: in which) are (continually exist) all the hidden-away (or: concealed) treasures (or: treasure chests or vaults; storehouses) of the wisdom and experiential, intimate knowledge and insight.


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Now I am presently saying this so that no one may be derailing you in a persuasive discourse or reasoning, by logic and reasoning that are off to the side and thus cheats by false reckoning,


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for though (or: even if) I am presently absent (or: being away) in the flesh, nevertheless I continue being together with you folks in the spirit (or: by the Spirit; in union with the Breath-effect), constantly rejoicing and seeing (or: observing) your arranged succession (or: drawing up of rank and file for an ordered disposition in battle array; or: post and place in line; also: = a body of soldiers or militia) – as well as the solid body having a backbone which is the result of strengthening unto firmness – of your trust and faith (or: pertaining to your faithfulness and loyalty; which have the qualities of confidence and conviction of you folks) <n>[which is being placed]</n> into Christ (or: <n>[which flows]</n> into <n>[the]</n> Anointing).


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Therefore, as you folks take along and receive (or: took to your side and accepted) the Christ – Jesus, the Lord (the Owner; the Master) – continue walking about (i.e., ordering your life) within Him (and: in union with Him),


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being people having been rooted (or: having been caused to take root) – even ones being constantly and progressively built upon The House (i.e., added to the structure) – within Him; also being folks repeatedly made steadfast and progressively stabilized with good footing within the faith (or: confirmed by the conviction; made secure for trust and loyalty), just as you are taught (or: were instructed), continuously superabounding (being surrounded by more than enough) within it – within gratitude and thanksgiving (or: in an expression of the ease and goodness of grace, as well as the well-being of favor).


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Keep watching out for and beware that someone will not be the one progressively (or: repeatedly) carrying you off captive (after stripping you of arms and seizing your goods, proceed in kidnapping you as booty or a prey) through the philosophy and empty seduction (or: a deceitful trick having no content) being handed down from and being in line with the tradition of the people (or: corresponding to the thing handed along from humans), down from (or: in line with and corresponding to) the elementary principles (or: rudimentary teachings and fundamental assumptions) of the organized System (the world of culture, religion, government, secular society or economy), and not down from Christ (or: in accord with the sphere of, and in line with, Christ; corresponding to an Anointing),


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because within Him all the effect of the fullness of the Deity (the result of the filling from the Godship and feminine aspect of the Divine Nature) is repeatedly corporeally (or: bodily, as a whole; embodied; as a body) settling down and progressively taking up permanent residence (or: is continuously dwelling in person),


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and you folks, being ones having been filled up (or: made full), are (or: exist) continuously within, and in union with, Him, Who is (or: exists being) <n>[other MSS: the One being]</n> the Head of (or: the Source of) all government and authority (or: of every beginning and right; of all rule and privilege which comes from being),


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within Whom you folks were also circumcised (or: in union with Whom you are cut around and off) by (or: in; to; with) a circumcision not done by hands (not handmade): in the sinking out and away from (or: the stripping off and undressing of; the going out and away from) the body of the flesh (= the corporate body of the Jewish religion and national heritage; or: = the natural body, or, the body pertaining to the natural realm; or: = the estranged human nature and alienated self) – in the circumcision of the Christ (in Christ's circumcision; in the circumcision which was done to Christ; or: in the circumcision which is the Anointing),


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


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


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


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after Himself causing the sinking out and away of (or: stripping off and away <n>[of power and abilities]</n>; undressing <n>[them of arms and glory]</n>; putting off and laying away <n>[of categories and classifications]</n>; 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 <n>[i.e., the cross]</n>. (or: Undressing Himself {or: Stripping <n>[them]</n> 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}.)


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Therefore, do not let anyone habitually pass judgment on you (or: make decisions for you) in <n>[matters of]</n> eating and drinking, nor in a part of a festival, or of a new moon, or of sabbaths (= concerning things that are of a religious nature),


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which things are a shadow of the things being about to be (or: of the impending), yet now the body belongs to the Christ (or: So we see, the body is Christ; or: Now the body has its origin in the Christ; or: Yet the body has the character and qualities of <n>[the]</n> Anointed; <n>[note: A.T. Robertson sees in this construction "the body" {figure of: "the substance"} as casting the shadow; Vincent is similar]</n>).


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Let no one be acting as an umpire, or an arbiter in the public games, so as to decide down against you, or to disqualify you, in regard to the prize (or: to award the prize <n>[to you]</n> unjustly – Eduard Lohse) – in lowness of understanding, intellect, frame of mind and deportment, continuously wanting <n>[you]</n> also <n>[to be]</n> in ritual-relating to the agents (or: constantly delighting in religious activity originating from the messengers <n>[note: e.g., old covenant rituals]</n>; or: repeatedly taking pleasure by cultic religious service about, or external worship of or through the "angels"), while continuously stepping randomly and rashly into (or: entering purposelessly, thoughtlessly or feignedly into; or: = being initiated into) things which he has <n>[other MSS: he has not]</n> seen <n>[note: this may refer to being initiated into cultic secrets or mysteries]</n>, progressively being made natural and instinctual by the inner senses and perceptions of his flesh (or: habitually being puffed up under <n>[the influence of]</n> the mind of his flesh <n>[= his natural abilities and conditions, or by his alienated self, or by the human nature that has been conformed to the System]</n>),


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and thus not continuously (or: terminating the continuum of) getting strength from (or: apprehending and becoming strong by) the Head (or: the Source), from out of Whom all the body (or: the entire body) – being constantly fully furnished and supplied to excess with funds and nourishment, and progressively joined cohesively (welded together; knitted and compacted together; united and made to go together as in mounting for copulation) through the instrumentality of the joints (connections; junctures; fastenings) and links (things bound together, as by ligaments) – goes on growing and increasing God's growth (or: the growth of God; the growth having its source in God; the growth pertaining to God; the growth and increase which is God; or: the growth from God).


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


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"You should not (or: may not) touch (handle; light or kindle), nor yet should you (or: may you) taste by sipping (= partake of or enjoy), nor yet should you (or: may you) come into contact!"


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– which are all things <n>[that are proceeding]</n> into decay and ruin (thus: corruption) by consuming and being used up or misused – down from and corresponding to the effects of commands (or: on the level of the results of purposed directives and imparted instructions), as well as teachings and trainings, of humans (whose source is mankind; from people)?


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– which things, indeed, having a message (a word; an expression; may = a promise or reputation) of wisdom in self-imposed observance of ritual or self-willed form of worship, and in humility (= self-abasement), even in asceticism (unsparing) of <n>[the]</n> body, <n>[yet are]</n> not of any value or worth <n>[and lead]</n> toward a filling up of the flesh to the point of satiation (= a gratification of the alienated self; = a satisfying of the estranged human nature; or: = a bringing of religious works to the full; or: <n>[and have]</n> no honor, facing a fullness and plenty which are flesh; or: = are worthless, with a view to having enough in the natural realm)!


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


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Be constantly minding (thinking about; setting your disposition and sentiments toward; paying regard to) the upward things (or: the things above), not the things upon the earth,


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for you folks died, and your life has been hidden so that it is now concealed together with the Christ, within the midst of God (or: in union with God).


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Whenever the Christ, our life <n>[other MSS: your life]</n>, may be brought to light (or: should be manifested), you folks also will proceed being brought to light (or: will keep on being manifested), together with Him, within the midst of glory (or: in union with a manifestation which calls forth praise; or: in a good reputation; or: = in His manifest presence). (or: When Christ, the Anointing, can be manifested, then your life – even you yourself, together with Him – will continue being manifested in His manifest presence).


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Make dead (Put into a state of deadness; Deaden; = Kill), therefore, the <n>[other MSS: your]</n> members (body parts; = aspects of your life) upon the earth (= that pertain to this earthly existence): prostitution (fornication; sexual immorality), uncleanness, <n>[unbridled]</n> passion (<n>[uncontrolled]</n> feeling or <n>[excessive]</n> emotion), worthless over-desire (rushing upon bad things; obsessive evil cravings), and the desire to have more and gain advantage over another (or: selfish, greedy, grasping thoughts and behavior) – which is idolatry (the worship of forms, shapes, images or figures; or: service to pagan concepts)


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– because of which things God's inherent fervor (natural impulse and propensity; internal swelling and teeming passion of desire; or: anger; wrath) is repeatedly (or: continuously; progressively) coming <n>[other MSS add: upon the sons of The Disobedience (or: those having the condition of being unpersuaded; or: the stubbornness); note: “the disobedience” could refer to Adam and Eve eating from the tree, and thus, the “sons of the disobedience” could refer to all of mankind]</n> –


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within which things you folks also at one time (once; formerly) walked about (= lived your lives), when you were living within these things.


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But now, you folks as well, at once put all these things away from <n>[you, as of clothes put off and laid away]</n> (or: set off; = renounce or get rid of): inherent fervor (or: So at this time you yourselves in one stroke set away and get rid of all the <n>[following]</n>: even natural impulse, propensity, internal swelling and teeming desire; or: Yet now, you people at once lay aside all intense anger, rage and wrath), strong passion (rushing of emotions; outbursts of rage), worthlessness (poorness of quality; influence of the bad; hateful intentions), <n>[and]</n> from out of your mouth: blasphemy (abusive and injurious talk; slander) <n>[and]</n> foul-mouthed abuse (obscenity; ugly words; deformed and shameful language).


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Do not keep on (or: Stop) lying unto one another! <n>[Be]</n> folks at once stripping off from yourselves (undressing yourselves from; or: go out and away from) the old humanity (the old human; = the old Adam), together with its practices,


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and then <n>[be]</n> 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),


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wherein (or: in which place) there is no Greek <n>[figure of the multitudes who are non-Jews, and of those who are cultured and civilized]</n> and Jew <n>[figure of a covenant people of God]</n>, circumcision and uncircumcision <n>[figure for religious in-groups and out-groups; there is no longer a covenant people versus non-covenant people]</n>, barbarian <n>[foreigner who speaks a different language]</n>, Scythian <n>[figure or example of wild, uncivilized groups]</n>, slave, freeman, but to the contrary, Christ <n>[is]</n> all, and within all (or: Christ <n>[is]</n> all humanity, and within all mankind; or: Christ <n>[is]</n> everything or all things, and within everything and all things; <n>[note: the Greek is plural, and is either masculine, signifying “mankind,” or neuter, signifying all creation, in these phrases]</n>).


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Therefore, as God's chosen, set-apart and beloved ones (or: God’s sacred, loved and chosen people; or: as elect... ones from God), clothe yourselves with (or: enter within) bowels (internal organs; = the tender parts; seat of deep feelings) of compassion, kindness (adaptable usefulness), humility (the minding and disposition of things of lowness or of low station), gentleness (meekness; mildness), waiting long before rushing with emotions (even-temperedness; long-suffering; = putting up with people and situations for a long time),


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being folks continuously holding up <n>[things or situations]</n> pertaining to one another (or: habitually holding yourselves up, belonging to one another; constantly putting up with one another) and incessantly giving grace to or doing a favor for (dealing graciously with and among) yourselves, if ever anyone may continue having (or: holding) a complaint toward someone. Just as the Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh; some MSS: Christ; Aleph* & some Vulgate MSS read: God]</n> also gave (or: gives) grace to and favor for you (deals graciously in, with and among you folks), thus also you folks <n>[do the same]</n>.


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Now upon (= on top of) all these things <n>[put on; superimpose]</n> the Love, which continues being (or: is) a joining link and uniting band of perfection (a tie which binds together and pertains to the goal of maturity, being the result of fruitfulness; <n>[the]</n> fastening connection of the finished product; <n>[the]</n> bond producing perfection and destiny; a binding conjunction which brings union, which is the goal).


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


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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 <n>[other MSS: of God; of {the} Lord]</n>) 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 <n>[it]</n> and placing <n>[it]</n> 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 <n>[other MSS: to {the} Lord]</n>, in union with the grace resident within your hearts {= the core of your being}).


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And everything – whatsoever you may be habitually doing, in word or in action (within a thought or message, or within a work or deed) – <n>[do]</n> everything (all; all things) within and in union with <n>[the]</n> Name of <n>[the]</n> Lord, Jesus <n>[other MSS: of Jesus Christ; others: of {the} Lord, Jesus Christ]</n>, constantly giving thanks (expressing gratitude) to Father God (or: in union with God, <n>[the]</n> Father) through Him.


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Wives, be habitually aligned to humbly support (or, as a middle: place and arrange yourselves in order, under) <n>[your]</n> husbands (or: Women, continue subjecting yourselves to the adult males <n>[note: this was culturally appropriate at that time]</n>), in the same way as there has progressively come again to be a connection in <n>[the]</n> Lord (or: since there has been an arrival back in union with <n>[our]</n> Master and Owner).


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Husbands, habitually love <n>[your]</n> 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).


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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.


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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).


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Slaves, in regard to all things continue submissively hearing, paying attention and being constantly obedient to those <n>[being]</n> 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 <n>[= Yahweh or Christ; <i>p</i>46 & other MSS: God]</n>.


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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 <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> and not for people (to mankind),


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having seen, and thus, knowing that you folks will receive back from the Lord <n>[Yahweh or Christ]</n> 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) <n>[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]</n>.


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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).


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Owners (Masters; Lords), continuously hold at your side and present the right (the just; the fair; the equitable) and the equal (what is the same as something else) to and for <n>[your]</n> slaves – <n>[from]</n> having seen, and thus knowing, that you folks also continuously have an Owner (Master; Lord) within heaven (or: <n>[the]</n> atmosphere; <n>[other MSS: {the} heavens {or: atmospheres}]</n>).


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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 <n>[in situations]</n>) within an expression of gratitude (or: thanksgiving), continuously watching and remaining awake and alert in it,


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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 <n>[B G F read: Whom]</n>, also, I have been bound (or: tied; = imprisoned),


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so that I may set it <n>[i.e., the secret]</n> in clear light (can bring it to light; would manifest it), as it is continuously binding me (making it necessary for me) to speak.


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Be habitually walking about within wisdom (= living your lives in union with Wisdom): toward those outside (or: to outsiders; = those not a part of the called-out community), being ones constantly buying for yourselves – as from out of the market place – the fitting situation (or: redeeming the season within yourselves; purchasing the fertile moment for yourselves; or: = making the best use of the opportunity in the public concourse),


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<n>[with]</n> your word (your conversation; your message) – at all times within grace (or: = always favorable) – being one having been prepared and fitted by salt (or: seasoned in salt; or: = one being interesting and not insipid), <n>[and for you]</n> to have seen, and thus be aware, how it continues binding for you folks to be habitually answering each person with discernment (or: making a decided reply to or separating <n>[issues]</n> away in order to respond with a decision for each individual).


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


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whom I send toward you folks unto this very thing, so that you might intimately become acquainted with the things about (or: concerning) us <n>[with other MSS: so that he may come to intimately experience and know the things about and concerning you]</n>, 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).


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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.


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Aristarchus, my fellow captive (the one taken at spear-point, together with me), continues embracing and greeting you folks, as does Mark, cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you received goal-oriented directions <n>[that]</n> if he should ever come to you, receive (accept and hospitably welcome) him,


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and Jesus, the one habitually being designated (or: termed) Justus – these being the only folks from among (or: out forth from) the Circumcision (= Jews of the Jewish religion) <n>[who are]</n> fellow workers <n>[laboring]</n> into God's reign and kingdom – which folks came to be a soothing emollient (a consoling exhortation; a solace) to me (for me; in me).


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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 <n>[the circumstances of]</n> you folks, within prayers (speaking to having goodness and well-being), to the end that you can stand <n>[other MSS: would at once be set and placed]</n> <n>[as]</n> 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.


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You see, I am presently bearing witness for him that he constantly has (or: continuously holds) toil-caused pain (misery; travail; anguish) over you folks and those within Laodicea, and the people within Hierapolis.


text:
Embrace and greet the brothers within Laodicea, also Nympha and the called-out gathering (or: community) that corresponds to her <n>[other MSS: from their]</n> house.


text:
And whenever the letter (or: epistle) may be read (caused to be known again) beside you (= in your presence and to you), you folks make an arrangement to the end that it may also be read within the set-apart community of the Laodiceans; and so that you folks may also read the one from out of Laodicea.


text:
And say to Archippus, "Be constantly observing and seeing to the attending service which you received and took to your side, within <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n>, to the end that you may make it full (or: fulfill it)."


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


text:
Paul, Silvanus (or: = Silas; D reads: Silbanos), and Timothy, to the called-out community of the Thessalonians within, and in union with, God our Father, even (or: and) <n>[the]</n> Lord Jesus Christ: grace and peace (or: joyous favor and harmony with the absence of conflict; = shalom <n>[peace and prosperity]</n>) to you <n>[other MSS add: from God, our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: God our Father, and {the} Owner, Jesus {the} Anointed)]</n>.


text:
We are continuously experiencing the well-being of grace in God, and are mindful of the favor of goodness and ease with God, always, which encircles and surrounds all of you (or: We are constantly always expressing gratitude and feeling thankful to and for God concerning you all), continuously making mention of you folks upon our thinking and speaking towards having things be well (or: remembering and being mindful of you people at <n>[times of]</n> our prayers) in regard to


text:
your incessantly remembering (or: being mindful, without leaving-off throughout,) of our Lord Jesus Christ's act of faith (process of trust; work from loyalty), wearisome smiting and toil of love, and persistent patient endurance from expectation, in front of our God and Father (or: ...upon our prayers, unceasingly mentioning, in the presence of our God and Father, the process of your faith {or: the work which is conviction and trust} and love's exhausting toil {or: the hard labor which is love}, and <n>[your]</n> steadfast remaining under for support of our Lord Jesus Christ's expectation {or: the expectant hope which are our Lord Jesus, <n>[the]</n> Anointed}).


text:
Brothers (= Fellow believers; = <n>[My]</n> family), folks having been and still being loved by God, knowing and perceiving your election (your being picked out; your being chosen, arranged, gathered or spoken, out of the midst),


text:
how that the message of the goodness of our God (or: our God's good news; the message of ease and well-being, which is God) was not birthed into you within word or thought only, but rather also within power and ability, even within a set-apart Breath-effect (or: in union with <n>[the]</n> Holy Spirit; in the midst of <n>[the]</n> Sacred Breath), as well as in much assurance having been brought to full measure, according as you have seen and perceived (or: by extensive absolute-certainty and with much bearing and wearing to the full, just as you know and are aware). Of such sort we were birthed (produced; brought to be) to, for and among you for your sakes (because of you folks),


text:
and within much pressure (or: squeezing; oppression) you yourselves were birthed (produced, made to be) imitators of us and of the Lord, receiving (taking in hand) the Word (or: idea; thought; message;) with <n>[the]</n> joy of <n>[the]</n> set-apart Breath-effect (or: from <n>[the]</n> Holy Spirit; or: the Sacred Breath's joy; or: accompanied by gracious joy which is a sacred attitude),


text:
so then to produce and birth you as patterns for (models to) all those constantly trusting and progressively believing – while being loyal – within Macedonia and within Achaia.


text:
You see, from you the Word of the Lord (or: <n>[Yahweh’s or Christ’s]</n> message) has been loudly sounded forth not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but even within every place your faith toward God has gone forth (or: out), so that we have no need to be speaking anything!


text:
For they themselves are continuously reporting concerning us of what sort an entrance (or: introduction) we had toward you, and how you turned about toward God from the idols (forms; images seen; external appearances; pagan concepts and world views) to continuously be a slave to, for and with the living and true (or: real) God,


text:
even to constantly dwell and remain (or: abide) back up again (or: fully lodge; or: stay up) <n>[with]</n> His Son – <n>[living]</n> from out of the heavens! (or: His Son, whose origin is from the midst of the atmospheres) – Whom He raised from out of the midst of dead folks, Jesus, the One constantly rescuing (or: repeatedly and progressively dragging) us to Himself from out of the midst of (other MSS: away from) the repeatedly (or: periodically; continuously; progressively) coming violent emotions (inherent fervor; mental disposition of teeming desire; passionate impulse; or: anger; internal teeming & agitation; outburst of rage; wrath).


text:
For you yourselves have seen and perceived (thus: know; are aware), brothers (= fellow members of the Body), that our entrance (or: way into; introduction) toward you has not been produced, birthed or come to be empty (without contents; = useless or without results),


text:
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, <n>[proceeding at once]</n> 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).


text:
You see, our calling alongside to assist (our admonition and encouragement; our work as paracletes) <n>[is]</n> not out of wandering (from being led astray; from deception), neither out of uncleanness, nor yet within a bait for entrapping or with guile or craftiness,


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


text:
For neither did we at any time come to be flattering in word, according as you saw and are aware, neither within pretense (held-forward specious cloak) from greed: God is witness!


text:
Neither <n>[are we]</n> continuously seeking glory (or: a reputation) from among people (humans) – neither from you, nor from others – all the while being able <n>[to be]</n> burdensome (or: as constantly having power in weighty <n>[matters]</n>), as representatives of Christ (or: emissaries of <n>[the]</n> Anointed One; sent-off folks from <n>[the Messiah]</n>).


text:
But rather, we were birthed babes (or: became infants; <n>[other MSS: we were made to become gentle and kind ones]</n>) within the midst of you folks, as whenever a nursing mother would constantly or repeatedly cuddle to impart warmth to her own children.


text:
Thus, continuously being your affectionately "attached-ones" (ones having a like-flow <n>[of nourishment from our Nursing Mother]</n>), we were habitually delighted (thinking it good; well-pleased) to share or impart to you not only God's message of goodness and well-being <n>[other MSS: the good news which is Christ]</n>, but rather even our own souls (= inner beings and lives; or: = selves), because you have been birthed (or: come to be) beloved ones to us (or: folks loved by us; or: = very dear to us, accepted by us and appreciated by us).


text:
For you are remembering, brothers (= fellow believers), our exhausting labor (or: = the trouble to which we went; toil; hardship; or: beating) and hard work, continuously working night and day towards not being burdensome (or: a weight) upon any of you, <n>[and]</n> after the manner of a herald we proclaimed God's message of goodness (the good news from God; or: the message of ease and well-being which is God) into the midst of (or: unto) you folks.


text:
You and God <n>[are]</n> witnesses of how appropriately and loyally (or: benignly; in accord with universal law), justly (or: fairly; rightwisedly), and blamelessly we were caused to be to you (or: for you folks), the ones continuously trusting and believing with loyal conviction.


text:
With reference to which you have seen and are aware of how <n>[we treated]</n> each one of you folks, continually calling you alongside to give assistance or relief and to exhort or encourage (perform as a paraclete), as well as speaking gentle influence and comfort at your side, as a father <n>[to]</n> his own children,


text:
even continuously giving evidence (witnessing; confirming by testimony) unto you folks to be continuously walking about worthily of the God (= living your lives in a manner equal in value with regard to the God) <n>[Who is]</n> continuously calling (or: repeatedly inviting) you people into His own kingdom (or: reign; sovereign influence and activity) and glory (or: a manifestation which calls forth praise; or: reputation; or: opinion and imagination; or: = manifest presence).


text:
And so, on account of this, we ourselves also continuously give thanks to God (or: affirm the goodness of the grace and favor in God) by an unvarying practice (or: incessantly; unintermittingly), because in receiving (or: taking to <n>[your]</n> side; accepting) God's word and message, from a hearing from us at our side, you welcomingly accepted not a word of or from people (or: a human message), but rather, according as it really and truly is, a word of God (God's message; an idea from God; a thought which is God), Which (or: Who) also (or: even) is continuously in-working (being active; operating; energizing) within and among you folks – those continuously trusting and progressively believing with loyalty.


text:
For you, brothers (= fellow believers), were birthed (or: were made to be) imitators of God's called-out folks (or: summoned forth communities) – the ones within Christ being (or: existing) in Judea – because you also at one point experienced (or: suffered) the very same things by (or: under) your own fellow-tribesmen, just as they also <n>[did]</n> by (or: under) the Jews (= the religious leaders of Judaism),


text:
even from those killing-off the Lord Jesus, as well as the prophets; even from those driving us out and continuously displeasing God, and from folks contrary to (or: in opposition against) all humans (or: people),


text:
while continuously forbidding us (cutting us off; preventing us) to speak to the nations (the ethnic groups; the non-Israelite multitudes; the Gentiles) – to the end that they may be delivered (saved; rescued; healed and made whole) – always <n>[proceeding]</n> unto that which fills up their own failures (errors; deviations; sins)! But inherent fervor (or: swelling passion; teeming desire; or: anger; wrath; agitation of soul) advances upon them unto a purpose (or: on into <n>[the]</n> final act; or: in the end; on into the midst of a destined goal).


text:
Now we, brothers, being deprived (or: orphaned; bereaved; torn-away) from you for a fitting situation of an hour (or: for an hour's season; = for a short spell, during a specific situation) – by face (= in presence), not by or in heart – we more exceedingly made diligent haste to see your face, in much full-desire (or: added passion)!


text:
On that account we intended (purposed, willed) to come toward you – indeed I, Paul, once, even twice – and the adversary (or: "the accuser;" = the enemy or opposer; satan; <n>[note: perhaps a code name for the hostile Jews, as in <a class='xref' href='bRev. 2:9'>Rev. 2:9</a> and 3:9]</n>) struck within us (cut in on us; = cut across our path; or: travailed and wearily toiled among us).


text:
For who (or: what) is our expectation (or: expectant hope) or joy, or shall continue being a crown (victor's wreath; encirclement) of boasting and glorying in front of our Lord Jesus, in His presence (or: in the place facing toward our Master, Jesus, within the midst of His being present alongside <n>[us]</n>), if not even you folks?


text:
For you see, you yourselves are our glory (or: our reputation; our manifestation which calls forth praise) and joy!


text:
Wherefore (or: For this reason), no longer keeping a lid on <n>[our desires]</n> (or: bearing it no longer), we thought it a good idea to be left down alone in Athens,


text:
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 <n>[situation]</n> of your trust and faith (or: conviction and loyalty),


text:
that no one be continuously wagged as a tail (= shaken or agitated) within these pressures (contractions, constrictions; oppressions), for you yourselves have seen and are aware that we are continually laid into (= repeatedly destined and set for) this!


text:
You see, even when we were with you we were predicting (laying it out and telling beforehand) to you that, "we are about to be continuously pressed (or: squeezed; oppressed), " just as it was even birthed (or: also came to be), and you have seen and know.


text:
On account of this I also, no longer keeping a lid on <n>[my desires]</n> (= when I could bear it no longer), sent to find out about your faith, trust and loyalty, lest (or: in case) somehow the One continuously putting <n>[folks]</n> to the proof (or: the trier; <n>[note: this could refer to God, or to one of His instruments, as with Job]</n>) put you to the proof (tried or tested you), and our exhausting labor (or: = the trouble to which we went; toil; hardship; or: beating) may be birthed into a void (or: come to be <n>[entered]</n> into an empty place; or: exist in vain; = be to no purpose).


text:
Yet at the present moment, Timothy, upon coming to us from you and announcing the good news (message of ease and well-being) to us of your faith and love, <n>[said]</n> that you always continuously hold (or: have) a good remembrance of us, continuously having strong desire to see us – even as we also you!


text:
On account of this, brothers (= folks who are as family), on <n>[the occasions of]</n> all our choking necessity and pressure, by means of the ministry of a paraclete (or: the Paraclete) we were comforted and encouraged through your faith, trust and loyalty,


text:
so that now we can be (or: are) living, since (or: if ever) you continue standing firm in (and: in union with) <n>[the]</n> Lord.


text:
For now, what gratitude (or: expression of the goodness of grace and favor) we continue able to give back to God in return – concerning you folks, upon <n>[the occasion of]</n> all the joy for which (or: in which) we are continually rejoicing because of you – before (or: in front of; in the place facing toward and in the presence of) our God,


text:
while night and day, over-excessively repeatedly begging regarding our need to see your face (= to see you face to face), and then to freshly adjust to correspondence (or: thoroughly equip, fit, knit together, mend and bring into agreement) the things lacking (the shortcomings or deficiencies) of your faith and with regard to your loyal trust!


text:
But our God and Father Himself, even our Lord Jesus, might suddenly make <n>[note: verb is 3rd person singular; = He might guide]</n> our road (path; way) straight toward (or: to) you folks.


text:
Now the Lord <n>[=Yahweh or Christ]</n> might at some point make you increase (or: be more than enough; be augmented; <n>[note: in quality and/or quantity]</n>), even to be abundantly surrounded and furnished (to super-abound) by love (or: to love; for love; in love; with love) unto each other and into everyone (or: all mankind), even as we also into you,


text:
to establish (firmly fix; set fast) your hearts blameless and without defect (or: to make stable your unblamable hearts) in set-apartness (or: holiness; sacredness) in front of our God and Father, within the presence of our Lord Jesus with all His set-apart folks (holy peoples; sacred ones).


text:
The remainder (What is left; or: Finally), then, brothers (= fellow believers), we are continuously asking and calling you alongside to encourage, exhort and comfort you folks in the Lord Jesus, according as you took to your side (or: received and accepted) from us how (or: in what manner) it is binding <n>[for; upon]</n> you to normally walk about (= live your lives) and to be continuously pleasing to God – just as you are even now continuously walking about – to the end that you would progressively superabound to a greater extent (or: can rather habitually excel and surround <n>[yourselves]</n> by more than enough).


text:
For you have seen and are aware what instructions (messages alongside) we gave to you through the Lord Jesus.


text:
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 <n>[note: figuratively, the worship of idols or false religions, and a break from covenant]</n>.


text:
Each one of you <n>[is]</n> to have seen and thus learned how, know and be aware of his own equipment (gear; utensils; instruments; vessel; = means of making a living), to progressively acquire (procure for one's self) in set-apartness (or: holiness) and honor (value, worth),


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


text:
Thus, no one is to be continuously overstepping and have more (hold advantage) in his brother's affair (result of doing; transaction-effect; development from a matter; = cheat his fellow believers in business dealings), because <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> <n>[is]</n> a maintainer of right (an executor of justice and equity from the Way pointed out) concerning all these people and things, just as we also told you before and certified with solemn witness throughout.


text:
For God did not call us on the basis of uncleanness (or: does not invite us <n>[to be]</n> on <n>[a path lived in]</n> a soiled condition or a dirty environment), but rather within the sphere of set-apartness (or: sacred difference; = in a manner commensurate to covenant living).


text:
Consequently, then, the person continuously setting aside (or: displacing) is not setting aside (or: displacing; or: = disregarding) a human (or: person), but God, even the One continuously giving His Sacred Breath into us (or: repeatedly imparting His Spirit, the Holy One, unto us; constantly gifting His set-apart Breath-effect <n>[to flow]</n> into us).


text:
But now concerning loving one like a brother (or: brotherly love; = fondness for fellow believers), we have no need to continually write to you, for you yourselves are folks continuously taught by God (God-taught ones) to continuously love each other,


text:
for you are even continuously doing this unto all of those brothers within the whole of Macedonia. But we are constantly calling you alongside (to encourage, urge, exhort and comfort you), brothers, to progressively superabound to a greater extent (or: rather to habitually excel and surround <n>[yourselves]</n> by more than enough <n>[brotherly affection]</n>).


text:
and then to habitually be fond of honor and value <n>[and]</n> to be repeatedly quiet (or: to be progressively ambitious to live in settled peace), and by habit to be engaged (or: involved) in your own affairs (or: matters), and then to constantly work with your own hands (idiom: = work at it actively), according as we commanded to you,


text:
to the intent that you may continuously walk about in good form (= live your life respectably) toward those without (with a view to outsiders; = face to face with those that are not a part of your community), and then you would continually have need of nothing.


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


text:
For you see, since (or: if) we habitually believe that Jesus died and then arose (or: stood up again), thus (in this manner) also, through Jesus, God will continue (or: be repeatedly and progressively) leading together with Him the folks being made to sleep.


text:
For this we are continuously saying to you in a word of the Lord (or: in the Lord's Word; in a message which is <n>[the]</n> Lord; or: in union with an idea from <n>[our]</n> Owner), that we, the presently living (or: the ones continuing to live) – the folks presently continuing to be left around unto the presence of the Lord (or: into the midst of the Lord's <n>[= Christ's or Yahweh's]</n> presence) – can by no means advance before (precede; have advantage over; outstrip) the folks being made to sleep,


text:
because the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> Himself will continue habitually descending (or: repeatedly descend) from <n>[the]</n> atmosphere (or: heaven) within the midst of (or: in union with) a shout of command, within the midst of <n>[the]</n> Chief Agent's (or: in union with an original messenger's or a chief and ruling agent’s) voice, and within the midst of (or: in union with) God’s trumpet <n>[note: figure of a message or a directive for action]</n>, and the dead people within Christ (or: in union with <n>[the]</n> Anointed One) will continue raising themselves up first (or: will one-after-another be standing up again in <n>[the or their]</n> first place).


text:
Thereupon (or: After that; As a next step) we, the presently living folks, the ones presently continuing to be left around, will – at the same time, together with them – proceed being seized and snatched away within clouds (or: carried off by force, in union with clouds,) into the midst of <n>[the]</n> air (the air that we breathe in; the mist; the haze; the atmosphere around us; <n>[note: this would be in the earth's lower atmosphere, the place where there is air]</n>) – into the Lord's meeting (<n>[Christ’s or Yahweh’s]</n> encounter; an encountering which is the Lord). And thus (in this way and such a manner) shall we always continue being (or: continue existing at all times) together with <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n>.


text:
So that (or: Consequently) you must constantly call each other alongside to give relief, encouragement and comfort, as a paraclete, within these words (or: thoughts; reasons).


text:
But concerning the times and the fitting situations (or: specific seasons or occasions; fertile periods; mature moments), brothers (= fellow believers), you have no need <n>[for it]</n> to be continually written to you,


text:
for you yourselves are accurately aware (know exactly from having seen) that a day of, from and which is the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> thus continually comes (is habitually and repeatedly coming and going; is presently coming) as a thief in a night (or: within <n>[the]</n> night). <n>[comment: the day of Yahweh was a term that figured a time of judging and hard times, in the Old Testament; e.g., <i>cf</i> <a class='xref' href='bJoel 1:15'>Joel 1:15</a> and 2:1-2; <a class='xref' href='bJer. 30:7'>Jer. 30:7</a>; <a class='xref' href='bAmos 5:18'>Amos 5:18</a>; Zeph. 1:14-18]</n>


text:
So whenever they may be repeatedly saying, "Peace and security from falling (or: safety; stability), " then (at that time) sudden and unexpected ruin (or: a surprise of destruction) is presently standing upon them, just as the birth-pang for the pregnant woman (or: to the one having <n>[a child]</n> in the womb), and they may by no means flee out or make an escape.


text:
Yet you yourselves, brothers (= believers), are not continuously in darkness (dimness from being in a shadow; obscurity of gloom; absence of daylight) to the end that the day may (or: would) suddenly take you down (grasp or seize you in a corresponding manner) as a thief,


text:
for you see, you all are (or: exist being) sons of (= associated with and having the qualities of) Light and sons of (= associated with and having qualities of) Day! We are not (or: do not exist) of night, nor of darkness (or: we do not belong to or have the characteristics of night, nor to or of dim obscurity from shadows and gloom).


text:
Consequently, then, we may not continuously fall asleep <n>[into death? in awareness?]</n> even as the rest (= as other folks), but rather, we can and should continuously be aroused and stirred up from sleep <n>[comment: thus, awake to be alertly watchful; also a figure for being alive]</n> and sober (or: clear-headed).


text:
You see, the folks continuously falling asleep (or: drowsing) are sleeping at (or: from <n>[the]</n>) night, and the ones continuously being made drunk are becoming drunk at (or: from <n>[the]</n>) night.


text:
We, on the other hand, being of Day (belonging to and having characteristics of <n>[the]</n> Day; having <n>[the]</n> 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),


text:
because God Himself did not (or: does not) place or set us into anger (inherent fervor; violent emotion; wrath; or: teeming, passionate desire), but rather, into an encompassing of deliverance (or: unto establishing a perimeter of safety; into making health and wholeness encircle <n>[us]</n>; into the forming of an encompassing salvation around <n>[us]</n>) through our Lord, Jesus Christ –


text:
the One dying concerning and on behalf of us (or: = while encompassing our <n>[situation]</n>; <n>[other MSS: over our {situation}]</n>), to the end that whether we can or would exist being continuously awake (attentively watching) or continuously falling asleep <n>[note: a metaphor for "being alive or being dead"]</n>, we can at the same time be alive (or: live) together with Him (= share His life).


text:
Wherefore, keep on calling each other to <n>[your]</n> side (to encourage, aid, urge, comfort or exhort), and by habit let one person build up (or: edify) the <n>[other]</n> person <n>[comment: a one-on-one endeavor]</n>, just as you are even continuously doing.


text:
Now we are continuously asking you, brothers (= fellow-believers), to have seen (or: observed) and thus know and perceive those normally toiling wearily among you folks and continuously making themselves to stand before you (placing or setting themselves before you; or: presiding over you) and then continuously putting <n>[their]</n> mind in you (or: putting you in mind; or: admonishing you) in <n>[the]</n> Lord,


text:
and to continuously lead them above, from out of an abundance in love (or: lead the mind through a reasoning process to the conclusion to consider them exceedingly distinguished, in union with love) because of their work. Keep on being at peace (or: cultivate harmony <n>[= shalom]</n>) among yourselves.


text:
But we are continually calling you to <n>[our]</n> side (to encourage, entreat and admonish), brothers: continually admonish and warn (put a mind into; or: put in mind) the disorderly ones (the unarranged; those out of line; those not in battle position or deserters); continually address (speak alongside persuasively to and cheer up) the little-souled folks (the small of soul; = the faint-hearted); continually hold yourselves directly opposite (or: hold against one's self; or: = stand your ground as a shield in front of) the folks without strength (the weak ones); continually be longsuffering and tolerant (patient; long-passioned; long before breathing violently) toward everyone (or: all mankind).


text:
Make it a habit to see (or: observe) <n>[that]</n> no one may (or: would) give back (render, discharge, repay) evil in place of evil (or: something ugly as opposition to something ugly; worthlessness in exchange for worthlessness; what not ought to be in return for what not ought to be; poor quality for poor quality; wrongdoing with wrongdoing; injury in the face of injury) to anyone, but to the contrary, continue to always pursue (follow rapidly; run swiftly to acquire; chase after) the good (the excellent; the virtuous) unto <n>[the benefit of]</n> each other as well as unto all people.


text:
Be continuously rejoicing – always (or: = Find joy in every <n>[situation]</n>; Always express constant joy)!


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


text:
Within the midst of everything, be continuously giving thanks (or: In union with all people, be habitually expressing the goodness of grace and the well-being from favor), for this is God's intent (will, purpose) unto you in Christ Jesus (or: <n>[proceeding]</n> into the midst of you folks, in union with <n>[the]</n> Anointed Jesus).


text:
Do not continually make nothing out of (set at naught, despise or scorn) prophecies (expressions of light ahead of time),


text:
but be continuously examining and putting all things to the proof (or: yet habitually test every person) – <n>[then]</n> constantly hold tightly to the beautiful, the ideal, the fine!


text:
Habitually hold yourself away (or: abstain) from every form (external appearance; shape; figure) of what is useless and unprofitable, or brings wearisome labor, or is mischievous, malicious, harmful or disadvantageous (or: from evil's every form).


text:
Now may the God of peace Himself (or: Yet the very God who is peace and harmony <n>[= shalom]</n> can) set you folks apart <n>[being]</n> completely whole (or: wholly perfect; entirely mature; wholly finished and at the goal), and may your whole allotment (= every part) – the spirit, the soul and the body – be kept (guarded; watched over) blameless (without fault) within, and in union with, the presence of our Lord (Master; Owner), Jesus Christ.


text:
The One continuously calling you is faithful (trustworthy; loyal; full of faith and trust), Who will also perform (do, make, form, construct, create, produce)!


text:
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).


text:
Draw to yourselves and enfold in your arms all the brothers (= fellow believers) in a set-apart expression of affection (or: a holy kiss).


text:
I adjure (lay the duty on) you folks <n>[in; by]</n> the Lord <n>[that]</n> this letter (or: epistle) be read to (be made known again for; be recognized by) all the set-apart brothers (the sanctified <n>[fellow believers]</n>).


text:
The grace of and from our Lord (or: the favor which is our Lord), Jesus Christ, <n>[is]</n> with you. Amen (Count on it; It is so)! <n>[written circa A.D. 50 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
Paul, Silvanus (or: Silas), and Timothy, to the called-out community of <n>[the]</n> Thessalonians within God our Father, even (or: and) <n>[the]</n> Lord (or: in union with God, our Father and Lord), Jesus Christ:


text:
Grace and peace (or: Favor and harmony) to you from God, our Father and Lord (or: our Father, and <n>[the]</n> Lord), Jesus Christ (<n>[the]</n> Anointed)!


text:
We continue being indebted to be constantly expressing gratitude to God (or: We are continually owing <n>[it]</n> 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,


text:
so that we ourselves boast in you folks among God's summoned-forth ones (among those called-out of God; or: in union with God’s called-out communities) over your steadfast remaining under to give support (or: persistent patient endurance) and faith (or: loyalty; trust) within all your pursuits (or: chasings; or: persecutions; harassments) and the pressures (squeezings; constrictions; contractions; tribulations; oppressions; ordeals) which you habitually have again (or: sustain; hold up).


text:
<n>[This is]</n> a display-effect (result of pointing-out; demonstration) of God's fair and equitable (just; in accord with the Way pointed out) deciding (separating for an evaluation or a judging), <n>[leading]</n> unto your being accounted worthy (deemed of equal value) of God's kingdom (or: the sovereign reign which is God), over (or: on behalf of) which you are also constantly having sensible experiences (or: normally feeling emotions; or: repeatedly suffering),


text:
since in regard to a person who observes the Way pointed out – a rightwised person – <n>[it is right]</n> in the presence of God (or: if <n>[it is]</n>, after all, the right thing with and beside God <n>[= on God's part]</n>), to repay pressure (or: squeezing and oppression; ordeal; trouble) to those continuously pressuring (squeezing; oppressing; troubling) you folks,


text:
and to (or: for; in) you – the folks being continuously pressed – relaxation (ease; a relaxing of a state of constriction; relief), together with us, within the midst of the uncovering (the unveiling; the laying bare; the revelation; the disclosure) of the Lord Jesus from <n>[the]</n> atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), along with agents of His power (or: with His agents of ability) –


text:
within a fire, of flame <n>[with other MSS: in union with a blaze of fire]</n> continuously giving justice (or: repeatedly imparting the effects of fair and equitable dealings from out of the way pointed out, and the maintaining of right) among (or: for; in; with; to) those not knowing (or: perceiving) God, even among (or: for; in; with; to) those not continuously listening to or paying attention and obeying the message of goodness and well-being, which is our Lord, Jesus (or: which comes from and pertains to our Master and Owner: Jesus).


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


text:
whenever He may come and go, to be made glorious within (to be glorified in union with; to have a reputation within) His set-apart folks (holy and sacred people), and to be wondered at (marveled at; admired) within all the folks believing in that day, seeing that our testimony (or: evidence), <n>[being placed]</n> on you, was believed (received with faith) and is trusted.


text:
Unto which end we always continuously pray (think or speak toward having goodness, ease and well-being), also, concerning you in order that our God would account you worthy of the calling (or: of equal value to the invitation) and would fill (or: make full) every delight (pleasure, good thought) of virtue (excellence; goodness) and work of faith in power (or: and may make every good disposition of excellence and action of trust full, in union with ability),


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


text:
Now we are asking (or: requesting) you, brothers (= believers), over <n>[the subject of]</n> the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ (or: concerning our Master, Jesus Christ, <n>[being]</n> present), and our being gathered together (or: being fully led together and assembling) upon Him:


text:
in regard to this, you are not at any point to be quickly shaken (tossed, as by the sea, or caused to totter, like a reed) away from <n>[your]</n> mind (mental senses of perception; the ability to be aware and reason; wits; intelligent understanding), nor to be continuously alarmed (caused to cry aloud from nervousness or excitement), neither through a spirit (or: a breath-effect; an attitude), nor through a word (or: a thought; a message; a verbal communication), nor through a letter – as <n>[if]</n> by us – as though the Lord's Day (the Day of the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n>) has been set in place (placed in; made to stand in; has stood within so as to be here). <n>[comment: the day of Yahweh was a term that figured a time of judging and hard times, in the Old Testament; e.g., <i>cf</i> <a class='xref' href='bJoel 1:15'>Joel 1:15</a> and 2:1-2; <a class='xref' href='bJer. 30:7'>Jer. 30:7</a>; <a class='xref' href='bAmos 5:18'>Amos 5:18</a>; Zeph. 1:14-18]</n>


text:
May no one at any point beguile or seduce you folks from a deception – not even down from one turn (or: not according to one method; not in the sphere of a manner or disposition) – because should not the standing away from (the departure; the setting away; or: the rebellion; the revolt) come first, and thus the human from the lawlessness – the person of failure (some MSS: the Man who missed the mark – sinned; the human being with the qualities and character of error and mistake; <n>[other MSS: the person owned by lawlessness or associated with illegal acts]</n>) – be uncovered (unveiled; revealed; disclosed): the son of the loss (= the person having the qualities of, or the character resulting from, the destruction),


text:
the one continuously occupying an opposite position (or: constantly lying as the opposing counterpart) and repeatedly lifting (or: raising) himself up over all (or: upon everything) being normally called God or an effect of worship (or: reverent awe), so as to cause him to be seated – down into the midst of the temple of God (or: God's dwelling place) – continuously displaying himself, that this/it is God (or: continuously pointing out that he himself is a god)?


text:
And now you know (have seen and are aware of) the thing continuously holding down in a firm grasp (detaining, restraining) unto the <n>[situation for]</n> him to be uncovered (unveiled; disclosed) in his own fitting situation (or: proper occasion; suitable season; fertile moment).


text:
For the secret (hidden purpose; mystery) of the lawlessness (pertaining to the condition of being without law; which is the unlawfulness; having the character of being violation of the Law; whose source is the contrariness to custom) is already continuously working within (operating; energizing), <n>[yet]</n> only until the one (or: man; <n>[note: masculine article]</n>) continuously holding down in a firm grasp (detaining; restraining) at the present moment can birth himself (bring himself to be; = separate himself) forth from out of the midst.


text:
And then (at that time) the lawless person (the unlawful one; the one without law; the man who violates the Law; the person being contrary to custom) will be uncovered (unveiled; disclosed), whom the Lord Jesus will take back up again (or: lift up; reading 'anaireo' with Nestle, Tasker & Concordant texts; Griesbach & other MSS read 'analisko': consume, use up, expend) by the Spirit (Breath-effect) of His mouth, and will deactivate (render inoperative and useless; make inert) by the manifestation (the bringing of light upon and setting in full and clear view, causing an appearance) of his (or: its; or: His) presence –


text:
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),


text:
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 <n>[situation for]</n> them at some point to be suddenly delivered (restored to health and wholeness; rescued; saved; restored to the original state and condition).


text:
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 <n>[situation for]</n> them to believe, and to trust, the lie,


text:
to the end that all those not believing the Truth (or: having conviction of or trusting the reality), but rather approving and delighting in injustice (inequity; the thing that is not right), may (or: can; would) at some point be sifted, separated and decided about (or: judged).


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


text:
on into which, through our message of goodness, ease and well-being, He also called you folks <n>[other MSS: us]</n> into an encompassing (or: forming an encirclement; establishing a perimeter; creating a surrounding, and thus a procuring) of the glory (or: which is the glory; from the manifestation which calls forth praise) of our Lord, Jesus Christ (or: <n>[the]</n> Anointed).


text:
Consequently, then, brothers (= fellow believers; = family), you continuously stand firm and stationary (or, as an imperative: progressively make a stand; habitually stand firm) and you continuously have (or, imperative: progressively get) in your strength – with a masterful grip – the things handed alongside (transmissions; traditions) which you were taught, whether through a word (or: <n>[the]</n> Logos; a thought or an idea; a message) or through our letter.


text:
Now may our Lord, Jesus Christ Himself, even (or: and) our God and Father, the One loving us and giving a calling alongside pertaining to the Age (or: performance as a Paraclete with age-lasting aid; eonian relief, encouragement, consolation and admonition) as well as a good expectation (or: a virtuous and excellent hope) in grace (or: in union with favor),


text:
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) <n>[with other MSS: in all the Word and in virtuous action]</n>.


text:
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 <n>[it is and does]</n> also with you,


text:
and that we may be rescued (dragged out) away from the out-of-place (or: improper; absurd; abnormal; off-base; weird; outrageous; perverse) and misery-gushing people (or: unprofitable, useless, unsound or evil folks), for you see, not everyone <n>[is]</n> disposed to the faith (or: this trust and loyalty is not associated with all people; not <n>[yet is]</n> the faith a source for all folks; not from all people <n>[do we find]</n> the faith; conviction <n>[is presently]</n> not a possession of all people; this trust <n>[does]</n> not <n>[now]</n> pertain to everyone).


text:
But the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> is (or: exists) continuously faithful (loyal; full of faith), who will progressively establish (set you to stand fast) and keep (guard; protect) you folks away from the malicious person (or: the unsound and unprofitable; the painful labor; the malignant situation).


text:
Yet we have been persuaded and so place confidence on you, in <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n>, that the things which we are repeatedly passing along as an announcement to you people, you folks both habitually do and will continue doing (or: normally produce and will keep on producing).


text:
So may the Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n> make fully straight, then direct and guide, your hearts into the midst of God's love (the love which is God) and into the relentless patient endurance which is Christ (or: the persistent remaining under to support, which comes from the Anointed One and the Anointing)!


text:
Now we are once again passing along this advice to you, brothers (= fellow believers; = family), in the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, to continuously place yourselves away from (or: avoid) every brother (= believer) <n>[who is]</n> continuously walking about disorderly (without order; or: behaving with irregular conduct), and not according to the transmission (thing given over and delivered alongside; the tradition) which you folks <n>[other MSS: they]</n> received (took to your side) from us.


text:
For you yourselves have seen, and thus are aware of, how it continues necessary and binding <n>[for you]</n> to continuously imitate us, because we were not disorderly among you,


text:
neither did we eat bread as a gift from anyone, but rather <n>[we were]</n> in wearisome toil (also: beating; cutting off) and difficult travail (or: hard labor) continuously working night and day so as not, at any point, to be a burden upon (put extra weight on) any of you.


text:
<n>[It was]</n> not because we continue having no right (or: holding no authority from being), but rather to the end that we ourselves may give to you folks a pattern (or: offer ourselves as a model and example for you) unto the <n>[purpose for you]</n> to be continuously imitating us!


text:
You see, even when we were face to face with you, we were repeatedly passing on this advice to you, that if a certain person is not continuously willing (or: does not normally want, purpose or intend) to habitually work, let him neither be habitually eating.


text:
For we continually hear <n>[that]</n> some among you are constantly walking about disorderly (a military term: out of rank and not taking part in the battle; = living with irregular conduct), continuously working <n>[at]</n> nothing, but further, are constantly working in the periphery (or: circumventing work; or: = being “busybodies” and meddling).


text:
But to such people we are now passing along this advice, and calling <n>[them]</n> alongside to encourage, exhort, admonish, bring relief and entreat <n>[them]</n> through <n>[other MSS: within; in union with]</n> our Lord, Jesus Christ, to the end that, habitually working with quietness (or: silence), they may continuously eat their own bread (= food which came from their own work).


text:
Yet you yourselves, brothers (= fellow believers, or, family), while continually doing well (performing beautifully; creating the ideal; doing finely), you should not at any point be in a bad disposition (or: be or do from out of what is ugly, worthless or of poor quality).


text:
But if a certain person continuously does not obey (or: listen under and humbly pay attention to) our word (or: message; logos; thought and idea) through this letter, you folks be regularly noting this person (or: let it be a sign to you regarding this one) and do not constantly mix yourselves together with him or her, to the end that he or she can (or: would) be turned about (or: be turned back upon himself <n>[= to consider his situation and behavior]</n>).


text:
And yet you must not consider <n>[him or her]</n> as an enemy, but rather you must continuously admonish (or: put <n>[him/her]</n> in mind), as (or: as being) a brother <n>[to him or her]</n>.


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


text:
The greeting (salutation) is by my hand – Paul's – which is a sign in every letter; thus, in this way, I normally (or: from time to time) write.


text:
The grace and joyous favor of our Lord, Jesus Christ, <n>[is]</n> with all of you folks! Amen. <n>[written circa A.D. 50-51 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


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


text:
to Timothy, a genuine child (a legitimate born-one) within the midst of faith (or: in union with trust): Grace and favor, mercy and compassion <n>[together with]</n> peace and harmony <n>[= shalom]</n>, from God, our Father, even (and) Christ Jesus, our Lord (Owner; Master).


text:
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,


text:
nor yet to constantly hold toward myths (or: stories; fictions) and unbounded (= endless) genealogies, which things habitually hold investigations and inquiries alongside which involve speculations and disputes, rather than God's house-administration (management; stewardship) – the one within trust and in union with faith.


text:
Yet the purpose and goal of the notification (the message and announcement which is brought alongside and passed on) continues being love (the whole being's drive and movement toward reunion with another, to overcome existential separation; acceptance of the object of love without restriction, in spite of the estranged, profanized and demonized state of the object – Paul Tillich) forth from out of the midst of a clean heart and a good conscience (virtuous knowing-together; profitable impression of reality) and of unhypocritical faith (or: unfeigned trust; or: loyalty that is not overly critical; or: belief that lacks the qualities of being overly concerned with small details or hyper-evaluations),


text:
of which things some (or: certain folks), being without a mark or target (or: deviating and swerving from the goal), were turned aside from out of <n>[them]</n> into vain (fruitless; profitless) talking and idle disputation,


text:
wanting to be teachers of Law and custom, <n>[yet]</n> by habit not mentally apprehending either what things they are saying or about what things they are constantly insisting (thoroughly asserting and maintaining).


text:
Now we have seen and thus know that the Law <n>[= Torah]</n> is beautiful (ideal and of good quality; useful; fine), if ever anyone could be continuously making use in it (employing and behaving with it, by it and to it) lawfully,


text:
having seen and knowing this, that a law is not continually being laid down for one in accord with the Way pointed out (a just one; one who lives in right relationship with fair and equitable dealings; = one in new covenant standing, i.e., in Christ), but for lawless people and for insubordinate (non-self-subjecting; out of rank) folks; for irreverent ones (folks devoid of awe) and for failures (folks shooting off-line and missing the target; people making mistakes); for those without regard for divine or natural laws (impious, maligning, disloyal ones lacking loving-kindness) and for profane folks (people without connection to the set-apart and holy, who live in what is accessible to all); for those who strike (or: thrash) fathers and for people who strike (or: thrash) mothers; for those murdering men;


text:
for men who use prostitutes (or: who are male prostitutes; fornicators; or: = those who “worship” in pagan temples); for men who lie with males (sodomites); for kidnappers (those catching men by the foot; = slave dealers); for liars; for ones who violate their oaths (perjurers); and whatever different thing which is continually occupying an opposite position (lying in opposition or in replacement) to the sound and healthful teaching,


text:
<n>[which is]</n> in accord with (or: down from; in line with and on the level of) the good news of (or: the message of goodness and ease pertaining to) the glory and reputation of The Happy God, which I, myself, was persuaded to believe (or: upon Whom I am made to trust).


text:
I continue holding (or: having) grace and favor by and in the One enabling me (putting ability within me; empowering me): Christ Jesus, our Lord, because He considers me full of faith (or: deems me loyal and faithful), Himself placing <n>[me]</n> into a position of giving attending service,


text:
– one being formerly a blasphemer (a vilifier and slanderer; one using abusive speech and hindering the Light while bringing injury) and a persecutor and a violent, insolent aggressor (an overbearing, insolent, riotous and outrageous person), but to the contrary, I was mercied (or: given mercy), because, being continuously ignorant (without intimate, experiential knowledge or personal insight), I acted (or: did it) within unbelief (or: in distrust).


text:
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.


text:
The Word <n>[is]</n> full of faith, and <n>[is]</n> deserving of every welcome reception of equal value, because (or: Faithful and trustworthy, even worthy of all and complete acceptance, <n>[is]</n> the message and saying that) Christ Jesus came into the ordered System (the world of secular culture, religion, government and economy; or: the cosmos) to rescue failures (to deliver those missing the target; to save and make sinners healthy and whole; to restore outcasts to their rightful position), of whom I myself exist being first (or: am foremost).


text:
But nonetheless, through this I was mercied (or: I am given mercy), to the end that within me first (= as the foremost case) Jesus Christ may point out so as to publicly display every emotion which is long in arriving (all long-suffering patience) with a view to being an underline (toward <n>[being]</n> a subtype; as facing a sketch or outline; for a pattern) of those about to be habitually believing (or: progressively trusting; one-after-another placing faith) upon Him, <n>[that is, ]</n> into the midst of eonian life (into Life which pertains to and has the qualities and characteristics of the Age <n>[of Messiah]</n>; into life of, and which lasts through, the ages).


text:
So, to <n>[the]</n> King of The Ages (or: eons; indefinite time periods), to <n>[the]</n> incorruptible (undecayable; unspoilable), invisible (unseen; not-able-to be seen) One, to <n>[the]</n> only God <n>[some MSS add: wise; so: only wise God]</n>, <n>[be]</n> honor (value; worth) and glory (reputation which calls forth praise), on into the ages (or: indefinite time periods) of the ages. It is so (Amen)! (or: Now in and by the King to Whom belongs the ages – in and by the imperishable, invisible <n>[and]</n> only One – in and by God <n>[is]</n> honor and glory, <n>[leading]</n> into the <n>[most important]</n> eons of the eons. So it is!)


text:
I am presently placing this passed-on message (notification; announcement) to your side, child Timothy, down from the preceding prophecies upon you (or: in accord with the prophecies habitually leading forth upon you), to the end that you may constantly perform military service (or: do battle; perform warfare) within them (or: in union with them) – the beautiful (fine; ideal) military service (or: battle; warfare),


text:
while constantly holding (or: having) faith (and: trust) and a good conscience (a profitable knowing-together) – which some (or: certain ones), thrusting away (or: pushing and driving away), experienced shipwreck about the faith (or: concerning <n>[their]</n> trust, confidence and loyalty):


text:
of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I gave (or: hand) over to the adversary (or: satan) to the end that they would be child-trained, educated and disciplined with a view toward maturity, <n>[so as]</n> not to constantly blaspheme (speak abusively or slanderously; vilify; malign; defame; give a false image or misrepresent in a way that hinders the Light).


text:
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), <n>[and]</n> expressions of gratitude (or: of the goodness of grace and favor) over (or: on behalf of; for) all mankind (humanity) –


text:
over (or: for) kings and all those being folks within a position of holding control over (or: above) <n>[others]</n> (or: being in superiority or high station), to the end that we may continuously lead (or: carry through) a course of life that is still – at rest (free from all agitation or disturbance with tranquility arising from without), and also quiet – peaceable (gentle, exciting no disturbance in others, with tranquility arising from within) in all reverence (pious and devout relations with everything) and majestic seriousness (dignity and gravity which inspire awe).


text:
This <n>[is]</n> beautiful (fine; ideal) and welcomingly received from the presence of, and in the sight of, God, our Deliverer (our Savior; the One Who heals us and makes us whole, restoring us to our original state and condition),


text:
Who is constantly willing (continuously intending and purposing) all mankind (all humanity) to be saved (delivered; rescued; made healthy and whole), and (or: even) to come into a full, accurate, experiential and intimate knowledge and insight of Truth (or: into a realization of reality),


text:
for God <n>[is]</n> One, and One <n>[is the]</n> Mediator of God and mankind, a Man, Christ Jesus (or: for <n>[there is]</n> one God, and one medium between God and humans, <n>[the]</n> human, Anointed Jesus),


text:
the One giving Himself a correspondent ransom (a ransom in the place of and directed toward the situation) over <n>[the situation of and]</n> on behalf of (or: for) all (everyone; all humanity and all things) – the witness <n>[note: “the witness” is omitted by A; other MSS: the evidence of which]</n> <n>[will come]</n> in its own fitting situations (or: the Witness for their own seasons; the Testimony to and for His own particular occasions; the evidence <n>[appears]</n> in its own fertile moments) –


text:
into the midst of which I, a preacher (or: herald) and one sent with a mission (an envoy and representative), was placed (or: am set) – I am speaking truth, I am not lying – a teacher of multitudes (nations; the multiplied ethnic groups; non-Jews), within faith and Truth (or: in union with trust and reality).


text:
I am wanting and intending, then, the men (adult males) within every place to habitually pray (constantly think, speak and act toward having ease, goodness and well-being), continually lifting up loyal and dutiful hands that are pure from all crime, apart from impulse of intrinsic fervor (or: passion and swelling desire; or: anger, indignation or wrath) and reasonings (debates; divisions in thinking; dialogues; computations).


text:
Likewise, women to habitually adorn and arrange themselves in an ordered and arranged system of proper behavior and descent clothing: with modesty, so as to be unseen (or: as having downcast eyes), and soundness of mind (sanity and sensibility), not in braids (or: inter-weavings) and in golden ornaments, or in pearls or expensive garments,


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


text:
A woman (or: wife) must be habitually learning – within calm quietness (without making a fuss; in peaceableness and gentleness, exciting no disturbance in others, and with tranquility arising from within) – in union with every humble alignment while giving support (or: within every subordinate arrangement).


text:
Now I am not turning upon a woman, so as to direct her to be habitually teaching (or: Yet I do not habitually turn on a wife, to regularly teach <n>[her]</n>) – neither to continually act in self-authority to use arms for murdering an adult male (or: = habitually to be a self-appointed master to domineer over a man <n>[note: this may have been an exhortation against Gnosticism, and a possible rendering could be: And I am not permitting a woman to teach that she is the originator of a man]</n>) – but rather to exist (or: be) within quietness (centered in gentleness, exciting no disturbance, with tranquility arising from within) –


text:
Also, Adam was not seduced and deceived, but the woman being completely cheated out by seduction (or: thoroughly deluded) has come to be and exists within deviation (transgression; a stepping by the side),


text:
yet she will be delivered (rescued; saved; made whole and restored to her original state and condition) through the Birth (or: birthing) of the Child – should they dwell (abide) within faith (and: trust) and love and the results of being set-apart (holiness; the quality of sacred difference), with soundness of mind (sanity; sensibility). The Word <n>[is]</n> full of faith! (or: Trustworthy <n>[is]</n> this message.)


text:
If anyone is habitually stretching himself in reaching out toward a distant object upon which the eye is fixed, he is by habit craving a beautiful deed (or: If anyone continues reaching after visitation for inspection and tender guardianship, he fully desires a fine action; If anyone stretches out in reaching for the duties of looking around upon things {duties of one who watches upon, or oversees}, he completely desires ideal work).


text:
It is therefore binding upon (necessary for) the person fixing his eye upon a distant object (or: the one doing visitation for inspection and tender guardianship; the one watching upon or overseeing) to be someone not to be laid hold of (thus: one in whom is no just cause for blame), a husband of one wife (or: an adult male in relationship to one woman), sober (unintoxicated; clear-headed; moderate in habits), sound in mind (sensible), have his world ordered and arranged (or: systematic, proper, descent and decorous), be fond of strangers (or: hospitable), skillful and qualified to teach,


text:
not addicted to wine (or: not one who keeps wine at his side), not quarrelsome and apt to strike another, but rather, yielding (lenient; gently equitable; reasonable; considerate), not disposed to fight nor belligerent, not fond of silver (= money),


text:
habitually putting himself at the head of (= lead, provide for and protect) his own household so as to beautifully (ideally; finely) stand before and lead them, having children in the midst of, and centered in, humble alignment for support (or: within subjection) with all majestic seriousness (dignity and gravity which inspire awe) –


text:
now if anyone does not know (has not seen and is not aware) to put himself or herself at the head of (= lead, provide for and protect) her or his own household so as to stand before and lead them, how will she or he be thoughtful of, take an interest in, and take care of, God's called-out community?


text:
not a novice (neophyte; a newly placed member of the body), lest, being inflated with the fumes of conceit, she or he may fall into an effect of the adversary's judgment (the result of sifting, separation and decision made in regard to someone who thrusts or throws something through another; or: a judgment-effect from the adversary).


text:
Yet it is also necessary and binding to continuously hold (or: have) a beautiful witness and testimony (= a fine reputation) from those outside, so that s/he would not fall into reproach (lest s/he may fall into a censorious report regarding character) and <n>[into]</n> a trick (snare; gin; device; stratagem) belonging to or devised by the adversary (or: whose source is the one who, or <n>[that spirit and attitude]</n> which, thrusts things through folks and causes injury or division; or: which is the adversary).


text:
Attending servants, similarly, <n>[should be]</n> serious (dignified with gravity) – not double-talking (or: speaking with double meanings; or: divided in thought or reason), neither <n>[being]</n> folks having a propensity toward much wine, nor people eager for dishonorable (deformed or ugly; = dishonest) gain –


text:
continuously holding (or: having) the secret (or: mystery) of the faith (trust; loyalty) within (or: in union with) a clean conscience.


text:
And so, let these folks also be first put through a process of examination, testing and proving. Thereafter, let them be regularly giving supporting service <n>[to the community]</n>, being folks that have not been called up before a judge (or: free from accusation; unimpeachable).


text:
Women (or: Wives) <n>[of the community]</n>, similarly, <n>[should be]</n> serious (dignified with majestic gravity, inspiring awe), not devils (or: adversaries; women who thrust things through folks), sober (unintoxicated; clear-headed; moderate in habits), full of faith and trust (or: faithful; trustworthy; loyal) in all things.


text:
Let those giving supporting service be adult males having a relationship with one woman (or: husbands of one wife), habitually placing themselves in front of their children, as well as their own households, to beautifully (or: finely; ideally) lead, protect and provide <n>[for them]</n>.


text:
You see, those giving supporting service in a beautiful and ideal manner continue in (or: by; for; among) themselves building around themselves a beautiful (fine; excellent; ideal) circular staircase (that which enables folks to step up to a higher place) and much freedom of speech (confident outspokenness and boldness which is the right of citizens) resident within faith, trust and loyalty – that which is resident within, and in union with, Christ Jesus.


text:
but if ever I should be slow (or: delay), <n>[I am writing this]</n> to the end that you may see and thus know how it is necessary and binding to be twisted and turned back up again within God's household (or: to be treated, conducted or caused to behave in God's house), which is (or: exists being) a called-out community of <n>[the]</n> Living God (or: whose source is a living God; which has the qualities and character of <n>[the]</n> living God; or: which is a living god), a pillar and foundational seat of The Truth (or: a base from and an effect of a settling of reality),


text:
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 <n>[the]</n> world (an ordered system; secular culture), is received back in good opinion and reputation. (or: Who <n>[some MSS read: God; others: He]</n> 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 <n>[the]</n> world of society, religion, and government; was taken back up again, within glory – a manifestation which calls forth praise!)


text:
Now the Spirit (or: Breath-effect) is explicitly saying that within subsequent seasons (in fitting situations and on appropriate occasions which will be afterwards) some of the faith (or: certain folks belonging to this trust) will proceed standing off and away <n>[from the Path, or from the Community]</n> (or: some people will progressively withdraw from this conviction and loyalty), habitually holding toward (having a propensity to) wandering and deceptive spirits (or: straying and seducing breath-effects and attitudes) and to teachings of demons (to teachings about and pertaining to, or which are, demons <n>[note: a Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences]</n>; or: to instructions and training which come from animistic influences <n>[= pagan religions]</n>), <n>[comment: this prophesied about the future institutionalization of the called-out community, and the introduction of pagan teachings, all of which later came to be called "orthodox"]</n>


text:
within perverse scholarship of false words (or: in association with overly critical hairsplitting of false messages; in the midst of gradually separated interpretations of false expressions; or: in union with deceptive decisions by speakers of lies), from folks having their own consciences cauterized (seared; branded) as with a hot iron,


text:
coming from people habitually forbidding (preventing; hindering) <n>[folks]</n> to be marrying <n>[and to be]</n> constantly abstaining from <n>[certain]</n> foods – which things God creates (or: created; reduced from a state of wildness and disorder) into something to be shared and partaken of with thanksgiving by those full of faith (by the faithful and loyal folks) and by those having experienced full, intimate knowledge and realization of the Truth (or: of Reality)!


text:
Because all God's creation (or: every creature of God) <n>[is]</n> beautiful (fine; ideal), and not one thing is to be thrown away – being habitually received with thanksgiving –


text:
for it is continuously (or: progressively) being set-apart (made holy; rendered sacred) through God's Word (or: by means of a word which is God; through a message and an idea from God) and an encounter (or: a meeting and falling in with someone; or: conversation; or: hitting on target within a matter to assist; thus: intercession).


text:
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).


text:
Now you must constantly refuse and avoid (excuse yourself from) profane and old-womanish myths, yet habitually be training and exercising yourself, as in gymnastic discipline, toward reverence (standing in awe of wellness, with adoration; healthful devotion and virtuous conduct of ease, in true relation to God),


text:
for gymnastic discipline for bodily exercise is beneficial toward a few things and with a view to a few people (or: for a little while), yet reverence (devoutness; standing well in awe; virtuous conduct from ease with God) is beneficial toward all things and with a view to all people, continuously holding (having; possessing) a promise of life – of the one now (at the present time), and of the impending one (the one being about to be).


text:
The Word <n>[is]</n> full of faith (or: Faithful and Trustworthy <n>[is]</n> the word) and worthy of all welcomed reception,


text:
for into this <n>[end]</n> are we constantly working hard unto weariness, and are continuously struggling in the contest (contending for the prize; other MSS: being reproached), because we have placed our expectation (or: set our hope) and thus rely upon a living God (or: upon <n>[the]</n> living God), Who is (exists being) <n>[the]</n> Savior (Deliverer; Rescuer; Restorer to health and wholeness) of all human beings (all mankind) – especially of believers (of folks full of faith and trust; of faithful ones)!


text:
Be constantly announcing these things to those at your side, passing them along from one to another, and keep on teaching them!


text:
Let no one be despising (thinking down on; having a negative opinion of) your youth. On the contrary, continue coming to be a model (pattern; example) of (or: pertaining to) those full of faith (of the faithful ones; for believers): in word, in conduct (behavior), in love, in faith (or: trust), in purity (or: propriety).


text:
While I am coming, continue holding toward a propensity for the reading (in the means of knowing again), for the calling alongside to give relief, aid, exhortation, comfort and encouragement (in the work of a paraclete), <n>[and]</n> for the teaching (to the instruction and in the training).


text:
Do not make it a habit to neglect the care of or disregard this result of grace (or: the effect of favor) residing within you, which was given to you through a prophecy (a coming or manifestation of light ahead of time), accompanied by a laying on of the hands of the body of elder folks.


text:
Continually meditate on, give attention to and cultivate these things; be absorbed in them (exist centered within them), to the end that your cutting a passage forward (your progress and advancement) may be visibly apparent to all (for everyone; among all folks).


text:
Habitually have a hold upon yourself and the teaching (or: Constantly attend to yourself and to the instruction and training). Continue abiding on and remaining in them (or: Constantly dwell on, while settling in them; or: Be progressively and fully persisting with them), for, continuously doing this, you will progressively rescue (deliver; save; restore to health and wholeness) both yourself and those regularly hearing you.


text:
You should not inflict blows upon (or: = verbally attack; severely criticize; give reproofs to) an older man. To the contrary, habitually call <n>[him]</n> alongside, as a father, to aid, give relief and assist, to encourage and exhort (= be a paraclete to him). <n>[Treat]</n> younger men as brothers,


text:
Be constantly honoring (valuing; thus: = assisting and supporting) widows – those actually being widows.


text:
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.


text:
Now the one actually being a widow, and having been left alone (= without a dowry and destitute), has placed expectation upon, and now relies on God, and constantly remains focused in requests regarding needs, and in prayers (thoughts, words and deeds aimed toward having goodness and well-being) during night and during day,


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


text:
So keep on announcing these things along the way (telling them to the one at your side), to the end that they may be folks not to be laid hold of for being reprehensible (thus: people in whom is no just cause for blame).


text:
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).


text:
Let a widow be put on the list, and continue enrolled, who has become no younger than sixty years old, a wife of one man (= not married a second time?),


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


text:
On the other hand, turn aside requests of (or: refuse) younger widows <n>[from being on the list]</n>, for you see, whenever they may develop headstrong pride (live strenuously or rudely) against Christ (or: may come down to the level of sexual impulse, be in the sphere of sensual desire, feel licentious or become wanton in relation to or in regard to the Anointed <n>[body]</n>) they are continually wanting to be marrying <n>[note: it was a Gnostic belief that a person could gain knowledge (gnosis) by having sex with someone]</n>,


text:
habitually holding an effect of a decision: that they set-aside the first faith-loyalty (or: continuing to possess the result of a judgment, because they displace their first trust).


text:
Yet at the same time, they also are constantly learning inactiveness (idleness; unemployment), wandering around the houses (= going from home to home), and not only <n>[are they]</n> inactive (ineffective; unemployed; idle), but further <n>[they are]</n> also gossips (babblers; ones bubbling over with prattle) and meddlers (or: gaining knowledge by supernatural means or practicing magic), women constantly saying unnecessary things (or: continuously speaking the things they should not speak).


text:
I am wanting and intending, therefore, younger women to be marrying: to be bearing children; to continuously rule and manage a household; to be by habit giving not even one starting point (base of operation; opportunity; incentive; inducement) favoring verbal abuse (slander; reviling) to the person occupying an opposing position (or: in the one lying in opposition; for the opposer or the opposing counterpart),


text:
for you see, already some (or: certain folks) were turned out <n>[of the path]</n> (or: were turned aside <n>[from the goal]</n>), behind the adversary (= to follow after satan; or: = some were by their opponents turned out of the midst of the community to the adversarial counterpart <n>[religion]</n> which lay behind them).


text:
If any woman of faith (or: faithful, trusting and believing woman) continues having widows <n>[in her circle of influence or in her family]</n>, let her continue warding off <n>[disaster]</n> for them (or: relieving and being sufficient for them <n>[= by paying their expenses]</n>), and then the called-out community <n>[will]</n> not be continuously burdened (weighed down), to the end that it may continually ward off <n>[disaster]</n> (or: bring relief and be sufficient <n>[by paying expenses]</n>) for those actually being widows.


text:
Let the older men – ones having beautifully (ideally; finely) placed <n>[themselves]</n> at the head so as to stand before, to lead and to provide – be considered worthy of double value, worth and honor, especially those being continually wearied and spent with labor in <n>[the]</n> Word (or: in the midst of the message) and by teaching (or: instruction and training),


text:
for the Scripture is saying, "You shall not muzzle a bull (or: ox) when it is threshing out grain, " <n>[<a class='xref' href='bDeut. 25:4'>Deut. 25:4</a>]</n> and, "The worker <n>[is]</n> worthy (of equalvalue) of his wages." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bLuke 10:7'>Luke 10:7</a>]</n>


text:
Do not normally accept (or: receive; entertain) <n>[from the]</n> outside (= from outside the community) an accusation down on (or: charge against) an older man, except “upon two or three witnesses, ” <n>[<a class='xref' href='bDeut. 17:6'>Deut. 17:6</a>]</n>


text:
yet habitually put to the proof, test or expose (or: lay bare and reprove) the <n>[older men]</n> habitually missing the target or constantly being in error (or: the <n>[older men]</n> repeatedly sinning; those continuously failing) before all onlookers (or: in the sight of all), to the end that the rest, also, may continue holding reverence (or: having respectful fear).


text:
I continue bearing complete and thorough witness (or: I habitually give evidence and testimony throughout) in the sight of God and of Christ Jesus and of the selected, picked out and chosen agents (or: messengers; folks with the message), to the end that you may keep watch on so as to guard these things apart from effects of fore-decisions (prejudgment; prejudice), continually doing nothing (constructing not one thing) down from (in accord with; on the level of) inclination (or: a leaning toward <n>[something]</n>) or bias.


text:
In practice, place (or: lay) your hands quickly upon no one, neither be habitually having common existence with, partnering with, participating in or sharing in common in the failures (errors; sins; misses of the target; deviations from the goal) belonging to other folks. Constantly keep yourself pure (or: Make it a habit to watch over and guard so as to preserve yourself with propriety).


text:
No longer continue being a water-drinker, but rather, habitually make use of a little wine because of your throat (or: orifice of the stomach; neck of the bladder) and your thick (or: close together, firm, solid) or frequent weaknesses (deficiencies in strength; infirmities; sicknesses <n>[note: this may have been a bladder ailment cause by the local water, causing frequent urination]</n>).


text:
The failures (shortfalls; errors; mistakes; deviations; sins) of some people are obvious (portrayed before the public), continually proceeding into a separation and then a decision which leads into judging, yet also, for certain (or: with some) folks, they are normally following upon (or: after; = they have not yet caught up with them; or: they habitually accompanying <n>[them]</n>).


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


text:
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).


text:
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) <n>[them]</n>, 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).


text:
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),


text:
he has smoldered and has been puffed up with the fumes of conceit, continues versed in nothing (capable of nothing; unskilled and able to fix upon nothing; understanding nothing of how to know), but rather, continues being sick with a morbid craving concerning investigations (or: seekings; questionings; inquiries) and debates (word fights; disputes; controversies), forth from out of which things continually come to be (or: are birthed) envy, strife (discord; contention), blasphemies (slanderous or abusive speeches which vilify, give a false image, defame, aver harm or hinder the Light), bad (labor-inducing; unprofitable; malicious; misery-gushed) suspicions and intrigues,


text:
altercations and mutual irritations from throughout rubbing against (= friction with) people being folks having been utterly spoiled, ruined, corrupted or perished in the mind (= lost their wits), and having been deprived from the Truth (or: defrauded of reality), folks continually prescribing it a customary law, inferring providing (or: procuring; acquiring; furnishing and supplying to one's self; capital; financial gain) to be the Reverence (the standing in awe of wellness, with adoration; the virtuous conduct, in true relation to God; or: devoutness).


text:
Now the Reverence (or: devoutness and standing in awe of the ease and well-being associated with God; virtuous conduct for goodness, that is in true relation to God) is a great providing of supply (or: means of acquiring; furnishing and supplying to one's self; or: capital) along with a contented self-sufficiency from independent means, (or: Yet is great financial gain accompanied with independent means this Reverence?)


text:
for we carried (or: You see we brought) nothing into the world (the ordered system; secular society) <n>[and]</n> it is evident that neither are we able to carry anything out.


text:
So, continuously holding (or: having) nourishments (foods; sustenance) and effects of coverings (clothing or shelter) we will constantly be defended, made a match for, and warded off by these things (or: we shall habitually be contentedly satisfied with and sufficed in these things).


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


text:
for a root of all the bad things (the worthless qualities; the injurious situations; the poor craftsmanship; the ugly personalities; the malicious desires) is the fondness of silver (= love of money; = covetousness) of which some, habitually extending and stretching themselves out to reach, are caused to wander off (or: were led astray) away from the faith and they pierce themselves through with a rod and put themselves on a spit (or: they run themselves through, stabbing themselves all around) for (or: in; to; with; by) many pains.


text:
However you, O human from God (or: O person whose source and origin is God), be constantly fleeing (taking flight from) these things. But continuously pursue (or: rapidly follow, press forward and chase) fair and equitable dealings in right relationships in the Way pointed out (rightwisedness; justice; = loyal covenantal living), faith (trust; trustworthiness; loyalty), love, persistent remaining under in patient yet relentless endurance to give support, meek and gentle sensitivity (mildness of temper).


text:
Constantly contend (as in the public games in the stadium or on the racecourse) the beautiful (ideal; fine) struggling contest of the faith (or: whose source and character are trust, conviction and loyalty). Take hold of (or: Get a firm grip upon) the eonian life (the Life that has the quality and characteristic of the Age, and pertains to the eons, continuing on into the ages) into which you were called – even <n>[when]</n> you agreed with (or: confessed; said the same thing with another person) the beautiful (fine; ideal) like-message of agreement in the sight and presence of many witnesses.


text:
In the sight and presence of God – the One continuously bringing forth all things as living creatures (the One habitually or repeatedly generating all things alive, keeping The Whole alive) – and of Christ Jesus, the One who was testifying the beautiful like-message (or: fine confession; making the ideal and excellent public declaration) on <n>[the occasion with]</n> Pontius Pilate, I am announcing to you (bringing this message to your side) and passing on this notification,


text:
<n>[that]</n> you yourself keep watch on, so as to guard and preserve, the spotless, not-to-be-laid-hold-of-for-blame implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive; or: irreprehensible commandment), until the shining upon from (or: the display in clear light of) our Lord, Jesus Christ (or: the manifestation pertaining to, and which is, our Owner, Jesus <n>[the]</n> Anointed <n>[= Messiah]</n>),


text:
which, in its own fitting situations (appropriate seasons; appointed occasions; fertile moments), will proceed to exhibit and point out The Happy and Only Able One (only Powerful One; alone Potent One): The King of those reigning as kings, and Lord (Master; Owner) of those ruling as lords,


text:
the Only One continuously holding and having possession of immortality (the absence or privation of death; deathlessness), the One continuously making inaccessible (or: unapproachable) light His home (or: dwelling), Whom not one of mankind sees, saw or perceived, nor is able or has power to see or perceive, in Whom <n>[is]</n> honor (value; worth), and eonian strength (might having the qualities and characteristics of the Age; strength enduring through and pertaining to the eons). It is so (Amen)!


text:
Pass along the notice (or: be announcing) to those rich (or: wealthy) within the present age (the current eon) to not be habitually high-minded (proud; arrogant; or: to ponder high things), neither to have put expectation upon, and thus rely on, the uncertainty (insecurity; non-evidence) of riches (or: wealth), but rather, upon God, the One continuously holding all things alongside for us (or: the One constantly offering and providing all thing to us) richly, unto <n>[our]</n> enjoyment (or: into beneficial participation; unto the obtaining of a portion to enjoy; <n>[leading]</n> into pleasure),


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


text:
constantly securing and laying away in store for themselves (or: in themselves) a beautiful (fine; ideal) foundation, into the thing being about to be (or: unto <n>[that which is]</n> impending; = for the future), to the end that they can from Being (or: pertaining to essential existence) receive upon themselves things pertaining to the Life (or: so that in themselves they could lay hold upon the existing life; or: in order to lay claim to a way of being that is really life).


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O Timothy, guard and protect that which is placed beside <n>[you]</n> (or: = the deposit laid up in trust), constantly turning yourself out of the profane, empty voices (vacuous sounds; fruitless discussions) and oppositions (or: standings against in an opposing position; disputes; antitheses; opposing technical or theoretical arguments) of the falsely named "knowledge" or “insight” (or: even contradictions of the lie termed “Gnosis”),


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which some are continuously professing and making announcements upon. They miss the mark (or: are without a mark), swerving (deviating) around The Faith and trust. Grace <n>[is]</n> with you folks! (or: The unearned Favor <n>[is]</n> together with you!) <n>[written circa A.D. 55 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
Paul, one sent off with a commission pertaining to (or: from) Christ Jesus through God's will, intent and purpose, down from, in line with and with a view to <n>[the]</n> promise of Life – the one <n>[which is]</n> resident within Christ Jesus (or: through God's design which corresponds to Life's promise, or the Promise, which is life: the one belonging to, pertaining to and from Jesus – in union with <n>[the]</n> Anointing),


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to Timothy, a beloved child (or: brought-forth one; born one): Grace and favor, mercy, peace and harmony <n>[= shalom]</n> – from Father God, even Christ Jesus, our Lord (or: from God <n>[the]</n> Father, and Christ Jesus, our Owner).


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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 – <n>[handed down]</n> from <n>[the]</n> 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,


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constantly and fully longing (or: by habit yearning upon <n>[you]</n>) to see you – having been reminded and being caused to be remembering your tears – so that I may be filled full of joy,


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taking <n>[other MSS: continually getting]</n> 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 <n>[it is]</n> also within you.


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For (or: Because of; With a view to) which cause I am periodically reminding you to habitually and progressively give life by fire again to (or: revive the fire of; cause the live coal to blaze up for; rekindle the dormant fire into flames of; to again put a spark to) God's <n>[A reads: Christ's]</n> effect of grace and result of favor, which has being (is; exists) within you through the imposition (or: the placing or laying upon) of my hands,


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for you see, God does not give to us (or: did not supply for us) a spirit of cowardice (or: a Breath-effect or attitude of timidity in us), but rather <n>[a spirit and attitude]</n> of ability and of power, as well as of love and of soundness in frame of mind (of wholeness in thinking; of healthiness of attitude; of sanity; of sensibility; of controlled reasonableness; of rational moderation; anatomically: of a saved diaphragm).


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Therefore, do not become ashamed of (or: You should not, then, be embarrassed by) the testimony of and from our Lord (or: the witness pertaining to our Master; the evidence which is our Owner), nor yet, <n>[of; or: by]</n> me, His bound-one (or: His prisoner). On the contrary, down from God's ability (or: in the sphere of power, which is God), experience things of bad quality (or: worthless encounters) together with <n>[me]</n> for the message of ease, goodness and well-being (or: But rather, corresponding to God's power, suffer evil and hardship with the evangel; But further, accept your share in bad treatment – in accord with the ability which comes from God – in <n>[the Way of]</n> the Good News),


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


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and now (at the present moment), being set in clear light so as to become visible (or: manifested) through the bringing to full light (or: the complete shining upon; the full appearance in light; the complete manifestation by light) of our Deliverer (Savior; Rescuer), Christ Jesus – on the one hand, idling down death (or: The Death) so as to make it unproductive and useless, yet on the other hand, illuminating (giving light to) life and incorruptibility (the absence of the ability to decay; un-ruinableness) through means of the message of goodness, ease and well-being –


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into which (or: into Whom) I am placed (or: I was put): a herald (a public announcer; a proclaimer; a preacher) – even a person sent off with a mission (an envoy; a representative; or: = a messenger) – and a teacher <n>[other MSS add: of the ethnic multitudes (nations; Gentiles; Goyim; non-Jews)]</n>.


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For (Because of; In view of) which cause I am also continuously experiencing (also: feeling; being affected by; suffering) these things. But still, I am not feeling shame (or: I am not experiencing embarrassment), for I have seen and thus know by Whom I have believed and now put my trust (or: in Whom I have relied and continue placing confidence), and I have been persuaded and am continuing convinced that He is able (He continues being powerful) to watch over, guard and protect – on into that Day – the deposit placed alongside of me (or: what is entrusted to my charge).


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Keep on holding an outline and pattern (that which underlies and delineates the sketch or model) of words that continue giving health, healing and a cure (or: Habitually have a model of thoughts, ideas and messages <n>[that]</n> are being progressively sound and healthful) – ones of which you heard (or: hear) from my side – within the midst of faith (or: in union with trust) and love: that <n>[which is]</n> resident within Christ Jesus. (or: Continually be possessing the under-type – the one within <n>[the]</n> Anointing of Jesus – of healthful discourses and conversations which you heard from me, in faith and love.)


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Watch over, guard and protect the beautiful deposit placed alongside <n>[you]</n> (or: the fine and excellent thing that is entrusted to <n>[your]</n> charge) through means of <n>[the]</n> set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit) <n>[that is]</n> continuously inhabiting us (or: by a set-apart spirit: the one constantly making its home within us).


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You have seen, and thus know this, that all those within <n>[the province of]</n> Asia were turned away from me – of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.


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May the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> 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).


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On the contrary, on coming to be in Rome, he urgently (quickly; diligently) searched for (or: seeks) me, and found (or: finds) me.


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May the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> give to him to find mercy, beside <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n>, within that Day! And how much (or: how many things) he gave in attending service within Ephesus, you yourself, by intimate experience, continue knowing better.


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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, <n>[which are]</n> within Christ Jesus (or: <n>[by being]</n> in union with <n>[the]</n> Anointing of Jesus).


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And whatever you hear (or: heard) from my side through many witnesses, at once place (or: set) these things to the side for people full of faith (or: deposit and commit these things, in trust for safekeeping, to trustworthy and loyal people; inculcate these things in reliable humans) – whosoever will be competent (or: adequately qualified) to also teach others (or: different folks).


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Experience things of bad quality (or: worthless encounters) together (or: Accept your share of bad treatment and evil) as a beautiful (ideal; fine) soldier of Christ Jesus.


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No one serving a tour of duty as a soldier (currently performing military service or being at war) habitually intertwines or entangles himself in (or: by) everyday affairs (undertakings and activities; business performances) of the course of life (or: of making a living), in order that he may please (or: be acceptable to) the one enlisting him in military service (the one collecting soldiers to gather an army).


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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).


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It is constantly binding (It is of continual necessity) for the farmer (or: field worker) that is habitually laboring in the field to be repeatedly first in taking a share of the fruits.


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<n>[So]</n> give constant thought to (or: Continually put your mind to, so as to perceive and understand) what I am now saying, for you see, the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> will continue giving comprehension and understanding (a sending and bringing things together into union) to you (for you; in you) within all things and among all people.


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Be habitually keeping in mind (or: remembering) Jesus Christ, being the One having been aroused and raised, and now continuing risen, forth from out of the midst of dead folks: from out of David's seed! (or: = <n>[Who came]</n> forth from David's descendants.) – corresponding to and in the sphere of my message of goodness, ease and well-being (or: in line with the good news that came through me),


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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!


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Because of this <n>[fact]</n>, I continue remaining under to support all people and to patiently endure all <n>[situations]</n>, on account of (= for the sake of) the selected and picked-out folks (the chosen-out people; the elect group; the choice ones), to the end that they, also, may hit the target of deliverance (rescue; health and wholeness; salvation) – that <n>[which is]</n> within Christ Jesus (or: the one pertaining to Jesus, resident within Christ: inherent in the Anointing) – together with glory (or: an appearance; an opinion; an imagination; a manifestation which calls forth praise) which has the characteristics and qualities of the Age (or: eonian glory; an age-lasting reputation).


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The Word (or: Logos) <n>[is]</n> full of faith. (or: Trustworthy <n>[is]</n> this statement and the message:) For since we died together with <n>[Him]</n> (or: For if we jointly die), we will also continue living together (or: proceed jointly living; constantly co-live);


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since we are continuously remaining under for support (or: if we continue patiently enduring), we will also continue reigning (ruling as kings) together with <n>[Him]</n>; if we shall continue denying (disowning; not consenting; renouncing; turning our back on <n>[other MSS: are repeatedly denying]</n>) <n>[Him]</n>, That One also will continue denying (disowning; not consenting to; renouncing; turning His back on) us.


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<n>[Yet]</n> if we are habitually faithless (or: unfaithful; untrustworthy; disloyal; without trust or faith), That One is constantly remaining faithful (or: <n>[Now]</n> if we are repeatedly disbelieving or distrustful, That One continuously remains full of faith, trust, belief and reliance – That One constantly remains loyal and reliable), for to deny (disown; renounce; not consent to) Himself, it continues that He cannot (He is not able; He has no power)! (or: = You see, He cannot turn His back on Himself!)


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<n>[So]</n> keep reminding <n>[them of]</n> (or: suggesting to <n>[their]</n> memory; causing <n>[them]</n> to think about) these things, repeatedly bearing thorough witness (giving full evidence and testimony) in the sight and presence of God <n>[other MSS: {the} Lord {= Christ or Yahweh}]</n>, not to be constantly debating (or: fighting about words; contending over meaning of terms; entering into controversies) – <n>[progressing]</n> into <n>[other MSS: upon]</n> nothing useful or profitable; <n>[leading]</n> on to a downturn (or: an overturning; an upsetting; a negative turn of events <n>[= the opposite of edifying]</n>) of, or for, those folks continuing to listen and hear <n>[it]</n>.


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Make haste, with earnest endeavor and diligence, to place yourself alongside as an approved and qualified workman, in and by God (or: to hand yourself over to and for God, as a tried and approved workman), one without cause for shame, consistently cutting a straight and direct <n>[path {<i>cf</i> <a class='xref' href='bProv. 3:6'>Prov. 3:6</a> and 11:5, LXX} in, to, or with]</n> the Word of the Truth (or: habitually cutting an upright and erect <n>[line through]</n> the Word of Truth; continually cutting with the message of reality in a straight direction; constantly making a straight cut {or: wound} with the speech of this Reality; also: = dealing straightforwardly with the discourse of Reality; or: repeatedly dividing and marking out straight <n>[boundaries]</n> by the Reason which is Truth).


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Yet continue staying at the periphery, going out around so as to avoid the profane, empty voices (the speeches or discussions without content which cross the threshold into the sphere of that which is not set-apart). You see, they will cut a passage forward (progress; advance) upon more aspects of irreverence (things pertaining to impiety or attitudes that lack awe),


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and their word (speech; discussion; or: thoughts and ideas) will have (or: hold) pasture (or: pasturage) for gnawing and eating away like gangrene (or: a spreading ulcer) – of which sort are Hymenaeus and Philetus,


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the very ones who miss the mark, deviating around the truth (or: reality), repeatedly saying a <n>[other MSS: the]</n> resurrection has already occurred, and constantly turn back (or: turn again; overturn) the faith, trust and loyalty of certain folks (or: of some).


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Nevertheless (or: However), God's firm and solid deposit which is placed down (a deposit of money; treasure; or: a foundation; basis) stands, continuing to hold (or: have) this seal: " <n>[The]</n> Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> knows (or: knew) by intimate experience those being of Him (or: the ones that belong to Him; those having Him as their source), " <n>[<a class='xref' href='bNum. 16:5'>Num. 16:5</a>; <a class='xref' href='bNah. 1:7'>Nah. 1:7</a>]</n> and: "Let everyone repeatedly naming the Name of <n>[the]</n> Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> (or: by habit using the Lord's name) stand away from (withdraw from; keep away from) injustice (that which is unfair and inequitable, which negates relationship and does not correspond to the Way pointed out).” <n>[<a class='xref' href='bNum. 16:26'>Num. 16:26</a>]</n>


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Now within a great house (= a palace), there are not only golden and silver containers, equipment and utensils, but also wooden ones and earthenware (ones made of baked clay). And on the one hand some which <n>[come]</n> into <n>[use for]</n> honor (things of value; = to be used on special occasions), on the other hand some which <n>[come]</n> into <n>[use for]</n> dishonor (things without value; = for everyday use).


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


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So repeatedly take flight away from the youthful (juvenile; adolescent) over-desires (or: rushing upon innovative things; or: full passions for revolutionary or modern wants), yet constantly run after and steadily pursue justice (fair and equitable dealings, in rightwised relationships corresponding to the Way pointed out; also = covenant participation), faith (trust; fidelity), love <n>[and]</n> peace, together with all those persistently (repeatedly; habitually) calling upon the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> from out of a clean heart.


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Yet further, consistently refuse (avoid; request to be away from) the stupid (dull; silly; foolish) and uneducated (ignorant; crude; untrained) questionings (seekings through discussions or debates; controversies), having seen and now knowing that they are repeatedly giving birth to (or: generating) fights (battles; conflicts).


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Now it is continually binding for (or: it is a constant necessity to) a slave of <n>[the]</n> Lord (= Yahweh's or Christ's slave) not to be habitually fighting (or: it is not necessary for the Lord's slave to be battling or contending), but to the contrary <n>[he/she]</n> is to be gentle (kind; mild) toward all, qualified, skillful and able in teaching, one holding up under poor conditions (or: having an upward focus in bad situations; holding an “up attitude” in regard to evil),


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in accommodating meekness and with consideration constantly educating (training; disciplining; instructing; correcting) those habitually setting themselves in complete opposition or who offer resistance. May not God at some time give a change of thinking to them (or: Would not God grant in them and supply for them a change of mind), <n>[directing and leading them]</n> into a full and accurate experiential knowledge of Truth and reality?


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And then they can and may sober up (or: would come back to their proper senses) from out of the adversary's snare (or: forth from out of the midst of the trap of the person who thrusts something through folks) – being folks having been <n>[previously]</n> captured alive under (or: by) him, into the will (intent; design; purpose) of that one (or: that person).


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Now progressively come to know this and continue realizing it, that within <n>[the]</n> last (or: final) days hard seasons (difficult occasions and situations; irksome, perilous or fierce seasons or situations that are hard to deal with; hard appointed periods) will progressively set themselves in (take a stand within; put themselves in place),


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for the people (the humans; mankind) will continue being folks that are fond of themselves (self-loving; selfish), fond of silver (= have affection for money or things of monetary value which makes them stingy), empty pretenders (impostors; ostentatious self-assumers), haughty and arrogant (superior-appearing), blasphemers (abusive slanderers; folks who defame with a false image; or: light-hinderers), uncompliant and disobedient to parents, ungrateful (or: unthankful), undutiful (disloyal; without regard for divine or natural laws; malign),


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without natural affection, unwilling to make a treaty (implacable; not open to an agreement), devils (adversarial slanderers; folks who throw or thrust something through people to hurt or cause divisions), without strength (without <n>[self-]</n> control), uncultivated (wild; untamed; ferocious; fierce), without fondness for expressions of good or aspects of goodness (or: without affection for good people; unfriendly; averse to virtue),


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betrayers (traitors), rash (forward-falling; reckless), folks having been inflated with the fumes of conceit (or: ones being beclouded in smoke), pleasure-lovers (ones fond of <n>[their own]</n> gratification) rather than friends of God (ones fond of God),


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continuously holding (having) a form of reverence (virtuous conduct; pious awe) yet being folks having refused (or: turned their back on) and now denying its power and ability! And so, be habitually turning your steps in a direction away from these folks and avoid them,


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for you see, forth from out of the midst of these folks are the people repeatedly slipping-in, into the houses, (or: worming their way into households) and habitually leading into captivity little women <n>[note: this is the diminutive of "women, " thus, perhaps: women of undeveloped character, ability, or inward stature. While the word for “woman” is feminine, the noun “little women” and the following participles are neuter – or neutral – so this rare word may be a figure for what was a cultural view for “feminine” aspects of all people, e.g., their feelings and emotions, or general receptive qualities]</n> – those having been piled on and now being heaped up with failures (errors; misses of the target; deviations from the goal; sins), being constantly, or from time to time, led by (or: in; to) various (diverse; many-colored) over-desires (or: full passions; wants and wishes that are rushed upon) <n>[A adds: and gratifications]</n>,


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at all times (or: always) folks <n>[note: again a neuter, or neutral, participle]</n> that are constantly learning, and yet not at any time being able or having consistent power to come into a full, accurate experiential and intimate knowledge of Truth (or: reality).


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Now, in the manner which (or: by the turn or method that) Jannes and Jambres took a stand in opposition to (or: resisted and opposed) Moses, thus, also, these are continually taking a stand in opposition to (opposing and resisting) the Truth and reality: people (humans) being ones having had the mind decayed down (ruined and spoiled down; corrupted; depraved; put into a sorry state), folks failing to meet the test (disqualified ones) on all sides of (or: about) the faith (or: = ones whose trust does not pass the test from any angle).


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But they will continue making no further progress (not be cutting a passage forward) upon more <n>[folks]</n> (or: Nevertheless, they won't get very far), for their mindlessness (madness; lack of understanding; folly) will be quite evident (very plain; obvious; outstanding and in clear visibility) to all, even as the <n>[madness]</n> of those <n>[two, i.e., Jannes and Jambres]</n> came to be.


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Yet you, yourself, follow (or: followed) closely beside me: in the teaching, by the instruction and with the training; in the leading, by the guidance for conduct; in the purpose (or: with the fore-setting or by forth-setting; to and for the proposal; <n>[used of setting-forth of the loaves in the holy place of the Temple: <a class='xref' href='bMat. 12:4'>Mat. 12:4</a>; <a class='xref' href='bHeb. 9:2'>Heb. 9:2</a>]</n>); in the trust, for the faith, by the conviction and with the faithful loyalty; in and by the long-waiting to be in a heat and breathe violently (or: with long-suffering patience); in and with the accepting love; in and by the steadfast remaining-under (or: with persevering, patient endurance while giving support);


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in (or: by) the pursuits and with persecutions; in and by the effects of the experiences and with results of the sufferings – the sort of things that were birthed in me and happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, in Lystra; the sort of pursuits and persecutions which I bear up under (or: carried-on under) and yet out of the midst of which the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> drags (or: snatched) me forth from all of them.


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And indeed (or: And so) all those habitually resolving (intending; willing) to be continuously living in a reverent, devout and pious manner with virtuous conduct from ease and goodness within Christ Jesus will be repeatedly pursued, persecuted and harassed.


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Now people of a bad condition and of an harmful disposition (useless and malicious humans who bring misery and hard labor), as well as sorcerers (folks who wail and cast spells; or: impostors and swindlers; those who juggle a situation), will continue cutting a path forward upon the worse (or: will be advancing and making progress from bad to worse), repeatedly leading <n>[folks]</n> astray (or: causing <n>[folks]</n> to wander <n>[from the Path]</n>) and progressively being led astray (or: caused to wander).


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Yet you, yourself, be constantly remaining within what you learned and in those things of which you were persuaded and became convinced (became assured), having seen, and so knowing, from whose (what folks') side you learned <n>[these things]</n>,


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


text:
All Scripture <n>[is]</n> God-breathed, and <n>[is]</n> beneficial to furtherance toward instruction (or: Every inspired-of-God <n>[temple]</n> writing <n>[is]</n> also profitable {of advantage; <n>[gives]</n> augmentation} with a view to teaching and training), toward (with a view to) testing unto proof (or, negatively: exposure; laying bare), toward full restoration to straightness (or: straightening-up upon; = improvement), toward child-training (education; discipline) of the person within the Way pointed out (the one in rightwised <n>[covenantal]</n> relationships with fair and equitable dealing),


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


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I am habitually giving thorough witness (or: constantly testifying and showing evidence in every direction), in the sight of God – even Christ Jesus: the One now being about to be progressively separating living folks and dead folks (or: continuously making a decision about or judging living ones and dead ones) down from (in accord with; corresponding to; in the sphere of; in respect to; in line with; <n>[other MSS: even]</n>) His full manifestation and His reign (or: <n>[with other MSS: and then]</n> His added display as well as His sovereign kingdom activity).


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Herald (Proclaim; Preach) the Word (The Logos; the idea; the thought; the reason; the message); stand upon <n>[it; or: It; Him]</n> in season or out of season (if the situation fits favorably, if the conditions are not favorable; whether convenient or not); test and put to the proof; show further honor (give higher value; assess greater worth; or, negatively: respectfully charge; strongly admonish; enjoin); within every emotion which is long in arriving (in all long-suffering patience), and by teaching (or: in union with instruction and training) give aid, relief, comfort and encouragement as you call <n>[others]</n> to your side (perform as a paraclete).


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For you see, there will be an appointed season (a situation; a fitting period of time) when they will not continue holding up to themselves (or: sustaining; holding themselves upright by; holding themselves up in; or: putting up with; tolerating) instruction (teaching and training) that is being continuously healthy and sound, but rather, they, habitually having their ear gratified by rubbing, scratching or tickling (having their hearing titillated; hearing what their ears itch to hear; or, as a middle: constantly procuring pleasurable excitement by indulging an itching) will progressively pile and heap upon themselves (accumulate for themselves) teachers in line with and corresponding to their own rushing emotions (over-desires; full passions),


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and then, on the one hand, they will proceed to twist the ear (or: the hearing) and turn away from the Truth and reality, yet on the other hand, they will be progressively turned out (have their <n>[steps]</n> turned out of <n>[the Path]</n> into a direction) upon the myths (fictions; legends; speeches; rumors; stories; tales; fables; things delivered by word of mouth).


text:
Yet you – you be habitually sober (not intoxicated <n>[by such things]</n>; clear-headed and steady) within all things and among all people; experience the bad and the ugly (or: suffer the evil and the worthless) <n>[A adds: as an ideal (beautiful; fine; excellent) soldier of Christ Jesus]</n>; perform <n>[the]</n> act (do <n>[the]</n> deed; produce the action; construct a work) of one who brings goodness and well-being and announces ease and good news (or: act <n>[like]</n> a man who has good news to tell); be fully bent on and bring your attending service to full measure, with complete assurance and absolute certainty!


text:
You see, I, myself, am already being progressively poured out as a drink offering, and the fitting situation (the season; the occasion) of my loosing up (or: my kairos of loosening again <n>[the tent pegs and ropes, or, the ship moorings]</n>; or: the situation of my dissolution <n>[as in breaking camp]</n>) has taken its stand upon <n>[its appointed place]</n> and is imminent.


text:
I have contended the beautiful contest in the racecourse (or: I have with agony struggled, wrestling in the ideal combat {the fine fight} in the public games); I have finished the race (ended the racecourse; reached the goal of my contest; I have fought to the finish); I have kept (observed; watched over; guarded; kept in custody) the faith, trust, confidence and loyalty.


text:
For the rest (or: Finally; Henceforth) the winner's wreath of the Course having been pointed out (the athlete's laurel wreath consisting of the rightwised relationship in fair and equitable dealings, and pertaining to the justice of right behavior on the course; or: = the wreath from covenant inclusion and participation) continues laid away for me (or: is presently reserved in me), which the Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n>, the Fair (Equitable; Just; Rightwising; <n>[Covenant]</n>) Judge <n>[of the games]</n>, will proceed to pay to (or: award in) me within the sphere of that Day – yet not only to me! ... but further, also, to all those (or: in everyone) being ones having loved His full appearance in Light (or: the complete manifestation of Him; His fully bringing things to light; the shining upon things pertaining to Him; His full and accurate manifestation).


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


text:
Only Luke is with me. Picking up Mark, be bringing <n>[him]</n> with you, for he continues being very useful to me, with a view to attending service


text:
<n>[and]</n> in coming, be bringing the traveling cloak, which I left behind in Toras with Carpus, and the little scrolls – especially the parchment notebooks (or: vellum <n>[note: which is made from dressed animal skins]</n>). <n>[note: the Greek 'phailones/phelones', here translated "traveling cloak, " literally means "bark." The Syriac version renders it "valise; book carrier." Vincent notes that the 5th century lexicographer Hesychius (of Alexandria) explained this word as a "case." He also says Phrynicus (3rd century) describes it as a receptacle for books or other things, and that this word "a wrapper of parchments" was translated figuratively in Latin by <i>toga</i> or <i>paenula</i> "a cloak." Nevertheless, Vincent and most other scholars stay with the traditional rendering, "cloak."]</n>


text:
Alexander the coppersmith (or: metalworker) displayed many bad (worthless; evil) things <n>[in his behavior]</n> to me – the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> will continue awarding to him (or: giving back in him; paying back for him) corresponding to his works (down from his deeds and on the level of his actions)


text:
– from whom you, yourself, also be constantly guarding yourself against, for he stands (or: stood) in opposition to our words (or: thoughts, ideas and messages).


text:
Within my first verbal defense no one happened to be beside me (no one came along with me), but rather, all forsook (abandoned; other MSS: were forsaking and abandoning) me – may it not be put to their account (may it not be counted against them)!


text:
Yet the Lord <n>[= Christ or Yahweh]</n> 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 <n>[that]</n> all the ethnic multitudes (nations; Gentiles; Goyim; non-Jews) would (could; may) hear <n>[it]</n> – and I was dragged (or: drawn) from out of the mouth of a lion!


text:
The Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> will continue dragging (or: drawing) me away from every harmful act (malicious or evil work) and will continue delivering me into the midst of the reign and kingdom – the one <n>[having dominion]</n> upon the heavens (or: into the realm of His activities and way of doing things: the one <n>[exercising authority]</n> upon, and which can be compared to, the atmosphere) – which is from Him and belongs to Him, in Whom <n>[is]</n> the glory (or: for Whom <n>[is]</n> the reputation; by Whom <n>[is]</n> the manifestation of that which calls forth praise; to Whom <n>[is]</n> the good opinion), on into the ages of the ages (or: into the principle ages which consummate all the ages; into the obscure time periods of the ages). It is so! (Amen)


text:
– Make haste with earnest endeavor and diligence to come before winter (the rainy and stormy season)! – Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers (= fellow believers) each send hugs and good wishes.


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


text:
Paul, God's slave (a slave of God; one bound to, subjected under and owned by God), yet one sent away with a commission (as an emissary, envoy or ambassador) from, pertaining to and belonging to Jesus Christ (or: a representative of Jesus <n>[the]</n> Anointed), with a view to and corresponding to <n>[the]</n> faith of God's chosen folks (or: in line with a trust and loyalty possessed by and characteristic of God's selected and picked-out ones) and the full, accurate and precise intimate knowledge and experiential insight of Truth and Reality – the <n>[truth and reality]</n> corresponding to and in accord with reverence (or: down from goodness which produces virtuous conduct with devoutness, and in line with ease from a true relation to God) –


text:
<n>[based; standing]</n> upon an expectation (or: hope) of and from eonian life (life having the quality and characteristics of, and its source in, the Age <n>[of Messiah]</n>; life for and throughout the ages) which the non-lying God (the God without falseness) promised – before eonian times (prior to the times belonging to the ages).


text:
Now He manifests (or: brought into clear light) His Logos (His Word; the Thought from Him; the Reason, Idea, communication and expression from Him; the discourse pertaining to Him; and the message which is Him) in Its (or: His; or: their) own seasons, fitting situations and fertile moments within (or: in the midst of) a proclamation by a herald – which I, myself, was made to trust and believe – down from, in accord with and corresponding to a full arrangement (or: a setting-upon; a complete disposition; a precise placing in order; an injunction) of and from God, our Savior (Deliverer; Rescuer; Restorer to health, wholeness and our original condition).


text:
To Titus, a genuine born-one (legitimate child <n>[one born in wedlock]</n>) down from and corresponding to a common and partnered (equally owned, shared and participated-in) faith, trust and loyalty: Grace (or: Favor), and peace <n>[= shalom; A, C2 & others: mercy; compassion]</n>, <n>[are; continue coming]</n> from Father God (or: God <n>[the]</n> Father) – even Christ Jesus, our Deliverer (or: and <n>[the]</n> Anointed Jesus, our Savior, Rescuer and Restorer to health, wholeness and our original condition; as well as from <n>[the Messiah]</n>, Jesus, our Safe-keeper).


text:
From the source of, and because of, this grace and favor, I left <n>[other MSS: was leaving]</n> you off in Crete, so that you, yourself, could correct and amend – so as to be fully straight throughout the midst – the things habitually lacking, leaving defects or remaining undone, and <n>[so]</n> you, yourself, could thoroughly establish <n>[the]</n> older folks (or: correspondingly make <n>[the]</n> elders to stand fast and be firm), city by city, as I, myself, made thorough arrangements for you.


text:
<n>[Now]</n> if anyone is normally not one being called up, or arraigned, before a judge (= habitually exists being one free from reproach); <n>[is]</n> a husband of one woman (or: wife), having trusting and believing children (or: born-ones that are full of faith); <n>[is]</n> not one in the midst of a <n>[legal]</n> charge (or: an accusation; being considered in a category) of being a person without healthful wholeness (or: of being unwholesome; being in a desperate case without hope of safety; being prodigal; being wasteful; being on an unsaved course; being incorrigible; being dissolute and debauched) nor <n>[of]</n> insubordinate <n>[qualities]</n> (things not put in submission; things not placed under the arrangement; un-subjected and unruly <n>[traits]</n>)


text:
– for you see, it continues binding and necessary for the person who sets his eyes upon the distant goal, having a full-scope view, and successfully hits the target (or: the one who surveys, inspects and watches upon; the scout; the tender guardian who oversees with attentive care) to continue being one <n>[that is]</n> not normally called up, or arraigned, before a judge (= to habitually exist being one free from reproach). As God's house administrator (house manager; house dispenser and distributor; estate steward), <n>[he should]</n> not <n>[be]</n> one who pleases himself (or: gives himself to pleasure): not impulsive (prone to passion, irritation or anger; not ruled by his own mental bent, disposition or propensities; not one teeming with internal swelling or motion), not addicted to wine (or: beside himself with wine; = not a drunk), not quarrelsome and apt to strike another, not one eager for dishonorable, deformed or ugly gain.


text:
But to the contrary, <n>[he should be]</n> fond of strangers (have affection for foreigners; be hospitable), <n>[be]</n> fond of the good and have affection for virtue and excellence, <n>[be]</n> whole, healthy and liberated (sound) in frame of mind and disposition (<n>[be]</n> sane), <n>[be]</n> fair and equitable, and in rightwised relationships within the Way pointed out, <n>[be]</n> loyal, dutiful and pure from all crime, <n>[produce]</n> inner strength (<n>[be]</n> self-controlled),


text:
habitually holding himself firmly to (or: clinging face-to-face to) the full-of-faith Word (message; thought; idea; Logos; or: the faithful word) – down from, corresponding to and in line with the Teaching and training – to the end that he can be powerful and able both to be constantly encouraging (habitually performing as a paraclete; repeatedly exhorting; continually calling folks alongside to give them assistance or relief) in the teaching that continues being sound and healthy, and to repeatedly put to the proof so as to convince by demonstration, or to refute by exposure of the test, the folks habitually speaking in opposition and contradicting.


text:
You see, many folks, especially those from out of the Circumcision (= the Jews), are (constantly exist being) insubordinate ones (not submitted to the arrangement; un-subjected to the order), empty, vain and profitless talkers, even seducers of the intellect (deceivers of the mind; people who mislead thinking),


text:
who it continues necessary to repeatedly muzzle (gag; put something upon their mouth; or: reign them in), who are habitually turning-back whole households <n>[i.e., into the Law cultus of Judaism]</n> (or: = constantly upsetting entire families), repeatedly teaching things which it is binding to not <n>[teach]</n>: a “grace” of ugly (deformed; disgraceful) profit, gain or advantage!


text:
A certain one of them, their own prophet (= poet), said, "Cretans <n>[are]</n> always (or: ever) liars, worthless little wild animals (little beasts of bad quality), inactive and idle bellies (= unemployed gluttons)."


text:
This witness (or: testimony <n>[of the poet Epimenides]</n>) is true (genuine; real). Because of which case and cause, be repeatedly cross-examining them abruptly while cutting away <n>[at the case]</n> and bringing the question to the proof, so as to test and decide the dispute and expose the matter – to the end that they can be sound and healthy within the Faith and in union with trust and loyalty,


text:
not habitually holding to (having <n>[a propensity]</n> toward; heeding and clinging in the direction toward) Jewish myths (or: fictions; or, possibly: oral traditions) and to implanted goals (impartations of a finished product within; inward directives; commands) whose source and origin is people (or: human commandments) <n>[thus]</n> continually being twisted and turned away from the Truth (or: reality).


text:
To the pure folks, everything <n>[is]</n> pure (or: All things <n>[are]</n> clean for, with and in the clean ones). Yet to (or: for; in; with) those having been stained and remaining defiled (corrupted; polluted), and to (or: for; in) faithless people (those without trust; unbelieving ones), nothing is pure or clean – but rather, their mind, as well as the conscience, has been – and now remains – stained, defiled and corrupted.


text:
They are repeatedly adopting the same terms of language, and habitually making confession and avowing to have perceived and now know God, yet they are constantly denying (repudiating; disowning; refusing) <n>[this]</n> by the works (in the actions and things done), continuing being detestable (abominable), incompliant (stubborn; disobedient; unpersuasive) and disqualified (disapproved; rejected after trial) with a view toward every good work (excellent and virtuous activity).


text:
You yourself, however, keep on speaking what things continue being fitting for, suitable in and proper to sound and healthy teaching.


text:
Old (or: Aged; Older) men are to habitually be moderate and sober in the use of wine, serious (grave; solemn; dignified; worthy of respect and honor), sound of mind with a rational (or: sane; sensible) and wholesome way of thinking and attitude, being continuously sound and healthy in the Faith (or: by trust; with loyalty; for confidence), in (or: by; with) the Love, in (or: by; with) the Remaining-under in support (or: the persistent, patient endurance).


text:
Old (or: Aged; Older) women, similarly (or: likewise), <n>[are to be]</n> women in a state and resultant condition proper and fitting for being engaged in the sacred (suitable in demeanor for serving the temple; or: = living a life appropriate <n>[for]</n> a person <n>[being]</n> a temple), not folks who thrust-through or hurl <n>[a weapon, or something hurtful]</n> through <n>[someone]</n> (or: not devils nor slanderous adversaries which bring division and hurt), nor women having been enslaved by (or: to) much wine. <n>[They are to be]</n> teachers of beauty and of what is fine, excellent and ideal,


text:
to the end that they can (or: may; would) habitually bring the young women to their senses (or: cause new <n>[wives]</n> to be sound-minded and with a healthy attitude) to habitually be affectionate, friendly, loving and fond of passionately kissing their husbands <n>[and]</n> children,


text:
ones sound of mind with a rational (or: sane; sensible; clear headed) and wholesome way of thinking and attitude, untouched so as to be undefiled and pure (chaste), workers at home (domestic; = mistress of the house), good (virtuous; with qualities of excellence), being women that are by habit supportively aligned to (or: continue being humbly arranged for) their own husbands, to the end that God's thought and idea (God's Logos; God's Word; God's message) can not be constantly blasphemed (abusively defamed; misrepresented).


text:
Similarly (or: Likewise), be repeatedly and habitually doing the work of a paraclete: calling the younger men alongside to give them relief or support, and to encourage them to be continuously sound in mind (sane; sensible) and to be keeping a wholesome attitude and way of thinking about everything –


text:
<n>[while]</n> constantly holding yourself at <n>[their]</n> side, offering (tendering; presenting; exhibiting) yourself <n>[as]</n> a model (example; pattern; an impression) of beautiful actions (fine deeds and ideal works), <n>[exhibiting]</n> incorruptness (absence of spoil or ruin; incapability of decay) <n>[and]</n> seriousness (gravity; dignity) <n>[<i>p</i>32 & other MSS add: freedom from envy; willingness]</n> within the teaching:


text:
<n>[presenting]</n> a healthful message (a sound word; a thought or idea full of and promoting health): one without down-oriented knowledge and not bringing a downward experience, thus being unworthy of – and not containing any – condemnation (or: uncensurable), so that the person in the contrary and opposing position (or: <n>[acting]</n> out of contrariness) can (may; would) be turned back within himself (or: be put to shame and be made to show reverence and regard), continuing having nothing slight or mean (cheap; paltry; ill; sorry; good-for-nothing; thoughtless) to be saying about us.


text:
<n>[Encourage]</n> 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),


text:
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!


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


text:
progressively educating and training us so that, being people refusing (renouncing; denying; disowning; turning our backs on) the irreverence (lack of awe or pious fear; disrespect of and absence of duty to God) and over-desires (full-rushing passions) pertaining to the System (or: whose source is the world), we can (may; would) live sensibly (with clear-headed soundness of mind and wholesomeness of disposition and attitude) and equitably (fairly; justly; rightwisedly; relationally in a way which reflects the Way pointed out) and reverently (in devout goodness, awe and virtuous conduct, and with ease and well-being from relationship with God) within the current age (or: the present indefinite period of time, or eon),


text:
being folks continuously receiving with welcoming focus, and granting access and admittance to, the happy expectation – even the full manifestation (the complete display in clear light) of the glory of our great God and Deliverer (or: Savior): Jesus Christ,


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


text:
Be constantly speaking these things, and habitually performing as a paraclete (calling folks alongside to support, give relief and encourage them), even be continuously putting <n>[folks; situations]</n> to the proof so as to convince by demonstration – or to refute by exposure of the test – with every complete disposition and full arrangement (precise placing in aligned order; or: injunction). Let no one surround you with his intellect, mind-set, opinion or attitude (= don’t let anyone frame your way of thinking).


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


text:
to be in the habit of speaking injuriously of (blaspheming; slandering; defaming) no one; to be folks who are non-contentious (not disposed to fighting or quarreling), gentle, lenient, considerate and suitably reasonable, constantly displaying all kindness and gentle tenderness while behaving agreeably toward everyone (all mankind; all humanity).


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


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


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


text:
which (or: from which source) He pours forth (or: poured from out of) upon us richly through Jesus Christ, our Deliverer (Savior; Healer; Rescuer; Restorer; Safe-keeper),


text:
to the end that, being rightwised, and set in right relationship in the Way of fairness and equity which has been pointed out (also: = being placed in covenant membership) – by and in the grace and favor of That One – we can (could; would; may) come to be (or: be birthed; be made to exist being) heirs (possessors and enjoyers of the allotment), corresponding to, in line with, and down from <n>[the]</n> expectation (or: an expectant hope) that comes from eonian life (or: of life whose character, origin, source and realm is the Age <n>[of the Messiah]</n>; or: a life of unspecified duration which leads on into the ages; <n>[the]</n> life of and for the ages).


text:
The Idea (The Logos; The Word; The Message; The Thought) <n>[is]</n> full of faith (or: faithful; trustworthy), and I am continuing in intending (determining; designing; or: wishing; wanting) to progressively set you on thoroughly good footing (to make you continue thoroughly stabilized and confidently insistent) about (or: concerning) these things – to the end that those having put trust in God (or: the ones having believed God and now having faith in God) can habitually give careful thought and concern to constantly put themselves in the forefront (or: to continually promote, maintain and stand themselves for the interests) of beautiful deeds (ideal works; fine actions). These things continue being beautiful (fine; ideal), as well as augmenting a furtherance for humanity (profitable to mankind; beneficial in people).


text:
Yet habitually set yourself at the periphery (or: step around) so as to avoid unintelligent (stupid; foolish) questionings (or: seekings; investigations) and genealogies (studies into births or descents), also strife <n>[other MSS: quarrels]</n> and fights (contentions; conflicts; battles) about Laws (or: customs; or: = things related to the Torah), for they are contrary to progress (without benefit; unprofitable; regressive) and ineffectual (futile; vain).


text:
After one, and then a second, putting-into-the-mind (= impartation; admonition) of a person who chooses or promotes a sect or party (or: of a factious person), progressively decline yourself (or: repeatedly excuse yourself),


text:
having seen and thus knowing that such a one has been and remains a person turned from out of the midst (or: twisted inside-out; perverted) and continues missing the target (constantly fails to properly aim toward the goal; habitually errs; repeatedly makes a mistake), being continually a person having made a decision corresponding to himself (or: one separating himself down and out of line; or: self-condemned and sifted to his own level).


text:
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.


text:
With urgent endeavor and diligence, at once send on ahead Zenas, the expert in the Law (or: the lawyer), and Apollos, so that nothing may be lacking for them.


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


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


text:
Paul, a bound-one of Christ Jesus (or: a prisoner pertaining to, because of and belonging to Christ Jesus), and Timothy, the brother, to Philemon, the loved one, and our fellow worker,


text:
and to Apphia, the sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the called-out community which corresponds to (or: down in; = at) your house:


text:
Grace (the influence and boon of undeserved favor, kindness, joy and goodwill) and peace (or: harmony; <n>[= shalom]</n>) from God, our Father and Lord: Jesus Christ (or: from our Father God, and <n>[the]</n> Owner, Jesus <n>[the]</n> Anointed One <n>[= Messiah]</n>).


text:
I always and progressively give thanks to (or: for; with) my God (or: experience gratitude in my God; express the ease of grace in my God; experience the happy fortune of abundant grace by my God; observe my God's competent and prosperous grace), repeatedly forming a recollection of you upon my prayers (or: habitually making mention concerning you, upon my thinking and speaking toward having things go well, and projecting goodness, ease and well-being),


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


text:
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 <n>[other MSS: you]</n> <n>[directed and leading]</n> into Christ (or: into the midst of <n>[the]</n> Anointing)!


text:
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),


text:
through which (or: on account of which), continuing in having much boldness and freedom of speech inherent in citizenship within Christ to be repeatedly setting-on and fully arranging the thing (or: the situation) for you to be habitually coming back up to (or: = to be proceeding in progressively laying out what is proper and fitting behavior for you)


text:
<n>[and]</n> because of this love, I – being such a one as Paul, an old man, yet now also a bound-one (or: prisoner) of Christ Jesus – am rather now progressively calling <n>[you]</n> alongside to comfort, encourage and entreat (or: appeal):


text:
I am now calling you to <n>[my]</n> 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),


text:
the one once useless (unprofitable) to and for you, yet now abundantly and easily useful and profitable to and for you as well as to and for me,


text:
him whom I sent back again to you – this person exists being my inward parts (tender affections and compassions; intestines; = he is a part of my very heart) – you, yourself, reach toward, take in your arms, and receive hospitably;


text:
<n>[he]</n> whom I, myself, had been intending (or: would have liked) to continue holding down (to continue retaining) to myself, so that over you (or: on your behalf) he could continue giving service to me, within the bonds of the message of goodness (the ideal message of ease; the happy, beautiful and prospering tidings).


text:
Yet, apart from your opinion (consent; the effect of your intimate, experiential knowledge), I purposed to do nothing, to the end that your goodness (virtue) may and would not be as accords with necessity (or: as along the lines of compulsion or the force of compression; thus: obligation), but to the contrary, corresponding to what is from out of your being (on the level of being spontaneous and voluntary).


text:
For perhaps (possibly) on account of this he was separated (parted; dissociated; or, a euphemism?: = ran away?) for an hour (= for a brief time), to the end that you could (may; would) for a lifetime (age-lastingly; or: in the character of the Age <n>[of the Messiah]</n>) fully have him (or: continue receiving full benefits from holding him) –


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


text:
Since (or: If), then, you continue holding (having) me a partner (a fellow participant; a sharer; one equally belonging and in communion), reach toward and receive him in your arms (= take him as a partner), as <n>[you would]</n> (or: like) me.


text:
Now if he did you any wrong (anything contrary to the Way pointed out; anything unfair or inequitable) or continues indebted, charge this account to me.


text:
I, Paul, write this (= spell this out) myself – with my own hand. I, myself, will proceed in paying it off. This is not to say that I am presently saying to you that you continue owing toward me even yourself!


text:
Yes, brother (= fellow believer), I, myself, might derive advantage (receive benefit or profit; enjoy help, support and delight) of you (from you as a source) – in <n>[the]</n> Lord! Soothe and refresh (cause to rest again) my tender affections (inward parts; compassions; intestines) within Christ (in union with the Anointed One).


text:
Having confidence (Having come to a settled persuasion) in your submissive hearing, paying attention and obedience, I write to you – having seen and thus knowing that you will proceed in doing even above (over; = more than) the things which I now am saying.


text:
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.


text:
The grace (the influence and boon of non-deserved favor, kindness, joy and goodwill) of our Lord, Jesus Christ, <n>[is]</n> with the spirit of you folks. It is so (or: The act producing joy and happiness, which was granted as a favor from our Owner, Jesus <n>[the]</n> Anointed One <n>[= Messiah]</n>), <n>[is]</n> with your breath, and in accompany with your attitude. Count on it; Amen)! <n>[written circa A.D. 58 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]</n>


text:
Long ago (or: In the old days), in many parts (or: fragments; divided portions; = bit by bit) and in much-traveled ways consisting of many turns and directions, God, having spoken to (or: by; in; with) the fathers – in (= through; in <n>[the words of]</n>) the prophets –


text:
upon <n>[the]</n> last of these days spoke to us in a Son whom He placed (or: sets) <n>[as; to be]</n> Heir of all (or: One who receives all humanity as an allotment; or: heir of all things; or: One who received everything as his allotted inheritance) through Whom He also made the ages (or: formed and constructed the various designated periods of time <n>[which compose existence, as well as God's influence and activities]</n>);


text:
Who, continuously being an effect of the radiance from (or: a result from a dawning and breaking forth of the bright light of the Day which is; a result of the outshining which is; an effulgence from; an effect of an off-shining <n>[light]</n>-beam belonging to; or: a result of a reflection of) the Glory and Splendor as well as an exact impress (or: exact likeness as from a stamp or a die; or: a carving) of His substructure (or: of His substance <n>[that is]</n> standing under as a foundation; which is the underlying support of His outward form and properties; from His sub-placing; or: from His assumed groundwork of the full expression <n>[of His idea]</n>) – besides continuously bearing (or: and while progressively carrying; and then repeatedly bringing) the whole (all things; everything and all existence) by the gush-effect which is His power (or: in the result of the flow from the power which is Him; or: with the saying pertaining to His ability; in the spoken declaration of, and which has the character of and its source in, His power and ability) through and by means of Himself – in producing a cleansing of (or: after making a ritual purification in regard to) the failures (the misses of the target; the mistakes and errors; or: a clearing by pruning which pertains to the sins) He at once seated Himself within <n>[the]</n> right part (or: hand; = in union with the receiving aspect, honored position and place of power) of the Greatness centered and resident within high places.


text:
Coming to be in a so much stronger and better (or: Being born to a so much more excellent) <n>[station; position; calling; relationship]</n> than agents (or: messengers; or: folks who had a message), He has come by inheritance to, and enjoys the allotment in, a so much different Name (= designation) which has been carried through the midst, beside them.


text:
For you see, to a certain one of the agents He once said (or: as an interrogative: in which one of the messengers – the folks having the message – did He once say?), "You are my son: I have given birth to you today!" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 110:1'>Ps. 110:1</a>]</n> And again, "I will continue being to him for a Father, and he will continue being to Me for a son." (or: "I will continually exist being in him, <n>[proceeding]</n> into a Father, and he himself will exist being in Me, <n>[proceeding]</n> into a son!) <n>[<a class='xref' href='b2 Sam. 7:14'>2 Sam. 7:14</a>; <a class='xref' href='b1 Chron. 17:13'>1 Chron. 17:13</a>]</n>


text:
Now again, when He brought the Firstborn into the habitable world He is saying, "And so, let all God's agents (or: people with the message) give homage to Him (or: worship and reverence Him; kiss toward and do obeisance to Him; = show respect and give honor to Him)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 97:7'>Ps. 97:7</a>b]</n>


text:
And then, on the one hand, to the agents (messengers; folks with the message) He is saying, "He is the One making His agents (messengers; folks with the message) spirits (or: Breath-effects), and His public servants a flame of fire." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 104:4'>Ps. 104:4</a>]</n> <n>[comment: this is an example of Hebrew parallelism – the second line being a restatement of the first, but in a different figure; the figure is a reference both to the priests, as "public servants," and to the called-out community, figured as the lampstand in the Tabernacle in <a class='xref' href='bRev. 1:20'>Rev. 1:20</a>, and referencing <a class='xref' href='bActs 2:3'>Acts 2:3</a> – there being "tongues as if of fire" burning on the lamps in the one case, and upon the people in the second case; the agents speak a message of words that are "spirit," the effect of the Breath]</n>


text:
Yet, on the other hand, to the Son, "God <n>[is]</n> Your throne, on into the age of the Age, and the scepter of straightness <n>[is]</n> a scepter of His kingdom and sovereign activity. (variant rendering, with other MSS: "Your throne, O God, and the staff of uprightness, <n>[is the]</n> staff of Your reign, unto the chief time period of the Age.)


text:
"You love fairness and equity in rightwised <n>[covenant]</n> relationships within the Way pointed out (or: justice; righteousness) and yet you hate lawlessness. Because of this, God – Your God – anointed You with olive oil of extreme joy, at the side of (or: = more than; = rather than) Your partners (or: associates; fellows). <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 45:6-7'>Ps. 45:6-7</a>]</n>


text:
And further, "O Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n>, down from beginnings (or: in accord with ruling <n>[principle]</n> s), You founded (or: laid the foundations of) the earth (or: land), and the works of Your hands are the heavens (or: skies; atmospheres).


text:
"They shall progressively destroy themselves (or: ruin, or lose, themselves) – but You continue remaining throughout.


text:
"And all people, as a garment, shall progressively be made (or: grow) old. Then like that which is thrown around <n>[as a cloak]</n>, You will roll or wrap them up as a garment, and so they (or: the same people) will progressively be made another (be altered; be changed; be transformed), yet You are the same, and Your years will not fail." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 102:25-28'>Ps. 102:25-28</a>]</n>


text:
Now to a certain one (or, as in vs. 5: Now in which one \'85?) of the agents (or: folks with a message) He once said, "Sit at (or: out of <n>[the authority of]</n>) My right <n>[hand; side]</n> until I may place your foes (or: hostile ones) a footstool of your feet (or: = turn your enemies into your footstool <n>[= a supportive role]</n>)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 110:1'>Ps. 110:1</a>]</n>


text:
Are not all people public-serving Breath-effects (or: spirits; winds), being sent forth unto attending service because of those folks being about to progressively inherit deliverance (or: receive the allotment of salvation, health and wholeness)? <n>[note: <i>cf</i> <a class='xref' href='b1 Pet. 1:12'>1 Pet. 1:12</a>]</n>


text:
Because of this, it is continuously necessary and binding for us to more earnestly (or: exceedingly) be continually holding to (attending to; applying one's self to) the things having been heard, lest we may flow (or: glide; drift) aside.


text:
For you see, if the Word (or: message) spoken through agents (or: messengers; folks with a message) became firm, and every deviation (or: side-stepping) and imperfect hearing (or: hearing amiss; or: disobedience) received a fair discharge of wages,


text:
how shall we proceed fleeing out (or: escaping), in not caring for (or: neglecting) so great a deliverance (rescue; healing and restoration to health and wholeness), which – after receiving a beginning (or: a headship and place of ruling; a high estate; a principality <n>[see <a class='xref' href='bJude 6'>Jude 6</a>]</n>) to be repeatedly and progressively spoken <n>[of]</n> through the Lord (or: by means of <n>[Christ or Yahweh]</n>) – was made firm into us and was guaranteed as valid by those who heard,


text:
God joining with added corroborating witness, both by signs and wonders and a full spectrum of (or: various; multi-faceted) powers and abilities, and by (or: in) divisions (partings; distributions) of set-apart Breath-effect (or: of <n>[the]</n> Holy Spirit; from a sacred attitude), corresponding to His willing <n>[it]</n> and exercising His purpose?


text:
For, did He not align the impending habitable world – about which we continue speaking – under agents? (or: You see, not to messengers, or folks with a message, does He subject the habitually occupied house – the one <n>[which is]</n> about to be – concerning which we repeatedly speak.)


text:
Now a certain person, somewhere, made a solemn testimony (or: gave proof through thorough evidence), saying, "What is a human, that You remember him? Or a son of man (= the human being), that You continually visit, inspect (look observantly at), help and look after him?


text:
"You made him a brief time inferior, at the side of agents (or: alongside folks with a message); You crowned him with glory and honor (or: You put a celebration and victor's wreath on him in a manifestation which called forth praise with a good reputation, and for value), and then You set him down (or: made him to stand; or: = appointed him) upon the works (or: actions) of Your hands.


text:
"You subjected all things (or: You humbly align and arrange all people) under his feet, in order to support him." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 8:5-7'>Ps. 8:5-7</a>]</n> For you see, in the <n>[situation]</n> to subject the whole (or: humbly align and arrange all), nothing is sent away not subjected (or: humbly aligned) to Him. Yet now we are not yet seeing the whole (or: all) having been subjected (or: humbly aligned, placed or arranged under <n>[Him]</n>).


text:
But yet, we are continuously seeing Jesus – having been made inferior for a brief time beside agents – having been encompassed with glory (or: crowned by a good reputation) and with honor (or: in value) on account of (or: through) the effect of the experience of death (or: Now in this certain short bit of time, we keep on observing Jesus – having been made less because of the result of the suffering from, and which was, death – now having been encircled with the Victor's wreath in a manifestation which calls forth praise and with esteemed respect, at the side of the folks with the message), so that by the grace of and from God (or: for God's grace; in the favor which is God; <n>[note: MSS 0243 & 1739, plus a Vulgate MS and in the works of Origen, Ambrose and Jerome and quoted by various writers down to the 11th century, the reading is: apart from God]</n>) He might taste of death over <n>[the situation and condition of]</n> all mankind (or: for and on behalf of everyone).


text:
You see, it was fitting for Him – on account of Whom <n>[is]</n> the collective whole (<n>[are]</n> all things that exist) and through Whom <n>[is]</n> the collective whole (<n>[are]</n> all things that exist) – in, when and by leading many sons <n>[note: a figure for all humanity]</n> into glory (a good reputation), to finish and perfect the Leader who first walked the Path of their deliverance (to bring to a complete state the Originator and Chief Agent of their rescue; to script the final scene for the Chief Conveyor of their restoration; to bring the Pioneering Bringer of their salvation to the destined goal) through the effects of sufferings and results of experiences <n>[note, <i>pascho</i> means: to be affected by something - either good or bad; to feel, have sense experiences; thus, also: to suffer or undergo passion]</n>.


text:
For both the One separating and setting-apart and the ones being separated and set-apart <n>[are]</n> all out of One (= spring forth from one Source). On account of which cause (or: motive) He is not ashamed to be calling them brothers,


text:
saying, "I will continue reporting Your Name to My brothers; in the midst (within the middle) of called-out communities and gathered assemblies I will sing praise songs." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 22:23'>Ps. 22:23</a>]</n>


text:
And again, "I will continue being one having been convinced on Him." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 8:17'>Isa. 8:17</a>, LXX]</n> And again <n>[it continues]</n>, "Look and consider! <n>[Here am]</n> I, and the young children whom God <n>[= Yahweh]</n> gave (or: gives) to me!" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 8:18'>Isa. 8:18</a>]</n>


text:
Since, then, the young children have participated in and commonly shared existence of blood and flesh (= humanity), He also, nearly alongside <n>[them]</n>, shared theirs in common (partook of the <n>[ingredients]</n> which comprise them), in order that through means of death He might render useless (or: deactivate; idle-down; discard) the one normally having the strength (or: the person presently holding the force) of death (or: which is death; or: whose source is death), that is, the adversary (or: that which throws folks into dualism with divided thinking and perceptions; or: the one 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"),


text:
and would set them free (or: could fully change and transform these; or: should move them away to another <n>[situation; existence]</n>): as many as were through all of life held within slavery by fear of death (or: in fear, from death: or: with fear, which is death)!


text:
For doubtless (or: assuredly; I hardly need say) it <n>[i.e., fear of death]</n> is not normally taking hold upon <n>[the]</n> messenger-agents (or: folks with the message), but even so it is repeatedly and progressively taking hold upon (seizing) Abraham's seed (= descendants).


text:
Wherefore, He was indebted (or: obliged) to be assimilated by (or: made like or similar to) the brothers in accord with all things (or: concerning everything; = in every respect; or: in correlation to all people), so that He might become a merciful and a faithful (or: loyal) Chief Priest (Leading, Ruling or Beginning Priest) <n>[in regard to]</n> the things toward God, into the <n>[situation]</n> to be repeatedly and continuously overshadowing the failures (mistakes; errors; misses of the target; sins) of the People with a gentle, cleansing shelter and covering.


text:
For you see, in what He has experienced Himself, having been tried in ordeals, He is able to run to the aid of those who cry for help – those being tried (put through ordeals).


text:
Wherefore (From which situation), O set-apart and sacred brothers (= consecrated fellow members) – common-holders (partners; sharing possessors; joint-participants; associates; partaking members) of a super-heavenly calling (an invitation which comes from <n>[the realm]</n> upon the heavens; or, with <i>epi</i> as an intensifier: a calling of the complete and full heavens; or: a calling from the One <n>[holding sway]</n> upon the atmosphere) – consider (ponder; focus your thoughts down upon and think carefully about) Jesus, the Sent-off Emissary (or: Representative) and Chief and Ruling Priest of our agreed message (or: our like-reasoned idea; our saying of the same word; our unanimous consent and avowal; or: our binding association-agreement),


text:
<n>[and His]</n> continuously being faithful by and loyal to and in the One forming (making; creating; constructing; establishing; producing; <n>[in LXX the same word as <a class='xref' href='bGen. 1:1'>Gen. 1:1</a>]</n>) Him, even as "Moses <n>[was loyal]</n> within His (or: his) whole house." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bNum. 12:7'>Num. 12:7</a>]</n>


text:
For this <n>[reason]</n> He (or: You see, this One) has been esteemed worthy of more glory and a greater reputation than Moses, proportionally to the degree that He who constructs (or: prepares; fully implements) it has more value (honor; worth) than the house itself.


text:
For every house is constructed, prepared and fully implemented by someone, but the One constructing all humanity (or: all <n>[situations; circumstances]</n>; = everything) <n>[is]</n> God!


text:
And so on the one hand, Moses <n>[was]</n> faithful and loyal in the midst of His (or: centered in his) whole house, as an attending therapeutic and medical care-provider (or: trainer; cultivator; or: valet; squire; companion in arms) – <n>[which leads]</n> unto a testimony (or: witness) of the things going to be spoken (or: into evidence from those <n>[future]</n> sayings being said) –


text:
Yet on the other hand, Christ <n>[is faithful and loyal]</n> as a Son upon His house – whose <n>[<i>p</i>46, D* read: which]</n> house (or: household) we, ourselves, are (or: continuously exist being)! So if only <n>[Aleph, A, C, D and others add: , unto {the condition or state of} maturity (or: when to the point of completeness; until the goal is reached),]</n> we would fully hold in our possession, so as to retain firm and steadfast, the confident freedom of speaking and open boldness inherent in citizenship, as well as the result and effect of the boasting and exulting which <n>[all]</n> come from the expectation (or: belonging to the expectant hope)!


text:
Therefore (or: For this reason), just as the set-apart Breath-effect continues saying (or: On account of which, as in the same vein, the Holy Spirit is presently laying out the idea), "Today, if you could (or: can) hear His voice,


text:
"you would not be hardening your hearts, as in the incitement to bitter feelings (or: the being exasperated and provoked; or: = the rebellion) down from the day of putting to the proof by ordeals in the desert,


text:
"where your fathers made an attempt (tested it), within the putting to the proof, and yet saw My works (actions; deeds) <n>[for]</n> forty years,"


text:
"on account of which I was burdened by (or: weighed down with grief for; heavy at heart with) that generation, and said, 'They are always led astray (caused to wander) by (or: in) the heart; they do not personally or intimately know My ways.'


text:
"So I swore in (in union with) My inherent fervor (native character; or: swelling passion and teeming desire; or: inward agitation and anger; or: disposition and impulse), 'Now since (or: if) they shall proceed entering into My rest (or: the stopping down and rest which is Me, and which comes from Me)...!'" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 95:7-11'>Ps. 95:7-11</a>]</n>


text:
Exercise sight (Be continuously observing), brothers, <n>[so]</n> there shall not once be (or: exist) in any of you folks a bad, useless or misery-gushed heart (a heart causing labor, sorrow or pain) of unfaithfulness (or: from disloyalty, disbelief or distrust; or: the source and character of which is an absence of faith and trust), in withdrawing (or: standing away and aloof; separating or revolting) from the living God.


text:
But rather, be habitually calling yourselves alongside – entreating, admonishing, encouraging, bringing relief and helping each other – daily, concerning (or: in accord with) each day, until (or: as long as; during) that which continues being called "Today" <n>[with A, C and other MSS: while you folks continue inviting this present Day,]</n> so that not any one from the midst of you folks may be hardened by a deception of failure (or: in treachery from a miss of the target; with seduction of sin; by cunning in regard to error; by deceit relating to a mistake).


text:
For we have been born partners of the Christ (or: we have come to be associates and participants who partake of the Anointed One and commonly hold the Anointing) with the result that we are now in a binding partnership with Him, since surely we can fully hold in our possession – so as to retain firm and steadfast – the Origin of the substructure to the point of completion of the intended goal (or: if indeed, unto <n>[the condition or state of]</n> maturity, we would fully hold in our possession, so as to retain firm and steadfast, the beginning <n>[position]</n> with regard to the substance, essential nature and basis <n>[of the new reality]</n> – as well as the rule of that <n>[which was]</n> put under, as a standing for support),


text:
in connection with it being repeatedly said, "Today, if you would hear <n>[active voice = hear and obey]</n> His voice (or: in the thing being constantly said today, since you can listen to and obey His voice), you would not be hardening your hearts, as in the incitement to bitter feelings (= the rebellion)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 95:7-8'>Ps. 95:7-8</a>]</n>


text:
For you see, certain folks, upon hearing, caused an incitement to bitter feelings (= a rebellion). However, in contrast, <n>[it was]</n> not all the folks that came forth from out of Egypt through Moses.


text:
So now by (or: with) which ones was He burdened (or: weighed down with grief; heavy at heart) <n>[for]</n> forty years? <n>[Was it]</n> not by those sinning (failing to hit the target; making mistakes and errors; <n>[A reads: being without conviction, and thus, being disobedient]</n>)? Of whom those members <n>[of the body]</n> (the limbs; or: = carcasses) fell in the desert (or: wilderness)!


text:
Now to which folks did He swear to <n>[that they were]</n> not to enter into His rest, if not to the uncompliant ones (the ones refusing to be convinced so as to obey; <n>[<i>p</i>46 reads: the folks being disloyal and without faith and trust]</n>)?


text:
And so, we observe (or: see) that they did not have power or ability to enter because of a lack of faith and trust (or: unfaithfulness; disloyalty; distrust).


text:
With <n>[the]</n> announced promise to enter into His rest (or; the ceasing which is Him) continuing in being remaining left behind down on this level <n>[for us]</n> and fully left <n>[open]</n>, we should, then, be at once caused to fear (= take respectful care and be attentive), lest at some point anyone from among you folks may be appearing (or: seeming; or: being of the opinion) to have been behind (to have come to be in the rear; or: to be deficient; or: = to have missed it)!


text:
For you see, we are people having been addressed with goodness (or: being brought a message of ease and well-being), even as those folks, also. But the Word (or: message; thought; idea; Logos) which they heard did not profit (or: benefit) those folks – <n>[it]</n> not having been mixed and blended together with faith, trust or loyalty in (or: by; for; with) those at that time hearing <n>[it]</n>. <n>[with other MSS: – {they} not being folks that had been co-mingled by conviction and loyalty with those paying attention and listening.]</n>


text:
For we, those at this point believing and trusting, are progressively entering into the rest (or: the stopping). Just as He has said, "As I swore in My inherent fervor (impulse; inner agitation; anger; native disposition; or: passionate desire), 'Since (or: If) they shall proceed entering into My rest ...!'," <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 95:11'>Ps. 95:11</a>]</n> although (or: and yet) – with regard to the works (actions; deeds) – being born (or: brought into existence; caused to happen or occur) from <n>[the]</n> casting down (laying of a foundation) of an ordered system (or: of <n>[the]</n> world; or: namely, of the works born from cosmic conception <n>[from the usage of <i>katabolen</i> with <i>spermatos</i> in ch. 11:11]</n>; thus: of works generated from conception of a world).


text:
For He said in a certain place concerning the seventh, thus, "And God rested in the seventh day from all His works." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bGen. 2:2'>Gen. 2:2</a>]</n>


text:
Since, then, there continues being left remaining <n>[for]</n> some folks to enter into it, and those being formerly addressed with goodness (or: being brought a message of ease and well-being) did not enter because of a lack of being convinced (or: incompliance; disobedience),


text:
again, He is determining (or: He is again defining and setting bounds around) a certain day, "Today!" In David He is saying, after so long a time, just as it has been said before, "Today, if you would hear His voice, you would not be hardening your hearts." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 95:7-8'>Ps. 95:7-8</a>]</n>


text:
For you see, if Joshua caused them to rest, He would not after these things have continued speaking concerning another "Day."


text:
Consequently, a keeping of a sabbath (a state of rest) is being left remaining for (or: to; in; with) God's people,


text:
for the person entering into His rest also caused himself to rest from his own works (actions; deeds), just as God <n>[did]</n> from His own.


text:
We should at once with diligence hasten, then, to enter into this rest (or: that ceasing down <n>[from work]</n>; completely stopping), so that one would not fall in the same example (or: result of a pattern) of incompliance (or: stubbornness; disobedience; lack of conviction; <n>[<i>p</i>46 reads: lack of faith and trust]</n>).


text:
For the Word of God (or: God's thought, idea and message; or: the expressed Logos from God; or: the Word which is God) <n>[is]</n> 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).


text:
And no creature (thing formed, framed or created) is (or: exists being) out of sight (not manifest; concealed) in His (or: in Its – i.e., the Word's) presence, but all things <n>[are]</n> naked and have been gripped and bent back at the neck <n>[thus, exposing the face and throat]</n> to (or: in; by) His (or: Its) eyes, face to face with Whom (or: Which) in us (or: to us; for us; with us) <n>[is]</n> this Word (or: with a view to Whom by us <n>[is]</n> the message and the account; or: toward whom, for us and among us, <n>[comes]</n> the Idea and the Reason).


text:
Continuously having, then, a great Chief Priest having passed through the atmospheres (or: heavens) <n>[note: a figure of the holy place, and the holy of holies, in the Tabernacle]</n> – Jesus, the Son of God – we can continuously be strong and lay hold of the same Word (or: with regard to the agreement of thought, the like-reason, the same message).


text:
For you see, we do not have a chief priest who is unable or has no power to sympathize (to have a sense-experience with; to feel a stab of sympathy or suffer together; <i>cf</i> ch. 2:10) with our lack of strength, but One having been put to the proof – in accord with all things (or: down with all men; corresponding to all people) <n>[and]</n> in corresponding likeness – apart from failure (mistake; error; sin; failing to hit the target).


text:
We should, then, be repeatedly and habitually coming to the throne of Grace (<n>[= mercy seat and place of Grace's authority]</n>; or: the throne which is grace; the throne that is marked by grace and whose source is joyous favor) with freedom in speaking and outspoken boldness as a citizen who has no fear of reprisal, so that we can at once receive and take mercy as well as grace and favor into a timely (seasonable; well-suited) response to a cry for help <n>[reading with B; or, with other MSS: receive mercy and then at once find grace and favor, unto opportune help (or: leading into help marked by a season of well-being; with a view to aid whose character is a good situation and a fertile moment of wellness)]</n>.


text:
Now you see, every chief priest being taken forth from men, on behalf of men, is being placed down (set and established) in the things directed toward (or: with a view to, pertaining to and facing) God, so that he may be bringing both gifts and sacrifices over <n>[situations of]</n> and in behalf of failures (mistakes; sins; errors; times of missing the target),


text:
constantly being able to measure feelings (to deal gently; or: being moderate) to habitually ignorant folks (or: with people not normally having intimate, experiential knowledge <n>[<i>gnosis</i>]</n>) and to people being constantly deceived, repeatedly led astray or habitually caused to wander, since he himself habitually environs (has around himself) lack of strength (or: weakness),


text:
and so, on account of this, he is indebted (obliged; or: he owes it) – according as concerning the people, so also concerning himself – to offer (bear something with a view to and directed) concerning failures (mistakes; sins; errors; times of shooting off-target).


text:
And no one takes the honor (value; worth) to himself, but rather <n>[is]</n> one being called (summoned; invited) by God, just as Aaron, also, <n>[was]</n>.


text:
Thus also, Christ did not glorify Himself (give Himself a reputation; have an opinion of Himself) to be born (or: to come to be) a Chief Priest, but to the contrary, <n>[it was]</n> the One at one point speaking to Him, "You are My Son; today I have given birth to (or: conceived) You (= become Your Father)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 2:7'>Ps. 2:7</a>]</n>


text:
Just as also in a different place He is saying, "You <n>[are]</n> a Priest on into the Age, down from (or: in accord and in line with) Melchizedek's station (order; lineup; alignment; placement; appointment; succession)," <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 110:4'>Ps. 110:4</a>]</n>


text:
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: <n>[His]</n> undertaking with care).


text:
Even though continuously being a Son, He learned to listen, pay attention and act on it (or: the giving of the ear in hearing from below, and then to obey) from the things which He experienced (or: what happened to Him <n>[both the good and the bad]</n>).


text:
And being brought to the goal of <n>[His]</n> destiny (being brought to maturity and completion; being finished and perfected) He became a cause of eonian deliverance (or: rescue, wholeness and good health and restoration to the original state of being which pertains to and has the character of the Age; safety and healing of and for the ages) for all (or: in all) those habitually listening, paying attention and acting in response (or: the giving of the ear in hearing from below, with obedience) to Him,


text:
being at one time addressed and greeted in the public market place (or: spoken toward; proclaimed) by God (or: under God), "Chief Priest down from and corresponding to (in accord with; in line with; in the succession of) the station (order; placement; appointment; arranging; alignment) of Melchizedek" – <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 110:4'>Ps. 110:4</a>]</n>


text:
concerning Whom the Word <n>[has]</n> much to say to us – and <n>[it is]</n> difficult to be explained (or: about whom the message <n>[is]</n> great and <n>[is]</n> hard to be understood <n>[or]</n> for us to say; or: concerning Whom, for us <n>[there is]</n> much to say – and <n>[it is]</n> hard to be understood), since you have become sluggish (dull) for hearing.


text:
For also, being indebted (or: obligated) to be teachers, because of the time <n>[gone by]</n>, you again have a need of someone to be teaching you folks the elementary things (or: fundamental principles; rudiments and rules) of the beginning of the brief spoken words (or: principle short thoughts and messages) of God, and you have become folks having need of milk, and not solid food.


text:
For everyone partaking (sharing in) milk <n>[is]</n> untried (inexperienced) pertaining to <n>[the]</n> Word of the Way pointed out (from the message of fair and equitable dealing or an idea about rightwised relationships; also: = in regard to the idea of, and the reason derived from, covenant membership), for he is a babe (a non-speaking infant, or one who is still childish and unfit to bear weapons).


text:
But solid food belongs to perfected ones (complete and mature ones; ones who are fully developed and have reached the goal of their destiny) – those, because of habit, having organs of perception trained as in gymnastic exercise and thus being skilled, because of practice, and disciplined with a view to a discerning (or: when facing the act of separating, making a distinction and then a decision about) both good and evil (both that which is excellent, ideal, of good quality, profitable and beautiful, as well as that which is of bad quality, worthless, ugly or of bad form; or: = between right and wrong),


text:
through which <n>[practice and exercise]</n> (or: On account of which), in at some point leaving behind (or: letting flow away) the word from the beginning, in regard to the Christ (or: the message pertaining to the origin and beginning of the Christ; or: the primary thought about the Anointed One) we can be continuously and progressively brought upon (or: carried on <n>[to]</n>) the realization of the end in view (or: the accomplished goal of maturity; completion of the destined, finished product), not again repeatedly conceiving (or: laying; casting down) a foundation which involves a change of mind with a turning away from dead works, and of faith and trust upon God;


text:
of teachings of immersions (baptisms), besides a placing-on of hands; and then of resurrection of dead ones – as well as of the results of an eonian decision (or: the effects of a separation and a judgment which pertains to and has the quality of the Age)!


text:
For you see, those once being enlightened, besides tasting (= experiencing) the heavenly gift (or: the granted bounty from the One <n>[holding sway]</n> upon the atmosphere) and after being born (or: coming to be) common-holders (partners; sharing possessors; joint-participants; associates; partaking members) of set-apart spirit (or: of a holy Breath-effect; or: of <n>[the]</n> Holy Spirit),


text:
and then tasting (= experiencing) a beautiful gush-effect of God (or: an ideal result of the flow from God; or: God's fine speech; an excellent declaration pertaining to God; a profitable thing spoken, which is God) – besides abilities and powers of an impending age,


text:
and yet then falling by the side (or: falling aside along the way), <n>[are]</n> powerless and unable to be repeatedly renewing again into a change of mind: <n>[they are]</n> continuously crucifying again in themselves (or: to, for or by themselves) the Son of God, and <n>[are]</n> constantly exposing <n>[Him]</n> to public disgrace.


text:
For you see, a piece of land (or: ground; soil; = a field; or: a territory) which is drinking (= soaking in) the rain often coming upon it, and producing vegetation (pasture; produce) fit for and useful to them through whom it is habitually being cultivated, <n>[is]</n> also continuously sharing in and partaking of a blessing from God;


text:
but when repeatedly and progressively bearing forth thorns and thistles <n>[it is]</n> disqualified (worthless; unable to stand the test <n>[for planting a new crop]</n>) and <n>[is]</n> close to (or: near) <n>[the]</n> curse (or: a down-prayer and a corresponding wish against <n>[the situation]</n> is at hand), the end (the resultant situation) of which <n>[the thorn, briars, thistles and the field is]</n> into <n>[a time of]</n> burning (or: = the field ends up being burned off). <n>[comment: this is a time-honored agricultural practice for preparing a field for planting a crop – the competition has been removed and the ground has been enriched by the ash]</n>


text:
Yet we have been persuaded of more excellent things <n>[than this]</n> concerning you folks, beloved ones (= dear, accepted friends) – as well as things (or: aspects; qualities) normally clinging closely to (or: holding in themselves from) the sphere of wholeness, health, rescue, safety, deliverance and restoration – even though we keep on speaking in this way!


text:
For the case is, God <n>[is]</n> not unjust (contrary to fairness and equity shown in the Way pointed out) to be at any point forgetful (or: to fully escape the knowledge or be unaware; in any case to be completely neglectful, disregarding or unnoticing) of your work and of the love which you pointed out and display into <n>[showing forth]</n> His Name: waiting upon and giving attending service and support of life's necessities to the set-apart (or: sacred; holy) folks – even continuously dispensing <n>[goods]</n> and habitually providing the means of living!


text:
Now we are constantly setting our hearts and our full desires upon each of you to habitually display the same diligence (or: earnestness; eagerness) with a view to the bearing of the full measure of the expectation (or: face to face with the full carrying of the expectant hope) – until the closing act (the goal; the end; the finished product; the completion),


text:
so that you may not be birthed (or: come to be) dull or lazy folks, but instead <n>[be]</n> imitators of those <n>[who]</n> through faith and long-breathing (or: trust and long-enduring; loyalty and perseverance) are normally and presently inheriting the promises (or: one after another acquiring by lot and enjoying the added messages and announcements).


text:
For you see God – after at one point promising to Abraham – since He had, and continues to have, no greater in line with (or: down into the sphere of; to the level of; according to; by; against) which to swear, swore in line with (down into; by; etc.) Himself,


text:
proceeding in saying, "Assuredly, continuously speaking good (or: blessing) I will continuously speak good to (or: bless) you, then progressively multiplying I will progressively multiply and fill you." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bGen. 22:17'>Gen. 22:17</a>]</n>


text:
And so, in this way enduring long (breathing and blowing long) he hit upon the target of (= obtained) the promises.


text:
For you see, men are swearing by (or: down on; according to) the greater, and to (or: for; with; among) them the oath <n>[is]</n> an end (limit; boundary; termination) of all contradiction and dispute (or: from talking-back in face-to-face opposition), unto an established confirmation.


text:
In <n>[line with]</n> 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,


text:
so that by two unchangeable transactions (practice-effects) in which <n>[it is]</n> impossible (without power or ability) <n>[for]</n> 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 <n>[us]</n>,


text:
which we continuously have (hold; possess) as an anchor of and pertaining to the soul (or: from the inner life and being), both secure from falling and established (firm; steadfast; = on sure footing), even habitually entering into the interior (or: then progressively going fully into the inner part) with reference to the veil (= entering into the interior <n>[behind]</n> the curtain)


text:
where a Forerunner (= spy or scout), Jesus, entered over us (or: on our behalf; over our <n>[situation]</n>), down from (or: in accord with; in the line of <n>[succession of]</n>) the station (order; placement) of Melchizedek, being born (or: coming to be) a Chief (or: Ranking) Priest on into the midst of the Age (or: <n>[proceeding]</n> unto the Age <n>[of Messiah]</n>).


text:
For you see, this Melchizedek, a King of Salem, a Priest of the Most High God (or: from God Most High) – the One meeting with Abraham, <n>[who was]</n> returning from the cutting down (or: smiting) of the kings, and was speaking words of well-being to (or: blessing) him,


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


text:
<n>[Being]</n> without father, without mother, without a genealogy, having neither a beginning of days nor an end of life, yet being made a likeness from (or: being portrayed or pictured like) the Son of God, he continuously remains a priest to the whole length (extended or stretched into the unbroken continuance) <n>[of time]</n>.


text:
Now continuously be gazing as a spectator: How eminent and distinguished <n>[is]</n> this one! – to Whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth out of the topmost part of the heap <n>[= the spoils of war]</n>.


text:
And later, on the one hand, those out of the sons of Levi, in taking the office of a priest, hold (or: possess) an implanted goal (impartation of the finished product and destiny within; inward directive), down from and in accord with the Law, to be receiving tithes from the people, that is, their brothers, even those having come out of the loins of Abraham.


text:
Yet on the other hand, he (or: the one the man), being not of their genealogy, caused Abraham to pay tithes and has spoken goodness and well-being to (or: blessed) the one holding (or: possessing) the Promise.


text:
Now without all contradiction (or: apart from every dispute), the inferior is being blessed by the superior (stronger and better; = more important).


text:
And so here (in this place), in the one case dying-away (rotting; withering) men are receiving (or: taking) tithes; and yet there in the other case, it is being witnessed and attested that he continuously lives (or: He constantly lives and is alive)!


text:
And thus even Levi, receiving tithes, has – if I may say it this way (or: = as it could be said) – been tithed (or: = regarded as part of that tithe) through Abraham.


text:
For you see, he was still in the loins of the Father (or: forefather) when Melchizedek met with him.


text:
If indeed, then, attainment of the goal (or: completion; perfection; maturity; the finished product and destiny) was, and continued being, through the Levitical priesthood – for based upon it the people have been placed under Law <n>[= Torah]</n> and set in a custom – what need <n>[is there]</n> still <n>[for]</n> a different <n>[kind or line of]</n> priest to be raising Himself up, down from (in accord with and in the line of succession of) the station (order; placement; appointment) of Melchizedek, and not normally said to be down from (in accord with and in the line of succession of) the station (order) of Aaron?


text:
For it follows that with the priesthood being presently place-changed (or: progressively after-placed and transferred), out of necessity (or: compulsion) even a change of law <n>[= Torah]</n> is being born (or: also an after-placement transference of custom is coming into existence).


text:
For you see, He of (or: upon) Whom these things are now being said has shared in (or: partaken of; participated in) a different tribe, from which no one has attended (given heed to; held <n>[something]</n> toward) to (by; in; for) the altar (= participated in sacrificial duties).


text:
Now you see <n>[it was]</n> previously clearly visible and obvious that our Lord has risen from out of Judah, into which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning a priesthood.


text:
And so it is still superabundantly more clearly visible and evident if a different Priest is rising up according to (or: down from; in the line of succession of) Melchizedek's likeness,


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


text:
For He is continuously witnessing <n>[other MSS: it continues being attested]</n>, "You <n>[are]</n> a Priest on into the Age, according to (down from) the station (order; placement; arranging; succession) of Melchizedek." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 110:4'>Ps. 110:4</a>]</n>


text:
For on the one hand, a displacement (or: setting-aside; annulment; repudiation; cancellation; abrogation) of a preceding implanted goal (impartation of the finished product and destiny within; inward directive) is being born (or: comes into existence) because it <n>[was]</n> without strength and without increase (without help, profit, benefit or gain) –


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


text:
for on the one hand there are indeed men that have become priests apart from a sworn oath, yet on the other hand, He <n>[became one]</n> with an oath sworn through, and by means of, the One saying to Him, "The Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> swore (or: swears) and shall not be regretting (having after-care), 'You are a Priest on into the Age <n>[other MSS add: according to and in line with the order and succession of Melchizedek]</n> '." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 110:4'>Ps. 110:4</a>]</n>


text:
Correspondingly, to that extent also, Jesus has become a guarantee (pledge; surety; sponsor) of a superior (stronger and better) arrangement (or: covenant; disposition).


text:
Furthermore, indeed, many are the folks having become priests, <n>[in succession]</n> – because of <n>[predecessors]</n>, one after another, being cut off (thus: hindered) by death from continuing in abiding near (remaining at the side),


text:
but He, on account of His continuously remaining on into the Age, constantly holds (continuously possesses) the unable-to-be-walked-along (or: the not-going-to-the-side; inviolate; infallible) priesthood.


text:
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 <n>[Who is]</n> always living to be repeatedly effecting encounters over them and to hit the internal target.


text:
For a Chief Priest such as this One was, and continues to be, fitting (appropriate; proper) for us: loyal and dedicated, benign (without bad quality; harmless; without bad form; not ugly), unstained (undefiled), having been parted (severed; separated) away from those failing to hit the target (those making errors; the sinners), even being birthed higher than the atmospheres and heavens,


text:
Who is not having daily necessity, just as the chief priests, to repeatedly offer up sacrifices over their own failures (errors; sins) before, and after that, those of the people. For this He performed just once (once for all; on one <n>[occasion]</n>), offering up Himself <n>[other MSS: bringing (or: carrying) Himself toward {God, or, us} (or: presenting Himself)]</n>.


text:
You see, the Law (or: custom) is continually placing (setting down) people having weakness (want of strength) <n>[as]</n> chief priests. But the word pertaining to the sworn oath (or: which was the act of taking an oath) <n>[which came]</n> after the Law <n>[appoints]</n> a Son <n>[Who is]</n> One having been finished, perfected, brought to the goal and is now complete, <n>[leading]</n> unto (or: on into; into the midst of) the Age <n>[of the Messiah]</n>!


text:
Now as a summary and main point, added to the things being presently said (or: the head <n>[topic]</n> of the discussion): we continue having such a Chief and Ruling Priest, Who sat down at the right of the Throne of the Greatness (or: in union with the place of power and receiving in Majesty's seat of authority) within the midst of the atmospheres (or: in union with and participating in the heavens; = the realm of rule over the earth) –


text:
a Public Servant <n>[note: this word referred to a property owner performing public service at His own expense]</n> of the set-apart folks (of the holy ones; or: of the holy things; or: of the Holies; from the sacred places) – even (or: and) of the true and real Tabernacle (or: tent; = God's home among His people) which the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> pitched, not man (or: people; humanity).


text:
Now you see, every chief priest is being placed (or: set down; or: = appointed) into the <n>[situation; job]</n> to be repeatedly offering both gifts and sacrifices. In consequence or consideration of this <n>[it seems]</n> necessary for this One to continue having something which He may offer.


text:
Indeed therefore, if He were upon earth, He would not even have been a priest, there constantly being those folks who keep on offering the gifts according to the Law (or: in line with custom, or <n>[Torah]</n>),


text:
who are constantly rendering service for (or: in) an example (underlying copy; the effect of something shown from under) and by (or: in; with) a shadow of the folks upon the heavens (or: of the super-heavenly ones; or: of the things pertaining to completely heavenly places and things; or: of <n>[things or situations]</n> from the One <n>[resident]</n> upon the atmosphere), just as Moses had been managed (or: instructed), being about to finish (complete; perfect) the Tabernacle. For He continues to bring to light by declaration, "Continue to observe so as to see that you make (or: construct) all things down from and in accord with the pattern (the type; the impress made by a strike; the mark of the wound inflicted) shown to you (presented to your sight) on (or: in; in the midst of) the mountain." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bEx. 25:40'>Ex. 25:40</a>]</n>


text:
But now He has hit the mark of a thoroughly carried-through public service, even by as much as He continues being a Medium (an agency; an intervening substance; a middle state; one in a middle position; a go-between; an umpire; a Mediator) of a superior (stronger and better) arrangement (covenant; settlement; disposition) which has been instituted (set by custom; legally <n>[= by/as Torah]</n> established) upon superior (stronger and better) promises!


text:
For if that first one was being unblamable (without ground for faultfinding; beyond criticism; satisfying), a place of a second one would not have continued to be sought (looked for).


text:
For continuously blaming (finding fault and being dissatisfied with) them, He is saying, "'Consider! Days are progressively coming,' says the Lord <n>[=Yahweh]</n>, 'and I shall progressively bring an end together (a conclusion of its destiny; or: a joint-goal) upon the house of Israel and upon the house of Judah with a new arrangement (covenant; disposition),


text:
"'not down from nor in accord with the arrangement (covenant) which I made with their fathers, in a day of My taking hold upon their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they did not remain (abide; dwell) in My arrangement (covenant) and, for my part, I cared not for (was unconcerned about; neglected) them,' says the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n>.


text:
"'Because this is the arrangement (covenant; disposition) which I shall continue arranging for the house of Israel, after those days,' says the Lord: 'progressively giving My Laws into their thought (into that which goes through their mind; into their perception and comprehension), and I shall progressively imprint them (write or inscribe marks) upon their hearts, and I shall continue being in and among them (<n>[in relation]</n> to them; for them), into <n>[the position of]</n> a God, and they shall continue being (exist being) in Me (<n>[in relation]</n> to Me; for Me), into <n>[the position of]</n> a people.


text:
"'And they may by no means teach each one his fellow-citizen, and each one his brother, saying, "Know the Lord (or: You must be intimate with <n>[Yahweh]</n>)," because everyone (all) shall progressively perceive and thus understand and be acquainted with Me, from a little one even to a large one of them,


text:
"'because I shall continue being (existing) merciful with a cleansing covering for their injustices (behaviors contrary to the Way pointed out; inequities) and acts of lawlessness, and then I would by no means be reminded further of their mistakes and failures (errors and falling short of the target; sins).'" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bJer. 31:30-33'>Jer. 31:30-33</a>]</n>


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


text:
The first, indeed then, also continued having effects of rites and products of the way then pointed out (= ordinances and regulations for the right way to do things) in respect to worship and sacred service, besides the set-apart (or: holy) place pertaining to that system (suited to that ordered arrangement),


text:
for a tabernacle was furnished (equipped, prepared), the first <n>[part; compartment]</n> – in which <n>[was]</n> both the lampstand and the table, even the setting forth of the breads, as well as the golden censer-altar <n>[reading with B: Vat. MS #1209, & Sahidic witnesses]</n> – which is being called set-apart (a holy place; <n>[the]</n> Holy Place; a separated place).


text:
But after the second veil, a tabernacle being called the set-apart of the set-apart ones (the Holy of Holies; the separated one of the separated ones; = the most set-apart),


text:
having the ark of the arrangement (or: chest pertaining to the covenant), having been covered round about by gold, in which <n>[was]</n> a golden pot (or: urn) continuously holding (or: having) the manna, and Aaron's rod – the one sprouting (budding) – and the tablets of the arrangement (disposition; covenant),


text:
but up above her <n>[i.e., the ark]</n> <n>[are]</n> cherubim, which have the character and quality of and express <n>[the]</n> glory, continuously overshadowing the mercy seat (the place of gentleness and graciousness), concerning which things (or: ones) there is now nothing to be saying corresponding to <n>[that]</n> part (or: down from, or in accord with, a part; = in detail).


text:
But of these things, having been thus prepared (equipped; furnished; constructed), the priests, indeed, habitually entering into the first tabernacle <n>[i.e., compartment]</n>, are repeatedly completing (ending upon; fully finishing) the sacred service,


text:
yet into the second one <n>[i.e., compartment]</n> the chief priest alone (or: only), once a year, not apart from blood – which he is offering over (or: on behalf of) the effects of ignorance (things resulting from a lack of knowledge or insight) of himself and of the people –


text:
the set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit) making this clearly visible: the Way (Path; Road) of the set-apart places (or: of the separated ones; pertaining to the sacred folks; of the Holies) <n>[was]</n> not yet to have been manifested (caused to appear; brought to light) while the first tabernacle is having a standing –


text:
which is a parable, <n>[pointing]</n> unto the present season (or: the fertile moment and situation having been placed within the midst and which is now here) – in accord with which <n>[parable]</n> both gifts and sacrifices are continually being offered, <n>[though]</n> not being able (or: not having power) to perfect (complete; bring to the goal and destiny; finish; mature), in regard to conscience and shared consciousness, those repeatedly doing the sacred service,


text:
<n>[relying]</n> only upon foods and drinks and various immersions (baptisms; ceremonial washings), as well as rites and products of the way then pointed out (or: applications of fairness and equity) pertaining to the flesh (or: = <n>[the]</n> flesh's <n>[religious]</n> ordinances and external regulations of justice; or: = the system of human works), continuously lying upon them (thus: pressing upon them; = being imposed by them) until a fitting situation (or: season; fertile moment) of raising-up-through (or: thoroughly raising upright and making straight).


text:
So Christ (<n>[the]</n> Anointed One; <n>[Messiah]</n>), after suddenly coming to be present at <n>[our]</n> side <n>[as]</n> a Chief (or: Ruling; Ranking) Priest of the good things happening (or: of virtuous people being birthed; <n>[with other MSS: pertaining to impending excellent things]</n>), by means of the greater and more perfect (more matured, complete and destined) Tabernacle not made by hands – that is, not of this creation – and not by means of blood from he-goats and calves, but by means of and through His own blood


text:
entered in at once and once for all into the midst and core of the set-apart ones (or: the holy places), at once finding in Himself an unbinding (a loosening for release and liberation; redemption) proper to, belonging to and having its origin in the Age <n>[of the Messiah]</n> (or: eonian, or, age-lasting liberation).


text:
For you see, if the blood of bulls and of he-goats, as well as ashes of a heifer repeatedly sprinkling the folks having become defiled (made common or ceremonially unclean), is continually making <n>[a person]</n> set-apart (or: making holy and sacred) with a view to and leading toward the cleanness of the flesh (= the physical body or human relationships),


text:
to how much greater an extent shall the blood of the Christ (Anointed One; <n>[Messiah]</n>) – Who through means of a spirit (or: attitude; <n>[the]</n> Breath-effect) pertaining to the Age offers Himself (or: brought Himself face to face and offers Himself) without blemish by and with God (or: in, to and for God) – continue cleansing and pruning your conscience and shared consciousness from works of death (or: dead procedures and activities; deeds of dead folks) <n>[leading]</n> into <n>[the situation]</n> to be continuously rendering sacred service, as well as habitually doing the business and duties of life, for, in, by, to and with the living, as well as true and real, God?


text:
And now because of this, He continues being a Medium (an Agency; an Intervening Substance; a middle state; One in a middle position; a go-between; an Umpire; a Mediator) of and from a New Arrangement (a disposition and covenant that is new in kind and quality) so that, pertaining to a death occurring (or: from a death having happened) <n>[which leads]</n> into an unbinding-away of the steppings-to-the-side <n>[that were]</n> based upon the first arrangement, (or: in order that by birthing Himself from death into the midst of a redeeming <n>[of people]</n> from the deviations <n>[that came]</n> upon the first disposition; or: so that at one point coming into existence from death <n>[and]</n> on into the center of a ransom-paid release from transgressions <n>[that were founded]</n> upon the former covenant,) the people having been called and now remaining invited can at some point take hold of (or: may seize into possession; or: would suddenly receive) the Promise of the inheritance pertaining to and having the qualities of the Age <n>[of Messiah]</n> (or: the eonian possession and enjoyment of the allotment; or: the inheritance of, from and for the ages).


text:
For you see, where <n>[there is]</n> an arrangement (or: covenant; also: a will; a settlement), a necessity to be brought <n>[is]</n> the death of the one arranging (or: making the will; covenanting),


text:
for an arrangement (a will; a covenant) based upon dead folks <n>[is]</n> firm (fixed; guaranteed as valid), since it is never (not once) <n>[other MSS: not then]</n> strong (or: in force) at the time when the one making the arrangement (or: covenant; will) is alive (or: continues living).


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


text:
For every implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inner destiny; inward directive) down from the Law was spoken by (and: under) Moses to and for all the People, taking the blood of calves and he-goats, with water, scarlet wool and hyssop, he sprinkled both the scroll and all the People,


text:
saying, "This is the blood of the arrangement (covenant; disposition) which God imparted as the goal to you (or: directed as the end and destiny in mind, with a view to you folks)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bEx. 24:8'>Ex. 24:8</a>]</n>


text:
Furthermore, in like manner he sprinkled the Tabernacle, and even all the vessels of the public service, with blood.


text:
And so, down from and in accord with the Law, nearly everything is being cleansed in (or: in union with) blood, and apart from blood-shedding a sending-away (or: a causing to flow off; an abandoning or a divorce; or: forgiveness) is not coming into existence (is not being birthed; does not occur).


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


text:
For Christ did not enter into set-apart places made by hands (= by humans) – representations (things formed after a pattern) of the true and real things – but rather into the atmosphere and heaven itself, now to be manifested (exhibited to view; caused to appear in clear light; made apparent) by the presence of God over us (or: in God's face and countenance <n>[being]</n> on our behalf).


text:
Nor yet <n>[is it]</n> that many times He would be repeatedly offering Himself, even as the chief priest is repeatedly entering into the set-apart (or: holy) places yearly in blood belonging to another,


text:
otherwise (or: in that case) it was continually binding Him to experience <n>[it]</n> (or: to suffer; to have sense-experiences and to feel) many times from the founding of the organized System of <n>[their]</n> religion and culture (or: the casting down of the world or universe). Yet now (at this time), once, upon a conjunction (a joined destiny; a bringing of <n>[two]</n> ends together <n>["denoting the joining of two age-times" – E.W. Bullinger]</n>) of the ages, He has been and remains manifested (has been brought to light and continues visible) into a displacement of failure (of error; of sin; of failure to hit the target) through the sacrifice of Himself (or: through His sacrifice; or: by means of the sacrificial altar-offering which was Himself).


text:
And now, according to as much as it continues lying-away (or: laid away; reserved-off; stored) in (or: with; for; to) mankind (or: people) to die-away once, but after this a process of evaluating (a separating and making a distinction to be a judging and determining; a deciding),


text:
so also, the Christ – being once borne (or: carried) close into the many (or: being offered once unto and for the many) to carry failures (errors; sins mistakes; deviations; misses of the target) back up again – will continue being made visible (or: will be progressively seen) forth from out of the midst of the second <n>[place (<i>cf</i> 9:3, 7 & 10:9; {comment: = the holy of holies})]</n> – apart from failure (apart from sin; apart from a sin offering; apart from error in attempting to hit the target) – in those (or: by those; to those; for those) habitually receiving (or: progressively taking) from out of the midst of Him, <n>[progressing]</n> into a deliverance (or: <n>[leading]</n> into a rescue; with a view to health and wholeness; into the midst of salvation). <n>[note: the Greek word translated "receiving from out of the midst of" is <i>apekdechomai</i>, which is <i>dechomai</i>, which means "to take and receive with the hands," with the preposition <i>apek</i>, a contraction of <i>apo</i>, "from," and <i>ek</i>, "out of the midst of" added as a prefix. This verb should not be translated "looking for," or "awaiting"]</n>


text:
For the Law (= Torah), holding a shadow of (having shade from) the impending good things (virtues; excellent, agreeable or useful qualities or results) – not the very image of or the same reproduced likeness from those transactions (results of executing or performing; effects of practices) – continues not even once able (or: still never has power) at any point to perfect (bring to the goal and destiny, finish, complete or mature) those folks repeatedly coming near (approaching) by offering the <n>[other MSS: their]</n> same sacrifices every year, on into the whole length (or: extended or stretched into the unbroken continuance) <n>[of its existence]</n>.


text:
Otherwise would they not cease being habitually offered? Because those constantly serving, upon having once for all been cleansed, would not still continue to have even one consciousness about sins (or: awareness of failures, mistakes or errors).


text:
But in contrast, in these folks <n>[there is]</n> yearly (or: year by year) a remembrance of sins (a recollection of failures and falling short of the goal).


text:
For you see, blood from bulls and from he-goats <n>[is]</n> without ability <n>[and is]</n> powerless to be periodically carrying away sins (or: lifting failures from; taking off misses of the target).


text:
Wherefore (or: Because of which), repeatedly (habitually; continually; periodically; or: presently) coming into the System (or: entering the cosmos and the world of religion, culture, secular society and government) He is saying, "You do not will (purpose; intend) sacrifice and offering, but You completely equipped (thoroughly adjusted down, put in order, knit together) in and for Yourself a body for and in Me.


text:
"And the results and effects of whole burnt offerings about sin (concerning failure to hit the target) You do not think well of (or: have a good opinion about).


text:
"Then I said, 'Consider! I am arriving to do (make; form; create; produce; perform) Your will (purpose; intent; resolve), O God!' – in a little head of a scroll (a summaryof a little scroll), it has been written concerning Me.'" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 40:6-8'>Ps. 40:6-8</a>]</n>


text:
Up above, in saying that ,"You do not will (purpose, intend), neither think well of (or: approve), sacrifice and offering and the result and effect of whole burnt-offerings, even concerning sin (failure; error) <n>[offerings]</n>" – which things, down from and in accord with Law and custom, continue being repeatedly offered –


text:
He then said, "Consider! I am arriving to do (form; make; create) Your will (purpose; intent; resolve), O God!" – He is habitually (or: progressively; or: presently) taking back up the first, so that He could make the second <n>[<i>cf</i>. ch. 9:28]</n> to stand (or: that He may place and establish the second) –


text:
within which will (or: in union with which intent and purpose), we are folks having been made set-apart ones (sanctified folks; sacred and holy people) through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.


text:
And so, indeed on the one hand, every priest has stood daily, publicly serving and offering the same sacrifices many times (or: often) – which things not even once (never) are able or have power to take away sins (failures; errors) which surround (which envelop) <n>[us]</n>.


text:
Yet on the other hand this One, after at one point offering one sacrifice – stretched for the whole length – over <n>[the situation of]</n> sins (or: on behalf of failures and errors), sat within the right <n>[part or side]</n> of God (or: at the right <n>[hand]</n> of God; centered in God's <n>[place of power, honor and acceptance]</n>) on into the whole length (or: extended into the unbroken continuance),


text:
continuously, one after another, taking hold with the hand to embrace and welcome from out of the rest (the remaining and leftover) until the hated ones that belong to Him (His enemies; the ruiners that He has; folks who are hostile in relation to Him) can be placed <n>[as]</n> a footstool of His feet (= would be set in a humble and supportive position in relation to His body).


text:
For you see, by and in one offering He has perfected (brought to the goal; matured; completed; finished; brought to their purposed destiny) – on into the whole length (or: extended or stretched into the unbroken continuance) – those folks being one after another set-apart (separated; made sacred and holy; <n>[<i>p</i>46 reads: restored back up again into the original state and condition; rescued back and delivered again; made healthy and whole again]</n>).


text:
Now the set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit; Sacred Attitude) is also habitually witnessing (or: progressively attesting; periodically testifying) to us, for us, in us and by us, for after His having before said,


text:
"This <n>[is]</n> the arrangement (covenant; disposition) which I will continue arranging (covenanting; disposing) toward them after those days," the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> says, "Continuously giving My laws upon their hearts, I will even progressively write them upon their mental perception (or: comprehension; that which passes through the mind), <n>[<a class='xref' href='bJer. 31:33'>Jer. 31:33</a>]</n>


text:
"and I will by no means still continue having called to mind <n>[other MSS: in no way would I at any point still be reminded of]</n> their failures (sins; errors; misses of the target) and of their lawlessnesses (unlawful behaviors)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bJer. 31:34'>Jer. 31:34</a>]</n>


text:
So (or: But; Now) where <n>[there is]</n> a sending away (a release; forgiveness and a causing to flow away) of these things, <n>[there is]</n> no longer an offering concerning sin (failure)!


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


text:
a Way (Path; Road) which was done anew (or: which He innovates and makes new in species, character or mode, within and in the midst) for us and in us, recently slain and yet living, through the veil that is His flesh (or: which way through the veil He did anew for us – that is, His flesh (= His body): recently slain, and now living) –


text:
we can be continuously and progressively approaching with a true heart in fullness of faith (or: in faith's being brought to the full), the hearts having been sprinkled from a misery-gushed consciousness of what is evil or unserviceable (or: a joint-knowledge full of labor; a conscience in a bad condition), and then the body having been bathed in and by clean water.


text:
We can and should be continuously retaining (holding down to have in possession) the unwavering same Word (or: unbent like-thought and similar message; or: unbowed, binding association-agreement) of the expectation (or: from the unwavering expectant-hope), for you see, the One promising <n>[is]</n> Faithful, Trustworthy and Loyal!


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


text:
not repeatedly abandoning (leaving down within; leaving helpless) the leading of ourselves together upon <n>[someone or some occasion]</n> (or: the added gathering together of ourselves), according to a custom for (or: by; among) certain folks, but rather and to the contrary, continuously calling <n>[them]</n> to the side for aid, relief and encouragement (or: to receive the service of a paraclete), even to so much greater a frequency, for, as much as you folks are presently seeing (continuously looking at and observing), the Day progressively drawing near!


text:
For you see, <n>[at]</n> our deliberately (voluntarily; willfully from one's being) making mistakes (entering into error; failing; shooting off-target; sinning) as a habitual way of life, after taking hold of (or: receiving; obtaining) the full, experiential knowledge and insight of the Truth and Reality, there is no longer a sacrifice concerned with sins (failures; etc.) repeatedly (or: continuously) left behind <n>[D* reads: left around; = available for us]</n>, <n>[comment: the sacrificial system of the old covenant no longer exists for a believer]</n>


text:
but instead, <n>[there is]</n> a certain fearful taking (or: receiving) in hand from out of a separation for a decision, leading to a judging, and a zeal of Fire being about to be continuously and progressively eating (or: consuming) the hostile folks (the ones under the circumstance of being in an opposing position). <n>[comment: see ch. 6:4-8; both there and here, correction is a necessary]</n>


text:
Someone displacing (setting aside; violating) a custom of Moses (or: Moses' Law) dies, apart from compassions, upon <n>[evidence or testimony of]</n> two or three witnesses.


text:
By how much worse punishment (= heavier the sentence) do you suppose he will be thought worthy and counted deserving: the one trampling down the Son of God, and considering the blood of the arrangement (or: covenant) common (= profane) – within which he was set-apart (made sacred and holy) – even insulting the Breath-effect of joyous favor (or: Spirit of Grace)?


text:
For we have perceived, and thus know, the One saying, "Execution of right in fairness out of the Way pointed out <n>[is]</n> by Me. I will continue giving back (repay) in its place," says the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n>, and again, "The Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> will continue separating and making a decision about (or: judging) His people." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bEx. 32:35-36'>Ex. 32:35-36</a>]</n> <n>[comment: this paragraph, and its judgments, pertains to God's people]</n>


text:
<n>[It is]</n> fearful (a fear-inspiring <n>[experience]</n>) to suddenly fall-in – into hands of a continuously living God!


text:
Yet be remembering the first (or: former) days in which, being enlightened (illuminated), you at one point remained under (patiently endured while giving support in) a great conflict (contest or athletic combat) of the effects of sense-experiences (results of emotions, passions, sufferings and things that happened to you),


text:
partly both by reproaches and by pressures; partly being birthed (coming to be) folks of common being and existence (partners; participants; sharers) of those thus conducting themselves (turning themselves step-by-step), being constantly exposed and gazed upon as a public spectacle, as in a theater.


text:
For you even feel with (experience with; sympathize with) those bound or in prison <n>[other MSS: with me in my bonds]</n>, and you at one point received to yourselves (accepted) the seizure (plunder; confiscation) of your possessions (properties; things having their origin below) with gracious joy, knowing and realizing to have for yourselves a superior (stronger and better) and continuously remaining (or: dwelling; or: abiding; = permanent and lasting) possession (or: property) <n>[later MSS add: within the heavens (or: atmospheres)]</n>.


text:
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.


text:
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.


text:
For you see, "Yet a very, very little while, <n>[and]</n> the One repeatedly coming will by habit be arriving, and He will not be late (or: continue delaying or taking time).


text:
"Now My just One who is fair and equitable and in right relationship in accord with the Way pointed out <n>[other MSS: the rightwised person]</n> shall continue living from out of trust and faith (or: from out of faith will be continuously living; <n>[other MSS: out of My faith]</n>, and if he should lower his sails and shrink back (place himself under; cower), My soul is not thinking well within him (or: taking delight in him)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bHab. 2:3-4'>Hab. 2:3-4</a>]</n>


text:
Yet we ourselves do not relate to or exist from a lowering of the sails and a shrinking back into a state of being lost, nor into destruction, but rather <n>[we exist]</n> from faith and confident trust, <n>[leading]</n> into an encompassing which is from <n>[the]</n> soul and defines soul (or: unto creating a secure surrounding pertaining to life and breath; unto establishing a perimeter around <n>[our]</n> person; into a forming-around which originates in feelings, desires, instinct, emotions, will, and expressions of life which are the soul).


text:
Now faith continuously exists being (or: trust with loyal conviction is) a standing-under (a substructure; a basis; = the ground on which to build; that which underlies the apparent, and thus is the substance, essence or real nature) of things being habitually expected and anticipated <n>[<i>p</i>13 reads: is a standing-away from things being presently hoped for]</n>; an evidence from a test which proves concerning effects of practices (or: an evidence-based proof of the results of matters, actions or deeds) <n>[that are]</n> not presently seen or normally being observed. <n>[note: Karen Armstrong, in <i>The Case for God</i>, has suggested that <i>pistis</i> not only involves trust and loyalty, but also engagement and commitment. Paul Tillich saw faith as "the state of being grasped by the Spiritual Presence and opened to the transcendent unity of unambiguous life." (<i>Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, p. 131</i>)]</n>


text:
For in the midst of and in union with this the ancient ones (or: the folks old time; the elders) were given testimony (or: had witness and evidence borne to them that gave them a reputation; had their record attested):


text:
In faith and by confident, loyal trust, with the mind we constantly perceive (or: with the intellect we now understand) the ages to have been completely equipped by (and, or: thoroughly adjusted to; knit together and put in order in) God's gush-effect (or: the result of that which flowed from God; or: a declaration or speech that had the source, character and qualities of God; or: a spoken word which was God), into the <n>[resultant situation]</n>: the thing continuously being seen (being looked at and observed) has not come into being from out of the midst of things which are normally appearing (or: continuously shining and exposing themselves to view; or: presently becoming visible or being given light and thus being made to appear).


text:
In faith, by trust, with loyal confidence and to express faithful allegiance, Abel offered to God much more of a sacrifice than (or: compared to) Cain, through which he was given witness (a testimony) to be one in accord with the Way pointed out, with fairness and equity in rightwised relationship (a just one), God's continuous witnessing <n>[being]</n> upon his gifts <n>[with other MSS: a continual testimony upon his gifts, by and in God]</n>; and through it <n>[i.e., faith and God's testimony]</n> he, being dead, is still continuously speaking.


text:
In faith, by trust, with confidence and for loyal allegiance, Enoch was transported (transferred; translated; changed to be in another place), pertaining to the <n>[situation]</n> to not see death (to not behold, perceive or observe a death; or: = to not experience death), and he continued not being found, because God transported him. You see, before his transport (transfer; change of place), he had received testimony (or: is attested) to have pleased God well.


text:
Now apart from faith, trust, confidence and loyal allegiance, <n>[one is]</n> powerless (or: unable) to please <n>[God]</n> well. It is necessary and binding for the person habitually approaching God to believe (to be convinced and trust) that He is (or: that He exists), and that He habitually comes to be (or: becomes) the One who pays back wages (or: gives away rewards) to, in and for those folks repeatedly (or: constantly) seeking Him out (or: seeking from out of Him).


text:
In faith, by trust, with confidence and loyal allegiance, Noah, being instructed (or: being managed in public affairs) concerning those things as yet not seen, acting cautiously (or: receiving carefully; being shown <n>[as]</n> one who is taking hold well), prepared (made ready; furnished and equipped) an ark – <n>[leading]</n> into a deliverance (a rescue; a keeping safe) of his house – through which he made a corresponding evaluation and a commensurate decision about the aggregate of humanity (or: separated down the secular world; condemns the System; makes a judgment which falls in line with and follows the pattern of the ordered arrangement) and came to be an heir (an enjoyer of an allotment) of fair and equitable dealings (of justice and rightwised relationships in accord with the Way pointed out; also: = of covenant inclusion) down from faith, which is in line with trust and is in the sphere of convinced loyalty.


text:
In loyal faith, by trusting allegiance and with confident faithfulness, Abraham obeyed (humbly listened and submissively paid attention, under <n>[God]</n>), continuing to be called to go out into the place which he was, and continued being, about to take in hand (or: receive) – into an inheritance (an enjoyment of an allotment). And he went out not presently putting his thoughts on (or: not being versed in or acquainted with) where he was progressively going.


text:
In faith, by trust, with confident loyal allegiance, he sojourned (resided as an alien in a foreign country; lived alongside as a temporary inhabitant) <n>[settling]</n> into the land of the Promise as not his own (as belonging to another), dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the joint-heirs of the same promise.


text:
For he continued taking with the hand from out of (or: reaching in and receiving, then taking away from within) the city continuously having the foundations – whose Craftsman (or: Technician; Artisan) and skilled Worker for the people (or: Producer; Architect) <n>[is]</n> God.


text:
In faith, by trust, with confidence and for loyal allegiance, also, Sarah herself – being sterile – received (or: laid hold of) power and ability unto a conception (a depositing; founding; casting down) of seed (= offspring), even beyond <n>[the]</n> fertile season of maturity (full age and prime of life), since a Faithful, Loyal and Believable One – the One promising – took the lead (led the way; presided; or, an alternate meaning of <i>hgeomai</i> yields: since she regarded the Promiser trustworthy and believable),


text:
on which account, also, were born from one <n>[couple]</n> – and these of one having been deadened – <n>[people]</n> corresponding to the stars of the heaven (or: sky) for fullness of multitude, and as the sand beside the lip (shore) of the sea: the innumerable. <n>[<a class='xref' href='bGen. 15:5-6'>Gen. 15:5-6</a>]</n>


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


text:
For those (or: people) constantly saying such things are continuously shining within because (or: are causing to clearly appear that) they are habitually seeking upon (or: in earnest seeking for) a father-land (a land of the Father).


text:
And if, indeed, they were still being mindful of and continued remembering that from which they came forth (or: went out) they would have continued having a fitting season (situation; occasion) to bend back up again (or: return),


text:
yet now they are continuously stretching themselves out in order to touch a superior (stronger and better) one: this is one belonging to the superior-heaven (or: that is, pertaining to the One upon the atmosphere; or: this exists being one from the added, superimposed heaven). Wherefore God is habitually not ashamed of them, to be called upon <n>[as]</n> their God. You see, He prepared (made ready) a city for (or: by; with; among) them.


text:
By faith, in trust and with confidence, Abraham, being progressively tried (or: being repeatedly tested for loyal allegiance) had presented and handed-over Isaac; even the one taking up and receiving the promises back again, began offering the only-begotten.


text:
<n>[He]</n> toward whom it was spoken that, "In Isaac a seed shall continue being called (or: an offspring continue being summoned) for (to; in; by) you," <n>[<a class='xref' href='bGen. 21:12'>Gen. 21:12</a>]</n>


text:
was logically reasoning and considering (reckoning; figuring; counting on) that God has power and is able to repeatedly arouse even out from among dead folks – whence also, in a parable, he took him back into keeping (or: he recovered him).


text:
In faith, by trust, with confidence and for faithfulness, also, Isaac spoke well of (or: blessed) Jacob and Esau concerning impending things.


text:
In faith, by trust, with confident faithfulness and for loyal allegiance, Jacob, when dying away, spoke well of (or: blessed) each of the sons of Joseph, and kissed his hand toward <n>[them]</n> (or: worshiped; or: showed respect), <n>[leaning]</n> upon the top of his staff.


text:
In faith, by trust, with confidence and with loyalty, Joseph, finishing (ending; completing his course; reaching the goal of his destiny), called to mind (was mindful) concerning a way out (an exodus) of the sons of Israel, and imparted instructions for the goal, concerning his bones.


text:
In faith, by trust, with confidence and for loyal allegiance, Moses, being born, was hidden three months by his parents (or: fathers), because they saw (perceived) the little boy <n>[was]</n> belonging to a city (well-bred; well-formed, genteel), and they were not frightened by the effect of the mandate of the king.


text:
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,


text:
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),


text:
considering the reproach associated with being the anointed one (or: pertaining to the Christ; or: = of Israel <n>[at that time]</n>) <n>[to be]</n> 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).


text:
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).


text:
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.


text:
In faith, by trust, with confidence and in loyal allegiance, they walked through the Red Sea as through dry land – <n>[whereas]</n> the Egyptians, upon taking a trial of (or: making an attempt at) which, were gulped (or: swallowed) down.


text:
In faith, by confidence, and with trust mixed with loyal allegiance, the wall of Jericho suddenly fell, after being encircled upon and surrounded <n>[for]</n> seven days.


text:
In faith, by confidence, with trust and for loyal allegiance, Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed or lost with those being unpersuaded (or: incompliant; <n>[<i>p</i>46 reads: those not having faith, trust or loyalty]</n>), having welcomingly received and embraced the scouts (or: spies) with peace.


text:
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,


text:
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;


text:
extinguished <n>[the]</n> power (quenched <n>[the]</n> ability) of fire, escaped mouths (= edge) of <n>[the]</n> sword; were empowered (enabled), moving away from a <n>[state of]</n> 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 <n>[the]</n> ranks belonging to <n>[the]</n> armies of others);


text:
women took with the hand their dead folks from out of a resurrection (or: wives received their dead ones out of the midst of a rising-again). Yet others were beaten to death with rods (or: drummed upon), not receiving (or: accepting; taking) toward (or: with a view to) themselves (= refusing) the releasing away (liberation; setting free) procured by payment of a ransom, so that they may hit the target of (or: attain) a superior (stronger and better) resurrection.


text:
But different ones took a trial (or: received a test) of mockings (scoffings), and of scourgings, and further, of bonds and imprisonment (= put in chains and thrown in jail).


text:
They were stoned, they were cut in two with a saw, they were put to the proof (tried; tested), they passed away in a slaughter (or: by murder) with sword, they went around (wandered) in sheepskins, in goat skins, continuously being behind (being in want; being in the rear), being constantly pressed (squeezed; afflicted), habitually being held in the bad (being maltreated; having it bad) –


text:
of whom the System (the ordered arrangement; the world or culture, secular society, religions and government) was not worthy (was not of equal value) – being continually deceived (led astray; caused to wander) in deserts and mountains and caves and the holes of the earth (or: ground).


text:
And yet all these folks, being given testimony (being attested by witnesses) through their faith, trust, confidence and loyal allegiance, did not at any point bring to themselves (or: acquire) God's Promise (the promise of and from God; the Promise, which is God),


text:
He Himself foreseeing (looking ahead of time and planning) something superior (stronger and better) concerning us, so that they would not be made perfect (brought to the destined goal; made complete; finished; made mature) apart from us.


text:
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 <n>[they]</n> 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),


text:
turning <n>[our]</n> eyes away from other things and fixing them (or: looking away) into Jesus, the Inaugurator (First Leader; Prime Author) and Perfecter (Finisher; the Bringer-to-maturity and fruition; He who purposes and accomplishes the destiny) of the faith, trust, confidence and loyal allegiance, Who, instead of and in place of the joy (or: in the position on the opposite side from the happiness) continuously lying before Him (or: lying in the forefront within Him; lying ahead for Him), remained under a cross – despising shame (or: thinking nothing of <n>[the]</n> disgrace) – and has sat down and now continues seated, remaining in the right <n>[hand]</n> of (or: = in union with the place of receiving at; = at the place of power and honor, which is) God's throne.


text:
For consider attentively again (or: logically reckon back for yourselves; gather it up in yourselves concerning) the One having remained under while undergoing (or: having patiently endured while giving support in) such contradiction (the anti-word; the message which is contrary to reason; speaking in opposition, against, or instead of) – <n>[which was directed]</n> into Himself <n>[other MSS: {permeating} into the midst of themselves]</n> by those missing the mark (the sinners; those making a mistake, committing error, missing the point) – to the end that you may not tire with exertion (or: labor to weariness), being continuously dissolved (be enfeebled and exhausted; caused to fall apart) in your inner selves (or: by your souls; = in your lives).


text:
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).


text:
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,


text:
for whom the Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> 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)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bProv. 3:11-12'>Prov. 3:11-12</a>]</n>


text:
<n>[So]</n> 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 <n>[it]</n> to you. For who is a son (or: what son is there) whom a father is not disciplining, educating and training?


text:
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 <i>mamzer</i>: child of a prohibited marriage <n>[<a class='xref' href='bLev. 18'>Lev. 18</a>]</n>, or of uncertain fatherhood) and not sons.


text:
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 <n>[them]</n> (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)!


text:
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 <n>[which]</n> normally was seeming <n>[right]</n> to them (or: was being in line with the opinion <n>[held]</n> by them). Yet on the other hand, upon this <n>[instruction, arrangement and alignment]</n> He is continuously bringing <n>[things; situations]</n> 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).


text:
Now on the one hand, all discipline (instruction; child-training; education) with a view to (or: face to face with) what is presently at hand, does not at the time seem to be joyous or fun, but to the contrary <n>[is]</n> painful and full of sorrow and grief; however afterwards (or: subsequently), to, for, in and by those having been gymnastically trained (exercised without clothing; = working-out while stripped of self-works) through it, it is constantly and progressively yielding fruit which has the character and qualities of peace and harmony – which equates to fair and equitable dealings in rightwised relationships which are in line with the Way pointed out, and justice (also: = from covenant inclusion and participation).


text:
Because of which <n>[education]</n>, "straighten up (or: build anew and restore) those hands hanging down helplessly, and those knees having been paralyzed or loosened at the sides," <n>[<a class='xref' href='bIsa. 35:3'>Isa. 35:3</a>]</n>


text:
and then, "make straight and upraised wheel-tracks for your feet," <n>[<a class='xref' href='bProv. 4:26'>Prov. 4:26</a>]</n> so that what is crippled in the feet (lame; limping; deprived of foot) may not be turned or twisted out (or: lest it be wrenched out of place or be dislocated), but rather can and would be healed.


text:
You folks be continuously pursuing peace and harmony <n>[= shalom]</n> with all mankind (or: with everyone) – as well as the process and resultant state of being different and set-apart (or: sacredness; the sanctification; or: = the situation of being set aside for God's use), apart from which not even one person will proceed in seeing (or: continue perceiving) the Lord <n>[= Yahweh or Christ]</n> –


text:
while overseeing (looking diligently and carefully watching upon and seeing to it) <n>[that]</n> no one be lacking (be falling short; be living behind or in the rear; = misses out), <n>[by wandering]</n> away from God's grace and joyous favor; <n>[that]</n> not any "root of bitterness" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bDeut. 29:18'>Deut. 29:18</a>]</n>, progressively sprouting upward, would be crowding in to cause disturbance like the spirit of a mob, and then, through means of it, many folks may be stained (polluted; defiled; = the whole community could be contaminated).


text:
<n>[See to it that]</n> no one <n>[is]</n> a fornicator (one given to sexual immorality or who in some way prostitutes himself for gain; or: = an idol worshiper) or a profane person (one void of religious feeling; one accessible to all and who habitually treads across thresholds; unconsecrated; = the opposite of a set-apart person), as Esau, who in place of (or: in exchange for) one feeding (a meal) gave away his own birthright (the rights of the firstborn).


text:
For you know that even afterwards, continuously purposing (intending; wanting; willing) to inherit the blessing (to enjoy the allotment of the words of goodness and well-being), he was disapproved and rejected, for he did not find a place of a change of mind <n>[in the situation]</n> – even though thoroughly seeking it out with tears. <n>[comment: it was Isaac's mind that Esau was seeking to change – <a class='xref' href='bGen. 27:33-41'>Gen. 27:33-41</a>]</n>


text:
Now you see, you folks have not approached to (or: come toward so as to be now arrived at) something tangible (or: <n>[D and later MSS read: a mountain]</n> being habitually handled or normally touched), and something burning (or: having been burned by fire), and to a thick, dark storm-cloud, and to murky, gloomy darkness (or: the realm of nether gloom; the dark, shadowy quarter of dimness and obscurity), and to a whirlwind (tempest; hurricane),


text:
and to a blare of a trumpet, and to a sound of gush-effects (or: a sound of the results of a flow; or: a voice of spoken words; a sound of declarations) – of which those hearing <n>[it]</n> asked to the side that there be no word added for them (or: of which, the folks listening refused and begged for release, to <n>[the result that]</n> no message be put toward them).


text:
For they were not bearing (or: = carrying <n>[through with]</n>) that <n>[which was]</n> being presently distinguished (set and arranged throughout as strict orders): "And if a little animal may touch (come in contact with) the mountain it shall be repeatedly pelted with stones (or: stoned)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bEx. 19:12-13'>Ex. 19:12-13</a>]</n>


text:
And so fearful was the thing being seen, Moses said, "I am terrified (out of myself with fear) and trembling within." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bDeut. 9:19'>Deut. 9:19</a>]</n>


text:
But to the contrary, you folks have approached so that you are now at Mount Zion – even in a city of a continuously living God; in "Jerusalem upon heaven" (or: in a Jerusalem pertaining to and having the character and qualities of a superior, or added, heaven and atmosphere; or: in Jerusalem <n>[situated]</n> upon, and comparable to, the atmosphere) – also among ten-thousands (or: myriads) of agents and messengers (people with a/the message):


text:
<n>[that is]</n> in (or: to) an assembly of an entire people (or: an assembly of all; a universal convocation) and in (or: to) a summoning forth (or: a called-out and gathered community) of firstborn folks having been copied (from-written, as from a pattern; or: enrolled; registered) within <n>[the; or: various]</n> atmospheres (or: heavens), and in (or: to; with) God, a Judge (an Evaluator and Decider) of all mankind, even among (or: to; with) spirits of just folks (or: breath-effects from those who are fair and equitable and in right relationship within the Way pointed out) having been brought to the destined goal (perfected; finished; matured; made complete),


text:
and in (or: to) Jesus, a Medium (or: an agency; an intervening substance; a middle state; one in a middle position; a go-between; an Umpire; a Mediator) of a new and fresh (young; recently-born) arrangement (covenant; settlement; a deposit which moves throughout in every direction; a placing through the midst; a will and testament), and to and in blood of sprinkling, and to One continuously speaking something superior to (or: stronger and better than) Abel.


text:
Continue looking, and see! You folks should not at any point ask to the side for yourselves (or: beg for release; decline; refuse; or: = turn your back on) the One continuously speaking (or: the Speaker)! For since (or: if) those asking aside for themselves (begging off; refusing; or: = turning their backs) did not by flight escape (or: flee out from) the one constantly managing (conducting business and instructing) upon earth (or: <n>[the]</n> land), much more we <n>[will not escape]</n>, that is those habitually turning ourselves away from the One from <n>[the]</n> atmospheres and heavens,


text:
Whose voice shook the land (or: earth) at that time. Yet now it has been promised (or: He has promised for Himself), saying, "Still once <n>[more; or: for all]</n> I am shaking not only the land (or: earth), but also the heaven (or: atmosphere; sky)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bHag. 2:6'>Hag. 2:6</a>]</n>


text:
Now the "Still once <n>[more; or: for all]</n>" constantly points to and makes clearly visible the transposition (transference; changeover; change of setting or place) of the things being repeatedly shaken, to the end that the things not being repeatedly (or: continuously) shaken may remain.


text:
Therefore (or: Because of which), continuously taking to our sides (or: progressively receiving alongside) an unshaken Reign (or: Kingdom; Sovereign influence), we are constantly holding (or: progressively having; <n>[other MSS: can be now having]</n>) grace and joyous favor, through which we are <n>[other MSS: can be]</n> continually serving, well-pleasingly, in God (or: for God; by God; to God), with modesty (an unseen behavior and manner) in taking hold easily of goodness and well-being, as well as discretion and awe as to what is proper,


text:
for you see, "even our God <n>[is]</n> a continuously all-consuming Fire (or: our God <n>[is]</n> also a progressively fully-devouring fire)." <n>[<a class='xref' href='bDeut. 4:24'>Deut. 4:24</a>; 9:3; <a class='xref' href='bIsa. 33:14'>Isa. 33:14</a>]</n>


text:
Let brotherly affection (= fondness for the Family; = friendly devotion to fellow believers) continuously remain!


text:
Be continuously unforgetful (or: = un-neglecting) of fondness and affection to strangers and foreigners (or: Don't forget hospitality and friendliness to unexpected guests)! For you see, through this, some folks were unaware (oblivious; unconscious) of at some point receiving agents (or: messengers) as guests.


text:
Be habitually reminding yourselves of those in bondage (or: bound ones; prisoners), as having been and now remaining bound together with <n>[them]</n>. <n>[Take thought]</n> of those maltreated (or: those continually being held by the bad or in the worthless), as being yourselves also within a body (or: as it were even being the same – in union with <n>[that]</n> body).


text:
Marriage <n>[is]</n> precious (of great value and honor) in the midst of all folks (or: among all peoples), and the conjugal bed <n>[is]</n> unstained and undefiled; yet God is continuously judging (or: repeatedly separating and making a decision about) fornicators (or: male prostitutes; or: men who have sexual intercourse with a prostitute) and adulterers.


text:
<n>[Have]</n> behavior (the turn, mode or manner of living) <n>[that is]</n> 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)," <n>[<a class='xref' href='bDeut. 31:6'>Deut. 31:6</a>; <a class='xref' href='bJosh. 1:5'>Josh. 1:5</a>]</n>


text:
so that we, being constantly cheerfully courageous, <n>[are able]</n> to be habitually saying, "The Lord <n>[= Yahweh]</n> <n>[is]</n> 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)?" <n>[<a class='xref' href='bPs. 118:6'>Ps. 118:6</a>]</n>


text:
You folks be habitually mindful of those belonging to, and from, you folks – of those habitually leading the way: whoever has spoken or now speaks God's word (or: the message which is God and has God's character) to and among you – continually gazing upward upon (or: reviewing and making close observation of) the walking-out of <n>[their]</n> behavior (or: conduct), whose faith, trust and loyalty be constantly imitating.


text:
Jesus Christ <n>[is]</n> the same yesterday and today and on into the ages, (or: Jesus <n>[is and continues being]</n> Christ <n>[= the Messiah]</n> – the Man Himself {or: the Very One}: yesterday as well as today, and even into the midst of the ages,)


text:
<n>[so]</n> do not be carried aside (or: swept away) by various and strange (or: with many-colored <n>[as in tapestries]</n>, intricate and foreign) teachings. You see, <n>[it is]</n> beautiful (fine; ideal; admirably proportionate) for the heart (= core of our being) to be continuously made firm with a fixed footing by Grace, whose source is joy and which comes with favor – not by (or: in; with) foods (= rules and regulations pertaining to eating or what is edible), in which those <n>[thus]</n> walking about (= occupying themselves) were not increased (or: = which have not helped or benefited those who follow this way of life).


text:
We continue having an altar from out of which those who continue habitually serving in the Tabernacle (= those involved with the whole ceremonial economy) do not have authority (or: right; privilege) to eat.


text:
For you see, the bodies of those animals, whose blood is still repeatedly being brought <n>[some MSS add: concerning sin]</n> into the set-apart (or: holy) places by means of the chief priest, are habitually being burned down outside of the Camp.


text:
Wherefore Jesus also suffered (and/or: had experiences of His bodily senses and emotions) outside of the gate <n>[<i>p</i>46 and others: the Camp]</n>, so that He may set-apart (or: would make holy and sacred) the People through His own blood. <n>[comment: this was a fulfillment of the Day of Atonement]</n>


text:
Now then, we can keep on coming out (or: should be progressively going out) toward Him – outside of the Camp – habitually bearing His reproach (= the censure and disgrace which He bore; or: the insult which pertains to Him). <n>[comment: this was a call to participate in His sacrifice, and also to leave Judaism (or: religion), and thus to bear the same reproach and insults that He bore; it is also a call to bear away from them the mistakes and failures of others – <a class='xref' href='bJohn 20:23'>John 20:23</a>]</n>


text:
For you see, we are not continuously holding (having; possessing) a remaining (abiding; permanent) city here, but rather we are progressively seeking for (or: continuously searching upon) the impending one (the one that is presently about to be <n>[here]</n>).


text:
Through Him, then, we may and should repeatedly (or: continuously) offer up a sacrifice of praise in God (by God; to God; for God; with God) through all things (or: through the midst of all <n>[situations]</n>) – that is, a fruit of lips continuously saying the same things (or: speaking alike) in His Name (by His Name; confessing to His Name; for the Name which is Him; or: = a product of speech which acknowledges His character, authority and identity). <n>[comment: here we see a life "in spirit and truth" referred to by Jesus in <a class='xref' href='bJohn 4:23-24'>John 4:23-24</a>]</n>


text:
Now be not forgetful of well-doing (performing well; producing or constructing goodness; doing good deeds of ease; creating well-being) and of partnership (common-being/existence; community; participation; having things in common; fellowship; sharing and contributing), for by (or: in) such sacrifices God is continuously well pleased.


text:
Be constantly persuading yourselves by (or: Be progressively having confidence in and continue being convinced by) those folks normally taking the lead among you folks, and continue humbly yielding under (or: giving way to or making way for) <n>[situations or people]</n> while coming under <n>[His]</n> likeness, for you see, these same folks are habitually awake and vigilant (abstaining from sleep to watch) over (or: on behalf of) your souls (your inner lives; or: the people among you folks), as those who will constantly be rendering a word (an account or an accounting), so that they can (or: would) be habitually doing (or: performing; producing) this with gracious joy – and not be constantly groaning (= complaining), for that <n>[would be]</n> detrimental and unprofitable (literally: not paying taxes or expenses) for you!


text:
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.


text:
Yet I am more exceedingly calling you alongside, urging and encouraging you to do (or: perform) this, to the end that I can (or: would) more quickly be restored (or: returned) to you.


text:
Now may the God who is Peace (or: who is the origin of and has the character and qualities of harmony <n>[= shalom]</n>), the One at one point leading our Lord (Master; Owner) – Jesus, the Shepherd of the sheep, the Great One – back up again out from the midst of dead folks,


text:
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 <n>[other MSS: in us]</n> the well-pleasing and satisfying <n>[result]</n> in His presence and sight, through Jesus Christ, in Whom (and: for Whom, by Whom, and to Whom) <n>[is]</n> 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)!


