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In deutero-Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he writes in elaborate, complicated, long sentences. Verses 3-12, in Greek, are all part of one sentence. In the New Revised Standard Version, the translators and editors put in some helpful punctuation, but it is still hard to wade through. I’ve found that the King James Version, complete with verbs ending with “th” is actually helpful. So, here is Ephesians 1:3-12 (KJV), followed by my paraphrasing of Paul’s intent – at least, as filtered through my perspective.
Ephesians 1:3-12 (KJV)
3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ;
4 according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should ne holy and without blame before him in love:
5 having predestinated us into the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself:
10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
11 in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will;
12 that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.”
Ephesians 1:3-12 (Kimmy’s paraphrase)
3 Yay God!
4 From before time, God chose us!
5 God chose us by adoption through Christ ... just because – because God wanted to,
6 because of grace.
7 Therefore, we experience forgiveness and new life. All because .... Just because – because God wanted it for us,
8 because God is wise and good, and knows what God is doing!
9 It’s a mystery to us, but this (all this loving, saving, adopting) is what God does.
10 By the way, no matter what or when, ALL things in heaven and earth are God’s because of Christ.
11 This life is an inheritance to us and for us because ... just because – because God wanted to give it to us! Because God wants us to have life and hope.
12 So, what now? Praise God and trust in Christ.
Peace and joy and hope be with you all!
