Unity in the Body
(Psalm 133:1–3; 1 Corinthians 1:10–17)

1As a prisoner in the Lord {Kyriō}, then, I urge you⁺ to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you⁺ have received: 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love {agapē}, 3and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit {Pneumatos} through the bond of peace.

4There is one body and one Spirit {Pneuma}, just as you⁺ were called to one hope when you⁺ were called; 5one Lord {Kyrios}, one faith, one baptism (submersion); 6one God {Theos} and Father {Patēr} of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ (the Anointed One). 8This is why it says (He says):a

“When He ascended on high,

He led captives away,

and gave gifts to men <Psa 68:18>.”b

9What does “He ascended” mean, except that He also descended [except that He also descended first]c to the lower parts of the earth? 10He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.

11And it was He who gave some to be apostles (sent ones), some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers {didaskalous}, 12to equip the saints (holy ones) for works of ministry {diakonias} and to build up the body of Christ (the Anointed One), 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge (discernment) of the Son of God {Theou}, as we mature (complete) to the full measure of the stature of Christ (the Anointed One).

14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching {didaskalias} and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love {agapē}, we will in all things grow up into Christ (the Anointed One) Himself, who is the head. 16From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love {agapē} through the work of each individual part.

New Life in Christ
(Colossians 3:1–17)

17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord {Kyriō}, that you⁺ must no longer walk as the Gentiles {ethnē} do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God {Theou} because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. 19Having lost all sense of shame, they have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity (uncleanness), with a craving for more.

20But this is not the way you⁺ came to know Christ (the Anointed One). 21Surely you⁺ heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus (YHWH saves)— 22to put off your⁺ former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be renewed in the spirit {pneumati} of your⁺ minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God {Theon} in true righteousness and holiness.

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another. 26“Be angry, yet do not sin (“In your anger do not sin.”).”d Do not let the sun set upon your⁺ anger, 27and do not give the devil {diabolō} a foothold.

28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.

29Let no unwholesome talk come out of your⁺ mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit {Hagion Pneuma} of God {Theou}, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption.

31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander (blaspheme), along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and tenderhearted (merciful) to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ (the Anointed One) God {Theos} forgave you⁺.