eph/01/01.md

@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 # General Information:
 
-Paul names himself as the writer of this letter to the believers at the church at Ephesus. Except where noted, all instances of "you" and "your" refers to the Ephesian believers as well as all believers and so are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-you]])
+Paul names himself as the writer of this letter to the believers at the church at Ephesus. Except where noted, all instances of "you" and "your" refer to the Ephesian believers.
 
 # Paul, an apostle ... to God's holy people in Ephesus
 
 Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter and its intended audience. Alternate translation: "I, Paul, an apostle ... write this letter to you, God's holy people Ephesus"
 
-# who are faithful in Christ Jesus
+# in Christ Jesus
 
-"In Christ Jesus" and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+The expresses a very close relationship with Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: "in union with Christ Jesus"
 

eph/01/02.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# Grace to you and peace
+# Grace to you and peace from God our Father and ... Christ
 
-This is a common greeting and blessing that Paul often uses in his letters.
+"May grace and peace come to you from God our Father and ... Christ " or "May God our Father and ... Christ give you grace and peace"
 

eph/01/03.md

@@ -1,18 +1,10 @@
 # General Information:
 
-In this book, unless otherwise stated, the words "us" and "we" refer to Paul and the believers in Ephesus, as well as all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive]])
-
-# Connecting Statement:
-
-Paul opens his letter by talking about the believers' position and their safety before God.
+In this letter, the words "us" and "we" usually refer to Paul and the believers in Ephesus, as well as all believers.
 
 # May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised
 
-This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "Let us praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
-
-# who has blessed us
-
-"for God has blessed us"
+"Let us praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" 
 
 # every spiritual blessing
 
@@ -24,5 +16,5 @@ This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "Let us praise the
 
 # in Christ
 
-Possible meanings 1) the phrase "in Christ" refers to what Christ has done. Alternate translation: "through Christ" or "through what Christ has done"  or 2) "in Christ" is a metaphor referring to our close relationship with Christ. Alternate translation: "by uniting us with Christ" or "because we are united with Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+Possible meanings 1) the phrase "in Christ" refers to what Christ has done. Alternate translation: "through Christ" or "through what Christ has done"  or 2) "in Christ" refers to our close relationship with Christ. Alternate translation: "by uniting us with Christ" or "because we are united with Christ"
 

eph/01/04.md

@@ -1,8 +1,4 @@
 # from the foundation of the world
 
-The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: "from the time he created the world" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
-# holy and blameless
-
-Paul uses two similar words to emphasize moral goodness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-doublet]])
+"from the time he created the world"
 

eph/01/05.md

@@ -1,18 +1,10 @@
-# God predestined us for adoption
+# God predestined us for adoption as sons
 
-The word "us" refers to Paul, the Ephesian church, and all believers in Christ. Alternate translation: "God planned long ago to adopt us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive]])
+God chose us ahead of time to be adopted as sons" or "God planned long ago to adopt us as his children"
 
-# God predestined us
+# for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ
 
-"God chose us ahead of time" or "God chose us long ago"
-
-# for adoption as sons
-
-Here "adoption" refers to becoming part of God's family. Here the word "sons" refers to males and females. Alternate translation: "to be adopted as his children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-gendernotations]])
-
-# through Jesus Christ
-
-God brought believers into his family by the work of Jesus Christ.
+God brought believers into his family by the work that Jesus Christ did.
 
 # his will
 

eph/01/06.md

@@ -1,10 +1,6 @@
 # General Information:
 
-The words "his" and "he" refer to God.
-
-#  he has freely given us in the One he loves
-
-"he has kindly given to us by means of the One he loves"
+In this verse, the words "his" and "he" refer to God.
 
 # the One he loves
 

eph/01/07.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# riches of his grace
+# the riches of his grace
 
-Paul speaks of God's grace as if it were material wealth. Alternate translation: "greatness of God's grace" or "abundance of God's grace" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"the abundance of God's grace" 
 

eph/01/09.md

@@ -2,10 +2,6 @@
 
 Possible meanings are 1) "because he wanted to make it known to us" or 2) "which was what he wanted."
 
-# which he demonstrated in Christ
-
-"he demonstrated this purpose in Christ"
-
 # in Christ
 
 "by means of Christ"

eph/01/10.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # with a view to a plan
 
-A new sentence can be started here. If you start a new sentence here, you will need to end 1:9 with a period instead of a comma. Alternate translation: "He did this with a view to a plan" or "He did this, thinking about a plan"
+"He did this with a view to a plan" or "He did this, thinking about a plan"
 
 # for the fullness of time
 

eph/01/11.md

@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 # we were given an inheritance, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works
 
-This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave us an inheritance, having predestined us according to his plan. For he works" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+"God gave us an inheritance, having predestined us according to his plan. For he works"

eph/01/12.md

@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 # so that we, who are the first to hope in Christ
 
-The pronoun "we" refer to Paul and the other Jewish believers, not to the Ephesian believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive]])
+The pronoun "we" refers to Paul and the other Jewish believers, not to the Ephesian believers. 
 
 # the first to hope in Christ
 
-"the first people to hope in Christ." They confidently expected that Christ would fulfill God's promises. Alternate translation: "the first to trust in Christ"
+"the first people to hope in Christ." They confidently expected that Christ would fulfill God's promises.
 
 # so that we, ... Christ, would be for the praise of his glory.
 
-Possible meanings are 1) other people would praise God because of the grace he had shown the believers ([Ephesians 1:6](./06.md)). Alternate translation: "we, ... Christ, would live in a way that brings glory to God." or "people would praise God because of the glorious grace he showed us who ... Christ." Or 2) believers would praise God for his glory. Alternate translation: "so that we, ... Christ, would praise him for his glory as long as we live."
+Possible meanings are "so that we, ... Christ, would praise him for his glory" or "so that people would praise God for his glory because of us who ... Christ." 
 

eph/01/13.md

@@ -1,12 +1,8 @@
-# General Information:
-
-Paul has been speaking in the previous two verses about himself and the other Jewish believers, but now he begins speaking about the Ephesian believers.
-
 # the word of truth
 
-Possible meanings are 1) "the message about the truth" or 2) "the true message."
+Possible meanings are "the message about the truth" or "the true message."
 
 # were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit
 
-Wax was placed on a letter and stamped with a symbol representing the person who wrote the letter. Paul uses this custom as a picture to show how God has used the Holy Spirit to assure us that we belong to him. Alternate translation: "God has sealed you with the Holy Spirit that he promised" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
-
+"God has sealed you with the Holy Spirit that he promised." When people wrote letters, they would seal it closed with soft wax and stamp their mark on the wax. Paul uses this custom to show how God gives us the Holy Spirit to assure us that we belong to him.
+.

eph/01/14.md

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 # the guarantee of our inheritance
 
-What God has promised and will provide is spoken of as though it were property or wealth that one would inherit from a family member. Alternate translation: "the guarantee that we will receive what God has promised" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"the guarantee that we will receive what God has promised" 
 
 # the redemption of the possession
 
-The abstract nouns "redemption" and "possession" can be translated using the verbs "redeem" and "possess," respectively. Possible meanings of "possession" are 1) God possesses. Alternate translation: "God redeems us as his own people" Or 2) Christians possess. Alternate translation: "we take possession of our inheritance" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns]])
+Possible meanings are "God redeems us as his own possession" or  "we take possession of our inheritance" 
 

eph/01/15.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# Connecting Statement:
-
-Paul prays for the Ephesian believers and praises God for the power that believers have through Christ.
-

eph/01/16.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# I have not stopped thanking God
-
-Paul uses "not stopped" to emphasize that he continues to thank God. Alternate translation: "I continue to thank God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-litotes]])
-

eph/01/18.md

@@ -1,28 +1,14 @@
 # that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
 
-Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind. The phrase "eyes of your heart" is a metaphor for one's ability to gain understanding. Alternate translation: "that you may gain understanding and be enlightened" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
-# that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
-
-This may be stated in the active tense. Alternate translation: that God may enlighten your heart" or "that God may enlighten your understanding" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
-
-# may be enlightened
-
-"may be made to see"
+"that God may enlighten the eyes of your heart" or "that God may cause the eyes of your heart to see"
 
 # the hope to which he has called you
 
-Here "the hope" refers to what God wants us to confidently expect. Alternate translation: "what he has called you to confidently expect" or "what he has called you to confidently wait for"
- 
-# to which he has called you
- 
- to which he has invited you
-  
+"what he has called you to hope for" or "what he has invited you to confidently wait for"
+
 # the riches of his glorious inheritance among all God's holy people
 
-What God has promised and will provide is spoken of as though it were property or wealth that one would inherit from a family member. Alternate translation: "the riches of all the glorious things he has promised to give to all God's holy people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"the riches of all the glorious things he has promised to give to all God's holy people"
 
-# all God's holy people
 
-"all those whom he has set apart for himself" or "all those who belong completely to him"
 

eph/01/20.md

@@ -1,20 +1,9 @@
-# raised him
-
-"made him alive again"
-
 # when he raised him from the dead
 
-Here "the dead" is a nominal adjective that means all dead people together in the underworld. To be raised from among them means to become alive again. Alternate translation: "when he brought him back to life" or " when he caused him to be alive again" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-nominaladj]])
+"when he brought him back to life" or "when he caused him to live again"
 
 # seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places
 
-The person who sits "at the right hand" of a king sits at his right side and rules with all the authority of the king at whose right hand or side he sits. This is a metonym of location that represents the authority that the person in that location possesses. Alternate translation: "gave him all authority to rule from heaven" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
+The person who sits at the king's right hand rules with the king's authority. Alternate translation: "seated him in the place of honor and authority beside him in heaven" 
 
-# seated him at his right hand
-
-To sit at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "seated him in the place of honor and authority beside him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-symaction]])
-
-# in the heavenly places
-
-"in the supernatural world." The word "heavenly" refers to the place where God is. See how you translated this in [Ephesians 1:3](../01/03.md).
 

eph/01/22.md

@@ -1,8 +1,7 @@
 # subjected all things under Christ's feet
 
-Here "feet" represents Christ's lordship, authority, and power. Alternate translation: "put all things under Christ's power" or "made all things subject to Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
+Here "feet" represents Christ's lordship, authority, and power. Alternate translation: "put all things under Christ's power" or "made all things subject to Christ" 
 
 # head over all things
 
-Here "head" refers to the leader or the one who is in charge. Alternate translation: "ruler over all things" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
+Here "head" refers to the leader or the one who is in charge. Alternate translation: "ruler over all things"

eph/01/23.md

@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
 # The church is his body
 
-Just as with a human body, the head (verse 22) rules all things pertaining to its body, so Christ is the head of the church body. Alternate translation: "It is as though the church is his body" or "The church is like a body"  (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+Just as with a human body, the head rules all things pertaining to the body, so Christ is the head of the church body. Alternate translation: "It is as though the church is Christ's body" or "The church is like a body for Christ"
 
 # his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all
 
-Possible meanings are 1) the body is the fullness of Christ. This means Christ fills or gives to the church everything that he has to give, and Christ also fills all things in every way or 2) "the fullness" refers back to "him," that is, Christ in 1:22, and "him" in 1:23 refers to God the Father. This means the full deity of the Father dwells within Christ, and the Father fills all things in every way or 3) the body is the completion of Christ. This means that Christ as the "head" is completed by the church, which is "his body," and Christ fills all things in every way.
+Possible meanings are 1) Christ fills the church by giving it all it needs, and Christ also fills all things in every way  or 2) Christ as the "head" is made complete by the church, which is "his body," and Christ makes all things in every way complete.
+
+
 

eph/01/intro.md

@@ -1,20 +0,0 @@
-# Ephesians 1 General Notes
-
-### Structure and formatting
-
-#### "I pray"
-
-Paul structures part of this chapter like a prayer of praise to God. But Paul is not just talking to God. He is teaching the church in Ephesus. He also tells the Ephesians how he is praying for them. 
-
-### Special concepts in this chapter
-
-#### Predestination
-Many scholars believe this chapter teaches on a subject known as "predestination." This is related to the biblical concept of "predestine." Some scholars take this to indicate that God has, from before the foundation of the world, chosen some people to eternally save. Christians have different views on what the Bible teaches on this subject. So translators need to take extra care when translating this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/predestine]])
-
-## Links:
-
-* __[Ephesians 1:1 Notes](./01.md)__
-* __[Ephesians intro](../front/intro.md)__
-
-__| [>>](../02/intro.md)__
-

eph/02/01.md

@@ -1,12 +1,8 @@
-# Connecting Statement:
-
-Paul reminds the believers of their past and the way they now are before God.
-
 # you were dead in your trespasses and sins
 
-This speaks of sinful people being unable to obey God as if they were people who were physically dead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+This speaks of sinful people being unable to obey God as if they were people who were physically dead. 
 
 # in your trespasses and sins
 
-The words "trespasses" and "sins" have similar meanings. Paul uses them together to emphasize the greatness of the people's sin. They can also be translated using the verbs "trespass" and "sin," respectively. Alternate translation: "because you had trespassed and sinned" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns]])
+"because you had trespassed and sinned."  The words "trespass" and "sin" have similar meanings. Paul uses them together to emphasize the greatness of the people's sin.
 

eph/02/02.md

@@ -1,18 +1,15 @@
 # in which you once walked
 
-The word "walked" is a metaphor for the way they lived their lives. To say that they "walked in" their trespasses and sins [Ephesians 2:1](./01.md) is to say that they often trespassed and sinned. Alternate translation: "because you used to live that way" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+To say that they "walked in" their trespasses and sins [Ephesians 2:1](./01.md) is to say that they often trespassed and sinned. Alternate translation: "in which you once lived" or "because you lived that way"
 
 # according to the ways of this world
 
-The apostles also used "world" to refer to the selfish behaviors and corrupt values of the people living in this world. Alternate translation: "according to the values of people living in the world" or "following the principles of this present world" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
+"according to the values of people living in this world" or "following the principles of this world" 
 
 # according to the ruler of the authorities of the air
 
-"doing what the ruler of the authorities of the air wants them to do." These words expand upon "according to the age of this world." The "ruler of the authorities of the air" is the devil or Satan.
-
-# the spirit that is working in the sons of disobedience
-
-These words expand upon "the ruler of the authorities of the air." This is another way of speaking of the devil or Satan.
+"following the ruler of the spirits of the sky" or "doing what the ruler of the authorities of the air wants them to do"
 
 # the sons of disobedience
 
+"people who are disobedient" or "people who do not obey God"

eph/02/03.md

@@ -1,12 +1,8 @@
-# the desires of the flesh and of the mind
+# our flesh
 
-The words "flesh" and "mind" represent the entire person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-merism]])
-
-# flesh
-
-This word is a metonym for the body, which is made of flesh. Alternate translation: "body" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
+"our body"
 
 # children of wrath
 
-people with whom God is angry (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+people with whom God is angry
 

eph/02/05.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 # by grace you have been saved
 
-This can be stated in an active form. Alternate translation: "God saved us because of his great kindness toward us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+"God saved you because of his great kindness"
 

eph/02/06.md

@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 # God raised us up together with Christ
 
-Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Possible meanings are 1) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, God has already given Paul and the believers in Ephesus new spiritual life. Alternate translation: "God has given us new life because we belong to Christ" or 2) because God has caused Christ to come alive again, the believers in Ephesus can know that after they die they will live with Christ, and Paul can speak of the believers living again as if it has already happened. Alternate translation: "We can be sure that God will give us life as he has caused Christ to come alive again" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-pastforfuture]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom]])
+"God raised us up with Christ from the dead" or "God has given us new life because we belong to Christ" 
 
 # in the heavenly places
 
-"in the supernatural world." The word "heavenly" refers to the place where God is. See how this is translated in [Ephesians 1:3](../01/03.md).
+"in the supernatural world." The word "heavenly" refers to the place where God is.
 
 # in Christ Jesus
 
-"In Christ Jesus" and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
+The expresses a very close relationship with Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: “in union with Christ Jesus”
 

eph/02/08.md

@@ -1,8 +1,5 @@
 # For by grace you have been saved through faith
 
-God's kindness to us is the reason he made it possible for us to be saved from judgment if we simply trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: "God saved you by grace because of your faith in him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+"God saved you by grace because of your faith in him"
 
-# this did not
-
-The word "this" refers back to "by grace you have been saved by faith."
 

eph/02/09.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 # not from works, so that no one may boast
 
-You may want to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: "Salvation does not come from works, so that no one may boast" or "God does not save a person because of what that person does, so no one can boast and say that he earned his salvation"
+You may want to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: "Salvation does not come from works, so that no one may boast" or "God does not save a person because of what that person does, so no one can boast that he earned his salvation"
 

eph/02/10.md

@@ -1,8 +1,4 @@
-# in Christ Jesus
+# so that we would walk in them
 
-"In Christ Jesus" and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
-
-# we would walk in them
-
-Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Here "in them" refers to the "good deeds." Alternate translation: "we would always and continually do those good deeds"
+"so that we would live in those good deeds" or "so that we would continually do those good deeds"
 

eph/02/11.md

@@ -1,24 +1,9 @@
-# Connecting Statement:
+# You are called "uncircumcision" by what is called the "circumcision" in the flesh made by human hands.
 
-Paul reminds these believers that God has now made Gentiles and Jews into one body through Christ and his cross.
+"Those who are called the "circumcision" and are circumcised in the flesh by human hands call you "uncircumcision" 
 
-# Gentiles in the flesh
+# uncircumcision  ... circumcision
 
-This refers to people who were not born Jewish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"uncircumcised people ... circumcised people" or "people who are not circumcised ... people who are circumcised"
 
-# uncircumcision
-
-Non-Jewish people were not circumcised as babies and thus the Jews considered them people who do not follow any of God's laws. Alternate translation: "uncircumcised pagans" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
-
-# circumcision
-
-This was another term for Jewish people because all male infants were circumcised. Alternate translation: "circumcised people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
-
-# what is called the "circumcision" in the flesh made by human hands
-
-Possible meanings are 1) "Jews, who are circumcised by humans" or 2) "Jews, who circumcise the physical body."
-
-# by what is called
-
-This can be translated with an active form. Alternate translation: "by what people call" or "by those whom people call" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
 

eph/02/12.md

@@ -1,16 +1,16 @@
-# separated from Christ
+# you were separated from Christ
 
-"not knowing Christ" or  "not belonging to Christ"
+"you did not know Christ" or  "you did not belong to Christ"
 
 # foreigners to citizenship in Israel
 
-"foreigners, not citizens of Israel"
+"you were foreigners, not citizens of Israel"
 
 # strangers to the covenants of the promise
 
-Paul speaks to the Gentile believers as if they had been foreigners, kept out of the land of God's covenant and promise. Alternate translation: "not belonging to those with whom God made the covenants of the promise" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"you did not belong to those with whom God made the covenants of the promise"
 
 # having no hope
 
-They had no reason to confidently expect anything good to happen. Specifically, they had no hope that God would save them and give them eternal life with him. Alternate translation: "not hoping in God" or "not confidently waiting for eternal life with God"  (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]])
+"you did not hope in God" or "you did not confidently waiting for God to keep his promise" 
 

eph/02/13.md

@@ -1,12 +1,8 @@
-# But now in Christ Jesus
-
-Paul is marking a contrast between the Ephesians before they believed in Christ and after they believed in Christ.
-
 # you who once were far away from God have been brought near by the blood of Christ
 
-Not belonging to God due to sin is spoken of as being far away from God. Belonging to God because of the blood of Christ is spoken of as being brought near to God. Alternate translation: "you who once did not belong to God now belong to God because of the blood of Christ" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"you who once did not belong to God now belong to God because of the blood of Christ"
 
 # by the blood of Christ
 
-The blood of Christ is a metonym for his death. Alternate translation: "by Christ's death" or "when Christ died for us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
+The blood of Christ refers to his death. Alternate translation: "by Christ's death" or "because Christ died for us" 
 

eph/02/14.md

@@ -1,20 +1,15 @@
 # he himself is our peace
 
-The word "himself" here emphasizes that Jesus alone is the reason that Jews and Gentiles can worship God as one peaceful community. Alternate translation: "he is the one who enables us to live in peace with each other" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
-
-# our peace
-
-The word "our" refers to Paul and his readers and so is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive]])
+The word "himself" here emphasizes that Jesus alone is the reason that Jews and Gentiles can worship God as one peaceful community. Alternate translation: "he is the one who enables us to live in peace with each other"
 
 # he made us both one
 
-"he made the Jews and Gentiles one"
+"he united us both" or "he made us Jews and Gentiles one" 
 
 # By his flesh
 
-The words "his flesh," his physical body, are a metonym for his body dying. Alternate translation: "By the death of his body on the cross" or "By dying on the cross" or "By his actions as a mortal man" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
+The words "his flesh" here refer to his body dying. Alternate translation: "By the death of his body" or "By dying" 
 
 # he broke down the dividing wall of hostility
 
-Paul is speaking of Jews and Gentiles being hostile to each other and unable to worship God together as if they were on different sides of a wall. Because Jesus died, Gentiles as well as Jews can now worship God. Alternate translation: "he made it possible for Jews and Gentiles not to be hostile to each other anymore" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
+Paul speaks of Jews and Gentiles being hostile to each other as if they were on different sides of a wall. Alternate translation: "he broke down the wall of hostility that divided us" or "he made it possible for Jews and Gentiles not to be hostile to each other anymore"

eph/02/15.md

@@ -2,11 +2,7 @@
 
 Jesus's blood satisfied the law of Moses so that both the Jews and Gentiles can live at peace in God.
 
-# one new man
+# so that he might create in himself one new man out of two
 
-a single new people, the people of redeemed humanity (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
-# in himself
-
-It is union with Christ that makes reconciliation possible between Jews and Gentiles.
+"so that he might make the two groups of people become one group in union with himself"
 

eph/02/16.md

@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@
 
 # through the cross
 
-The cross here represents Christ's death on the cross. Alternate translation: "by means of Christ's death on the cross" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
+"by means of Christ's death on the cross"
 
 # putting to death the hostility
 
-Stopping their hostility is spoken of as if he killed their hostility. By dying on the cross Jesus eliminated the reason for Jews and Gentiles to be hostile toward each other. Neither are now required to live according to the law of Moses. Alternate translation: "stopping them from hating one another" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"ending their hostility" or "stopping them from hating each another" 
 

eph/02/17.md

@@ -1,16 +1,12 @@
-# Connecting Statement:
+# the good news of peace
 
-Paul tells the Ephesian believers that present Gentile believers are also now made one with the Jewish apostles and prophets; they are a temple for God in the Spirit.
-
-# proclaimed the good news of peace
-
-"proclaimed the good news that tells that God and people can be at peace with each other" or "proclaimed the good news that is itself the way that people can be at peace with each other"
+Possible meanings are "the good news about peace" or "the good news brings peace"
 
 # you who were far away
 
-This refers to the Gentiles or non-Jews.
+"you who were far away from God." This refers to Gentiles.
 
 # those who were near
 
-This refers to the Jews.
+This refers to Jews.
 

eph/02/18.md

@@ -1,8 +1,4 @@
 # For through Jesus we both have access
 
-Here "we both" refers the believing Jews (including Paul) and the believing non-Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive]])
-
-# in one Spirit
-
-All believers, both Jewish and Gentile, are given the right to enter into the presence of God the Father by the same Holy Spirit.
+"For through Jesus both Jews and Gentiles have access" 
 

eph/02/19.md

@@ -1,8 +0,0 @@
-# you Gentiles ... the household of God
-
-Paul is using a metaphor to tell his Gentile readers that though God formerly did not consider them part of his people, God now considers them part of his people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
-# foreigners and strangers ... fellow citizens ... and members of the household
-
-The words "foreigners" and "strangers" mean almost the same thing, so "strangers and foreigners" may be a doublet. However, Paul is contrasting "foreigners and strangers" with "fellow citizens ... and members." The word "citizens" refers to having political rights, so here "foreigners" probably refers to people living in a country not their own and having no political rights. The word "members" refers to being part of a family, so "strangers" probably refers to people who are not part of a family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-doublet]])
-

eph/02/20.md

@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
 # You have been built on the foundation
 
-Paul speaks of God's people as if they were a building. Christ is the cornerstone, the apostles are the foundation, and the believers are the structure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+Paul speaks of God's people as if they were a building. Alternate translation:  "God has built you on the foundation"
 
-# You have been built
 
-This can be stated in the active tense. Alternate translation: "God has built you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
 

eph/02/21.md

@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
-# the whole building fits together and grows as a holy temple
+# In him the whole building fits together and grows as a holy temple
 
-Paul continues to speak of Christ's family as if it were a building. In the same way a builder fits stones together while building, so Christ is fitting us together. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+Paul continues to speak of God's people as if they were a building. In the same way a builder fits stones together while building, so God is fitting his people together. 
 
-# In him ... in the Lord
 
-"In Christ ... in the Lord Jesus" These metaphors express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
 

eph/02/22.md

@@ -1,12 +1,4 @@
-# in him
+# It is in him that you also are being built together
 
-"in Christ" This metaphor expresses the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
-# you also are being built together as a dwelling place for God in the Spirit
-
-This describes how believers are being put together to become a place where God will permanently live through the power of the Holy Spirit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
-# you also are being built together
-
-This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God is also building you together" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+"It is in Christ that God is also building you together"
 

eph/02/intro.md

@@ -1,34 +0,0 @@
-# Ephesians 2 General Notes
-
-### Structure and formatting
-
-This chapter focuses on a Christian's life before coming to believe in Jesus. Paul then uses this information to explain how a person's former way of living is distinct from a Christian's new identity "in Christ." (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])
-
-### Special concepts in this chapter
-
-#### One body
-Paul teaches about the church in this chapter. The church is made of two different groups of people (Jews and Gentiles). They are now one group or "body." The church is also known as the body of Christ. Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ.
-
-### Important figures of speech in this chapter
-
-#### "Dead in trespasses and sins"
-Paul teaches that those who are not Christians are "dead" in their sin. Sin binds or enslaves them. This makes them spiritually "dead." Paul writes that God makes Christians alive in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/death]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
-#### Descriptions of worldly living
-Paul uses many different ways to describe how non-Christians act. They "lived according to the ways of this world" and are "living according to the ruler of the authorities of the air," "fulfilling the evil desires of our sinful nature," and "carrying out the desires of the body and of the mind."
-
-### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
-
-#### "It is the gift of God"
-Some scholars believe "it" here refers to being saved. Other scholars believe that it is faith that is the gift of God. Because of how the Greek tenses agree, "it" here more likely refers to all of being saved by God's grace through faith.
-
-#### Flesh
-
-This is a complex issue. "Flesh" is possibly a metaphor for a person's sinful nature. The phrase "Gentiles in the flesh" indicates the Ephesians once lived without any concern for God. "Flesh" is also used in this verse to refer to the physical part of man. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/flesh]])
-
-## Links:
-
-* __[Ephesians 2:1 Notes](./01.md)__
-
-__[<<](../01/intro.md) | [>>](../03/intro.md)__
-

eph/03/01.md

@@ -2,10 +2,6 @@
 
 Paul started a sentence, but he did not finish it.
 
-# For this reason
-
-This refers to what Paul was speaking about in chapter 2. Alternate translation: "Because of God's grace to you Gentiles" or "Because God has made you Gentiles members of his household"
-
 # the prisoner of Christ Jesus
 
 Paul was in prison because people did not like him preaching about Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: "the prisoner for Christ Jesus" or "the prisoner for preaching about Christ Jesus"

eph/03/03.md

@@ -1,12 +1,9 @@
 # The mystery was made known to me by revelation
 
-This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I learned about the mystery by revelation" or "God revealed the mystery to me" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+"I learned about the mystery by revelation" or "God revealed the mystery to me"
 
 # The mystery
 
 The mystery is God's plan, which God had not clearly told people about earlier. Alternate translation: "God's secret plan" or "The hidden truth"
 
-# as I have written briefly
-
-Paul refers to another letter he had written to these people.
 

eph/03/04.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# General Information:
-
-This page has intentionally been left blank.
-

eph/03/05.md

@@ -1,12 +1,8 @@
 # In other generations this mystery was not made known to the sons of men
 
-This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God did not make this truth known to people in the past" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+"God did not make this truth known to people in the past"
 
 # But now it has been revealed by the Spirit
 
-This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But now the Spirit has revealed it" or "But now the Spirit has made it known" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
-
-# his holy apostles and prophets
-
-"the apostles and prophets whom God set apart to do this work"
+"But now the Spirit has revealed it" or "But now the Spirit has made it known"
 

eph/03/06.md

@@ -1,16 +1,12 @@
 # the Gentiles are fellow heirs ... through the gospel
 
-This is the hidden truth Paul began to explain in the previous verse. The Gentiles who receive Christ also receive the same things as the Jewish believers.
+The Gentiles who receive Christ receive the same things as Jews who receive Christ.
 
 # fellow members of the body
 
-The church is often referred to as the body of Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+The church is often referred to as the body of Christ. 
 
 # in Christ Jesus
 
-"In Christ Jesus" and similar expressions are metaphors that frequently occur in the New Testament letters. They express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
-
-# through the gospel
-
-Possible meanings are 1) because of the gospel the Gentiles are fellow sharers in the promise or 2) because of the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the body and fellow sharers in the promise.
+"In Christ Jesus"  express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him.
 

eph/03/07.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# General Information:
-
-This page has intentionally been left blank.
-

eph/03/08.md

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 # unsearchable
 
-unable to be completely known (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+so great that people cannot fully know or understand them. Alternate translation: "unlimited" or "endless" or "immeasurable"
 
 # riches of Christ
 
-Paul speaks of the truth about Christ and the blessings he brings as if they were material wealth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+Paul speaks of the blessings that Christ brings as if they were material wealth. Alternate translation: "treasures" or "blessings"
 

eph/03/09.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things
+# the plan—the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things
 
-This can be stated in active form. "God, who created all things, kept this plan hidden for long ages in the past" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+"the plan, which God, who created all things, kept hidden for a very, very long time" 
 

eph/03/10.md

@@ -1,15 +1,8 @@
 # This plan was made known through the church
-This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God made this plan known by means of the church" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
 
-# rulers and authorities
-
-These words share similar meanings. Paul uses them together to emphasize that every spiritual being will know God's wisdom. See how you translated similar words in [Ephesians 1:21](../01/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-doublet]])
-
-# in the heavenly places
-
-"in the supernatural world." The word "heavenly" refers to the place where God is. See how this is translated in [Ephesians 1:3](../01/03.md).
+"God made this plan known by means of the church" or "God revealed this plan through the church"
 
 # the many-sided nature of the wisdom of God
 
-God's great and complex wisdom is spoken of as if it were an object with many sides. Alternate translation: "the great and complex wisdom of God"  (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"the great and complex wisdom of God"  
 

eph/03/11.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# according to the eternal plan
-
-"in keeping with the eternal plan" or "consistent with the eternal plan"
-

eph/03/12.md

@@ -1,16 +1,8 @@
-# Connecting Statement:
-
-Paul praises God in his sufferings and prays for these Ephesian believers.
-
 # we have boldness
 
 "we are without fear" or "we have courage"
 
 # access with confidence
 
-It may be helpful to state explicitly that this access is into God's presence. Alternate translation: "access into God's presence with confidence" or "freedom to enter into God's presence with confidence" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]])
-
-# confidence
-
-"certainty" or "assurance"
+"access into God's presence with confidence" or "freedom to enter God's presence with confidence" 
 

eph/03/13.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 # for you, which is your glory
 
-Here "your glory" is a metonym for the pride they should feel or will feel in the future kingdom. The Christians in Ephesus should be proud of what Paul is suffering in prison. This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: "for you. This is for your benefit" or "for you. You should be proud of this" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
+"for you. This is for your benefit" or "for you. You should be proud of this" 
 

eph/03/14.md

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 # For this reason
 
-You may need to make explicit what the reason is. Alternate translation: "Because God has done all this for you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]])
+"Because God has done all this for you"
 
 # I bend my knees to the Father
 
-Bowed knees are a picture of the whole person in an attitude of prayer. Alternate translation: "I bow down in prayer to the Father" or "I humbly pray to the Father" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-synecdoche]])
+"I bow down in prayer to the Father" or "I humbly pray to the Father"
 

eph/03/15.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 # from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named
 
-The act of naming here probably also represents the act of creating. Alternate translation: "who created and named every family in heaven and on earth" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+The act of naming here probably also represents the act of creating. Alternate translation: "who created every family in heaven and on earth" 
 

eph/03/16.md

@@ -1,13 +1,9 @@
 
 # I pray that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power
 
-"I pray that God, because he is so great and powerful, would allow you to become strong with his power." This is the first item for which Paul bends his knees and prays.
-
-# would grant
-
-"would give" or "would cause"
+"I pray that God, because he is so great and powerful, would allow you to become strong with his power"
 
 # in your inner person
 
-Here the phrase "inner person" refers to the personality, heart, or soul.  Alternate translation: "in your heart" or "in your soul"
+"in your heart" or "in your soul"
 

eph/03/17.md

@@ -1,16 +1,8 @@
-# Connecting Statement:
-
-Paul continues the prayer he began in [Ephesians 3:14](../03/14.md).
-
-# I pray that Christ may live in your hearts through faith and that you may be rooted and founded in his love
-
-This is the second item which Paul prays that God will "grant" the Ephesians "according to the riches of his glory." The first is that they would "be strengthened" ([Ephesians 3:16](../03/16.md)).
-
 # that Christ may live in your hearts through faith
 
-Here "heart" represents a person's inner being, and "through" expresses the means by which Christ lives within the believer. Christ lives in the hearts of believers because God graciously allows them to have faith. Alternate translation: "that Christ may live within you because you trust in him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
+"that Christ may live within you because you trust in him"
 
-# you may be rooted and founded in his love
+# that you may be rooted and founded in his love
 
-Paul speaks of their faith as if it were a tree that has deep roots or a house built on a solid foundation. Alternate translation: "that you will be like a firmly rooted tree and a building built on stone because of his love" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"that you will be like a firmly rooted tree and a building built on stone because of his love" or "that you will be steady and firm in love"
 

eph/03/18.md

@@ -1,11 +1,4 @@
-# that you might be able to understand
-This is the first item which Paul says will be the result of the Christians being rooted and grounded in Christ's love ([Ephesians 3:17](../03/17.md)).
-
-# all God's holy people
-
-"all believers in Christ" or "all the saints"
-
 # the width, the length, the height, and the depth
 
-Possible meanings are 1) these words describe the greatness of God's wisdom, Alternate translation: "how very wise God is" or 2) these word describe the intensity of Christ's love for us. Alternate translation: "how much Christ loves us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+Possible meanings are 1) these words describe the greatness of God's wisdom, Alternate translation: "how very wise God is" or 2) these word describe the intensity of Christ's love for us. Alternate translation: "how much Christ loves us"
 

eph/03/19.md

@@ -1,8 +0,0 @@
-# to know the love of Christ, which goes beyond knowledge
-
-This is the second item which Paul says will be the result of the Christians being rooted and grounded in Christ's love ([Ephesians 3:17](../03/17.md)).
-
-# that you may be filled with all the fullness of God
-
-This is the third item for which Paul bends his knees and prays ([Ephesians 3:14](../03/14.md)). The first is that they would "be strengthened" ([Ephesians 3:16](../03/16.md)), and the second is that they "can understand" ([Ephesians 3:18](../03/18.md)).
-

eph/03/20.md

@@ -1,10 +1,6 @@
 # General Information:
 
-The words "we" and "us" in this book continue to include Paul and all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive]])
-
-# Connecting Statement:
-
-Paul concludes his prayer with a blessing.
+The words "we" and "us" in Ephesians usually refer to Paul and all believers.
 
 # Now to him who
 

eph/03/21.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# General Information:
-
-This page has intentionally been left blank.
-

eph/03/intro.md

@@ -1,19 +0,0 @@
-# Ephesians 3 General Notes
-
-### Structure and formatting
-
-#### "I pray"
-
-Paul structures part of this chapter as a prayer to God. But Paul is not just talking to God. He is both praying for and instructing the church in Ephesus.
-
-### Special concepts in this chapter
-
-#### Mystery
-Paul refers to the church as a "mystery." The role of the church in the plans of God was once not known. But God has now revealed it. Part of this mystery involves the Gentiles having equal standing with the Jews in the plans of God.
-
-## Links:
-
-* __[Ephesians 3:1 Notes](./01.md)__
-
-__[<<](../02/intro.md) | [>>](../04/intro.md)__
-

eph/04/01.md

@@ -1,12 +1,8 @@
-# Connecting Statement:
-
-Because of what Paul has been writing to the Ephesians, he tells them how they should live their lives as believers and again emphasizes that believers are to agree with each other.
-
 # as the prisoner for the Lord
 
-"as someone who is in prison because of his choice to serve the Lord"
+"as someone who is in prison because of serving the Lord"
 
 # walk worthily of the calling
 
-Walking is a common way to express the idea of living one's life. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+Walking is a common way to express the idea of living one's life. Alternate translation: "live in a  way that is worthy of the calling"
 

eph/04/03.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 # to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
 
-Here Paul speaks of "peace" as if it were a bond that ties people together. This is a metaphor for being united with other people by living peacefully with them. Alternate translation: "to live peacefully with one another and remain united, as the Spirit made possible" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"to live peacefully with one another and remain united, as the Spirit made possible" 
 

eph/04/04.md

@@ -1,16 +1,10 @@
 # one body
 
-The church is often referred to as the body of Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
-# one Spirit
-
-"one Holy Spirit"
+The church is often referred to as the body of Christ.
 
 # you were called in one hope of your calling
 
-Here the word "call" means "invite" or "choose."  This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God invited you to one hope when he invited you" or "God chose you to hope for one thing when he chose you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+Here the word "call" means "invite" or "choose."  Alternate translation: "God invited you to one hope when he invited you" or "God chose you to hope for one thing when he chose you"
 
-# one hope
 
-Here the word "hope" refers to the thing to hope for. Alternate translation: "one thing to hope for" or "one thing to confidently wait for"
 

eph/04/05.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# General Information:
-
-This page has intentionally been left blank.
-

eph/04/06.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# Father of all ... over all ... through all ... and in all
-
-The word "all" here means "everything."
-

eph/04/07.md

@@ -1,16 +1,8 @@
-# Connecting Statement:
-
-Paul reminds believers of the gifts that Christ gives believers to use in the church, which is the whole body of believers.
-
 # To each one of us grace has been given
 
-This can be stated using an active form. Alternate translation: "God has given grace to each one of us" or "God gave a spiritual gift to each believer" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
-
-# grace has been given
-
-Here grace refers to a spiritual gift or ability. Alternate translation: "a spiritual gift has been given" or "ability has been given"
+"God has given grace to each one of us" or "God gave a spiritual gift to each of us" 
 
 # according to the measure of the gift of Christ
 
-Here "the gift of Christ" refers to a gift that Christ has given. Alternate translation: "according to the amount that Christ has given us" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns]])
+"according to the amount that Christ has given us" or "as Christ generously measured out the gift"
 

eph/04/08.md

@@ -1,7 +1,3 @@
-# General Information:
-
-The quotation here is from the book of Psalms in the Old Testament. King David wrote this psalm.
-
 # When he ascended on high
 
 "When he went up to the very high place"

eph/04/09.md

@@ -1,12 +1,7 @@
-# he ascended
+# he ascended ... he also descended
 
-"he went up"
-
-# he also descended
-
-"he also came down"
+"he went up ... he also came down
 
 # into the lower regions of the earth
 
-Possible meanings are 1) the lower regions are a part of the earth. Alternate translation: "into the lowest place on earth" or 2) "the lower regions" is another way of referring to the earth. Alternate translation: "into the lower regions, the earth"
-
+Possible meanings are "into the lowest places on earth" or "into the lower regions, the earth"

eph/04/10.md

@@ -1,8 +1,5 @@
 # that he might fill all things
 
-"so that he might be present everywhere in his power"
+"that he might fill the universe with himself" or "so that he might be everywhere"
 
-# fill
-
-"complete" or "satisfy"
 

eph/04/11.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# General Information:
-
-This page has intentionally been left blank.
-

eph/04/12.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # to equip God's holy people
 
-"to prepare the people he has set apart" or "to provide the believers with what they need"
+"to prepare God's holy people" or "to provide God's holy people with what they need"
 
 # for the work of service
 
@@ -8,13 +8,6 @@
 
 # for the building up of the body of Christ
 
-Paul is speaking of people who grow spiritually as if they were doing exercises to increase the strength of their physical bodies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom]])
+"for strengthening the body of Christ" or "so that the body of Christ will grow." The body of Christ is all of the members of Christ's Church.
 
-# building up
-
-"improvement" or "strengthening"
-
-# body of Christ
-
-The "body of Christ" refers to all of the individual members of Christ's Church.
 

eph/04/13.md

@@ -1,20 +1,11 @@
 # reach the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God
 
-The believers need to know Jesus as the Son of God if they are to be united in faith and mature as believers.
+"become united in faith and in knowing the Son of God"
 
-# reach the unity of faith
+# the Son of God
 
-"become equally strong in faith" or "become united together in faith"
-
-# Son of God
-
-This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
+This is an important title for Jesus. 
 
 # become mature
 
 "become mature believers"
-
-# mature
-
-"fully developed" or "grown up" or "complete"
-

eph/04/14.md

@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
-# be children
+# we should no longer be children
 
-Paul refers to believers who have not grown spiritually as if they were children who have had very little experience in life. Alternate translation: "be like children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"we should not longer be like children" or "we should stop being like children"
 
 # tossed back and forth ... carried away by every wind of doctrine
 
-This speaks of a believer who has not become mature and follows wrong teaching as if that believer were a boat that the wind is blowing in different directions on the water. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"who are like boats that are tossed back and forth ... carried away by every wind of doctrine"
 
 # by the trickery of people in their deceitful schemes
 

eph/04/15.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# into him who is the head
+# him who is the head
 
-Paul uses the human body to describe how Christ causes believers to work together in harmony as the head of a body causes the body parts to work together to grow healthy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+Christ causes believers to work together as the head of a body causes the body parts to work together.
 

eph/04/16.md

@@ -1,7 +1,3 @@
-# Christ builds the whole body ... makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love
-
-Paul uses the human body to describe how Christ causes believers to work together in harmony as the head of a body causes the body parts to work together to grow healthy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
 # by every supporting ligament
 
 A "ligament" is a strong band that connects bones or holds organs in place in the body.

eph/04/17.md

@@ -1,12 +1,4 @@
-# Connecting Statement:
-
-Paul tells the Ephesians what they should no longer do now that they as believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God.
-
-# Therefore, I say and insist on this in the Lord
-
-"Because what I have just said, I will say something more to strongly encourage you because we all belong to the Lord"
-
 # that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their minds
 
-The word "walk" here is a metaphor for the way a person lives his life, especially whether he does right or does wrong. Alternate translation: "stop living the way the Gentiles live, with their worthless thoughts" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"stop living the way the Gentiles live, with their worthless thoughts" 
 

eph/04/18.md

@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 # They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God
 
-Here "darkened in their understanding" is a metaphor that means not to be able to understand the truth. And "alienated from the life of God" is a metaphor that means to not have the life that God gives. Alternate translation: "They do not understand what is true, and they do not have the life that God gives to people" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"They do not understand what is true, and they do not have the life that God gives to people"
 
 # because of the ignorance that is in them
 
-"because they refuse to learn what is true"
+"because they know nothing" or "because they refuse to learn what is true"
 
 # because of the hardness of their hearts
 
-Here "hearts" is a metonym for people's minds. The phrase "hardness of their hearts" is a metaphor that means "stubbornness." Alternate translation: "because they are stubborn" or "because they refuse to listen to God" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"because their hearts are hard" or "because they are stubborn"
 

eph/04/19.md

@@ -1,12 +1,9 @@
 # have committed themselves to sensuality
 
-Paul speaks of these people as if they were objects that they themselves were giving to other people, and he speaks of the way they want to satisfy their physical desires as if it were the person to whom they give themselves. Alternate translation: "only want to satisfy their physical desires" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+ "only want to satisfy their physical desires" 
 
 # they practice every kind of uncleanness with greed
 
-"they are continually practicing every kind of uncleanness"
+"they greedily practice every kind of unclean behavior" or "they eagerly practice every kind of indecent act"
 
-# uncleanness
-
-This word for ritual uncleanness is a metaphor for the guilt that comes from sinful acts. It can be translated using the word "unclean." Alternate translation: "sinful act" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns]])
 

eph/04/20.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 # But that is not how you learned about Christ
 
-The word "that" refers to the way the Gentiles live, as described in [Ephesians 4:17-19](./17.md). This emphasizes that what the believers learned about Christ was the opposite of that. Alternate translation: "But what you learned about Christ was not like that"
+"But what you learned about Christ was not like that"
 

eph/04/21.md

@@ -1,10 +1,6 @@
-# I assume that you have heard ... and that you were taught
-
-Paul knows that the Ephesians have heard and been taught. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-irony]])
-
 # you were taught in him
 
-Possible meanings are 1) "Jesus's people have taught you" or 2) "someone has taught you because you are Jesus's people." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+Possible meanings are 1) "Jesus's people have taught you" or 2) "someone has taught you because you are Jesus's people." 
 
 # as the truth is in Jesus
 

eph/04/22.md

@@ -1,16 +1,12 @@
 # to put off what belongs to your former manner of life
 
-Paul is speaking of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. Alternate translation: "to stop living according to your former manner of life" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+Paul is speaking of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. Alternate translation: "to stop living according to your past way of life" 
 
 # to put off the old man
 
-Paul is speaking of moral qualities as if they were pieces of clothing. Alternate translation: "to stop living as your former self did" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
-# old man
-
-The "old man" refers to the "old nature" or "former self."
+ "to stop living as your former self lived"
 
 # that is corrupt because of its deceitful desires
 
-Paul speaks of the sinful human nature as if it were a dead body falling apart in its grave. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+Paul speaks of the sinful human nature as if it were a dead body falling apart in its grave. 
 

eph/04/23.md

@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
 # to be renewed in the spirit of your minds
 
-This may be translated with an active form. Alternate translation: "to allow God to change your attitudes and thoughts" or "to allow God to give you new attitudes and thoughts" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
-
+"to allow God to change your attitudes and thoughts" or "to allow God to give you new attitudes and thoughts"

eph/04/26.md

@@ -4,5 +4,5 @@
 
 # Do not let the sun go down on your anger
 
-The sun going down represents nightfall or the end of the day. Alternate translation: "You must stop being angry before night comes" or "Do not let the sun set while you are still angry with someone" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy]])
+"Do not let the sun set while you are still angry with someone" or "You must stop being angry before night comes"
 

eph/04/28.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# General Information:
-
-This page has intentionally been left blank.
-

eph/04/30.md

@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@
 
 # for it is by him that you were sealed for the day of redemption
 
-The Holy Spirit assures believers that God will redeem them. Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit as if he were a mark that God puts on believers to show that he owns them. Alternate translation: "for he is the seal that assures you that God will redeem you on the day of redemption" or "for he is the one who assures you that God will redeem you on the day of redemption" or (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+"for the Holy Spirit is the seal that assures you that God will redeem you on the day of redemption" or "for he is the one who assures you that God will redeem you on the day of redemption"
 
 # the day of redemption
 
-Here redemption is a metaphor for causing people to no longer be affected by sin. The idea in the noun "redemption" can be expressed with a phrase. Alternate translation: "the day when God will redeem his people" or "the day when God will free his people from sin" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns]])
+ "the day when God will redeem his people" or "the day when God will free his people from sin"
 

eph/04/31.md

@@ -1,10 +1,6 @@
-# Connecting Statement:
-
-Paul finishes his instructions on what believers should not do and ends with what they must do.
-
 # Put away all bitterness, rage, anger
 
-"Put away" here is a metaphor for not continuing to have certain attitudes or behaviors. Alternate translation: "You must not allow these things to be part of your life: bitterness, rage, anger" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"You must not allow these things to be part of your life: bitterness, rage, anger" 
 
 # rage
 

eph/04/intro.md

@@ -1,25 +0,0 @@
-# Ephesians 4 General Notes
-
-### Structure and formatting
-
-Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 8, which is quoted from the Old Testament.
-
-### Special concepts in this chapter
-
-#### Spiritual gifts
-Spiritual gifts are specific supernatural abilities that the Holy Spirit gives to Christians after they come to believe in Jesus. These spiritual gifts were foundational to developing the church. Paul lists here only some of the spiritual gifts. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])
-
-#### Unity
-Paul considers it very important that the church is united. This is a major theme of this chapter. 
-
-### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
-
-#### Old man and new man
-The term "old man" probably refers to the sinful nature with which a person is born. The "new man" is the new nature or new life that God gives a person after they come to believe in Christ.
-
-## Links:
-
-* __[Ephesians 4:1 Notes](./01.md)__
-
-__[<<](../03/intro.md) | [>>](../05/intro.md)__
-

eph/05/01.md

@@ -1,12 +1,8 @@
-# Connecting Statement:
-
-Paul continues to tell the believers how they should and should not live as God's children.
-
 # Therefore be imitators of God
 
-"Therefore you should do what God does." Therefore refers back to [Ephesians 4:32](../04/32.md) which tells why believers should imitate God, because Christ forgave believers.
+"Therefore you should do what God does." Therefore refers back to [Ephesians 4:32](../04/32.md) which says that God had forgiven them.
 
 # as beloved children
 
-God desires us to imitate or follow him since we are his children. Alternate translation: "as dearly loved children imitate their fathers" or "because you are his children and he loves you dearly" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-simile]])
+"as dearly loved children imitate their fathers" or "because you are his children and he loves you dearly"
 

eph/05/02.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # walk in love
 
-Walking is a common way to express the idea of living one's life. Alternate translation: "live a life of love" or "always love each other" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"live a life of love" or "always love each other"
 
 # a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God
 

eph/05/03.md

@@ -4,9 +4,6 @@
 
 # any kind of uncleanness
 
-"any moral uncleanness"
+"any kind of moral uncleanness" or "any kind of unclean behavior" or "any kind of indecent act"
 
-# uncleanness
-
-This word for ritual uncleanness is a metaphor for the guilt that comes from sinful acts. It can be translated using the word "unclean." Alternate translation: "sinful act" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns]])
 

eph/05/05.md

@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-# inheritance
-
-Receiving what God has promised believers is spoken of as if it were inheriting property and wealth from a family member. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+# has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God
 
+"will receive any of what God has promised to people in the kingdom of Christ and God"

eph/05/07.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# General Information:
-
-This page has intentionally been left blank.
-

eph/05/08.md

@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
-# For you were once darkness
+# For you were once darkness, but now you are light
 
-Just as one cannot see in the dark, so people who love to sin lack spiritual understanding. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"For you were once in darkness, but now you are in the light" or "For your hearts were once dark, but now they are light." Darkness represents 
 
-# but now you are light in the Lord
+# in the Lord
 
-Just as one can see in the light, so people whom God has saved understand how to please God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"because you are united to the Lord"
 
 # Walk as children of light
 
-Walking on a path is a metaphor for how a person lives his life. Alternate translation: "Live as people who understand what the Lord wants them to do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"Live as people who belong to the light" or "Live as people who are in the light" 
 

eph/05/09.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 # the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth
 
-"Fruit" here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate translation: "the result of living in the light is good work, right living, and truthful behavior" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+ "the result of living in the light is good work, right living, and truthful behavior"
 

eph/05/10.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# General Information:
-
-This page has intentionally been left blank.
-

eph/05/11.md

@@ -1,12 +1,8 @@
 # Do not associate with the unfruitful works of darkness
 
-Paul speaks of the useless, sinful things that unbelievers do as if they are evil deeds people do in the dark so no one will see them. Alternate translation: "Do not do useless, sinful things with unbelievers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
-
-# unfruitful works
-
-actions that do nothing good, useful, or profitable. Paul is comparing evil actions to an unhealthy tree that produces nothing good. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"Do not participate in doing the useless things that people do in darkness" or "Do not do the useless things that people in darkness do"
 
 # expose them
 
-Speaking against the works of darkness is spoken of as bringing them out into the light so that people can see them. Alternate translation: "bring them out into the light" or "uncover them" or "show and tell people how wrong these actions are" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
+"bring them out into the light" or "uncover them" or "show and tell people how wrong these actions are"
 

eph/05/12.md

@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-# General Information:
-
-This page has intentionally been left blank.
-

eph/05/13.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 # when anything is exposed by the light
 
-This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the light shines on something" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])
+"when the light shines on something"