This section (1:3–14) comprises the second longest sentence in the NT (202 words in the Gk.), with only Col 1:9–20 being longer (218 words). This blessing (berakah) precedes the thanksgiving section that is typical of most of Paul’s NT epistles (see also 2 Cor 1:3–7; cf. 1 Pet 1:3–5). The focus of the passage is on the spiritual blessings that believers have in
Page 17