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Ephesians 1-6
American Standard Version

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints that are [a]at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be [b]the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before [c]him in love: 5 having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, [d]which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved: 7 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 [e]which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him 10 unto a dispensation of the fulness of the [f]times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things [g]in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say, 11 in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; 12 to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who [h]had before hoped in Christ: 13 in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the [i]gospel of your salvation,—in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory.

15 For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is [j]among you, and [k]the love which ye show toward all the saints, 16 cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; 18 having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might 20 which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this [l]world, but also in that which is to come: 22 and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

2 And you did he make alive, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins, 2 wherein ye once walked according to the [m]course of this world, according to the prince of the [n]powers of the air, of the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience; 3 among whom we also all once lived in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the [o]mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest:— 4 but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together [p]with Christ (by grace have ye been saved), 6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus: 7 that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus: 8 for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not of works, that no man should glory. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.

11 Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; 12 that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, 15 having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; 16 and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 and he came and [q]preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh: 18 for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father. 19 So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, 20 being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; 21 in whom [r]each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy [s]temple in the Lord; 22 in whom ye also are builded together [t]for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

3 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles,— 2 if so be that ye have heard of the [u]dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward; 3 how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words, 4 whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; 5 which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 to wit, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the [v]gospel, 7 whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, was this grace given, to [w]preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 and to [x]make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things; 10 to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 according to the [y]eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through [z]our faith in him. 13 Wherefore I ask that [aa]ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which [ab]are your glory.

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, 15 from whom every [ac]family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God.

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto [ad]all generations for ever and ever. Amen.

4 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. 7 But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith,

[ae]When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive,
And gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now this, He ascended, what is it but that he also descended [af]into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: 13 till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; 15 but [ag]speaking truth in love, may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ; 16 from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together [ah]through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; 19 who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, [ai]to work all uncleanness with [aj]greediness. 20 But ye did not so learn Christ; 21 if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: 22 that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; 23 and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man, [ak]that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

25 Wherefore, putting away falsehood, [al]speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. 26 [am]Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your [an]wrath: 27 neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need. 29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for [ao]edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear. 30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave [ap]you.

5 Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for [aq]us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints; 4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them; 8 for ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord; 11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even [ar]reprove them; 12 for the things which are done by them in secret it is a shame even to speak of. 13 But all things when they are [as]reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, [at]Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee.

15 Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; 16 [au]redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled [av]with the Spirit; 19 speaking [aw]one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to [ax]God, even the Father; 21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

22 Wives, be in subjection unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, [ay]so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; 26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the [az]washing of water with the word, 27 that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself: 29 for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church; 30 because we are members of his body. 31 [ba]For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of the church. 33 Nevertheless do ye also severally love each one his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she fear her husband.

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 [bb]Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou [bc]mayest live long on the [bd]earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.

5 [be]Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your [bf]masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as [bg]servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the [bh]heart; 7 with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men: 8 knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye [bi]masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him.

10 [bj]Finally, [bk]be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against [bl]flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the [bm]gospel of peace; 16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, 19 and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me [bn]in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the [bo]gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in [bp]chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ [bq]with a love incorruptible.

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 1:1 Some very ancient authorities omit at Ephesus.
  2. Ephesians 1:3 Or, God and the Father. See Rom. 15:6 margin.
  3. Ephesians 1:4 Or, him: having in love foreordained us
  4. Ephesians 1:6 Or, wherewith he endued us
  5. Ephesians 1:8 Or, wherewith he abounded
  6. Ephesians 1:10 Greek seasons.
  7. Ephesians 1:10 Greek upon.
  8. Ephesians 1:12 Or, have
  9. Ephesians 1:13 Greek good tidings. See marginal note on Mt. 4:23.
  10. Ephesians 1:15 Or, in
  11. Ephesians 1:15 Many ancient authorities omit the love.
  12. Ephesians 1:21 Or, age
  13. Ephesians 2:2 Greek age.
  14. Ephesians 2:2 Greek power.
  15. Ephesians 2:3 Greek thoughts.
  16. Ephesians 2:5 Some ancient authorities read in Christ.
  17. Ephesians 2:17 Greek brought good tidings of peace. Compare Mt. 11:5.
  18. Ephesians 2:21 Greek every building.
  19. Ephesians 2:21 Or, sanctuary
  20. Ephesians 2:22 Greek into.
  21. Ephesians 3:2 Or, stewardship
  22. Ephesians 3:6 Greek good tidings. See Mt. 4:23 margin.
  23. Ephesians 3:8 Greek bring good tidings of the etc. Compare 2:17.
  24. Ephesians 3:9 Some ancient authorities read bring to light what is.
  25. Ephesians 3:11 Greek purpose of the ages.
  26. Ephesians 3:12 Or, the faith of him
  27. Ephesians 3:13 Or, I
  28. Ephesians 3:13 Or, is
  29. Ephesians 3:15 Greek fatherhood.
  30. Ephesians 3:21 Greek all the generations of the age of the ages.
  31. Ephesians 4:8 Ps. 68:18.
  32. Ephesians 4:9 Some ancient authorities insert first.
  33. Ephesians 4:15 Or, dealing truly
  34. Ephesians 4:16 Greek through every joint of the supply.
  35. Ephesians 4:19 Or, to make a trade of
  36. Ephesians 4:19 Or, covetousness. Compare 5:3 Col. 3:5.
  37. Ephesians 4:24 Or, that is after God, created etc.
  38. Ephesians 4:25 Zech. 8:16.
  39. Ephesians 4:26 Ps. 4:4.
  40. Ephesians 4:26 Greek provocation.
  41. Ephesians 4:29 Greek the building up of the need.
  42. Ephesians 4:32 Many ancient authorities read us.
  43. Ephesians 5:2 Some ancient authorities read you.
  44. Ephesians 5:11 Or, convict
  45. Ephesians 5:13 Or, convicted
  46. Ephesians 5:14 (?). Compare 1 Tim. 3:16.
  47. Ephesians 5:16 Greek buying up the opportunity.
  48. Ephesians 5:18 Or, in spirit
  49. Ephesians 5:19 Or, to yourselves
  50. Ephesians 5:20 Greek the God and Father.
  51. Ephesians 5:24 Or, so are the wives also
  52. Ephesians 5:26 Greek laver.
  53. Ephesians 5:31 Gen. 2:24.
  54. Ephesians 6:2 Ex. 20:12; Dt. 5:16.
  55. Ephesians 6:3 Or, shalt
  56. Ephesians 6:3 Or, land
  57. Ephesians 6:5 Greek Bondservants.
  58. Ephesians 6:5 Greek lords.
  59. Ephesians 6:6 Greek Bondservants.
  60. Ephesians 6:6 Greek soul.
  61. Ephesians 6:9 Greek lords.
  62. Ephesians 6:10 Or, Henceforth
  63. Ephesians 6:10 Greek be made powerful.
  64. Ephesians 6:12 Greek blood and flesh.
  65. Ephesians 6:15 Greek good tidings. See Mt. 4:23 margin.
  66. Ephesians 6:19 Or, in opening my mouth with boldness, to make known
  67. Ephesians 6:19 Greek good tidings. See Mt. 4:23 margin.
  68. Ephesians 6:20 Greek a chain.
  69. Ephesians 6:24 Or, in incorruption. See Rom. 2:7.
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Ephesians 1-6
New International Version

1 Paul, an apostle(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,(B)

To God’s holy people(C) in Ephesus,[a](D) the faithful(E) in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(F)

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,(G) who has blessed us in the heavenly realms(H) with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us(I) in him before the creation of the world(J) to be holy and blameless(K) in his sight. In love(L) 5 he[b] predestined(M) us for adoption to sonship[c](N) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure(O) and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace,(P) which he has freely given us in the One he loves.(Q) 7 In him we have redemption(R) through his blood,(S) the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches(T) of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery(U) of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed(V) in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment(W)—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.(X)

11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined(Y) according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose(Z) of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.(AA) 13 And you also were included in Christ(AB) when you heard the message of truth,(AC) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,(AD) the promised Holy Spirit,(AE) 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance(AF) until the redemption(AG) of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.(AH)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus(AI) and your love for all God’s people,(AJ) 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you,(AK) remembering you in my prayers.(AL) 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,(AM) may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom(AN) and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened(AO) in order that you may know the hope to which he has called(AP) you, the riches(AQ) of his glorious inheritance(AR) in his holy people,(AS) 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power(AT) is the same as the mighty strength(AU) 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead(AV) and seated him at his right hand(AW) in the heavenly realms,(AX) 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion,(AY) and every name(AZ) that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.(BA) 22 And God placed all things under his feet(BB) and appointed him to be head(BC) over everything for the church, 23 which is his body,(BD) the fullness of him(BE) who fills everything in every way.(BF)

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,(BG) 2 in which you used to live(BH) when you followed the ways of this world(BI) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,(BJ) the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.(BK) 3 All of us also lived among them at one time,(BL) gratifying the cravings of our flesh[g](BM) and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us,(BN) God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions(BO)—it is by grace you have been saved.(BP) 6 And God raised us up with Christ(BQ) and seated us with him(BR) in the heavenly realms(BS) in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,(BT) expressed in his kindness(BU) to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace(BV) you have been saved,(BW) through faith(BX)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works,(BY) so that no one can boast.(BZ) 10 For we are God’s handiwork,(CA) created(CB) in Christ Jesus to do good works,(CC) which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

11 Therefore, remember that formerly(CD) you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)(CE)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners(CF) to the covenants of the promise,(CG) without hope(CH) and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once(CI) were far away have been brought near(CJ) by the blood of Christ.(CK)

14 For he himself is our peace,(CL) who has made the two groups one(CM) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh(CN) the law with its commands and regulations.(CO) His purpose was to create in himself one(CP) new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross,(CQ) by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace(CR) to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.(CS) 18 For through him we both have access(CT) to the Father(CU) by one Spirit.(CV)

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers,(CW) but fellow citizens(CX) with God’s people and also members of his household,(CY) 20 built(CZ) on the foundation(DA) of the apostles and prophets,(DB) with Christ Jesus himself(DC) as the chief cornerstone.(DD) 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple(DE) in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.(DF)

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner(DG) of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me(DH) for you, 3 that is, the mystery(DI) made known to me by revelation,(DJ) as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight(DK) into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.(DL) 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs(DM) together with Israel, members together of one body,(DN) and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.(DO)

7 I became a servant of this gospel(DP) by the gift of God’s grace given me(DQ) through the working of his power.(DR) 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,(DS) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles(DT) the boundless riches of Christ,(DU) 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,(DV) which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God(DW) should be made known(DX) to the rulers and authorities(DY) in the heavenly realms,(DZ) 11 according to his eternal purpose(EA) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God(EB) with freedom and confidence.(EC) 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

A Prayer for the Ephesians

14 For this reason I kneel(ED) before the Father, 15 from whom every family[h] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches(EE) he may strengthen you with power(EF) through his Spirit in your inner being,(EG) 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts(EH) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted(EI) and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,(EJ) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep(EK) is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge(EL)—that you may be filled(EM) to the measure of all the fullness of God.(EN)

20 Now to him who is able(EO) to do immeasurably more than all we ask(EP) or imagine, according to his power(EQ) that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.(ER)

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner(ES) for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy(ET) of the calling(EU) you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another(EV) in love.(EW) 3 Make every effort to keep the unity(EX) of the Spirit through the bond of peace.(EY) 4 There is one body(EZ) and one Spirit,(FA) just as you were called to one hope when you were called(FB); 5 one Lord,(FC) one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all,(FD) who is over all and through all and in all.(FE)

7 But to each one of us(FF) grace(FG) has been given(FH) as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[i] says:

“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives(FI)
    and gave gifts to his people.”[j](FJ)

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[k]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended(FK) higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)(FL) 11 So Christ himself gave(FM) the apostles,(FN) the prophets,(FO) the evangelists,(FP) the pastors and teachers,(FQ) 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ(FR) may be built up(FS) 13 until we all reach unity(FT) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God(FU) and become mature,(FV) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.(FW)

14 Then we will no longer be infants,(FX) tossed back and forth by the waves,(FY) and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.(FZ) 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love,(GA) we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,(GB) that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows(GC) and builds itself up(GD) in love,(GE) as each part does its work.

Instructions for Christian Living

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer(GF) live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.(GG) 18 They are darkened in their understanding(GH) and separated from the life of God(GI) because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.(GJ) 19 Having lost all sensitivity,(GK) they have given themselves over(GL) to sensuality(GM) so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off(GN) your old self,(GO) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;(GP) 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;(GQ) 24 and to put on(GR) the new self,(GS) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.(GT)

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully(GU) to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.(GV) 26 “In your anger do not sin”[l]:(GW) Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.(GX) 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,(GY) doing something useful with their own hands,(GZ) that they may have something to share with those in need.(HA)

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,(HB) but only what is helpful for building others up(HC) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,(HD) with whom you were sealed(HE) for the day of redemption.(HF) 31 Get rid of(HG) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.(HH) 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,(HI) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(HJ) 5 1 Follow God’s example,(HK) therefore, as dearly loved children(HL) 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us(HM) and gave himself up for us(HN) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.(HO)

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,(HP) or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,(HQ) because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk(HR) or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.(HS) 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater(HT)—has any inheritance(HU) in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[m](HV) 6 Let no one deceive you(HW) with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath(HX) comes on those who are disobedient.(HY) 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once(HZ) darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light(IA) 9 (for the fruit(IB) of the light consists in all goodness,(IC) righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.(ID) 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,(IE) but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light(IF) becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,(IG)
    rise from the dead,(IH)
    and Christ will shine on you.”(II)

15 Be very careful, then, how you live(IJ)—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity,(IK) because the days are evil.(IL) 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.(IM) 18 Do not get drunk on wine,(IN) which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,(IO) 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.(IP) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks(IQ) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instructions for Christian Households(IR)

21 Submit to one another(IS) out of reverence for Christ.

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands(IT) as you do to the Lord.(IU) 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,(IV) his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands(IW) in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives,(IX) just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her(IY) 26 to make her holy,(IZ) cleansing[n] her by the washing(JA) with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself(JB) as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.(JC) 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives(JD) as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body.(JE) 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[o](JF) 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife(JG) as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.(JH) 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[p](JI)

4 Fathers,[q] do not exasperate your children;(JJ) instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.(JK)

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect(JL) and fear, and with sincerity of heart,(JM) just as you would obey Christ.(JN) 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,(JO) doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,(JP) 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do,(JQ) whether they are slave or free.

9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours(JR) is in heaven, and there is no favoritism(JS) with him.

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord(JT) and in his mighty power.(JU) 11 Put on the full armor of God,(JV) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,(JW) but against the rulers, against the authorities,(JX) against the powers(JY) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.(JZ) 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God,(KA) so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,(KB) with the breastplate of righteousness in place,(KC) 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.(KD) 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,(KE) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.(KF) 17 Take the helmet of salvation(KG) and the sword of the Spirit,(KH) which is the word of God.(KI)

18 And pray in the Spirit(KJ) on all occasions(KK) with all kinds of prayers and requests.(KL) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying(KM) for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me,(KN) that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly(KO) make known the mystery(KP) of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador(KQ) in chains.(KR) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

21 Tychicus,(KS) the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are,(KT) and that he may encourage you.(KU)

23 Peace(KV) to the brothers and sisters,[r] and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.[s]

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 1:1 Some early manuscripts do not have in Ephesus.
  2. Ephesians 1:5 Or sight in love. 5 He
  3. Ephesians 1:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.
  4. Ephesians 1:9 Or us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he
  5. Ephesians 1:11 Or were made heirs
  6. Ephesians 1:17 Or a spirit
  7. Ephesians 2:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
  8. Ephesians 3:15 The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater).
  9. Ephesians 4:8 Or God
  10. Ephesians 4:8 Psalm 68:18
  11. Ephesians 4:9 Or the depths of the earth
  12. Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)
  13. Ephesians 5:5 Or kingdom of the Messiah and God
  14. Ephesians 5:26 Or having cleansed
  15. Ephesians 5:31 Gen. 2:24
  16. Ephesians 6:3 Deut. 5:16
  17. Ephesians 6:4 Or Parents
  18. Ephesians 6:23 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
  19. Ephesians 6:24 Or Grace and immortality to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
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