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Ephesians 1-6
Common English Bible

Greeting

1 From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will.

To the holy and faithful people in Christ Jesus in Ephesus.[a]

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

The believers’ blessings

3 Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven. 4 God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. 5 God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan 6 and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves. 7 We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace, 8 which he poured over us with wisdom and understanding. 9 God revealed his hidden design[b] to us, which is according to his goodwill and the plan that he intended to accomplish through his Son. 10 This is what God planned for the climax of all times:[c] to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth. 11 We have also received an inheritance in Christ. We were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. 12 We are called to be an honor to God’s glory because we were the first to hope in Christ. 13 You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation. You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit because you believed in Christ. 14 The Holy Spirit is the down payment on our inheritance, which is applied toward our redemption as God’s own people, resulting in the honor of God’s glory.

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians

15 Since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, this is the reason that 16 I don’t stop giving thanks to God for you when I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation that makes God known to you. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see what is the hope of God’s call, what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers, 19 and what is the overwhelming greatness of God’s power that is working among us believers. This power is conferred by the energy of God’s powerful strength. 20 God’s power was at work in Christ when God raised him from the dead and sat him at God’s right side in the heavens, 21 far above every ruler and authority and power and angelic power, any power that might be named not only now but in the future. 22 God put everything under Christ’s feet and made him head of everything in the church, 23 which is his body. His body, the church, is the fullness of Christ, who fills everything in every way.

Saved from sin to life

2 At one time you were like a dead person because of the things you did wrong and your offenses against God. 2 You used to live like people of this world. You followed the rule of a destructive spiritual power. This is the spirit of disobedience to God’s will that is now at work in persons whose lives are characterized by disobedience. 3 At one time you were like those persons. All of you used to do whatever felt good and whatever you thought you wanted so that you were children headed for punishment just like everyone else.

4-5 However, God is rich in mercy. He brought us to life with Christ while we were dead as a result of those things that we did wrong. He did this because of the great love that he has for us. You are saved by God’s grace! 6 And God raised us up and seated us in the heavens with Christ Jesus. 7 God did this to show future generations the greatness of his grace by the goodness that God has shown us in Christ Jesus.

8 You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith.[d] This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you possessed. 9 It’s not something you did that you can be proud of. 10 Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.

The reconciliation of God’s people

11 So remember that once you were Gentiles by physical descent, who were called “uncircumcised” by Jews who are physically circumcised. 12 At that time you were without Christ. You were aliens rather than citizens of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of God’s promise. In this world you had no hope and no God. 13 But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who once were so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 Christ is our peace. He made both Jews and Gentiles into one group. With his body, he broke down the barrier of hatred that divided us. 15 He canceled the detailed rules of the Law so that he could create one new person out of the two groups, making peace. 16 He reconciled them both as one body to God by the cross, which ended the hostility to God.

17 When he came, he announced the good news of peace to you who were far away from God and to those who were near. 18 We both have access to the Father through Christ by the one Spirit. 19 So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household. 20 As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 The whole building is joined together in him, and it grows up into a temple that is dedicated to the Lord. 22 Christ is building you into a place where God lives through the Spirit.

Paul, apostle to the Gentiles

3 This is why I, Paul, am a prisoner of Christ for you Gentiles.

2 You’ve heard, of course, about the responsibility to distribute God’s grace, which God gave to me for you, right? 3 God showed me his secret plan[e] in a revelation, as I mentioned briefly before (4 when you read this, you’ll understand my insight into the secret plan[f] about Christ). 5 Earlier generations didn’t know this hidden plan that God has now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets through the Spirit. 6 This plan is that the Gentiles would be coheirs and parts of the same body, and that they would share with the Jews in the promises of God in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I became a servant of the gospel because of the grace that God showed me through the exercise of his power.

8 God gave his grace to me, the least of all God’s people, to preach the good news about the immeasurable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. 9 God sent me to reveal the secret plan[g] that had been hidden since the beginning of time by God, who created everything. 10 God’s purpose is now to show the rulers and powers in the heavens the many different varieties of his wisdom through the church. 11 This was consistent with the plan he had from the beginning of time that he accomplished through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In Christ we have bold and confident access to God through faith in him.[h] 13 So then, I ask you not to become discouraged by what I’m suffering for you, which is your glory.

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians

14 This is why I kneel before the Father. 15 Every ethnic group in heaven or on earth is recognized by him. 16 I ask that he will strengthen you in your inner selves from the riches of his glory through the Spirit. 17 I ask that Christ will live in your hearts through faith. As a result of having strong roots in love, 18 I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. 19 I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.

20 Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; 21 glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen.

Unity of the body of Christ

4 Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. 2 Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, 3 and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. 4 You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.

7 God has given his grace to each one of us measured out by the gift that is given by Christ. 8 That’s why scripture says, When he climbed up to the heights, he captured prisoners, and he gave gifts to people.[i]

9 What does the phrase “he climbed up” mean if it doesn’t mean that he had first gone down into the lower regions, the earth? 10 The one who went down is the same one who climbed up above all the heavens so that he might fill everything.

11 He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. 12 His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ 13 until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we aren’t supposed to be infants any longer who can be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others. 15 Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ, 16 who is the head. The whole body grows from him, as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part.

The old and new life

17 So I’m telling you this, and I insist on it in the Lord: you shouldn’t live your life like the Gentiles anymore. They base their lives on pointless thinking, 18 and they are in the dark in their reasoning. They are disconnected from God’s life because of their ignorance and their closed hearts. 19 They are people who lack all sense of right and wrong, and who have turned themselves over to doing whatever feels good and to practicing every sort of corruption along with greed.

20 But you didn’t learn that sort of thing from Christ. 21 Since you really listened to him and you were taught how the truth is in Jesus, 22 change the former way of life that was part of the person you once were, corrupted by deceitful desires. 23 Instead, renew the thinking in your mind by the Spirit 24 and clothe yourself with the new person created according to God’s image in justice and true holiness.

25 Therefore, after you have gotten rid of lying, Each of you must tell the truth to your neighbor[j] because we are parts of each other in the same body. 26 Be angry without sinning.[k] Don’t let the sun set on your anger. 27 Don’t provide an opportunity for the devil. 28 Thieves should no longer steal. Instead, they should go to work, using their hands to do good so that they will have something to share with whoever is in need.

29 Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say. 30 Don’t make the Holy Spirit of God unhappy—you were sealed by him for the day of redemption. 31 Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. 32 Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.

5 Therefore, imitate God like dearly loved children. 2 Live your life with love, following the example of Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. He was a sacrificial offering that smelled sweet to God.

3 Sexual immorality, and any kind of impurity or greed, shouldn’t even be mentioned among you, which is right for holy persons. 4 Obscene language, silly talk, or vulgar jokes aren’t acceptable for believers. Instead, there should be thanksgiving. 5 Because you know for sure that persons who are sexually immoral, impure, or greedy—which happens when things become gods—those persons won’t inherit the kingdom of Christ and God.

Be children of light

6 Nobody should deceive you with stupid ideas. God’s anger comes down on those who are disobedient because of this kind of thing. 7 So you shouldn’t have anything to do with them. 8 You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light. 9 Light produces fruit that consists of every sort of goodness, justice, and truth. 10 Therefore, test everything to see what’s pleasing to the Lord, 11 and don’t participate in the unfruitful actions of darkness. Instead, you should reveal the truth about them. 12 It’s embarrassing to even talk about what certain persons do in secret. 13 But everything exposed to the light is revealed by the light. 14 Everything that is revealed by the light is light. Therefore, it says, Wake up, sleeper![l] Get up from the dead,[m] and Christ will shine on you.[n]

Be filled with the Spirit

15 So be careful to live your life wisely, not foolishly. 16 Take advantage of every opportunity because these are evil times. 17 Because of this, don’t be ignorant, but understand the Lord’s will. 18 Don’t get drunk on wine, which produces depravity. Instead, be filled with the Spirit in the following ways: 19 speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts; 20 always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 and submit to each other out of respect for Christ. 22 For example, wives should submit to their husbands as if to the Lord. 23 A husband is the head of his wife like Christ is head of the church, that is, the savior of the body. 24 So wives submit to their husbands in everything like the church submits to Christ. 25 As for husbands, love your wives just like Christ loved the church and gave himself for her. 26 He did this to make her holy by washing her in a bath of water with the word. 27 He did this to present himself with a splendid church, one without any sort of stain or wrinkle on her clothes, but rather one that is holy and blameless. 28 That’s how husbands ought to love their wives—in the same way as they do their own bodies. Anyone who loves his wife loves himself. 29 No one ever hates his own body, but feeds it and takes care of it just like Christ does for the church 30 because we are parts of his body. 31 This is why a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two of them will be one body.[o] 32 Marriage is a significant allegory,[p] and I’m applying it to Christ and the church. 33 In any case, as for you individually, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and wives should respect[q] their husbands.

6 As for children, obey your parents in the Lord, because it is right. 2 The commandment Honor your father and mother is the first one with a promise attached: 3 so that things will go well for you, and you will live for a long time in the land.[r] 4 As for parents, don’t provoke your children to anger, but raise them with discipline and instruction about the Lord.

5 As for slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling and with sincere devotion to Christ. 6 Don’t work to make yourself look good and try to flatter people, but act like slaves of Christ carrying out God’s will from the heart. 7 Serve your owners enthusiastically, as though you were serving the Lord and not human beings. 8 You know that the Lord will reward every person who does what is right, whether that person is a slave or a free person. 9 As for masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Stop threatening them, because you know that both you and your slaves have a master in heaven. He doesn’t distinguish between people on the basis of status.

Put on the armor of God

10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. 11 Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. 12 We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. 13 Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground on the evil day and after you have done everything possible to still stand. 14 So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, 15 and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace. 16 Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.

18 Offer prayers and petitions in the Spirit all the time. Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers. 19 As for me, pray that when I open my mouth, I’ll get a message that confidently makes this secret plan[s] of the gospel known. 20 I’m an ambassador in chains for the sake of the gospel. Pray so that the Lord will give me the confidence to say what I have to say.

Final greeting

21 Tychicus, my loved brother and faithful servant of the Lord, can inform you about my situation and what I’m doing. 22 I’ve sent him for this reason—so that you will know about us. He can reassure you.

23 May there be peace with the brothers and sisters as well as love with the faith that comes from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 May grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ forever.

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 1:1 The location of Ephesus was added in some later manuscripts, probably to make the opening of this letter similar to the others in the collection of Paul’s letters.
  2. Ephesians 1:9 Or mystery
  3. Ephesians 1:10 Or the fullness of times
  4. Ephesians 2:8 Or through his faithfulness
  5. Ephesians 3:3 Or mystery
  6. Ephesians 3:4 Or mystery
  7. Ephesians 3:9 Or mystery
  8. Ephesians 3:12 Or through his faithfulness
  9. Ephesians 4:8 Ps 68:18
  10. Ephesians 4:25 Zech 8:16
  11. Ephesians 4:26 Ps 4:4
  12. Ephesians 5:14 Isa 26:19; 51:17; 52:1; 60:1
  13. Ephesians 5:14 Isa 26:19
  14. Ephesians 5:14 Isa 60:1
  15. Ephesians 5:31 Gen 2:24
  16. Ephesians 5:32 Or mystery
  17. Ephesians 5:33 Or fear
  18. Ephesians 6:3 Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16
  19. Ephesians 6:19 Or mystery
Listen to Ephesians 1-6
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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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