⁹ he^[a] made known to us the mystery^(A) of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed^(B) in Christ, ¹⁰ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment^(C)—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.^(D)

¹¹ In him we were also chosen,^[b] having been predestined^(E) according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose^(F) 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.^{(G) 13} And you also were included in Christ^(H) when you heard the message of truth,^(I) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,^(J) the promised Holy Spirit,^{(K) 14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance^(L) until the redemption^(M) of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.^(N)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus^(O) and your love for all God’s people,^{(P) 16} I have not stopped giving thanks for you,^(Q) remembering you in my prayers.^{(R) 17} I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,^(S) may give you the Spirit^[c] of wisdom^(T) and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened^(U) in order that you may know the hope to which he has called^(V) you, the riches^(W) of his glorious inheritance^(X) in his holy people,^{(Y) 19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power^(Z) is the same as the mighty strength^{(AA) 20} he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead^(AB) and seated him at his right hand^(AC) in the heavenly realms,^{(AD) 21} far above all rule and authority, power and dominion,^(AE) and every name^(AF) that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.^{(AG) 22} And God placed all things under his feet^(AH) and appointed him to be head^(AI) over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body,^(AJ) the fullness of him^(AK) who fills everything in every way.^(AL)

⁸ Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,^(A) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles^(B) the boundless riches of Christ,^{(C) 9} and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,^(D) 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^(E) should be made known^(F) to the rulers and authorities^(G) in the heavenly realms,^{(H) 11} according to his eternal purpose^(I) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Prayer for the Ephesians

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel^(A) before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family^[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches^(B) he may strengthen you with power^(C) through his Spirit in your inner being,^{(D) 17} so that Christ may dwell in your hearts^(E) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted^(F) and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,^(G) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep^(H) is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge^(I)—that you may be filled^(J) to the measure of all the fullness of God.^(K)

²⁰ Now to him who is able^(L) to do immeasurably more than all we ask^(M) or imagine, according to his power^(N) 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.^(O)