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Ephesians 3:1-5:14
New American Standard Bible

Paul’s Stewardship

3 For this reason I, Paul, (A)the prisoner of (B)Christ Jesus (C)for the sake of you (D)Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the (E)administration of God’s grace which was given to me for you; 3 (F)that (G)by revelation there was (H)made known to me (I)the mystery, (J)as I wrote before briefly. 4 [a]By referring to this, when you read you can understand (K)my insight [b]into the (L)mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to [c]mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy (M)apostles and prophets [d]in the Spirit; 6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are (N)fellow heirs and (O)fellow members of the body, and (P)fellow partakers of the promise in (Q)Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 (R)of which I was made a (S)minister, according to the gift of (T)God’s grace which was given to me (U)according to the working of His power. 8 To me, (V)the very least of all [e]saints, this grace was given, to (W)preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable (X)riches of Christ, 9 and to [f]enlighten all people as to what the plan of the (Y)mystery is which for ages has been (Z)hidden in God, (AA)who created all things; 10 so that the multifaceted (AB)wisdom of God might now be (AC)made known through the church to the (AD)rulers and the authorities in (AE)the heavenly places. 11 This was in (AF)accordance with the [g]eternal purpose which He [h]carried out in (AG)Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and [i](AH)confident (AI)access through faith [j]in Him. 13 Therefore I ask [k]you not (AJ)to become discouraged about my tribulations (AK)in your behalf, [l]since they are your glory.

14 For this reason I (AL)bend my knees before the Father, 15 from whom [m]every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to (AM)the riches of His glory, to be (AN)strengthened with power through His Spirit in (AO)the inner [n]self, 17 so that (AP)Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being (AQ)rooted and (AR)grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with (AS)all the [o]saints what is (AT)the width and length and height and depth, 19 and to know (AU)the love of Christ which (AV)surpasses knowledge, that you may be (AW)filled to all the (AX)fullness of God.

20 (AY)Now to Him who is (AZ)able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, (BA)according to the power that works within us, 21 (BB)to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations [p]forever and ever. Amen.

Unity of the Spirit

4 Therefore I, (BC)the prisoner of the Lord, (BD)urge you to (BE)walk in a manner worthy of the (BF)calling with which you have been (BG)called, 2 with all (BH)humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another (BI)in love, 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the (BJ)bond of peace. 4 There is (BK)one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one (BL)hope of your calling; 5 (BM)one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all (BN)who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But (BO)to each one of us (BP)grace was given (BQ)according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore [q]it says,

“(BR)When He ascended on high,
He (BS)led captive the captives,
And He gave gifts to people.”

9 (Now this expression, “He (BT)ascended,” what [r]does it mean except that He also [s]had descended into (BU)the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended (BV)far above all the heavens, so that He might (BW)fill all things.) 11 And He (BX)gave (BY)some as apostles, some as prophets, some as (BZ)evangelists, some as [t]pastors and (CA)teachers, 12 (CB)for the equipping of the [u]saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of (CC)the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to (CD)the unity of the faith, and of the [v](CE)knowledge of the Son of God, to a (CF)mature man, to the measure of the stature [w]which belongs to the (CG)fullness of Christ. 14 [x]As a result, we are (CH)no longer to be children, (CI)tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by (CJ)craftiness [y]in (CK)deceitful scheming; 15 but [z]speaking the truth (CL)in love, [aa]we are to (CM)grow up in all aspects into Him who is the (CN)head, that is, Christ, 16 from whom (CO)the whole body, being fitted and held together [ab]by what every joint supplies, according to the [ac]proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself (CP)in love.

The Christian’s Walk

17 (CQ)So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, (CR)that you are to no longer walk just as the [ad]Gentiles also walk, in the (CS)futility of their minds, 18 being (CT)darkened in their understanding, [ae](CU)excluded from the life of God because of the (CV)ignorance that is in them, because of the (CW)hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having (CX)become callous, (CY)have given themselves up to (CZ)indecent behavior [af]for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not (DA)learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you (DB)have heard Him and have (DC)been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former way of life, you are to (DD)rid yourselves of the (DE)old [ag]self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the (DF)lusts of deceit, 23 and that you are to be (DG)renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to (DH)put on the (DI)new [ah]self, which [ai](DJ)in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

25 Therefore, (DK)ridding yourselves of falsehood, (DL)speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are (DM)parts of one another. 26 (DN)Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not (DO)give the devil [aj]an opportunity. 28 The one who steals must no longer steal; but rather (DP)he must labor, (DQ)producing with his own hands what is good, (DR)so that he will have something to share with the one who has need. 29 Let no [ak](DS)unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for (DT)edification [al]according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 (DU)Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, [am]by whom you were (DV)sealed for the day of redemption. 31 (DW)All bitterness, wrath, anger, [an]clamor, and slander must be (DX)removed from you, along with all (DY)malice. 32 (DZ)Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, (EA)just as God in Christ also has forgiven [ao]you.

Be Imitators of God

5 (EB)Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and (EC)walk in love, just as Christ also (ED)loved [ap]you and (EE)gave Himself up for us, an (EF)offering and a sacrifice to God [aq]as a (EG)fragrant aroma.

3 But (EH)sexual immorality [ar]or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among [as]saints; 4 and there must be no (EI)filthiness [at]or foolish talk, or vulgar joking, which (EJ)are not fitting, but rather (EK)giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that (EL)no sexually immoral or [au]impure or greedy person, which [av]amounts to an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom (EM)of Christ and God.

6 (EN)See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things (EO)the wrath of God comes upon (EP)the [aw]sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become (EQ)partners with them; 8 for (ER)you were once (ES)darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as (ET)children of light 9 (for (EU)the fruit of the light consists in all (EV)goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 [ax](EW)as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 (EX)Do not participate in the useless (EY)deeds of (EZ)darkness, but instead even (FA)expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible (FB)when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason [ay]it says,

“(FC)Awake, sleeper,
And arise from (FD)the dead,
And Christ (FE)will shine on you.”

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 3:4 Lit To which, when you read
  2. Ephesians 3:4 Lit in
  3. Ephesians 3:5 Lit the sons of man
  4. Ephesians 3:5 Or by
  5. Ephesians 3:8 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  6. Ephesians 3:9 One early ms bring to light what
  7. Ephesians 3:11 Lit purpose of the ages
  8. Ephesians 3:11 Or formed
  9. Ephesians 3:12 Lit access in confidence
  10. Ephesians 3:12 Lit of Him
  11. Ephesians 3:13 Or that I may not lose
  12. Ephesians 3:13 Lit which are
  13. Ephesians 3:15 Or the whole
  14. Ephesians 3:16 Lit person
  15. Ephesians 3:18 See note v 8
  16. Ephesians 3:21 Lit of the age of the ages
  17. Ephesians 4:8 Or He
  18. Ephesians 4:9 Lit is it except
  19. Ephesians 4:9 One early ms had first descended
  20. Ephesians 4:11 From Gr for shepherds
  21. Ephesians 4:12 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  22. Ephesians 4:13 Or true knowledge
  23. Ephesians 4:13 Lit of the fullness
  24. Ephesians 4:14 Lit So that we will no longer be
  25. Ephesians 4:14 Lit with regard to the scheming of deceit
  26. Ephesians 4:15 Or holding to; or being truthful in
  27. Ephesians 4:15 Or let’s grow up
  28. Ephesians 4:16 Lit through every joint of the supply
  29. Ephesians 4:16 Lit working in measure
  30. Ephesians 4:17 I.e., unbelieving Gentiles
  31. Ephesians 4:18 Or alienated
  32. Ephesians 4:19 Or greedy for the practice of every kind of impurity
  33. Ephesians 4:22 Lit person
  34. Ephesians 4:24 Lit person
  35. Ephesians 4:24 Lit according to God
  36. Ephesians 4:27 Lit a place
  37. Ephesians 4:29 Lit rotten
  38. Ephesians 4:29 Lit of the need
  39. Ephesians 4:30 Lit in
  40. Ephesians 4:31 Or shouting
  41. Ephesians 4:32 Two early mss us
  42. Ephesians 5:2 One early ms us
  43. Ephesians 5:2 Lit for an odor of fragrance
  44. Ephesians 5:3 Lit and all
  45. Ephesians 5:3 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  46. Ephesians 5:4 Lit and
  47. Ephesians 5:5 I.e., morally impure
  48. Ephesians 5:5 Lit is
  49. Ephesians 5:6 I.e., people opposed to God
  50. Ephesians 5:10 Lit putting to the test what
  51. Ephesians 5:14 Or He
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Ephesians 3:1-5:14
New International Version

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner(A) 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(B) for you, 3 that is, the mystery(C) made known to me by revelation,(D) as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight(E) 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.(F) 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs(G) together with Israel, members together of one body,(H) and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.(I)

7 I became a servant of this gospel(J) by the gift of God’s grace given me(K) through the working of his power.(L) 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,(M) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles(N) the boundless riches of Christ,(O) 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,(P) 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(Q) should be made known(R) to the rulers and authorities(S) in the heavenly realms,(T) 11 according to his eternal purpose(U) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God(V) with freedom and confidence.(W) 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(X) 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(Y) he may strengthen you with power(Z) through his Spirit in your inner being,(AA) 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts(AB) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted(AC) and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,(AD) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep(AE) is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge(AF)—that you may be filled(AG) to the measure of all the fullness of God.(AH)

20 Now to him who is able(AI) to do immeasurably more than all we ask(AJ) or imagine, according to his power(AK) 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.(AL)

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner(AM) for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy(AN) of the calling(AO) you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another(AP) in love.(AQ) 3 Make every effort to keep the unity(AR) of the Spirit through the bond of peace.(AS) 4 There is one body(AT) and one Spirit,(AU) just as you were called to one hope when you were called(AV); 5 one Lord,(AW) one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all,(AX) who is over all and through all and in all.(AY)

7 But to each one of us(AZ) grace(BA) has been given(BB) as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it[b] says:

“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives(BC)
    and gave gifts to his people.”[c](BD)

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[d]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended(BE) higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)(BF) 11 So Christ himself gave(BG) the apostles,(BH) the prophets,(BI) the evangelists,(BJ) the pastors and teachers,(BK) 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ(BL) may be built up(BM) 13 until we all reach unity(BN) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God(BO) and become mature,(BP) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.(BQ)

14 Then we will no longer be infants,(BR) tossed back and forth by the waves,(BS) and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.(BT) 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love,(BU) we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,(BV) that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows(BW) and builds itself up(BX) in love,(BY) 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(BZ) live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.(CA) 18 They are darkened in their understanding(CB) and separated from the life of God(CC) because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.(CD) 19 Having lost all sensitivity,(CE) they have given themselves over(CF) to sensuality(CG) 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(CH) your old self,(CI) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;(CJ) 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;(CK) 24 and to put on(CL) the new self,(CM) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.(CN)

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

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,(CV) but only what is helpful for building others up(CW) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,(CX) with whom you were sealed(CY) for the day of redemption.(CZ) 31 Get rid of(DA) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.(DB) 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,(DC) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(DD) 5 1 Follow God’s example,(DE) therefore, as dearly loved children(DF) 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us(DG) and gave himself up for us(DH) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.(DI)

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

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

“Wake up, sleeper,(EA)
    rise from the dead,(EB)
    and Christ will shine on you.”(EC)

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 3:15 The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater).
  2. Ephesians 4:8 Or God
  3. Ephesians 4:8 Psalm 68:18
  4. Ephesians 4:9 Or the depths of the earth
  5. Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)
  6. Ephesians 5:5 Or kingdom of the Messiah and God
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