Ephesians 2:11-3:13

Christian Standard Bible

Unity in Christ

¹¹ So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,”^(A) which is done in the flesh by human hands.^{(B) 12} At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise,^(C) without hope^(D) and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood^(E) of Christ. ¹⁴ For he is our peace, who made both groups one^(F) and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, ¹⁵ he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create^(G) in himself one^(H) new man from the two, resulting in peace. ¹⁶ He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body^(I) through the cross by which he put the hostility to death.^{[a] 17} He came and proclaimed the good news^(J) of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.^{(K) 18} For through him we both have access^(L) in one Spirit to the Father.^{(M) 19} So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,^(N) with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. ²¹ In him the whole building, being put together,^(O) grows into a holy temple in the Lord.^{(P) 22} In him you are also being built together^(Q) for God’s dwelling^(R) in the Spirit.

Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

3 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner^(S) of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— ² assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. ³ The mystery was made known to me by revelation,^(T) as I have briefly written above. ⁴ By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.^{(U) 5} This was not made known to people^[b] in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets^(V) by the Spirit: ⁶ The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise^(W) in Christ Jesus through the gospel. ⁷ I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.^(X)

⁸ This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches^(Y) of Christ, ⁹ and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created^(Z) all things. ¹⁰ This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom^(AA) may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.^{(AB) 11} This is according to his eternal purpose^(AC) accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² In him we have boldness and confident access^(AD) through faith in him.^{[c] 13} So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged^(AE) over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.^(AF)