12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God(A) with freedom and confidence.(B) 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(C) 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(D) he may strengthen you with power(E) through his Spirit in your inner being,(F) 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts(G) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted(H) and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,(I) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep(J) is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge(K)—that you may be filled(L) to the measure of all the fullness of God.(M)

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

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

As a prisoner(R) for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy(S) of the calling(T) you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another(U) in love.(V) Make every effort to keep the unity(W) of the Spirit through the bond of peace.(X) There is one body(Y) and one Spirit,(Z) just as you were called to one hope when you were called(AA); one Lord,(AB) one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all,(AC) who is over all and through all and in all.(AD)

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 3:15 The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater).

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