(A)in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following (B)the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in (C)the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in (D)the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body[a] and the mind, and (E)were by nature (F)children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.[b] But[c] God, being (G)rich in mercy, (H)because of the great love with which he loved us, even (I)when we were dead in our trespasses, (J)made us alive together with Christ—(K)by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and (L)seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable (M)riches of his grace in (N)kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For (O)by grace you have been saved (P)through faith. And this is (Q)not your own doing; (R)it is the gift of God, (S)not a result of works, (T)so that no one may boast. 10 For (U)we are his workmanship, (V)created in Christ Jesus (W)for good works, (X)which God prepared beforehand, (Y)that we should walk in them.

One in Christ

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called (Z)the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember (AA)that you were at that time separated from Christ, (AB)alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to (AC)the covenants of promise, (AD)having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were (AE)far off have been brought near (AF)by the blood of Christ. 14 For (AG)he himself is our peace, (AH)who has made us both one and has broken down (AI)in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in (AJ)ordinances, that he might create in himself one (AK)new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might (AL)reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and (AM)preached peace to you who were (AN)far off and peace to those who were (AO)near. 18 For (AP)through him we both have (AQ)access in (AR)one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer (AS)strangers and aliens,[d] but you are (AT)fellow citizens with the saints and (AU)members of the household of God, 20 (AV)built on the foundation of the (AW)apostles and prophets, (AX)Christ Jesus himself being (AY)the cornerstone, 21 (AZ)in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into (BA)a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him (BB)you also are being built together (BC)into a dwelling place for God by[e] the Spirit.

The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

For this reason I, Paul, (BD)a prisoner of Christ Jesus (BE)on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of (BF)the stewardship of (BG)God's grace that was given to me for you, (BH)how the mystery was made known to me (BI)by revelation, (BJ)as I have written briefly. (BK)When you read this, you can perceive my insight into (BL)the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is[f] that the Gentiles are (BM)fellow heirs, (BN)members of the same body, and (BO)partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

(BP)Of this gospel I was made (BQ)a minister according to the gift of (BR)God's grace, which was given me (BS)by the working of his power. To me, (BT)though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, (BU)to preach to the Gentiles the (BV)unsearchable (BW)riches of Christ, and (BX)to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery (BY)hidden for ages in[g] God, (BZ)who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold (CA)wisdom of God (CB)might now be made known to (CC)the rulers and authorities (CD)in the heavenly places. 11 This was (CE)according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have (CF)boldness and (CG)access with (CH)confidence through our (CI)faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering (CJ)for you, (CK)which is your glory.

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom (CL)every family[h] in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to (CM)the riches of his glory (CN)he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit (CO)in your inner being, 17 (CP)so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being (CQ)rooted and (CR)grounded in love, 18 may have strength to (CS)comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and (CT)height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ (CU)that surpasses knowledge, that (CV)you may be filled with all (CW)the fullness of God.

20 (CX)Now to (CY)him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, (CZ)according to the power at work within us, 21 (DA)to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Unity in the Body of Christ

I therefore, (DB)a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to (DC)walk in a manner worthy of (DD)the calling to which you have been called, with all (DE)humility and (DF)gentleness, with (DG)patience, (DH)bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in (DI)the bond of peace. There is (DJ)one body and (DK)one Spirit—just as you were called to the one (DL)hope that belongs to your call— (DM)one Lord, (DN)one faith, (DO)one baptism, (DP)one God and Father of all, (DQ)who is over all and through all and in all. But (DR)grace was given (DS)to each one of us (DT)according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says,

(DU)“When he ascended on high (DV)he led a host of captives,
    and he gave gifts to men.”[i]

((DW)In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into (DX)the lower regions, the earth?[j] 10 He who descended is the one who also (DY)ascended (DZ)far above all the heavens, that he might (EA)fill all things.) 11 And (EB)he gave the (EC)apostles, the prophets, the (ED)evangelists, the (EE)shepherds[k] and teachers,[l] 12 (EF)to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for (EG)building up (EH)the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to (EI)the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, (EJ)to mature manhood,[m] to the measure of the stature of (EK)the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, (EL)tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in (EM)deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, (EN)speaking the truth in love, we are to (EO)grow up in every way into him who is (EP)the head, into Christ, 16 (EQ)from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, (ER)when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

The New Life

17 Now this I say and (ES)testify in the Lord, (ET)that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, (EU)in the futility of their minds. 18 They (EV)are darkened in their understanding, (EW)alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to (EX)their hardness of heart. 19 They (EY)have become callous and (EZ)have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you (FA)learned Christ!— 21 assuming that (FB)you have heard about him and (FC)were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to (FD)put off (FE)your old self,[n] which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through (FF)deceitful desires, 23 and (FG)to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on (FH)the new self, (FI)created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you (FJ)speak the truth with his neighbor, for (FK)we are members one of another. 26 (FL)Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and (FM)give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather (FN)let him labor, (FO)doing honest work with his own hands, so (FP)that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 (FQ)Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give (FR)grace to those who hear. 30 And (FS)do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, (FT)by whom you were sealed for the day of (FU)redemption. 31 (FV)Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 (FW)Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, (FX)forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Walk in Love

(FY)Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And (FZ)walk in love, (GA)as Christ loved us and (GB)gave himself up for us, a (GC)fragrant (GD)offering and sacrifice to God.

But (GE)sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness (GF)must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be (GG)no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, (GH)which are out of place, but instead (GI)let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that (GJ)everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ((GK)that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. (GL)Let no one (GM)deceive you with empty words, for because of these things (GN)the wrath of God comes upon (GO)the sons of disobedience. Therefore (GP)do not become partners with them; for (GQ)at one time you were (GR)darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. (GS)Walk as children of light (for (GT)the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and (GU)try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 (GV)Take no part in the (GW)unfruitful (GX)works of darkness, but instead (GY)expose them. 12 For (GZ)it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when (HA)anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

(HB)“Awake, O sleeper,
    and (HC)arise from the dead,
and (HD)Christ will shine on you.”

15 (HE)Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 (HF)making the best use of the time, because (HG)the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what (HH)the will of the Lord is. 18 And (HI)do not get drunk with wine, for that is (HJ)debauchery, but (HK)be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in (HL)psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 (HM)giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father (HN)in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 (HO)submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives and Husbands

22 (HP)Wives, (HQ)submit to your own husbands, (HR)as to the Lord. 23 For (HS)the husband is the head of the wife even as (HT)Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is (HU)himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit (HV)in everything to their husbands.

25 (HW)Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and (HX)gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by (HY)the washing of water (HZ)with the word, 27 so (IA)that he might present the church to himself in splendor, (IB)without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.[o] 28 In the same way (IC)husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because (ID)we are members of his body. 31 (IE)“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and (IF)the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, (IG)let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she (IH)respects her husband.

Children and Parents

(II)Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (IJ)“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, (IK)but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Bondservants and Masters

(IL)Bondservants,[p] obey your earthly masters[q] with fear and trembling, (IM)with a sincere heart, (IN)as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as (IO)people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, (IP)knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, (IQ)whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, (IR)and stop your threatening, knowing that (IS)he who is both their Master[r] and yours is in heaven, and that (IT)there is no partiality with him.

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, (IU)be strong in the Lord and in (IV)the strength of his might. 11 (IW)Put on (IX)the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against (IY)the schemes of the devil. 12 For (IZ)we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against (JA)the rulers, against the authorities, against (JB)the cosmic powers over (JC)this present darkness, against (JD)the spiritual forces of evil (JE)in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore (JF)take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in (JG)the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, (JH)having fastened on the belt of truth, and (JI)having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, (JJ)as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up (JK)the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all (JL)the flaming darts of (JM)the evil one; 17 and take (JN)the helmet of salvation, and (JO)the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying (JP)at all times (JQ)in the Spirit, (JR)with all prayer and supplication. To that end, (JS)keep alert with all perseverance, making (JT)supplication for all the saints, 19 and (JU)also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth (JV)boldly to proclaim (JW)the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I (JX)am an ambassador (JY)in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Final Greetings

21 (JZ)So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, (KA)Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may (KB)encourage your hearts.

23 (KC)Peace be to the brothers,[s] and (KD)love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who (KE)love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Greeting

Paul and Timothy, servants[t] of Christ Jesus,

To all the (KF)saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the (KG)overseers[u] and (KH)deacons:[v]

(KI)Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

(KJ)I thank my God (KK)in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, (KL)because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began (KM)a good work in you (KN)will bring it to completion at (KO)the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you (KP)in my heart, for you are all (KQ)partakers with me of grace,[w] both (KR)in my imprisonment and in (KS)the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For (KT)God is my witness, (KU)how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that (KV)your love may abound more and more, (KW)with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, (KX)and so be pure and blameless (KY)for the day of Christ, 11 filled (KZ)with the fruit of righteousness that comes (LA)through Jesus Christ, (LB)to the glory and praise of God.

The Advance of the Gospel

12 I want you to know, brothers,[x] that what has happened to me has really (LC)served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard[y] and (LD)to all the rest that (LE)my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold (LF)to speak the word[z] without fear.

15 (LG)Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, (LH)knowing that I am put here for (LI)the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ (LJ)out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

To Live Is Christ

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that (LK)through your prayers and (LL)the help of (LM)the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope (LN)that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full (LO)courage now as always Christ (LP)will be honored in my body, (LQ)whether by life or by death. 21 For to me (LR)to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 (LS)I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is (LT)to depart and (LU)be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 (LV)Convinced of this, (LW)I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your (LX)progress and (LY)joy in the faith, 26 so that in me (LZ)you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

27 Only (MA)let your manner of life be (MB)worthy[aa] of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you (MC)that you are standing firm in one spirit, with (MD)one mind (ME)striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is (MF)a clear sign to them of their destruction, but (MG)of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For (MH)it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also (MI)suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same (MJ)conflict that (MK)you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Christ's Example of Humility

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from (ML)love, any (MM)participation in the Spirit, any (MN)affection and sympathy, (MO)complete my joy by being (MP)of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from (MQ)selfish ambition or (MR)conceit, but in (MS)humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you (MT)look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (MU)Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[ab] (MV)who, though he was in (MW)the form of God, did not count equality with God (MX)a thing to be grasped,[ac] but (MY)emptied himself, by taking the form of a (MZ)servant,[ad] (NA)being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by (NB)becoming obedient to the point of death, (NC)even death on a cross. (ND)Therefore (NE)God has (NF)highly exalted him and bestowed on him (NG)the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus (NH)every knee should bow, (NI)in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and (NJ)every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is (NK)Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, (NL)as you have always (NM)obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for (NN)it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for (NO)his good pleasure.

14 Do all things (NP)without grumbling or (NQ)disputing,

Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 2:3 Greek flesh
  2. Ephesians 2:3 Greek like the rest
  3. Ephesians 2:4 Or And
  4. Ephesians 2:19 Or sojourners
  5. Ephesians 2:22 Or in
  6. Ephesians 3:6 The words This mystery is are inferred from verse 4
  7. Ephesians 3:9 Or by
  8. Ephesians 3:15 Or from whom all fatherhood; the Greek word patria in verse 15 is closely related to the word for Father in verse 14
  9. Ephesians 4:8 The Greek word anthropoi can refer to both men and women
  10. Ephesians 4:9 Or the lower parts of the earth?
  11. Ephesians 4:11 Or pastors
  12. Ephesians 4:11 Or the shepherd-teachers
  13. Ephesians 4:13 Greek to a full-grown man
  14. Ephesians 4:22 Greek man; also verse 24
  15. Ephesians 5:27 Or holy and blameless
  16. Ephesians 6:5 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 6; likewise for bondservant in verse 8
  17. Ephesians 6:5 Or your masters according to the flesh
  18. Ephesians 6:9 Greek Lord
  19. Ephesians 6:23 Or brothers and sisters
  20. Philippians 1:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface
  21. Philippians 1:1 Or bishops; Greek episkopoi
  22. Philippians 1:1 Or servants, or ministers; Greek diakonoi
  23. Philippians 1:7 Or you all have fellowship with me in grace
  24. Philippians 1:12 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 14
  25. Philippians 1:13 Greek in the whole praetorium
  26. Philippians 1:14 Some manuscripts add of God
  27. Philippians 1:27 Greek Only behave as citizens worthy
  28. Philippians 2:5 Or which was also in Christ Jesus
  29. Philippians 2:6 Or a thing to be held on to for advantage
  30. Philippians 2:7 Or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface)

in which you used to live(A) when you followed the ways of this world(B) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,(C) the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.(D) All of us also lived among them at one time,(E) gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a](F) and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us,(G) God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions(H)—it is by grace you have been saved.(I) And God raised us up with Christ(J) and seated us with him(K) in the heavenly realms(L) in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,(M) expressed in his kindness(N) to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace(O) you have been saved,(P) through faith(Q)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works,(R) so that no one can boast.(S) 10 For we are God’s handiwork,(T) created(U) in Christ Jesus to do good works,(V) which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

11 Therefore, remember that formerly(W) 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)(X) 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners(Y) to the covenants of the promise,(Z) without hope(AA) and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once(AB) were far away have been brought near(AC) by the blood of Christ.(AD)

14 For he himself is our peace,(AE) who has made the two groups one(AF) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh(AG) the law with its commands and regulations.(AH) His purpose was to create in himself one(AI) new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross,(AJ) by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace(AK) to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.(AL) 18 For through him we both have access(AM) to the Father(AN) by one Spirit.(AO)

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers,(AP) but fellow citizens(AQ) with God’s people and also members of his household,(AR) 20 built(AS) on the foundation(AT) of the apostles and prophets,(AU) with Christ Jesus himself(AV) as the chief cornerstone.(AW) 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple(AX) in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.(AY)

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner(AZ) of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me(BA) for you, that is, the mystery(BB) made known to me by revelation,(BC) as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight(BD) into the mystery of Christ, 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.(BE) This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs(BF) together with Israel, members together of one body,(BG) and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.(BH)

I became a servant of this gospel(BI) by the gift of God’s grace given me(BJ) through the working of his power.(BK) Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,(BL) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles(BM) the boundless riches of Christ,(BN) and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,(BO) 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(BP) should be made known(BQ) to the rulers and authorities(BR) in the heavenly realms,(BS) 11 according to his eternal purpose(BT) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God(BU) with freedom and confidence.(BV) 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(BW) before the Father, 15 from whom every family[b] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches(BX) he may strengthen you with power(BY) through his Spirit in your inner being,(BZ) 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts(CA) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted(CB) and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,(CC) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep(CD) is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge(CE)—that you may be filled(CF) to the measure of all the fullness of God.(CG)

20 Now to him who is able(CH) to do immeasurably more than all we ask(CI) or imagine, according to his power(CJ) 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.(CK)

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

As a prisoner(CL) for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy(CM) of the calling(CN) you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another(CO) in love.(CP) Make every effort to keep the unity(CQ) of the Spirit through the bond of peace.(CR) There is one body(CS) and one Spirit,(CT) just as you were called to one hope when you were called(CU); one Lord,(CV) one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all,(CW) who is over all and through all and in all.(CX)

But to each one of us(CY) grace(CZ) has been given(DA) as Christ apportioned it. This is why it[c] says:

“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives(DB)
    and gave gifts to his people.”[d](DC)

(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[e]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended(DD) higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)(DE) 11 So Christ himself gave(DF) the apostles,(DG) the prophets,(DH) the evangelists,(DI) the pastors and teachers,(DJ) 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ(DK) may be built up(DL) 13 until we all reach unity(DM) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God(DN) and become mature,(DO) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.(DP)

14 Then we will no longer be infants,(DQ) tossed back and forth by the waves,(DR) and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.(DS) 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love,(DT) we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,(DU) that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows(DV) and builds itself up(DW) in love,(DX) 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(DY) live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.(DZ) 18 They are darkened in their understanding(EA) and separated from the life of God(EB) because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.(EC) 19 Having lost all sensitivity,(ED) they have given themselves over(EE) to sensuality(EF) 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(EG) your old self,(EH) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;(EI) 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;(EJ) 24 and to put on(EK) the new self,(EL) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.(EM)

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

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,(EU) but only what is helpful for building others up(EV) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,(EW) with whom you were sealed(EX) for the day of redemption.(EY) 31 Get rid of(EZ) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.(FA) 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,(FB) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(FC) Follow God’s example,(FD) therefore, as dearly loved children(FE) and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us(FF) and gave himself up for us(FG) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.(FH)

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,(FI) or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,(FJ) because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk(FK) or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.(FL) For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater(FM)—has any inheritance(FN) in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[g](FO) Let no one deceive you(FP) with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath(FQ) comes on those who are disobedient.(FR) Therefore do not be partners with them.

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

“Wake up, sleeper,(FZ)
    rise from the dead,(GA)
    and Christ will shine on you.”(GB)

15 Be very careful, then, how you live(GC)—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity,(GD) because the days are evil.(GE) 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.(GF) 18 Do not get drunk on wine,(GG) which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,(GH) 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.(GI) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks(GJ) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Instructions for Christian Households(GK)

21 Submit to one another(GL) out of reverence for Christ.

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands(GM) as you do to the Lord.(GN) 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,(GO) his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands(GP) in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives,(GQ) just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her(GR) 26 to make her holy,(GS) cleansing[h] her by the washing(GT) with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself(GU) as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.(GV) 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives(GW) 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.(GX) 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.”[i](GY) 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(GZ) as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.(HA) “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[j](HB)

Fathers,[k] do not exasperate your children;(HC) instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.(HD)

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect(HE) and fear, and with sincerity of heart,(HF) just as you would obey Christ.(HG) Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,(HH) doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,(HI) because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do,(HJ) whether they are slave or free.

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(HK) is in heaven, and there is no favoritism(HL) with him.

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord(HM) and in his mighty power.(HN) 11 Put on the full armor of God,(HO) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,(HP) but against the rulers, against the authorities,(HQ) against the powers(HR) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.(HS) 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God,(HT) 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,(HU) with the breastplate of righteousness in place,(HV) 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.(HW) 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,(HX) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.(HY) 17 Take the helmet of salvation(HZ) and the sword of the Spirit,(IA) which is the word of God.(IB)

18 And pray in the Spirit(IC) on all occasions(ID) with all kinds of prayers and requests.(IE) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying(IF) for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me,(IG) that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly(IH) make known the mystery(II) of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador(IJ) in chains.(IK) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

21 Tychicus,(IL) 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,(IM) and that he may encourage you.(IN)

23 Peace(IO) to the brothers and sisters,[l] 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.[m]

Paul and Timothy,(IP) servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people(IQ) in Christ Jesus at Philippi,(IR) together with the overseers(IS) and deacons[n]:(IT)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(IU)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

I thank my God every time I remember you.(IV) In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray(IW) with joy because of your partnership(IX) in the gospel from the first day(IY) until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion(IZ) until the day of Christ Jesus.(JA)

It is right(JB) for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart(JC) and, whether I am in chains(JD) or defending(JE) and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify(JF) how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love(JG) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,(JH) 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,(JI) 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness(JJ) that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[o] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[p] and to everyone else that I am in chains(JK) for Christ. 14 And because of my chains,(JL) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.(JM)

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.(JN) 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,(JO) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.(JP) 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers(JQ) and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ(JR) what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[q](JS) 20 I eagerly expect(JT) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage(JU) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,(JV) whether by life or by death.(JW) 21 For to me, to live is Christ(JX) and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart(JY) and be with Christ,(JZ) which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy(KA) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm(KB) in the one Spirit,[r] striving together(KC) as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you(KD) on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer(KE) for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle(KF) you saw(KG) I had, and now hear(KH) that I still have.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,(KI) if any tenderness and compassion,(KJ) then make my joy complete(KK) by being like-minded,(KL) having the same love, being one(KM) in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.(KN) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,(KO) not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.(KP)

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:(KQ)

Who, being in very nature[s] God,(KR)
    did not consider equality with God(KS) something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing(KT)
    by taking the very nature[t] of a servant,(KU)
    being made in human likeness.(KV)
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death(KW)
        even death on a cross!(KX)

Therefore God exalted him(KY) to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,(KZ)
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,(LA)
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,(LB)
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,(LC)
    to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,(LD) 13 for it is God who works in you(LE) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.(LF)

14 Do everything without grumbling(LG) or arguing,

Footnotes

  1. 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.
  2. Ephesians 3:15 The Greek for family (patria) is derived from the Greek for father (pater).
  3. Ephesians 4:8 Or God
  4. Ephesians 4:8 Psalm 68:18
  5. Ephesians 4:9 Or the depths of the earth
  6. Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)
  7. Ephesians 5:5 Or kingdom of the Messiah and God
  8. Ephesians 5:26 Or having cleansed
  9. Ephesians 5:31 Gen. 2:24
  10. Ephesians 6:3 Deut. 5:16
  11. Ephesians 6:4 Or Parents
  12. 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.
  13. Ephesians 6:24 Or Grace and immortality to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
  14. Philippians 1:1 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in Romans 16:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8,12.
  15. Philippians 1:12 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 14; and in 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1, 8, 21.
  16. Philippians 1:13 Or whole palace
  17. Philippians 1:19 Or vindication; or salvation
  18. Philippians 1:27 Or in one spirit
  19. Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of
  20. Philippians 2:7 Or the form