1 Paul, an apostle^(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,^(B)

To God’s holy people^(C) in Ephesus,^[a](D) the faithful^(E) in Christ Jesus:

² Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.^(F)

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(G) who has blessed us in the heavenly realms^(H) with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us^(I) in him before the creation of the world^(J) to be holy and blameless^(K) in his sight. In love^{(L) 5} he^[b] predestined^(M) us for adoption to sonship^[c](N) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure^(O) and will— ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace,^(P) which he has freely given us in the One he loves.^{(Q) 7} In him we have redemption^(R) through his blood,^(S) the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches^(T) of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹ he^[d] made known to us the mystery^(U) of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed^(V) in Christ, ¹⁰ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment^(W)—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.^(X)

¹¹ In him we were also chosen,^[e] having been predestined^(Y) according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose^(Z) 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.^{(AA) 13} And you also were included in Christ^(AB) when you heard the message of truth,^(AC) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,^(AD) the promised Holy Spirit,^{(AE) 14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance^(AF) until the redemption^(AG) of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.^(AH)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus^(AI) and your love for all God’s people,^{(AJ) 16} I have not stopped giving thanks for you,^(AK) remembering you in my prayers.^{(AL) 17} I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,^(AM) may give you the Spirit^[f] of wisdom^(AN) and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened^(AO) in order that you may know the hope to which he has called^(AP) you, the riches^(AQ) of his glorious inheritance^(AR) in his holy people,^{(AS) 19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power^(AT) is the same as the mighty strength^{(AU) 20} he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead^(AV) and seated him at his right hand^(AW) in the heavenly realms,^{(AX) 21} far above all rule and authority, power and dominion,^(AY) and every name^(AZ) that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.^{(BA) 22} And God placed all things under his feet^(BB) and appointed him to be head^(BC) over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body,^(BD) the fullness of him^(BE) who fills everything in every way.^(BF)

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,^{(BG) 2} in which you used to live^(BH) when you followed the ways of this world^(BI) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,^(BJ) the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.^{(BK) 3} All of us also lived among them at one time,^(BL) gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[g](BM) and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ⁴ But because of his great love for us,^(BN) God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions^(BO)—it is by grace you have been saved.^{(BP) 6} And God raised us up with Christ^(BQ) and seated us with him^(BR) in the heavenly realms^(BS) in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,^(BT) expressed in his kindness^(BU) to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For it is by grace^(BV) you have been saved,^(BW) through faith^(BX)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works,^(BY) so that no one can boast.^{(BZ) 10} For we are God’s handiwork,^(CA) created^(CB) in Christ Jesus to do good works,^(CC) which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

¹¹ Therefore, remember that formerly^(CD) 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)^(CE)— ¹² remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners^(CF) to the covenants of the promise,^(CG) without hope^(CH) and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once^(CI) were far away have been brought near^(CJ) by the blood of Christ.^(CK)

¹⁴ For he himself is our peace,^(CL) who has made the two groups one^(CM) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵ by setting aside in his flesh^(CN) the law with its commands and regulations.^(CO) His purpose was to create in himself one^(CP) new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶ and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross,^(CQ) by which he put to death their hostility. ¹⁷ He came and preached peace^(CR) to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.^{(CS) 18} For through him we both have access^(CT) to the Father^(CU) by one Spirit.^(CV)

¹⁹ Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers,^(CW) but fellow citizens^(CX) with God’s people and also members of his household,^{(CY) 20} built^(CZ) on the foundation^(DA) of the apostles and prophets,^(DB) with Christ Jesus himself^(DC) as the chief cornerstone.^{(DD) 21} In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple^(DE) in the Lord. ²² And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.^(DF)

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner^(DG) 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^(DH) for you, ³ that is, the mystery^(DI) made known to me by revelation,^(DJ) as I have already written briefly. ⁴ In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight^(DK) 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.^{(DL) 6} This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs^(DM) together with Israel, members together of one body,^(DN) and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.^(DO)

⁷ I became a servant of this gospel^(DP) by the gift of God’s grace given me^(DQ) through the working of his power.^{(DR) 8} Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,^(DS) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles^(DT) the boundless riches of Christ,^{(DU) 9} and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,^(DV) 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^(DW) should be made known^(DX) to the rulers and authorities^(DY) in the heavenly realms,^{(DZ) 11} according to his eternal purpose^(EA) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² In him and through faith in him we may approach God^(EB) with freedom and confidence.^{(EC) 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^(ED) before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family^[h] in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches^(EE) he may strengthen you with power^(EF) through his Spirit in your inner being,^{(EG) 17} so that Christ may dwell in your hearts^(EH) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted^(EI) and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,^(EJ) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep^(EK) is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge^(EL)—that you may be filled^(EM) to the measure of all the fullness of God.^(EN)

²⁰ Now to him who is able^(EO) to do immeasurably more than all we ask^(EP) or imagine, according to his power^(EQ) 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.^(ER)

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner^(ES) for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy^(ET) of the calling^(EU) you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another^(EV) in love.^{(EW) 3} Make every effort to keep the unity^(EX) of the Spirit through the bond of peace.^{(EY) 4} There is one body^(EZ) and one Spirit,^(FA) just as you were called to one hope when you were called^(FB); ⁵ one Lord,^(FC) one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all,^(FD) who is over all and through all and in all.^(FE)

⁷ But to each one of us^(FF) grace^(FG) has been given^(FH) as Christ apportioned it. ⁸ This is why it^[i] says:

⁹ (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions^[k]? ¹⁰ He who descended is the very one who ascended^(FK) higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)^{(FL) 11} So Christ himself gave^(FM) the apostles,^(FN) the prophets,^(FO) the evangelists,^(FP) the pastors and teachers,^{(FQ) 12} to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ^(FR) may be built up^{(FS) 13} until we all reach unity^(FT) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God^(FU) and become mature,^(FV) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.^(FW)

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants,^(FX) tossed back and forth by the waves,^(FY) and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.^{(FZ) 15} Instead, speaking the truth in love,^(GA) we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,^(GB) that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows^(GC) and builds itself up^(GD) in love,^(GE) 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^(GF) live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.^{(GG) 18} They are darkened in their understanding^(GH) and separated from the life of God^(GI) because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.^{(GJ) 19} Having lost all sensitivity,^(GK) they have given themselves over^(GL) to sensuality^(GM) 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^(GN) your old self,^(GO) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;^{(GP) 23} to be made new in the attitude of your minds;^{(GQ) 24} and to put on^(GR) the new self,^(GS) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.^(GT)

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

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,^(HB) but only what is helpful for building others up^(HC) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,^(HD) with whom you were sealed^(HE) for the day of redemption.^{(HF) 31} Get rid of^(HG) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.^{(HH) 32} Be kind and compassionate to one another,^(HI) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.^(HJ) 5 ¹ Follow God’s example,^(HK) therefore, as dearly loved children^{(HL) 2} and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us^(HM) and gave himself up for us^(HN) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.^(HO)

³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,^(HP) or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,^(HQ) because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk^(HR) or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.^{(HS) 5} For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater^(HT)—has any inheritance^(HU) in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^{[m](HV) 6} Let no one deceive you^(HW) with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath^(HX) comes on those who are disobedient.^{(HY) 7} Therefore do not be partners with them.

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

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

Instructions for Christian Households^(IR)

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

²² Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands^(IT) as you do to the Lord.^{(IU) 23} For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,^(IV) his body, of which he is the Savior. ²⁴ Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands^(IW) in everything.

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives,^(IX) just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her^{(IY) 26} to make her holy,^(IZ) cleansing^[n] her by the washing^(JA) with water through the word, ²⁷ and to present her to himself^(JB) as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.^{(JC) 28} In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives^(JD) 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.^{(JE) 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.”^{[o](JF) 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^(JG) as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.^{(JH) 2} “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”^[p](JI)

⁴ Fathers,^[q] do not exasperate your children;^(JJ) instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.^(JK)

⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect^(JL) and fear, and with sincerity of heart,^(JM) just as you would obey Christ.^{(JN) 6} Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,^(JO) doing the will of God from your heart. ⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,^{(JP) 8} because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do,^(JQ) whether they are slave or free.

⁹ 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^(JR) is in heaven, and there is no favoritism^(JS) with him.

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord^(JT) and in his mighty power.^{(JU) 11} Put on the full armor of God,^(JV) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,^(JW) but against the rulers, against the authorities,^(JX) against the powers^(JY) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.^{(JZ) 13} Therefore put on the full armor of God,^(KA) 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,^(KB) with the breastplate of righteousness in place,^{(KC) 15} and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.^{(KD) 16} In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,^(KE) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^{(KF) 17} Take the helmet of salvation^(KG) and the sword of the Spirit,^(KH) which is the word of God.^(KI)

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit^(KJ) on all occasions^(KK) with all kinds of prayers and requests.^(KL) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying^(KM) for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me,^(KN) that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly^(KO) make known the mystery^(KP) of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador^(KQ) in chains.^(KR) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Final Greetings

²¹ Tychicus,^(KS) 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,^(KT) and that he may encourage you.^(KU)

²³ Peace^(KV) to the brothers and sisters,^[r] 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.^[s]