¹⁹ Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers,^(A) but fellow citizens^(B) with God’s people and also members of his household,^{(C) 20} built^(D) on the foundation^(E) of the apostles and prophets,^(F) with Christ Jesus himself^(G) as the chief cornerstone.^{(H) 21} In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple^(I) in the Lord.

⁴ In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight^(A) 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.^{(B) 6} This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs^(C) together with Israel, members together of one body,^(D) and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.^(E)

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

³⁴ “A new command^(A) I give you: Love one another.^(B) As I have loved you, so you must love one another.^{(C) 35} By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”^(D)

The Believers Share Their Possessions

³² All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.^{(A) 33} With great power the apostles continued to testify^(B) to the resurrection^(C) of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace^(D) was so powerfully at work in them all ³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them,^(E) brought the money from the sales

¹² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.^{(A) 13} Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.^(B)