For it is by grace(A) you have been saved,(B) through faith(C)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works,(D) so that no one can boast.(E) 10 For we are God’s handiwork,(F) created(G) in Christ Jesus to do good works,(H) which God prepared in advance for us to do.

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A Prayer for the Ephesians

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

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

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Footnotes

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

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(A) your old self,(B) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;(C) 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;(D) 24 and to put on(E) the new self,(F) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.(G)

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

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,(O) but only what is helpful for building others up(P) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,(Q) with whom you were sealed(R) for the day of redemption.(S) 31 Get rid of(T) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.(U) 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another,(V) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.(W)

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Footnotes

  1. Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4 (see Septuagint)

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