⁸ But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,^(A) let them be under God’s curse!^{(B) 9} As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted,^(C) let them be under God’s curse!

¹⁰ Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?^(D) If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Paul Called by God

¹¹ I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^(E) that the gospel I preached^(F) is not of human origin. ¹² I did not receive it from any man,^(G) nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation^(H) from Jesus Christ.^(I)

¹³ For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism,^(J) how intensely I persecuted the church of God^(K) and tried to destroy it.^{(L) 14} I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous^(M) for the traditions of my fathers.^{(N) 15} But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb^(O) and called me^(P) by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles,^(Q) my immediate response was not to consult any human being.^{(R) 17} I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.^(S)

¹⁸ Then after three years,^(T) I went up to Jerusalem^(U) to get acquainted with Cephas^[a] and stayed with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ I saw none of the other apostles—only James,^(V) the Lord’s brother. ²⁰ I assure you before God^(W) that what I am writing you is no lie.^(X)

²¹ Then I went to Syria^(Y) and Cilicia.^{(Z) 22} I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea^(AA) that are in Christ.^{(AB) 23} They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith^(AC) he once tried to destroy.”^{(AD) 24} And they praised God^(AE) because of me.

Paul Accepted by the Apostles

2 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem,^(AF) this time with Barnabas.^(AG) I took Titus^(AH) along also. ² I went in response to a revelation^(AI) and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles.^(AJ) I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race^(AK) in vain. ³ Yet not even Titus,^(AL) who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.^{(AM) 4} This matter arose because some false believers^(AN) had infiltrated our ranks to spy on^(AO) the freedom^(AP) we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. ⁵ We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel^(AQ) might be preserved for you.

⁶ As for those who were held in high esteem^(AR)—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism^(AS)—they added nothing to my message.^{(AT) 7} On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task^(AU) of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised,^[b](AV) just as Peter^(AW) had been to the circumcised.^{[c] 8} For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle^(AX) to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle^(AY) to the Gentiles. ⁹ James,^(AZ) Cephas^[d](BA) and John, those esteemed as pillars,^(BB) gave me and Barnabas^(BC) the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.^(BD) They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles,^(BE) and they to the circumcised. ¹⁰ All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor,^(BF) the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

Paul Opposes Cephas

¹¹ When Cephas^(BG) came to Antioch,^(BH) I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. ¹² For before certain men came from James,^(BI) he used to eat with the Gentiles.^(BJ) But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.^{(BK) 13} The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas^(BL) was led astray.

¹⁴ When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel,^(BM) I said to Cephas^(BN) in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew.^(BO) How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?^(BP)

¹⁵ “We who are Jews by birth^(BQ) and not sinful Gentiles^{(BR) 16} know that a person is not justified by the works of the law,^(BS) but by faith in Jesus Christ.^(BT) So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in^[e] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.^(BU)

¹⁷ “But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners,^(BV) doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not!^{(BW) 18} If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.

¹⁹ “For through the law I died to the law^(BX) so that I might live for God.^{(BY) 20} I have been crucified with Christ^(BZ) and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.^(CA) The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,^(CB) who loved me^(CC) and gave himself for me.^{(CD) 21} I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law,^(CE) Christ died for nothing!”^[f]

Faith or Works of the Law

3 You foolish^(CF) Galatians!^(CG) Who has bewitched you?^(CH) Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.^{(CI) 2} I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit^(CJ) by the works of the law,^(CK) or by believing what you heard?^{(CL) 3} Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?^{[g] 4} Have you experienced^[h] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? ⁵ So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles^(CM) among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?^{(CN) 6} So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”^[i](CO)

⁷ Understand, then, that those who have faith^(CP) are children of Abraham.^{(CQ) 8} Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”^{[j](CR) 9} So those who rely on faith^(CS) are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.^(CT)

¹⁰ For all who rely on the works of the law^(CU) are under a curse,^(CV) as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”^{[k](CW) 11} Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God,^(CX) because “the righteous will live by faith.”^{[l](CY) 12} The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”^{[m](CZ) 13} Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law^(DA) by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”^{[n](DB) 14} He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,^(DC) so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.^(DD)

The Law and the Promise

¹⁵ Brothers and sisters,^(DE) let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. ¹⁶ The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed.^(DF) Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”^[o](DG) meaning one person, who is Christ. ¹⁷ What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years^(DH) later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. ¹⁸ For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise;^(DI) but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

¹⁹ Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions^(DJ) until the Seed^(DK) to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels^(DL) and entrusted to a mediator.^{(DM) 20} A mediator,^(DN) however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

²¹ Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!^(DO) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.^{(DP) 22} But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin,^(DQ) so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Children of God

²³ Before the coming of this faith,^[p] we were held in custody^(DR) under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.^{(DS) 24} So the law was our guardian until Christ came^(DT) that we might be justified by faith.^{(DU) 25} Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.^(DV)

²⁶ So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God^(DW) through faith, ²⁷ for all of you who were baptized into Christ^(DX) have clothed yourselves with Christ.^{(DY) 28} There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free,^(DZ) nor is there male and female,^(EA) for you are all one in Christ Jesus.^{(EB) 29} If you belong to Christ,^(EC) then you are Abraham’s seed,^(ED) and heirs^(EE) according to the promise.^(EF)

4 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. ² The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. ³ So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery^(EG) under the elemental spiritual forces^[q] of the world.^{(EH) 4} But when the set time had fully come,^(EI) God sent his Son,^(EJ) born of a woman,^(EK) born under the law,^{(EL) 5} to redeem^(EM) those under the law, that we might receive adoption^(EN) to sonship.^{[r](EO) 6} Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son^(EP) into our hearts,^(EQ) the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,^[s] Father.”^{(ER) 7} So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.^(ES)

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

⁸ Formerly, when you did not know God,^(ET) you were slaves^(EU) to those who by nature are not gods.^{(EV) 9} But now that you know God—or rather are known by God^(EW)—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces^[t]? Do you wish to be enslaved^(EX) by them all over again?^{(EY) 10} You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!^{(EZ) 11} I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.^(FA)

¹² I plead with you, brothers and sisters,^(FB) become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. ¹³ As you know, it was because of an illness^(FC) that I first preached the gospel to you, ¹⁴ and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.^{(FD) 15} Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?^(FE)

¹⁷ Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.^{(FF) 18} It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.^{(FG) 19} My dear children,^(FH) for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,^{(FI) 20} how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Hagar and Sarah

²¹ Tell me, you who want to be under the law,^(FJ) are you not aware of what the law says? ²² For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman^(FK) and the other by the free woman.^{(FL) 23} His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh,^(FM) but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.^(FN)

²⁴ These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. ²⁵ Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. ²⁶ But the Jerusalem that is above^(FO) is free, and she is our mother. ²⁷ For it is written:

²⁸ Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.^{(FQ) 29} At that time the son born according to the flesh^(FR) persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit.^(FS) It is the same now. ³⁰ But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”^{[v](FT) 31} Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman,^(FU) but of the free woman.^(FV)

Freedom in Christ

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.^(FW) Stand firm,^(FX) then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.^(FY)

² Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised,^(FZ) Christ will be of no value to you at all. ³ Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.^{(GA) 4} You who are trying to be justified by the law^(GB) have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.^{(GC) 5} For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.^{(GD) 6} For in Christ Jesus^(GE) neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.^(GF) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.^(GG)

⁷ You were running a good race.^(GH) Who cut in on you^(GI) to keep you from obeying the truth? ⁸ That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.^{(GJ) 9} “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”^{(GK) 10} I am confident^(GL) in the Lord that you will take no other view.^(GM) The one who is throwing you into confusion,^(GN) whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. ¹¹ Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?^(GO) In that case the offense^(GP) of the cross has been abolished. ¹² As for those agitators,^(GQ) I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Life by the Spirit

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.^(GR) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[w];^(GS) rather, serve one another^(GT) humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^{[x](GU) 15} If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit,^(GV) and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.^{(GW) 17} For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.^(GX) They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[y] you want.^{(GY) 18} But if you are led by the Spirit,^(GZ) you are not under the law.^(HA)

¹⁹ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,^(HB) impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.^(HC) I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.^(HD)

²² But the fruit^(HE) of the Spirit is love,^(HF) joy, peace,^(HG) forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control.^(HH) Against such things there is no law.^{(HI) 24} Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh^(HJ) with its passions and desires.^{(HK) 25} Since we live by the Spirit,^(HL) let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited,^(HM) provoking and envying each other.

Doing Good to All

6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit^(HN) should restore^(HO) that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. ² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.^{(HP) 3} If anyone thinks they are something^(HQ) when they are not, they deceive themselves.^{(HR) 4} Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone,^(HS) without comparing themselves to someone else,^{(HT) 5} for each one should carry their own load.^{(HU) 6} Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.^(HV)

⁷ Do not be deceived:^(HW) God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.^{(HX) 8} Whoever sows to please their flesh,^(HY) from the flesh will reap destruction;^(HZ) whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.^{(IA) 9} Let us not become weary in doing good,^(IB) for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.^{(IC) 10} Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good^(ID) to all people, especially to those who belong to the family^(IE) of believers.

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

¹¹ See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!^(IF)

¹² Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh^(IG) are trying to compel you to be circumcised.^(IH) The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted^(II) for the cross of Christ. ¹³ Not even those who are circumcised keep the law,^(IJ) yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh.^{(IK) 14} May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(IL) through which^[z] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.^{(IM) 15} Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;^(IN) what counts is the new creation.^{(IO) 16} Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to^[aa] the Israel of God.

¹⁷ From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks^(IP) of Jesus.

¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ^(IQ) be with your spirit,^(IR) brothers and sisters. Amen.

1 Paul, an apostle^(IS) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,^(IT)

To God’s holy people^(IU) in Ephesus,^[ab](IV) the faithful^(IW) in Christ Jesus:

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

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(IY) who has blessed us in the heavenly realms^(IZ) with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us^(JA) in him before the creation of the world^(JB) to be holy and blameless^(JC) in his sight. In love^{(JD) 5} he^[ac] predestined^(JE) us for adoption to sonship^[ad](JF) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure^(JG) and will— ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace,^(JH) which he has freely given us in the One he loves.^{(JI) 7} In him we have redemption^(JJ) through his blood,^(JK) the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches^(JL) of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹ he^[ae] made known to us the mystery^(JM) of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed^(JN) in Christ, ¹⁰ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment^(JO)—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.^(JP)

¹¹ In him we were also chosen,^[af] having been predestined^(JQ) according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose^(JR) 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.^{(JS) 13} And you also were included in Christ^(JT) when you heard the message of truth,^(JU) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,^(JV) the promised Holy Spirit,^{(JW) 14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance^(JX) until the redemption^(JY) of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.^(JZ)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus^(KA) and your love for all God’s people,^{(KB) 16} I have not stopped giving thanks for you,^(KC) remembering you in my prayers.^{(KD) 17} I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,^(KE) may give you the Spirit^[ag] of wisdom^(KF) and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened^(KG) in order that you may know the hope to which he has called^(KH) you, the riches^(KI) of his glorious inheritance^(KJ) in his holy people,^{(KK) 19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power^(KL) is the same as the mighty strength^{(KM) 20} he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead^(KN) and seated him at his right hand^(KO) in the heavenly realms,^{(KP) 21} far above all rule and authority, power and dominion,^(KQ) and every name^(KR) that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.^{(KS) 22} And God placed all things under his feet^(KT) and appointed him to be head^(KU) over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body,^(KV) the fullness of him^(KW) who fills everything in every way.^(KX)

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,^{(KY) 2} in which you used to live^(KZ) when you followed the ways of this world^(LA) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,^(LB) the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.^{(LC) 3} All of us also lived among them at one time,^(LD) gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[ah](LE) 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,^(LF) God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions^(LG)—it is by grace you have been saved.^{(LH) 6} And God raised us up with Christ^(LI) and seated us with him^(LJ) in the heavenly realms^(LK) in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,^(LL) expressed in his kindness^(LM) to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For it is by grace^(LN) you have been saved,^(LO) through faith^(LP)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works,^(LQ) so that no one can boast.^{(LR) 10} For we are God’s handiwork,^(LS) created^(LT) in Christ Jesus to do good works,^(LU) which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

¹¹ Therefore, remember that formerly^(LV) 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)^(LW)— ¹² remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners^(LX) to the covenants of the promise,^(LY) without hope^(LZ) and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once^(MA) were far away have been brought near^(MB) by the blood of Christ.^(MC)

¹⁴ For he himself is our peace,^(MD) who has made the two groups one^(ME) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵ by setting aside in his flesh^(MF) the law with its commands and regulations.^(MG) His purpose was to create in himself one^(MH) new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶ and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross,^(MI) by which he put to death their hostility. ¹⁷ He came and preached peace^(MJ) to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.^{(MK) 18} For through him we both have access^(ML) to the Father^(MM) by one Spirit.^(MN)

¹⁹ Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers,^(MO) but fellow citizens^(MP) with God’s people and also members of his household,^{(MQ) 20} built^(MR) on the foundation^(MS) of the apostles and prophets,^(MT) with Christ Jesus himself^(MU) as the chief cornerstone.^{(MV) 21} In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple^(MW) in the Lord. ²² And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.^(MX)

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner^(MY) 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^(MZ) for you, ³ that is, the mystery^(NA) made known to me by revelation,^(NB) as I have already written briefly. ⁴ In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight^(NC) 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.^{(ND) 6} This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs^(NE) together with Israel, members together of one body,^(NF) and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.^(NG)

⁷ I became a servant of this gospel^(NH) by the gift of God’s grace given me^(NI) through the working of his power.^{(NJ) 8} Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,^(NK) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles^(NL) the boundless riches of Christ,^{(NM) 9} and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,^(NN) 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^(NO) should be made known^(NP) to the rulers and authorities^(NQ) in the heavenly realms,^{(NR) 11} according to his eternal purpose^(NS) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² In him and through faith in him we may approach God^(NT) with freedom and confidence.^{(NU) 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^(NV) before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family^[ai] in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches^(NW) he may strengthen you with power^(NX) through his Spirit in your inner being,^{(NY) 17} so that Christ may dwell in your hearts^(NZ) through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted^(OA) and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people,^(OB) to grasp how wide and long and high and deep^(OC) is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge^(OD)—that you may be filled^(OE) to the measure of all the fullness of God.^(OF)

²⁰ Now to him who is able^(OG) to do immeasurably more than all we ask^(OH) or imagine, according to his power^(OI) 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.^(OJ)

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner^(OK) for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy^(OL) of the calling^(OM) you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another^(ON) in love.^{(OO) 3} Make every effort to keep the unity^(OP) of the Spirit through the bond of peace.^{(OQ) 4} There is one body^(OR) and one Spirit,^(OS) just as you were called to one hope when you were called^(OT); ⁵ one Lord,^(OU) one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all,^(OV) who is over all and through all and in all.^(OW)

⁷ But to each one of us^(OX) grace^(OY) has been given^(OZ) as Christ apportioned it. ⁸ This is why it^[aj] says:

⁹ (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions^[al]? ¹⁰ He who descended is the very one who ascended^(PC) higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)^{(PD) 11} So Christ himself gave^(PE) the apostles,^(PF) the prophets,^(PG) the evangelists,^(PH) the pastors and teachers,^{(PI) 12} to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ^(PJ) may be built up^{(PK) 13} until we all reach unity^(PL) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God^(PM) and become mature,^(PN) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.^(PO)

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants,^(PP) tossed back and forth by the waves,^(PQ) and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.^{(PR) 15} Instead, speaking the truth in love,^(PS) we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,^(PT) that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows^(PU) and builds itself up^(PV) in love,^(PW) 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^(PX) live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.^{(PY) 18} They are darkened in their understanding^(PZ) and separated from the life of God^(QA) because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.^{(QB) 19} Having lost all sensitivity,^(QC) they have given themselves over^(QD) to sensuality^(QE) 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^(QF) your old self,^(QG) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;^{(QH) 23} to be made new in the attitude of your minds;^{(QI) 24} and to put on^(QJ) the new self,^(QK) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.^(QL)

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

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,^(QT) but only what is helpful for building others up^(QU) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,^(QV) with whom you were sealed^(QW) for the day of redemption.^{(QX) 31} Get rid of^(QY) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.^{(QZ) 32} Be kind and compassionate to one another,^(RA) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.^(RB) 5 ¹ Follow God’s example,^(RC) therefore, as dearly loved children^{(RD) 2} and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us^(RE) and gave himself up for us^(RF) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.^(RG)

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

⁸ For you were once^(RR) darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light^{(RS) 9} (for the fruit^(RT) of the light consists in all goodness,^(RU) righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord.^(RV)