¹ ^‡ Paul, an apostle ^† of Christ Jesus by the will of God, ^†

To God’s holy people ^† in Ephesus, ^[1] ^† the faithful ^† in Christ Jesus:

² ^‡ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ^†

Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

³ ^‡ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ^† who has blessed us in the heavenly realms ^† with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴ ^‡ For he chose us ^† in him before the creation of the world ^† to be holy and blameless ^† in his sight. In love ^† ⁵ ^‡ he ^[2] predestined ^† us for adoption to sonship ^[3] ^† through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure ^† and will— ⁶ ^‡ to the praise of his glorious grace, ^† which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ^† ⁷ ^‡ In him we have redemption ^† through his blood, ^† the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches ^† of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹ ^‡ he ^[4] made known to us the mystery ^† of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed ^† in Christ, ¹⁰ ^‡ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment ^† —to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. ^†

¹¹ ^‡ In him we were also chosen, ^[5] having been predestined ^† according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose ^† 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. ^† ¹³ ^‡ And you also were included in Christ ^† when you heard the message of truth, ^† the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, ^† the promised Holy Spirit, ^† ¹⁴ ^‡ who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance ^† until the redemption ^† of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. ^†

Thanksgiving and Prayer

¹⁵ ^‡ For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus ^† and your love for all God’s people, ^† ¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks for you, ^† remembering you in my prayers. ^† ¹⁷ ^‡ I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, ^† may give you the Spirit ^[6] of wisdom ^† and revelation, so that you may know him better. ¹⁸ ^‡ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened ^† in order that you may know the hope to which he has called ^† you, the riches ^† of his glorious inheritance ^† in his holy people, ^† ¹⁹ ^‡ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power ^† is the same as the mighty strength ^† ²⁰ ^‡ he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead ^† and seated him at his right hand ^† in the heavenly realms, ^† ²¹ ^‡ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, ^† and every name ^† that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. ^† ²² ^‡ And God placed all things under his feet ^† and appointed him to be head ^† over everything for the church, ²³ ^‡ which is his body, ^† the fullness of him ^† who fills everything in every way. ^†

Ephesians 2

Made Alive in Christ

¹ ^‡ As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ^† ² ^‡ in which you used to live ^† when you followed the ways of this world ^† and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, ^† the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. ^† ³ ^‡ All of us also lived among them at one time, ^† gratifying the cravings of our flesh ^[7] ^† 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, ^† God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ ^‡ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions ^† —it is by grace you have been saved. ^† ⁶ ^‡ And God raised us up with Christ ^† and seated us with him ^† in the heavenly realms ^† in Christ Jesus, ⁷ ^‡ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, ^† expressed in his kindness ^† to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ ^‡ For it is by grace ^† you have been saved, ^† through faith ^† —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ ^‡ not by works, ^† so that no one can boast. ^† ¹⁰ ^‡ For we are God’s handiwork, ^† created ^† in Christ Jesus to do good works, ^† which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

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

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

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

Ephesians 3

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

¹ ^‡ For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner ^† 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 ^† for you, ³ ^‡ that is, the mystery ^† made known to me by revelation, ^† as I have already written briefly. ⁴ In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight ^† 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. ^† ⁶ ^‡ This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs ^† together with Israel, members together of one body, ^† and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. ^†

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

²⁰ ^‡ Now to him who is able ^† to do immeasurably more than all we ask ^† or imagine, according to his power ^† 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. ^†

Ephesians 4

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

¹ ^‡ As a prisoner ^† for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy ^† of the calling ^† you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another ^† in love. ^† ³ ^‡ Make every effort to keep the unity ^† of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ^† ⁴ ^‡ There is one body ^† and one Spirit, ^† just as you were called to one hope when you were called ^† ; ⁵ ^‡ one Lord, ^† one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, ^† who is over all and through all and in all. ^†

⁷ ^‡ But to each one of us ^† grace ^† has been given ^† as Christ apportioned it. ⁸ ^‡ This is why it ^[9] says:

“When he ascended on high,

he took many captives ^†

and gave gifts to his people.” ^[10] ^†

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

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

²⁵ ^‡ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully ^† to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ^† ²⁶ ^‡ “In your anger do not sin” ^[12] : ^† Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ ^‡ and do not give the devil a foothold. ^† ²⁸ ^‡ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, ^† doing something useful with their own hands, ^† that they may have something to share with those in need. ^†

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

Ephesians 5

¹ ^‡ Follow God’s example, ^† therefore, as dearly loved children ^† ² ^‡ and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us ^† and gave himself up for us ^† as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ^†

³ ^‡ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, ^† or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, ^† because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ ^‡ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk ^† or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ^† ⁵ ^‡ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater ^† —has any inheritance ^† in the kingdom of Christ and of God. ^[13] ^† ⁶ ^‡ Let no one deceive you ^† with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath ^† comes on those who are disobedient. ^† ⁷ ^‡ Therefore do not be partners with them.

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

“Wake up, sleeper, ^†

rise from the dead, ^†

and Christ will shine on you.” ^†

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

Instructions for Christian Households

Col 3:18–4:1pp — 5:22–6:9

²¹ ^‡ Submit to one another ^† out of reverence for Christ.

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

²⁵ ^‡ Husbands, love your wives, ^† just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ^† ²⁶ ^‡ to make her holy, ^† cleansing ^[14] her by the washing ^† with water through the word, ²⁷ ^‡ and to present her to himself ^† as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. ^† ²⁸ ^‡ In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives ^† 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. ^† 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.” ^[15] ^† 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 ^† as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 6

¹ ^‡ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ^† 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.” ^[16] ^†

⁴ ^‡ Fathers, ^[17] do not exasperate your children; ^† instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. ^†

⁵ ^‡ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect ^† and fear, and with sincerity of heart, ^† just as you would obey Christ. ^† ⁶ Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, ^† doing the will of God from your heart. ⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, ^† ⁸ ^‡ because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, ^† 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 ^† is in heaven, and there is no favoritism ^† with him.

Why There Wasn’t a Massive Slave Revolt in the First Century

There is no evidence in ancient literature of a slave rebellion with the abolition of slavery as its goal. Why? Not only was Roman-era slavery a nonracial institution (there were slaves of all races), but most slaves could reasonably expect emancipation by the time they reached 30 years of age. Nor was the work of a slave limited to hard labor; slaves worked in a variety of different occupations—including household management, teaching, business and industry—and many even owned property. Because of the poverty of many free laborers, the economic and living conditions of slaves were often far better. This led many free laborers to sell themselves into slavery as a means of economic advancement.This is not to deny that slavery was essentially an ungodly structure that deprived a person of freedom and dignity. It is simply to affirm that Roman-era slavery did not share all of the same features of New World slavery that would ignite a rebellion.

Adapted from Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: NT : Vol. 3 by CLINTON E. ARNOLD. Ephesians—Copyright © 2002 by Clinton E. Arnold, p. 335. Used by permission of Zondervan.

Image	Background	Spiritual Weapon
1. Belt … buckled around your waist	Isa 11:5	Truth
2. Breastplate	Isa 59:17	Righteousness
3. Feet fitted	Isa 52:7	Gospel of peace
4. Shield	Ps 35:2 ; Isa 21:5–23 times in the OT	Faith
5. Helmet	Isa 59:17	Salvation
6. Sword	Isa 49:2–178 times in the OT	Spirit/Word of God/Prayer

[BACK TO 1:1] Paul. See note on Ro 1:1 . apostle … by the will of God. See 1Co 1:1 and note. Paul not only stresses his authority under God but also anticipates the strong emphasis he will make later in this chapter and book on God’s sovereign plan and purpose. God’s holy people. Those God has called to be his own people, i.e., all Christians (see vv. 15 , 18 ). The Greek word for this phrase carried the idea of dedication to a deity (see note on Ro 1:7 ). in Ephesus. See NIV text note. The book may have been intended as a circular letter to several churches, including the one at Ephesus (see notes on v. 15 ; 6:21–23 ; Ac 19:10 ). in Christ Jesus. This phrase (or a similar one) occurs ten times in vv. 1–13 . It refers to the spiritual union of Christ with believers, which Paul often symbolizes by the metaphor “body of Christ” (see, e.g., v. 23 ; 2:16 ; 4:4 , 12 , 16 ; 5:23 , 30 ).

[BACK TO 1:2] Grace and peace. See note on Ro 1:7 . Paul uses the word “grace” 12 times and “peace” 8 times in Ephesians. Lord Jesus Christ. Also occurs at the end of this letter ( 6:23–24 ); see note on 1Th 1:1 .

[BACK TO 1:3–14] All one sentence in Greek, this section is often called a “doxology” because it recites what God has done and is an expression of worship to honor him. Paul speaks first of the blessings we have through the Father (vv. 3–6 ), then of those that come through the Son (vv. 7–12 ) and finally of those through the Holy Spirit (vv. 13–14 ).

[BACK TO 1:3] Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus’ relation to God the Father is unique (see Jn 20:17 and note). blessed … blessing. Jewish people used the word “bless” to express both God’s kindness to us and our thanks or praise to him. heavenly realms. Occurs five times in Ephesians, emphasizing Paul’s perception that in the exaltation of Christ (his resurrection and enthronement at God’s right hand) and in the Christian’s union with the exalted Christ ultimate issues are involved—issues that pertain to the divine realm and that in the final analysis are worked out in and from that realm. At stake are God’s eternal eschatological purpose ( 3:11 ) and the titanic conflict between God and the powerful spiritual forces arrayed against him—a purpose and a conflict that come to focus in the history of redemption. Here (v. 3 ) Paul asserts that through their union with the exalted Christ, Christians have already been made beneficiaries of every spiritual blessing that belongs to and comes from the heavenly realm. In vv. 20–22 he proclaims Christ’s exaltation to that realm and his elevation over all other powers and titles, so that he rules over all for the sake of his church. According to 2:6 , those who have been made alive with Christ ( 2:5 ) share in Christ’s exaltation and enthronement in heaven. Thus ( 3:10 ) by the gathering of Gentiles and Jews into one body of Christ (the church), God triumphantly displays his “manifold wisdom” to the “rulers and authorities” in the heavenly realms. As a result, the spiritual struggle of believers here and now is not so much against “flesh and blood” as against the great spiritual forces that wage war against God in heaven (see 6:12 and note).

[BACK TO 1:4] chose. Divine election is a frequent theme in Paul’s letters ( Ro 8:29–33 ; 9:6–26 ; 11:5 , 7 , 28 ; 16:13 ; Col 3:12 ; 1Th 1:4 ; 2Th 2:13 ; Titus 1:1 ). In this chapter it is emphasized in the following ways: (1) “he chose us” (here); (2) “he predestined us” (v. 5 ); (3) “we were also chosen” (v. 11 ); (4) “having been predestined” (v. 11 ). before the creation of the world. Cf. Jn 17:24 . holy and blameless. See 5:27 for the same pair of words. Holiness is the result—not the basis—of God’s choosing. It refers both to the holiness imparted to the believer because of Christ and to the believer’s personal sanctification (see notes on Ex 3:5 ; Lev 11:44 ; 1Co 1:2 ). In love. See NIV text note on vv. 4–5 ; cf. 3:17 ; 4:2 , 15–16 ; 5:2 .

[BACK TO 1:5] adoption to sonship. See Ro 8:23 and note.

[BACK TO 1:6] to the praise of his glorious grace. See vv. 12 , 14 . Election by grace is for God’s glory.

[BACK TO 1:7–8] the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Cf. “what great love the Father has lavished on us” ( 1Jn 3:1 ).

[BACK TO 1:7] redemption. See v. 14 ; 4:30 ; see also Ro 3:24 ; Titus 2:14 and notes. The Ephesians were familiar with the Greco-Roman practice of redemption: Slaves were freed by the payment of a ransom. Similarly, the ransom necessary to free sinners from the bondage of sin and the resulting curse imposed by the law (see Gal 3:13 ) was the death of Christ (called here “his blood”). through his blood. Cf. 2:13 ; 1Pe 1:18–19 .

[BACK TO 1:9] mystery. See notes on Ro 11:25 ; Col 1:26 .

[BACK TO 1:10] to bring … under Christ. Paul uses a significant term here that not only has the idea of leadership but also was often used of adding up a column of figures. A contemporary way of putting it might be to say that in a world of confusion, where things do not “add up” or make sense, we look forward to the time when everything will be brought into meaningful relationship under the headship of Christ.

[BACK TO 1:11] In him. Christ is the center of God’s plan. Whether the universe or the individual Christian is in view, only in relationship to Christ is there a meaningful future. Paul goes on to speak, not of the world as a whole, but of those who respond to God’s call. predestined. See vv. 4–5 ; see also Ro 8:29–30 and notes.

[BACK TO 1:12] we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ. Probably a reference to those Jews who, like Paul, had become believers before many Gentiles had.

[BACK TO 1:13] And you also. Probably refers to the majority of the Ephesians, who were Gentiles. message of truth. See 2Ti 2:15 and note. marked … with a seal. In those days a seal denoted ownership and security.

[BACK TO 1:14] deposit. See note on Ro 8:23 . inheritance. See Col 1:12 ; see also Heb 9:15 ; 1Pe 1:4 and notes.

[BACK TO 1:15] ever since I heard. This sounds strange from one who had spent a few years in Ephesus. He may be referring to a greatly enlarged church there, many members of which Paul did not know, or, if Ephesians was intended as a circular letter (see note on v. 1 ), he may be referring to news from the whole area, only a part of which he had visited.

[BACK TO 1:17] God of our Lord Jesus Christ. See note on v. 3 . Spirit of wisdom and revelation. The focus of the prayer. him. God the Father.

[BACK TO 1:18] eyes of your heart. Your mind or understanding or inner awareness. hope. Has an objective quality of certainty (see Ro 5:5 and note). It is the assurance of eternal life guaranteed by the present possession of the Holy Spirit (see v. 14 ). called. See Ro 8:28 and note; Php 3:14 ; 2Ti 1:9 ; Heb 3:1 . his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Either the inheritance we have from God (see v. 14 ; Col 1:12 ) or the inheritance God receives, i.e., the believers themselves (cf. Ps 2:8 ; Isa 53:10 ). his holy people. See note on v. 1 .

[BACK TO 1:19] In this verse Paul piles term upon term to emphasize that the extraordinary, divine power by which Jesus Christ was raised (v. 20 ) is the same power at work in and through believers (see Php 3:10 and note; cf. also Ps 77:16–19 and note).

[BACK TO 1:20] right hand. The symbolic place of highest honor and authority.

[BACK TO 1:21] all rule … every name that is invoked. Including whatever supernatural beings his contemporaries might conceive of, for in his day many people believed not only in the existence of angels and demons but also in that of other beings. Christ is above them all. the present age … the one to come. See Mt 12:32 . Like the rabbinic teachers of his day, Paul distinguishes between the present age, which is evil, and the future age when the Messiah will consummate his kingdom and there will be a completely righteous society on earth.

[BACK TO 1:22] under his feet. Ps 8:5–6 emphasizes the destiny of human beings, and Heb 2:6–9 shows that ultimately it is the Son of Man who rules over everything (cf. Heb 10:13 ). head. Christ is not only head of the church but also head over everything (see note on v. 10 ).

[BACK TO 1:23] his body. See 2:16 ; 4:4 , 12 , 16 ; 5:23 , 30 . fullness … fills. The church is the fullness of Christ probably in the sense that it is filled by him who fills all things.

[BACK TO 2:1–10] In ch. 1 Paul wrote of the great purposes and plan of God, culminating in the universal headship of Christ ( 1:10 , 22 ), all of which is to be for “the praise of his glory” ( 1:14 ). He now proceeds to explain the steps by which God will accomplish his purposes, beginning with the salvation of individuals.

[BACK TO 2:1] A description of their past moral and spiritual condition, separated from the life of God (cf. Col 1:21 ).

[BACK TO 2:2] ruler. Satan (cf. Jn 14:30 , “prince”). air. Satan is no mere earthbound enemy (cf. 6:12 ). spirit. Satan is a created, but not a human, being (cf. Job 1:6 ; Eze 28:15 ; see note on Isa 14:12–15 ).

[BACK TO 2:3] All of us. Jews and Gentiles. deserving of wrath. See Jn 3:36 and note; Ro 1:18–20 ; 2:5 ; 9:22 .

[BACK TO 2:5] made us alive with Christ. This truth is expanded in Ro 6:1–10 (see notes there).

[BACK TO 2:6] heavenly realms. See note on 1:3 . in Christ Jesus. Through our union with Christ (see note on 1:1 ).

[BACK TO 2:7] coming ages. Cf. 1:21 ; refers to the future of eternal blessing with Christ. show. Or “exhibit” or “prove.”

[BACK TO 2:8] A major passage for understanding God’s grace, i.e., his kindness, unmerited favor and forgiving love. you have been saved. “Saved” has a wide range of meanings. It includes salvation from God’s wrath, which we all had incurred by our sinfulness. The tense of the verb (also in v. 5 ) suggests a completed action with emphasis on its present effect. through faith. See Ro 3:21–31 (and notes on that passage), which establishes the necessity of faith in Christ as the only means of being made right with God. not from yourselves. No human effort can contribute to our salvation; it is the gracious gift of God (see Titus 3:5 and note).

[BACK TO 2:9] not by works. One cannot earn salvation by “the works of the law” ( Ro 3:20 , 28 ; cf. Jas 2:14–26 and notes). Such a legalistic approach to salvation (or sanctification) is consistently condemned in Scripture (see Gal 2:16 and note). no one can boast. No one can take credit for his or her salvation. Cf. 1Co 1:26–31 ; 2Co 5:17 and notes.

[BACK TO 2:10] handiwork. The Greek for this word sometimes has the connotation of a “work of art.” good works. The outworking of grace (see Titus 3:8 ; see also Introduction to Titus: Distinctive Characteristics ). prepared in advance. Carries forward the theme of God’s sovereign purpose and planning, seen in ch. 1 (see, e.g., 1:4 and note).

[BACK TO 2:11–22] From the salvation of individuals, Paul moves to another aspect of salvation in which God reconciles Jews and Gentiles, previously hostile peoples, not only to himself but also to each other through Christ (vv. 11–16 ). Even more than that, God unites these now reconciled people in one body, a truth introduced in vv. 19–22 and explained in ch. 3.

[BACK TO 2:11–12] Refers to the state of those without Christ, described in vv. 1–10 .

[BACK TO 2:11] you who are Gentiles. Most of the Ephesians (cf. 1:13 , “And you also”). “uncircumcised” … “the circumcision.” The rite of circumcision was applied to every Jewish male who was eight days old (see Ge 17:12 and note); so this physical act (“done in the body by human hands”) was a clear mark of distinction between Jew and Gentile, in which Jewish people naturally took pride.

[BACK TO 2:12] at that time. Before salvation, in contrast to “But now” (v. 13 ). separate from Christ … without God. All these expressions emphasize the distance of unbelieving Gentiles from Israel, as well as from Christ. covenants. God had promised blessings to and through the Jewish people (see note on Ro 9:4 ).

[BACK TO 2:13] But now. Not only contrasts with “at that time” (v. 12 ) but also introduces the contrast between “from Christ” (v. 12 ) and “in Christ” (here). blood of Christ. Expresses the violent death of Christ as he poured out his lifeblood as a sacrifice for us (see 1:7 ; Heb 9:11–13 and notes).

[BACK TO 2:14] two groups. Believing Jews and believing Gentiles. barrier … dividing wall. Possibly an allusion to the barricade in the Jerusalem temple area that marked the limit to which a Gentile might go (see note on Ac 21:28 ). It is used here to describe the total religious isolation Jews and Gentiles experienced from each other. hostility. Between Jews and Gentiles.

[BACK TO 2:15] setting aside … the law. Since Mt 5:17 and Ro 3:31 teach that God’s moral standard expressed in the OT law is not changed by the coming of Christ, what is abolished here is probably the effect of the specific “commands and regulations” in separating Jews from Gentiles, whose nonobservance of the Jewish law renders them ritually unclean (cf. Col 2:13–14 ). in his flesh. Probably refers to the death of Christ (cf. note on Ro 8:3 ). one new humanity. The united body of believers, the church.

[BACK TO 2:16] one body. While this could possibly mean the body of Christ offered on the cross (cf. “in his flesh,” v. 15 ), it probably refers to the “one new humanity” just mentioned, the body of believers.

[BACK TO 2:17] far away … near. Gentiles and Jews, respectively.

[BACK TO 2:19] Consequently. Paul indicates that the unity described in vv. 19–22 is based on what Christ did through his death, described in vv. 14–18 . you. The Gentiles at Ephesus are particularly in view here. citizens … household. Familiar imagery. The household in ancient times was what we today might call an “extended family.”

[BACK TO 2:20] foundation. Further metaphorical language to convey the idea of a solid, integrated structure. apostles and prophets. Probably refers to the founding work of the early Christian apostles and prophets as they preached and taught God’s word (cf. Mt 16:18 and note; 1Co 3:10–11 ). cornerstone. Isa 28:16 , which uses the same term in its pre-Christian Greek translation (the Septuagint), refers to a foundation with a “tested” stone at the corner.

[BACK TO 2:21] joined together. Cf. 4:16 for the same word. Both passages speak of the close relationship between believers. rises. The description of a building under construction conveys the sense of the dynamic growth of the church. holy temple. Paul now uses the metaphor of a temple, thereby indicating the purpose (“to become”) for which God has established his church (see 1Co 3:16 and note).

[BACK TO 2:22] dwelling. The church is to be a people or community in whom the Holy Spirit dwells (cf. 2Co 6:16 and note).

[BACK TO 3:1–13] Having saved people individually by his grace ( 2:1–10 ), and having reconciled them to each other, as well as to himself, through the sacrificial death of Christ ( 2:11–22 ), God also now unites them on an equal basis in one body, the church. This step in God’s eternal plan was not fully revealed in previous times. Paul calls it a “mystery” (v. 3 ; see note there).

[BACK TO 3:1] For this reason. Because of all that God has done, explained in the preceding several verses. prisoner. Apparently Paul was under house arrest at this time (see Ac 28:16 , 30 and note on 28:16 ). of Christ. Paul’s physical imprisonment was because he obeyed Christ in spite of opposition. After this verse Paul breaks his train of thought to explain the “mystery” (v. 4 ). He resumes his initial thought in v. 14 .

[BACK TO 3:2] Surely you have heard. Most of the Ephesians would have heard of Paul’s ministry because of his long stay there earlier. However, if this was a circular letter (see note on 1:1 ), the other churches may not have known much about it. administration. Paul unfolds God’s administrative plan for the church and for the universe in this letter (see especially 1:3–12 ). He has been given a significant responsibility in the execution of this plan.

[BACK TO 3:3] mystery. A truth known only by divine revelation (v. 5 ; see Ro 16:25 ; see also notes on Ro 11:25 ; Col 1:26 ). Here the word “mystery” has the special meaning of the private, wise plan of God, which in Ephesians relates primarily to the unification of believing Jews and Gentiles in the new body, the church (see v. 6 ). It may be thought of as a secret that is temporarily hidden, but more than that, it is a plan God is actively working out and revealing stage by stage (cf. 1:9–10 ; Rev 10:7 ). by revelation. See Gal 1:12 . as I have already written briefly. May refer to 1:9–10 .

[BACK TO 3:5] not made known to people in other generations. See note on v. 6 . holy. Set apart for God’s service. apostles and prophets. See note on 2:20 . Although Paul was the chief recipient, others received this revelation also.

[BACK TO 3:6] heirs. See note on 1:18 ; cf. Gal 3:26–29 and notes. together … together … together. The repetition of this word indicates the unique aspect of the mystery that was not previously known: the equality and mutuality that Gentiles had with Jews in the church, the one body. That Gentiles would turn to the God of Israel and be saved was prophesied in the OT (see Ro 15:9–12 ); that they would come into an organic unity with believing Jews on an equal footing was unexpected.

[BACK TO 3:7] God’s grace given me. See v. 2 and note.

[BACK TO 3:8] less than the least. Cf. 1Ti 1:15 and note. Paul never ceased to be amazed that one so unworthy as he should have been chosen for so high a task. His modesty was genuine, even though we may disagree with his self-evaluation. grace. In this case, a special endowment that brings responsibility for service. to preach. Parallels “to make plain” (v. 9 ). boundless. Far beyond what we can know, but not beyond our appreciation—at least in part (cf. Ro 11:33 ).

[BACK TO 3:9] administration of this mystery. See v. 2 and note; cf. v. 3 and note.

[BACK TO 3:10] now. In contrast to the “ages past” (v. 9 ). through the church. The fact that God had done the seemingly impossible—reconciling and organically uniting Jews and Gentiles in the church—makes the church the perfect means of displaying God’s wisdom. manifold. Multifaceted (in the way that many facets of a diamond reflect and enhance its beauty). rulers and authorities. Christ had ascended over all these ( 1:20–21 ; cf. 1Pe 3:19–20a and note). It is a staggering thought that the church on earth is observed, so to speak, by these spiritual powers and that to the degree the church is spiritually united it portrays to them the wisdom of God. This thought may be essential in understanding the meaning of “calling” in 4:1 . heavenly realms. See note on 1:3 .

[BACK TO 3:11] eternal purpose. The effective headship of Christ over a united church is in preparation for his ultimate assumption of headship over the universe ( 1:10 ).

[BACK TO 3:12] See Heb 4:16 ; 10:19–22 and notes.

[BACK TO 3:14–21] Paul now expresses a prayer that grows out of his awareness of all that God is doing in believers. God’s key gifts are “power” (vv. 16 , 18 , 20 ) and “love” (vv. 17–19 ).

[BACK TO 3:14] For this reason. Resumes the thought of v. 1 . I kneel. Expresses deep emotion and reverence, as people in Paul’s day usually stood to pray (see note on 1Ch 17:16 ).

[BACK TO 3:15] family. The word in Greek is similar to the word for “father” (see NIV text note), so it can be said that the “family” derives its name (and being) from the “father.” God is our Father, and we can commit our prayers to him in confidence.

[BACK TO 3:16] inner being. See v. 17 ; 2Co 4:16 and notes.

[BACK TO 3:17] dwell. Be completely at home. Christ was already present in the Ephesian believers’ lives (cf. Ro 8:9 ). hearts. The whole inner being.

[BACK TO 3:18] Cf. Ro 8:35–39 .

[BACK TO 3:19] surpasses knowledge. Not unknowable, but so great that it cannot be completely known. fullness. God, who is infinite in all his attributes, allows us to draw on his resources—in this case, his love.

[BACK TO 3:20] immeasurably more. Has specific reference to the matters presented in this section of Ephesians but is not limited to these. his power. See 1:19–21 .

[BACK TO 3:21] to him be glory. The ultimate goal of our existence (see 1:6 and note). in the church and in Christ Jesus. A remarkable parallel. God has called the church to an extraordinary position and vocation (cf. v. 10 ; 4:1 ).

[BACK TO 4:1–32] The chapter begins (v. 2 ) and ends (v. 32 ) with exhortations to love and forgive one another.

[BACK TO 4:1–16] So far Paul has taught that God brought Jew and Gentile into a new relationship to each other in the church and that he called the church to display his wisdom. Paul now shows how God made provision for those in the church to live and work together in unity and to grow together into maturity.

[BACK TO 4:1] prisoner. See note on 3:1 . calling. See 3:10 , 21 and notes.

[BACK TO 4:3] keep the unity. Which God produced through the reconciling death of Christ (see 2:14–22 ). It is the heavy responsibility of Christians to keep that unity from being disturbed.

[BACK TO 4:4] one hope. Has different aspects (e.g., 1:5 , 10 ; 2:7 ), but it is still one hope, tied to the glorious future of Christ, in which all believers share (cf. Ro 5:2–5 ; Col 1:27 and notes).

[BACK TO 4:5] one baptism. Probably not the baptism of the Spirit (see 1Co 12:13 ), which was inward and therefore invisible, but water baptism (see note on Ro 6:3–4 ). Since Paul apparently has in mind that which identifies all believers as belonging together, he would naturally refer to that church ordinance in which every new convert participated publicly. At that time it was a more obvious common mark of identification of Christians than it is now, when it is celebrated in different ways and often only seen by those in the church.

[BACK TO 4:7] grace. See 3:7–8 .

[BACK TO 4:8] Ps 68:18 (see note there) speaks of God’s triumphant ascension to his throne in the temple at Jerusalem (symbolic of his heavenly throne). Paul applies this to Christ’s triumphal ascension into heaven. Where the psalm states further that God “received gifts from people,” Paul apparently takes his cue from certain rabbinic interpretations current in his day that read the Hebrew preposition for “from” in the sense of “to” (a meaning it often has) and the verb for “received” in the sense of “take and give” (a meaning it sometimes has—but with a different preposition; see Ge 15:9 ; 18:5 ; 27:13 ; Ex 25:2 ; 1Ki 17:10–11 ). captives. Paul probably applies this to the spiritual enemies Christ defeated at the cross.

[BACK TO 4:9] ascended … descended. Although Paul quoted from the psalm to introduce the idea of the “gifts to his people,” he takes the opportunity to remind his readers of Christ’s coming to earth (his incarnation) and his subsequent resurrection and ascension. This passage probably does not teach, as some think and as some translations suggest, that Christ descended into hell.

[BACK TO 4:11] Christ himself gave. The quotation from Ps 68 has its ultimate meaning when applied to Christ as the ascended Lord, who himself has given gifts. apostles. Mentioned here because of their role in establishing the church (see 2:20 ). For qualifications of the initial group of apostles, see Ac 1:21–22 ; see also notes on Mk 6:30 ; Ro 1:1 ; 1Co 1:1 ; Heb 3:1 . In a broader sense, Paul was also an apostle (see 1:1 ). prophets. People to whom God made known a message for his people that was appropriate to their particular need or situation (see Ac 11:27 ; 1Co 12:10 and notes). evangelists. See Ac 21:8 ; 1Co 1:17 . While the other gifted people helped it grow through edification, the evangelists helped the church grow by augmentation. Since the objective mentioned in v. 12 is “to equip his people for works of service,” we may assume that evangelists, among their various ministries, helped other Christians in their testimony. pastors and teachers. Because of the Greek grammatical construction, it is clear that these groups of gifted people are closely related. Those who have pastoral care for God’s people (the image is that of shepherding) will naturally provide “food” from the Scriptures (teaching). They will be especially gifted as teachers (cf. 1Ti 3:2 ).

[BACK TO 4:12] to equip his people for works of service. Those mentioned in v. 11 were not to do all the work for the people but were to train the people to do the work themselves. so that the body of Christ may be built up. See v. 16 . Spiritual gifts are for the body, the church, and are not to be exercised individualistically. “Built up” reflects the imagery of 2:19–22 . Both concepts—body and building—occurring together emphasize the key idea of growth.