Ephesians

Explores the Christian's identity in Christ, unity in the church, and how to live out this calling.

Chapter 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

*Paul, an apostle for Jesus, sends this message to the holy people in Ephesus who follow Christ.

2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Greetings to you with grace and peace, from our Father in heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

*Praised is the God and Father of Jesus Christ, who has given us all spiritual gifts in heavenly realms through Christ.

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

*Just as he picked us to be his own in him long before the world began, he wants us to be pure and blameless in our love for him.

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

*He planned for us to become God's children through Jesus, as He happily desires.

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

*To give glory to how kind he is, he has made us welcome in his love.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

*In him, we get forgiveness for our mistakes because of his blood, based on how rich his kindness is.

8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

*In which he has generously provided for us with great wisdom and good judgment.

9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

*He has revealed to us the mystery of his plan, based on his good desire that he has decided within himself.

10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

*In the time when God gathers everything, he will bring together all things in Christ, whether they are in heaven or on earth, as one.

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

*In whom we have received a share, as we were chosen based on the plan of the one who controls everything according to his own desires.

12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

*So that we can show how great he is, we should believe in Christ first.

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

*In the one you trusted, after hearing the truth, about your rescue - the good news: in him, after believing, you received the Holy Spirit's seal.

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

*This means that we have a guarantee, or a down payment, for the great inheritance we will receive when God fully redeems and restores everything. This will bring him all the glory and praise.

15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

*Because I learned about your trust in Jesus and your love for all believers,

16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

*Don't stop thanking me, and remember to include you in my prayers.

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

*May the God of Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, give you wisdom and understanding about Him.

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

*Understand with your heart so you can know the hope of being called by God, and the great wealth of his glory in the people who belong to him.

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

*The incredible strength of God helps believers, based on how He powerfully works.

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

*Which he did through Christ, when he brought him back to life and placed him next to himself in the highest realms of heaven.

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

*Above everything like authority, strength, control, and every name, whether it's here or in the future world.

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

*He has placed everything under his control and made him the leader of all things for the church.

23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

*Which is his body, the completeness of him that fills everything in everything.

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