Ephesians

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

Chapter 2

1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

*He made you alive, whom were once dead because of wrong actions and mistakes.

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

*In the past, you followed the world's ways and were influenced by the ruler of the air, the spirit working in those who disobey.

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

*In the past, we all lived according to our sinful desires and followed what our minds and bodies wanted. We were born as children who would experience God's anger, just like everyone else.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

*But God, full of kindness, because he has lots of love, loved us greatly.

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

*Even though we were trapped in wrongdoing, God brought us to life with Christ, (you are saved by his kindness).

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

*He has lifted us up together and seated us together in high positions in the spiritual world with Jesus Christ.

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

*So that in future times, he can show how greatly he is gracious and kind to us by using Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

*"Through kindness, you are saved by believing; this isn't something you do yourself, it's a present from God."

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

*Not based on actions, so no one can brag.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

*We are God's creation, made through Christ Jesus for good deeds, which God planned for us to do.

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

*So remember, when you used to be outsiders, not part of God's people, called "Uncircumcised" by those who were "Circumcised." These names come from physical actions done with hands.

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

*At that time, you had no connection with Christ, were not part of Israel's community, and were unfamiliar with the promises made. You had no hope and felt disconnected from God.

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

*But now, in Christ Jesus, you, who used to be far away, are brought close because of Christ's blood.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

*He is our peace, making us one and breaking down the wall that separated us.

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

*He ended the hatred and rules in his body; to create one new person from two, bringing peace.

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

*So he could bring them together under God in one group, he used the cross to end their fighting.

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

*He came and shared the message of peace with those who were far away and also with those who were close by.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

*Because of him, we can both go to the Father through one Spirit.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

*Now, so you are not outsiders anymore, but friends with holy people and part of God's family.

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

*The verse says that it is built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the main cornerstone.

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

*In whom, all the pieces come together correctly, forming a sacred temple for the Lord.

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

*In him, you are also being built together as a home where God lives, all because of the Spirit.

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* work in progress, there will be mistakes