Ephesians

Paul praises God for every spiritual blessing in Christ—He chose us before the foundation of the world, predestined us for adoption, redeemed us through His blood. He prays for the Ephesians to know the hope of their calling and the incomparable greatness of God's power.

By grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Paul describes how we were dead in sins but made alive in Christ. Jew and Gentile are united into one new humanity, with Christ as the cornerstone.

Paul reveals the mystery hidden for ages: that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Israel in Christ. He prays one of Scripture's most powerful prayers—that they may know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, being filled with the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

Paul urges believers to live worthy of their calling with humility, gentleness, and patience, maintaining unity in one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Christ gave gifts—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—to equip the saints. Put off the old self and put on the new.

Paul calls believers to imitate God as beloved children, walking in love as Christ loved us. He contrasts the darkness of sin with living as children of light. He describes marriage as a mystery reflecting Christ and the church, where husbands love sacrificially and the church responds with reverence.

Paul instructs children to honor parents and fathers not to exasperate children. He addresses slaves and masters with mutual respect. He closes with the armor of God: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit—the word of God.