Ephesians(Geneva Bible)

The Epistle Of Paul To The Ephesians The Argument While Paul was prisoner at Rome, there entered in among the Ephesians false teachers, who corrupted the true doctrine which he had taught them, by reason whereof he wrote this Epistle to confirm them in that thing, which they had learned of him. And first after his salutation, he assureth them of salvation, because they were thereunto predestinated by the free election of God, before they were born, and sealed Up to this eternal life by the holy Ghost, given unto them by the Gospel, the knowledge of the which mystery he prayeth God to confirm toward them. And to the intent they should not glory in themselves, he sheweth them their extreme misery, wherein they were plunged before they knew Christ, as people without God, Gentiles to whom the promises were not made, and yet by the free mercy of God in Christ Jesus, they were saved, and he appointed to be their Apostle, as of all the other Gentiles; therefore he desireth God to lighten the Ephesians’ hearts with the perfect understanding of his Son, and exhorteth them likewise to be mindful of so great benefits, neither to be moved with the false apostles, which seek to overthrow their faith, and tread under foot the Gospel, which was not preached to them, as by chance or fortune, but according to the eternal counsel of God; who by this means preserveth only his Church. Therefore the Apostle commendeth his ministry, for as much as God thereby reigneth among men, and causeth it to bring forth most plentiful fruits, as innocency, holiness, with all such offices appertaining to godliness. Last of all, he declareth not only in general what ought to be the life of the Christians, but also sheweth particularly, what things concern every man’s vocation.

Ephesians 1 ....................................................................................................................... 2

Ephesians 2 ....................................................................................................................... 4

Ephesians 3 ....................................................................................................................... 5

Ephesians 4 ....................................................................................................................... 7

Ephesians 5 ....................................................................................................................... 10

Ephesians 6 ....................................................................................................................... 12

 

Ephesians 1

 

1 After the salutation, 4 he entreateth of the free election of God, 5 and adoption, 7-13 from whence man's salvation floweth, as from the true and natural fountain; and because so high a mystery cannot be understood, 16 he prayeth that the full, 20 knowledge of Christ, may by God be revealed unto the Ephesians.

 

 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: 2 Grace be with you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be God, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which hath blessed us with all spiritual blessing in heavenly things in Christ, 4 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: 5 Who hath predestinated us, to be adopted through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherewith he hath made us accepted in his beloved. 7 By whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to his rich grace; 8 Whereby he hath been abundant toward us in all wisdom and understanding, 9 And hath opened unto us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he had purposed in him, 10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of the times, he might gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are in earth, even in Christ; 11 In whom also we are chosen when we were predestinated according to the purpose of him, which worketh all things after the counsel of his own will, 12 That we, which first trusted in Christ, should be unto the praise of his glory. 2 13 In whom also ye have trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, even the Gospel of your salvation, wherein also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise. 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession purchased unto the praise of his glory. 15 Therefore also after that I heard of the faith, which ye have in the Lord Jesus, and love toward all the Saints, 16 I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, might give unto you the Spirit of wisdom, and revelation through the acknowledging of him, 18 That the eyes of your understanding may be lightened, that ye may know what the hope is of his calling, and what the riches of his glorious inheritance is in the Saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us, which believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and domination, and every Name, that is named, not in this world only, but also in that which is to come, 22 And hath made all things subject under his feet, and hath given him over all things to be the head to the Church, 23 Which is his body, even the fullness of him that filleth all in all things. 

 

Ephesians 2

 1 The better to set out the grace of Christ, he useth a comparison, calling them to mind, 5 that they were altogether castaways and aliens, 8 that they are saved by grace, 13 and brought near, 16 by reconciliation through Christ, 17 published by the Gospel.

 

1 And you hath he quickened, that were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 Wherein, in times past ye walked, according to the course of this world, and after the prince that ruleth in the air, even the spirit, that now worketh in the children of disobedience, 3 Among whom we also had our conversation in time past in the lusts of our flesh, in fulfilling the will of the flesh, and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, as well as others. 4 But God which is rich in mercy, through his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead by sins, hath quickened us together in Christ, by whose grace ye are saved, 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 That he might shew in the ages to come the exceeding riches of his grace through his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast himself. 10 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath ordained, that we should walk in them. 11 Wherefore remember that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, and called uncircumcision of them, which are called circumcision in the flesh, made with hands, 12 That ye were, I say, at that time without Christ, and were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and were strangers from the covenants of promise, and had no hope, and were without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus, ye which once were far off, are made near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, which hath made of both one, and hath broken the stop of the partition wall, 15 In abrogating through his flesh the hatred, that is, the Law of commandments which standeth in ordinances, for to make of twain one new man in himself, so making peace, 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by his cross, and slay hatred thereby, 17 And came, and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were near. 18 For through him we both have an entrance unto the Father by one Spirit. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 In whom all the building coupled together, groweth unto a holy Temple in the Lord. 22 In whom ye also are built together to be the habitation of God by the Spirit.

 

 Ephesians 3

1 He declareth that therefore he suffered many things of the Jews, 3 because he preached the mystery touching the salvation of the Gentiles, 8 at God's commandment. 13 After he desired the Ephesians not to faint for his afflictions. 14 And for this cause he prayeth unto God, 18 that they may understand the great love of Christ.

 

1 For this cause, I Paul am the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles. 5 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me toward you, 3 That is, that God by revelation hath shewed this mystery unto me (as I wrote above in few words, 4 Whereby when ye read, ye may know my understanding in the mystery of Christ.) 5 Which in other ages was not opened unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit, 6 That the Gentiles should be inheritors also, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the Gospel, 7 Whereof I am made a minister by the gift of the grace of God given unto me through the effectual working of his power. 8 Even unto me the least of all Saints is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 And to make clear unto all men what the fellowship of the mystery is, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who hath created all things by Jesus Christ, 10 To the intent, that now unto principalities and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose, which he wrought in Christ Jesus our Lord; 12 By whom we have boldness and entrance with confidence, by faith in him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for your sakes, which is your glory. 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 (Of whom is named the whole family in heaven and in earth.) 16 That he might grant you according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened by his Spirit in the inner man, 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled with all fullness of God. 20 Unto him therefore that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Be praise in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all generations forever, Amen.

 

 Ephesians 4

1 These three last Chapters contain precepts of manners. 2 He exhorteth them to mutual love. 7 Sundry gifts are therefore bestowed of God, 16 that the Church may be built up. 18 He calleth them from the vanity of infidels, 25 from lying, 29 and from filthy talk.

 

1 I therefore, being prisoner in the Lord, pray you that ye walk worthy of the vocation whereunto ye are called, 2 With all humbleness of mind, and meekness, with longsuffering, supporting one another through love, 3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your vocation. 5 There is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, which is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now, in that he ascended, what is it but that he had also descended first into the lowest parts of the earth? 10 He that descended, is even the same that ascended, far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 He therefore gave some to be Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors, and Teachers, 12 For the gathering together of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edification of the body of Christ, 13 Till we all meet together (in the unity of faith and the acknowledging of the Son of God) unto a perfect man, and unto the measure of the age of the fullness of Christ, 14 That we henceforth be no more children, wavering and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the deceit of men, and with craftiness, whereby they lay in wait to deceive. 15 But let us follow the truth in love, and in all things, grow up into him, which is the head, that is, Christ. 16 By whom all the body being coupled and knit together by every joint, for the furniture thereof (according to the effectual power, which is in the measure of every part) receiveth increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in love. 17 This I say therefore and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in vanity of their mind, 18 Having their understanding darkened, and being strangers from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 Which being past feeling, have given themselves unto wantonness, to work all uncleanness, even with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ, 8 21 If so be ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 That is, that ye cast off, concerning the conversation in time past, the old man, which is corrupt through the deceivable lusts, 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 And put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness, and true holiness. 25 Wherefore cast off lying, and speak every man truth unto his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry, but sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath, 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole, steal no more; but let him rather labor, and work with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give unto him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouths, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, by whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and anger, and wrath, out crying, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all maliciousness. 32 Be ye courteous one to another, and tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake, forgave you. 

 

 Ephesians 5

 3 Lest, in these vices which he reprehended, they should set light by his admonitions, 5 he terrifieth them by denouncing severe judgment, 8 and stirreth them forward; 15 Then he descendeth from general lessons of manners, 31 to the particular duties of wives, 25 and husbands.

 

1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children, 2 And walk in love, even as Christ hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, to be an offering and a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savor to God. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as it becometh Saints, 4 Neither filthiness, neither foolish talking, neither jesting, which are things not comely, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, neither unclean person, nor covetous person, which is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ, and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words, for because such things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not therefore companions with them. 8 For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord; walk as children of light, 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth.) 10 Approving that which is pleasing to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but even reprove them rather. 12 For it is shame even to speak of the things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things when they are reproved of the light, are manifest, for it is light that maketh all things manifest. 10 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and stand up from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 Take heed therefore that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, for the days are evil. 17 Wherefore, be ye not unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be fulfilled with the Spirit, 19 Speaking unto yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God even the Father, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 ¶ Wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the wife’s head, even as Christ is the head of the Church, and the same is the Saviour of his body. 24 Therefore as the Church is in subjection to Christ, even so let the wives be to their husbands in everything. 25 ¶ Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it, 26 That he might sanctify it, and cleanse it by the washing of water through the word, 27 That he might make it unto himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blame. 28 So ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife, loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord doeth the Church. 11 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great secret, but I speak concerning Christ, and concerning the Church. 33 Therefore every one of you, do ye so, let every one love his wife, even as himself, and let the wife see that she fear her husband.

 

 Ephesians 6

1 He sheweth the duties of children, 5 servants, 9 and masters; 10 Then he speaketh of the fierce battle that the faithful have, 12 and what weapons we must use in the same; 21 In the end he commendeth Tychicus.

 

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise.) 3 That it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long on earth. 4 And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in instruction and information of the Lord. 5 Servants, be obedient unto them that are your masters, according to the flesh, with fear and trembling in singleness of your hearts, as unto Christ, 6 Not with service to the eye, as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 7 With good will, serving the Lord, and not men. 8 And know ye that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, that same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 12 9 And ye masters, do the same things unto them, putting away threatening, and know that even your master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of person with him. 10 ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the assaults of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, and against the worldly governors, the princes of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness, which are in the high places. 13 For this cause take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to resist in the evil day, and having finished all things, stand fast. 14 Stand therefore, and your loins girded about with verity, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. 16 Above all, take the shield of faith, wherewith ye may quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray always with all manner prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watch thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints, 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to publish the secret of the Gospel, 20 Whereof I am the ambassador in bonds, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 ¶ But that ye may also know my affairs, and what I do, Tychicus my dear brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall shew you of all things; 22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know my affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. 13 14 23 Peace be with the brethren, and love with faith from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them which love our Lord Jesus Christ, to their immortality, Amen. Written from Rome unto the Ephesians, and sent by Tychicus.