Reference: Ephesians, Epistle to
Easton
was written by Paul at Rome about the same time as that to the Colossians, which in many points it resembles.
Contents of. The Epistle to the Colossians is mainly polemical, designed to refute certain theosophic errors that had crept into the church there. That to the Ephesians does not seem to have originated in any special circumstances, but is simply a letter springing from Paul's love to the church there, and indicative of his earnest desire that they should be fully instructed in the profound doctrines of the gospel. It contains (1) the salutation (Eph 1:1-2); (2) a general description of the blessings the gospel reveals, as to their source, means by which they are attained, purpose for which they are bestowed, and their final result, with a fervent prayer for the further spiritual enrichment of the Ephesians (Eph 1:3-2:10); (3) "a record of that marked change in spiritual position which the Gentile believers now possessed, ending with an account of the writer's selection to and qualification for the apostolate of heathendom, a fact so considered as to keep them from being dispirited, and to lead him to pray for enlarged spiritual benefactions on his absent sympathizers" (Eph 2:12-3:21); (4) a chapter on unity as undisturbed by diversity of gifts (Eph 4:1-16); (5) special injunctions bearing on ordinary life (Eph 4:17-6:10); (6) the imagery of a spiritual warfare, mission of Tychicus, and valedictory blessing (Eph 6:11-24).
Planting of the church at Ephesus. Paul's first and hurried visit for the space of three months to Ephesus is recorded in Ac 18:19-21. The work he began on this occasion was carried forward by Apollos (Ac 18:24-26) and Aquila and Priscilla. On his second visit, early in the following year, he remained at Ephesus "three years," for he found it was the key to the western provinces of Asia Minor. Here "a great door and effectual" was opened to him (1Co 16:9), and the church was established and strengthened by his assiduous labours there (Ac 20:20,31). From Ephesus as a centre the gospel spread abroad "almost throughout all Asia" (Ac 19:26). The word "mightily grew and prevailed" despite all the opposition and persecution he encountered.
On his last journey to Jerusalem the apostle landed at Miletus, and summoning together the elders of the church from Ephesus, delivered to them his remarkable farewell charge (Ac 20:18-35), expecting to see them no more.
The following parallels between this epistle and the Milesian charge may be traced:
(1.) Ac 20:19 = Eph 4:2. The phrase "lowliness of mind" occurs nowhere else.
(2.) Ac 20:27 = Eph 1:11. The word "counsel," as denoting the divine plan, occurs only here and Heb 6:17.
(3.) Ac 20:32 = Eph 3:20. The divine ability.
(4.) Ac 20:32 = Eph 2:20. The building upon the foundation.
(5.) Ac 20:32 = Eph 1:14,18. "The inheritance of the saints."
Place and date of the writing of the letter. It was evidently written from Rome during Paul's first imprisonment (Eph 3:1; 4:1; 6:20), and probably soon after his arrival there, about the year 62, four years after he had parted with the Ephesian elders at Miletus. The subscription of this epistle is correct.
There seems to have been no special occasion for the writing of this letter, as already noted. Paul's object was plainly not polemical. No errors had sprung up in the church which he sought to point out and refute. The object of the apostle is "to set forth the ground, the cause, and the aim and end of the church of the faithful in Christ. He speaks to the Ephesians as a type or sample of the church universal." The church's foundations, its course, and its end, are his theme. "Everywhere the foundation of the church is the will of the Father; the course of the church is by the satisfaction of the Son; the end of the church is the life in the Holy Spirit." In the Epistle to the Romans, Paul writes from the point of view of justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ; here he writes from the point of view specially of union to the Redeemer, and hence of the oneness of the true church of Christ. "This is perhaps the profoundest book in existence." It is a book "which sounds the lowest depths of Christian doctrine, and scales the loftiest heights of Christian experience;" and the fact that the apostle evidently expected the Ephesians to understand it is an evidence of the "proficiency which Paul's converts had attained under his preaching at Ephesus."
Relation between this epistle and that to the Colossians (q.v.). "The letters of the apostle are the fervent outburst of pastoral zeal and attachment, written without reserve and in unaffected simplicity; sentiments come warm from the heart, without the shaping out, pruning, and punctilious arrangement of a formal discourse. There is such a fresh and familiar transcription of feeling, so frequent an introduction of coloquial idiom, and so much of conversational frankness and vivacity, that the reader associates the image of the writer with every paragraph, and the ear seems to catch and recognize the very tones of living address." "Is it then any matter of amazement that one letter should resemble another, or that two written about the same time should have so much in common and so much that is peculiar? The close relation as to style and subject between the epistles to Colosse and Ephesus must strike every reader. Their precise relation to each other has given rise to much discussion. The great probability is that the epistle to Colosse was first written; the parallel passages in Ephesians, which amount to about forty-two in number, having the appearance of being expansions from the epistle to Colosse. Compare:
The style of this epistle is exceedingly animated, and corresponds with the state of the apostle's mind at the time of writing. Overjoyed with the account which their messenger had brought him of their faith and holiness (Eph 1:15), and transported with the consideration of the unsearchable wisdom of God displayed in the work of man's redemption, and of his astonishing love towards the Gentiles in making them partakers through faith of all the benefits of Christ's death, he soars high in his sentiments on those grand subjects, and gives his thoughts utterance in sublime and copious expression.
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And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself went into the synagogue, and discoursed with the Jews. But when they were importunate with him to prolong his stay among them, he consented not; read more. but took his leave of them, saying, I must by any means keep the approaching feast at Jerusalem: but I mean to return to you again, if God so please. So he sailed from Ephesus.
Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, a man of eloquence, who was powerful in the Scriptures, had come to Ephesus. He was instructed in the way of the Lord: and being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught very diligently the things concerning the Lord, though knowing only the baptism of John. read more. So this man began to speak with great boldness in the synagogue: but when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him home with them, and more accurately expounded to him the way of the Lord.
and ye see and hear how not only at Ephesus, but almost through all Asia, this fellow Paul, by his persuasions, hath perverted a vast multitude, affirming that they are not gods which are made with hands:
And when they were come unto him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the very first day in which I entered into Asia, how I have been among you at every season, serving the Lord with all humility, and with many tears and trials, which have befallen me through the lying in wait of the Jews:
serving the Lord with all humility, and with many tears and trials, which have befallen me through the lying in wait of the Jews: and that I have suppressed nothing which could conduce to your profiting; not desisting from preaching to you, and teaching you in public, and from house to house,
and that I have suppressed nothing which could conduce to your profiting; not desisting from preaching to you, and teaching you in public, and from house to house, repeatedly urging both on Jews and Greeks repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. read more. And now behold I am going, bound by the Spirit, unto Jerusalem, not knowing what things shall there befal me: only this, that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and tribulation await thee. Yet I make no account of any [suffering], nor regard my life as of any value to myself, farther than as I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord, to testify fully the Gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I know that ye shall see my face no more, even ye all, among whom I have gone in and out preaching the kingdom of God. Wherefore I appeal to you this day as witnesses that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have concealed nothing, so as not repeatedly to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
For I have concealed nothing, so as not repeatedly to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed as shepherds the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. read more. For this I know, that after my departure there will come among you grievous wolves, not sparing the flock: Yea, from among yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverting doctrines, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by night and by day, I have never ceased with tears to admonish every individual.
Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by night and by day, I have never ceased with tears to admonish every individual. And now, brethren, I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to finish the superstructure, and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
And now, brethren, I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to finish the superstructure, and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
And now, brethren, I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to finish the superstructure, and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
And now, brethren, I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to finish the superstructure, and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. The silver, or gold, or apparel of no man have I coveted: read more. but ye yourselves know that these hands have by labour furnished necessaries for my own wants, and for those who were with me. In all things I have set you the example, that so labouring hard ye ought to help the infirm, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
for there is opened to me a great door, and effectual, and there are many adversaries.
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: grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
at the dispensation of the fulness of the appointed times to gather together under one head all things in Christ, whether they be things in heaven or things in earth, in him: in whom also we have obtained our inheritance, predestinated according to the purpose of him who effectually worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will:
which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the final redemption, acquired by him, come, to the praise of his glory. For this cause I also, since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and the love ye have to all saints,
the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he hath called you, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance for the saints,
built up on the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
FOR this cause [am] I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if so be, that ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you:
Now to him that is able to do above all things, exceeding abundantly, beyond what we ask or think, according to the power which effectually worketh in us;
I THEN, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation with which ye are called,
I THEN, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation with which ye are called, with all humility and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love;
with all humility and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love;
with all humility and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love; careful to preserve unity of spirit, in the bond of peace.
careful to preserve unity of spirit, in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye have been called to one hope of your calling;
There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye have been called to one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, read more. one God, and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to every one of us hath the grace been given, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore the Scripture saith, "When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." Now this, that he ascended, what does it imply? but that he also first descended into the more internal parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also, who ascended above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And he himself appointed, some indeed apostles, and some prophets; and others preachers of the Gospel; and others pastors and teachers; for the perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ: until we all attain in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a state of complete manhood, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we should be no longer infants, floating on the waves, and carried about with every wind of novel doctrine, by the juggling of men, by their craftiness after the delusive wiles of error; but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body nicely joined together, and firmly connected by every joint of exact proportion, according to the energy exerted in the measure of every several part, causeth the increase of the body unto the edification of itself in love.
From whom the whole body nicely joined together, and firmly connected by every joint of exact proportion, according to the energy exerted in the measure of every several part, causeth the increase of the body unto the edification of itself in love.
that ye put off respecting your former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful passions; but be renewed in the spirit of your minds; read more. and put on the new man, which is created godlike, in righteousness and true holiness.
but be ye kind one to another, full of sensibility, forgiving mutually, even as God in Christ hath forgiven you.
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things, the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. read more. For ye were formerly darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light;
Take heed, then, that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
speaking one to another in psalms and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing and making melody in the heart to the Lord;
Be clothed in the panoply of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our conflict is not merely against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and against powers, and against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against wicked spirits in the aerial regions. read more. Therefore take the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all things to stand. Stand therefore, girded about your loins with truth, and putting on the breastplate of righteousness; and underneath your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; and over all lifting up the shield of faith, with which ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying at every opportunity with all prayer and supplication in Spirit, and watching for this very purpose with perseverance and intercession for all the saints; and for me that there may be given unto me utterance to open my mouth with boldness, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
and for me that there may be given unto me utterance to open my mouth with boldness, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
for which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
for which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know the things which concern me, and what I am doing, Tychicus will inform you of the whole, a beloved brother, and faithful in the Lord: read more. whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. read more. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
in whom we have redemption through his blood, and forgiveness of sins.
and by him to reconcile all things to himself, making peace by the blood of his cross: by him, I say, whether they be things on earth, or things in the heavens.
of which I am a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which was given me for you to fulfil the ministry of the word of God??26 the mystery which was hid from ages and from generations, but is now unveiled to his saints;
buried with him in baptism, in which also ye have been raised up together with him by faith, the energy of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened with him, freely forgiving you all trespasses;
and not firmly attached to the head, from which the whole body, by joints and ligaments, harmoniously adjusted and closely compacted, increaseth with increase from God.
for which things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience; in which ye also walked formerly when ye lived among them: read more. but now ye have put away all these things, anger, asperity, malice, scandal, obscenity, out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing ye have put off the old man with his practices; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that created him.
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and freely forgiving one another, if any man hath a complaint against another: even as Christ hath freely forgiven you, so also do ye.
forbearing one another, and freely forgiving one another, if any man hath a complaint against another: even as Christ hath freely forgiven you, so also do ye. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. read more. And let the peace of God set up its throne in your hearts, whereunto also ye have been called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing with grace in your heart unto the Lord.
praying also at the same time for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, that I may speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains: that I may make it evident, as I ought to speak. read more. Walk wisely with regard to those without, redeeming the time.
whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that he might know your affairs, and comfort your hearts;
And thus God, designing more abundantly to demonstrate to the heirs of promise the immutability of his will, pledged himself by oath,
Hastings
This Epistle belongs to the group of Epistles of the Captivity, and was almost certainly, if genuine, written from Rome, and sent by Tychicus at the same time as the Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon (see Colossians).
1. Destination.
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that in every thing ye have been enriched by him, in all utterance, and all knowledge;
but we speak the wisdom of God, which had been hid in mystery, which God predestined before the worlds were, for our glory: which none of the rulers of this world have known: for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. read more. But, as it is written, "The things which eye hath not seen, and ear hath not heard, and that have not entered into the heart of man, these hath God prepared for those who love him." But to us hath God revealed them by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth out all things, even the depths of God.
But to us hath God revealed them by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth out all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? so also the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
For we are God's fellowlabourers: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God given unto me, as a skilful architect, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every one take heed how he buildeth upon it. read more. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus the Messiah.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
For we, though many, are one loaf, one body; for we all partake of that one loaf.
But there are diversities of gifts, though the same Spirit.
But there are diversities of gifts, though the same Spirit. And there are diversities of services, but the same Lord. read more. And there are diversities of mighty operations, but it is the same God who worketh all in all.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, but all the members of that one body, though many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we all have been baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free men; and we have all been made to drink into one Spirit. read more. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot should say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it, on this account, not of the body? And if the ear should say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it not therefore of the body?
And these also hath God placed in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healings, helpers, directors, different kinds of tongues.
Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, and the Father; when he shall have destroyed every dominion and every authority and power. For he must reign, until he hath put all enemies under his feet. read more. The last enemy shall be destroyed, death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, that all things are put under him, it is evident that there is an exception of him, who subjected all things to him. But when he shall have put all things under him, then also the Son himself shall be subjected to him who put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
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:
at the dispensation of the fulness of the appointed times to gather together under one head all things in Christ, whether they be things in heaven or things in earth, in him:
In whom ye also [trusted] after ye had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, ye have been sealed with the holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the final redemption, acquired by him, come, to the praise of his glory. read more. For this cause I also, since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and the love ye have to all saints,
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, would give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation by the knowledge of him;
which he displayed in Christ when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly regions,
which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
That he might shew forth in the ages to come the transcendent riches of his grace, in the kindness shewed to us in Christ Jesus.
Wherefore remember that ye in time past were Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that called circumcision made by hands in the flesh; that ye were at that time without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and atheists in the world:
and might reconcile them both in one body to God by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby;
for through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
for through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. So then ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; read more. built up on the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
built up on the foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom the whole building exactly cemented together groweth into a holy temple in the Lord:
in whom the whole building exactly cemented together groweth into a holy temple in the Lord: by whom also ye have been built up together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it hath been now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be co-heirs, and of the same body, and sharers with them of his promise in Christ by the Gospel:
that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church, according to the purpose from everlasting, which he formed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Wherefore I beseech you, that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
that he would give you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man;
I THEN, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation with which ye are called, with all humility and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love; read more. careful to preserve unity of spirit, in the bond of peace.
careful to preserve unity of spirit, in the bond of peace.
careful to preserve unity of spirit, in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye have been called to one hope of your calling; read more. one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, and father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to every one of us hath the grace been given, according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
And he himself appointed, some indeed apostles, and some prophets; and others preachers of the Gospel; and others pastors and teachers; for the perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ: read more. until we all attain in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a state of complete manhood, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
From whom the whole body nicely joined together, and firmly connected by every joint of exact proportion, according to the energy exerted in the measure of every several part, causeth the increase of the body unto the edification of itself in love.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak truth, every one with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Are ye provoked; and do you not sin? let not the sun go down upon your wrath: read more. nor give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more; but rather labour hard, working with his hands that which is good, that he may have something to give to him that is in want. Let no loose discourse proceed out of your mouth, but whatever is good for useful edification, that it may communicate grace to the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye have been sealed unto the day of redemption.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye have been sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and scandal, be removed from you, with all malice: read more. but be ye kind one to another, full of sensibility, forgiving mutually, even as God in Christ hath forgiven you.
and walk in love as Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us, an oblation and sacrifice to God, for an odour of a sweet smell.
and walk in love as Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us, an oblation and sacrifice to God, for an odour of a sweet smell.
(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
Wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; and is himself the saviour of the body. read more. As then the church is subject to Christ, so also let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your own wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Husbands, love your own wives, as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify it, purifying it in the laver of water by the word,
that he might sanctify it, purifying it in the laver of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having blemish, nor wrinkle, nor any such things; but that it may be holy and unblameable.
that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having blemish, nor wrinkle, nor any such things; but that it may be holy and unblameable.
And ye masters, do the same things to them, avoiding menacing language: knowing that you also yourselves have a master in heaven; and there is no respect of persons with him. Finally, brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. read more. Be clothed in the panoply of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our conflict is not merely against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and against powers, and against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against wicked spirits in the aerial regions. Therefore take the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all things to stand.
Therefore take the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all things to stand. Stand therefore, girded about your loins with truth, and putting on the breastplate of righteousness; read more. and underneath your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; and over all lifting up the shield of faith, with which ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying at every opportunity with all prayer and supplication in Spirit, and watching for this very purpose with perseverance and intercession for all the saints;
praying at every opportunity with all prayer and supplication in Spirit, and watching for this very purpose with perseverance and intercession for all the saints;
But that ye also may know the things which concern me, and what I am doing, Tychicus will inform you of the whole, a beloved brother, and faithful in the Lord: whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Only conduct yourselves worthily as becometh the gospel of Christ; that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul wrestling together in the faith of the gospel;
Only conduct yourselves worthily as becometh the gospel of Christ; that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul wrestling together in the faith of the gospel;
Wherefore God also hath transcendently exalted him, and bestowed on him a name which is above every name:
For we are the circumcision, who serve God in spirit, and glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh.
But our conversation is in heaven as its citizens, from whence also we are expecting the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Be not anxious about any thing, but in every case by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known unto God.
But I have now all things, and abound: I am full, having received from Epaphroditus your bounty, an odour of sweet smell, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
And when this epistle hath been read among you, cause that it also be read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that ye also read that from Laodicea.
as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, of which some are difficult to be understood, which the uninstructed and the unstable torture, as indeed they do the rest of the scriptures unto their own destruction.
And all the inhabitants who dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Let us rejoice and exult, and give him glory: because the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his bride hath made herself ready.
And he bore me away in spirit unto a great and exceeding high mountain, and shewed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.