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 entered into the Synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not, read more. but bade them fare well saying, "I must needs, at this feast that cometh, be in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you if God will."
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria came to Ephesus: an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures. The same was informed in the way of the Lord, and he spake fervently in the spirit, and taught diligently the things of the Lord, and knew but the baptism of John only. read more. And the same began to speak boldly in the Synagogue. And when Priscilla and Aquila had heard him: they took him unto them; And expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
Moreover, ye see and hear that not alone at Ephesus: but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be not gods which are made with hands:
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, "Ye know from the first day that I came unto Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humbleness of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which happened unto me by the layings wait of the Jews,
serving the Lord with all humbleness of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which happened unto me by the layings wait of the Jews, and how I kept back nothing that was profitable: but that I have showed you, and taught you openly and at home in your houses,
and how I kept back nothing that was profitable: but that I have showed you, and taught you openly and at home in your houses, witnessing both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, the repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus. read more. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, and know not what shall come on me there, but that the holy ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and trouble abide me. But none of those things move me. Neither is my life dear unto myself; that I might fulfill my course with joy, and the ministration which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I am sure that henceforth ye all, through whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this same day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have kept nothing back: but have showed you all the counsel of God.
For I have kept nothing back: but have showed you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, whereof the holy ghost hath made you overseers: to rule the congregation of God, which he hath purchased with his blood. read more. For I am sure of this: that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, which will not spare the flock. Moreover, of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them. Therefore awake and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one of you, both night and day with tears.
Therefore awake and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one of you, both night and day with tears. And now dear brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build further, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
And now dear brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build further, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
And now dear brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build further, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
And now dear brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build further, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have desired no man's silver, gold, or vesture. read more. Ye know well that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to receive the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how that he said, 'It is more blessed to give, than to receive.'"
For a great door and a fruitful is opened unto me: 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 them which believe on Jesus Christ. Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
By whom we have redemption through his blood, that is to say, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace,
the same in himself to have it declared when the time were full come: that all things, both the things which are in heaven, and also the things which are in earth, should be gathered together, even in Christ. That is to say, in him in whom we are made heirs, and were thereto predestinate according to the purpose of him which worketh all things after the purpose of his own will:
which is the earnest of our inheritance, to redeem the possession purchased, and that unto the laud of his glory. Wherefore even I - after that I heard of the faith which ye have in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints -
and lighten the eyes of your minds, that ye might know what thing that hope is, whereunto he hath called you, and what the riches of his glorious inheritance is upon the saints,
and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets - Jesus Christ being the head cornerstone -
For this cause, I Paul the servant of Jesus Christ am in bonds for your sakes, which are heathen - If ye have heard of the ministration of the grace of God which is given me to you ward -
Unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
I therefore which am in bonds for the Lord's sake, exhort you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
I therefore which am in bonds for the Lord's sake, exhort you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, in all humbleness of mind, and meekness, and long suffering, forbearing one another through love,
in all humbleness of mind, and meekness, and long suffering, forbearing one another through love,
in all humbleness of mind, and meekness, and long suffering, forbearing one another through love, and that ye be diligent to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace,
and that ye be diligent to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, being one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.
being one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. Let there be but one Lord, one faith, one baptism: read more. one God and father of all, which is above all, through all, and in you all. Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, "He is gone up on high, and hath led captivity captive, and hath given gifts unto men." That he ascended: what meaneth it, but that he also descended first into the lowest parts of the earth? He that descended, is even the same also that ascended up, even above all heavens, to fulfill all things. And the very same, made some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Shepherds, some Teachers: that the saints might have all things necessary to work and minister withal, to the edifying of the body of Christ, till we, everyone - in the unity of faith, and knowledge of the son of God - grow up unto a perfect man, after the measure of age which is of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, wavering and carried with every wind of doctrine, by the wiliness of men and craftiness, whereby they lay a wait for us to deceive us. But let us follow the truth in love, and in all things grow in him which is the head, that is to say Christ, in whom all the body is coupled and knit together, in every joint, wherewith one ministereth to another - according to the operation as every part hath his measure - and increaseth the body, unto the edifying of itself in love.
in whom all the body is coupled and knit together, in every joint, wherewith one ministereth to another - according to the operation as every part hath his measure - and increaseth the body, unto the edifying of itself in love.
so then, as concerning the conversation in time past, lay from you that old man, which is corrupt through the deceivable lusts, and be ye renewed in the spirit of your minds, read more. and put on that new man, which after the image of God is shapen in righteousness, and true holiness.
Be ye courteous one to another, and merciful, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake forgave you.
Let no man deceive you with vain words. For through such things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of unbelief. Be not, therefore, companions with them. read more. Ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
Take heed therefore that ye walk circumspectly - not as fools, but as wise - redeeming the time: for the days are evil.
speaking unto yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts,
Put on the armour of God, that ye may stand steadfast against the crafty assaults of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood: but against rule, against power, and against worldly rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness for heavenly things. read more. For this cause, take unto you the armour of God, that ye may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand perfect in all things. Stand, therefore, and your loins gird about with verity, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and shod with shoes prepared by the gospel of peace. Above all, take to you the shield of faith, wherewith ye may quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, and pray always with all manner prayer and supplication - and that in the spirit - and watch thereunto with all instance and supplication for all saints, and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to utter the secrets of the gospel,
and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to utter the secrets of the gospel, whereof I am a messenger in bonds, that therein I may speak freely, as it becometh me to speak.
whereof I am a messenger in bonds, that therein I may speak freely, as it becometh me to speak.
whereof I am a messenger in bonds, that therein I may speak freely, as it becometh me to speak. But that ye may also know that condition I am in, and what I do, Tychicus my dear brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall show you of all things, read more. whom I sent unto you for the same purpose: that ye might know what case I stand in, and that he might comfort your hearts.
whom I sent unto you for the same purpose: that ye might know what case I stand in, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be with the brethren, and love with faith from God the father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. read more. Grace be with all them which love our Lord Jesus Christ in pureness. Amen. {Sent from Rome unto the Ephesians by Tychicus.}
in whom we have redemption through his blood, that is to say, forgiveness of sins,
and by him to reconcile all things unto himself, and to set at peace by him through the blood of his cross both things in heaven and things in earth.
whereof am I made a minister according to the ordinance of God, which ordinance was given me unto you ward, to fulfill the word of God:
in that ye are buried with him through baptism, in whom ye are also risen again through faith, that is wrought by the operation of God which raised him from death. And ye which were dead in sin through the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened with him and hath forgiven us all our trespasses
and holdeth not the head: whereof all the body by joints and couples receiveth nourishment, and is knit together, and increaseth with the increasing that cometh of God.
for which thing's sakes the wrath of God cometh on the children of unbelief. In which things ye walked once, when ye lived in them. read more. But now put ye also away from you all things; wrath, fierceness, maliciousness, cursed speaking, filthy speaking out of your mouths. Lie not one to another, that the old man with his works be put off, and the new put on; which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that made him:
Now therefore as elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel to another; even as Christ forgave you, even so do ye.
forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel to another; even as Christ forgave you, even so do ye. Above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness, read more. and the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which peace ye are called in one body: and see that ye be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you plenteously in all wisdom. Teach and exhort your own selves, in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs which have favour with them, singing in your hearts to the Lord.
praying also for us, that God open unto us the door of utterance, that we may speak the mystery of Christ - wherefore I am in bonds - that I may utter it, as it becometh me to speak. read more. Walk wisely to them that are without, and redeem the time.
whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know how ye do, and might comfort your hearts,
So God, willing very abundantly to show, unto the heirs of promise, the stableness of his counsel; he added an 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 all things ye are made rich by him, in all learning and in all knowledge:
but we speak the wisdom of God, which is in secret and lieth hid, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which wisdom none of the rulers of the world knew. For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. read more. But as it is written, "The eye hath not seen, and the ear hath not heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." But God hath opened them unto us by his spirit. For the spirit searcheth all things, yea the bottom of God's secrets.
But God hath opened them unto us by his spirit. For the spirit searcheth all things, yea the bottom of God's secrets. For what man knoweth the things of a man: save the spirit of a man which is within him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God.
We are God's laborers: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God given unto me, as a wise builder have I laid the foundation; and another hath built thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth upon. read more. For other foundation can no man lay, than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Are ye not aware that ye are the temple of God, and how that the spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Because that we - though we be many - yet are one bread, and one body inasmuch as we all are partakers of one bread.
There are diversities of gifts verily, yet but one spirit.
There are diversities of gifts verily, yet but one spirit. And there are differences of administrations, and yet but one Lord. read more. And there are divers manners of operations, and yet but one God, which worketh all things that are wrought in all creatures.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of one body though they be many, yet are but one body: even so is Christ. For in one spirit are we all baptised to make one body, whether we be Jews or gentiles: whether we be bond or free, and have all drunk of one spirit. read more. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot say, "I am not the hand, therefore I am not of the body," is he therefore not of the body? And if the ear say, "I am not the eye, therefore I am not of the body," is he therefore not of the body?
And God hath also ordained in the congregation, first the apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, then them that do miracles; after that, the gifts of healing, helpers, governors, diversity of tongues.
Then cometh the end, when he hath delivered up the kingdom to God the father, when he hath put down all rule, authority, and power. For he must reign till he have put all his enemies under his feet. read more. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. "For he hath put all things under his feet." But when he saith, "All things are put under him," it is manifest, that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. When all things are subdued unto him: then shall the son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all things.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God. To the saints which are at Ephesus, and to them which believe on Jesus Christ.
the same in himself to have it declared when the time were full come: that all things, both the things which are in heaven, and also the things which are in earth, should be gathered together, even in Christ. That is to say, in him
In whom also ye - after that ye heard the word of truth, I mean the gospel of your salvation wherein ye believed - were sealed with the holy spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, to redeem the possession purchased, and that unto the laud of his glory. read more. Wherefore even I - after that I heard of the faith which ye have in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints -
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the father of glory, might give unto you the spirit of wisdom, and open to you the knowledge of himself,
which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and set him on his righthand in heavenly things,
which is his body, and fullness of him, that filleth all in all things.
For to show, in times to come, the exceeding riches of his grace, in kindness to us ward, in Christ Jesus.
Wherefore, remember that ye, being in time past gentiles in the flesh, and were called "uncircumcision" to them which are called "circumcision" in the flesh - which circumcision is made by hands - remember, I say, that ye were at that time without Christ, and were reputed aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and were strangers from the testaments of promise, and had no hope, and were without God in this world.
And to reconcile both unto God in one body through his cross, and slew hatred thereby:
For through him we both have an open way in, in one spirit unto the father.
For through him we both have an open way in, in one spirit unto the father. Now, therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners: but citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, read more. and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets - Jesus Christ being the head cornerstone -
and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets - Jesus Christ being the head cornerstone - in whom every building coupled together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord,
in whom every building coupled together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord, in whom ye also are built together, and made a habitation for God in the spirit.
which mystery in times past was not opened unto the sons of men as it is now declared unto his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit: That the gentiles should be inheritors also, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise that is in Christ, by the means of the gospel,
to the intent that now, unto the rulers and powers in heaven, might be known by the congregation the manifold wisdom of God, according to that eternal purpose, which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Wherefore, I desire that ye faint not because of my tribulations which I suffer for your sakes: which is your praise.
that ye may be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man,
I therefore which am in bonds for the Lord's sake, exhort you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, in all humbleness of mind, and meekness, and long suffering, forbearing one another through love, read more. and that ye be diligent to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace,
and that ye be diligent to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, being one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. read more. Let there be but one Lord, one faith, one baptism: one God and father of all, which is above all, through all, and in you all. Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
And the very same, made some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Shepherds, some Teachers: that the saints might have all things necessary to work and minister withal, to the edifying of the body of Christ, read more. till we, everyone - in the unity of faith, and knowledge of the son of God - grow up unto a perfect man, after the measure of age which is of the fullness of Christ:
in whom all the body is coupled and knit together, in every joint, wherewith one ministereth to another - according to the operation as every part hath his measure - and increaseth the body, unto the edifying of itself in love.
Wherefore, put away lying, and speak every man truth unto his neighbor, forasmuch as we are members one of another. Be angry, but sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath, read more. neither give place unto the backbiter. Let him that stole, steal no more; but let him rather labour with his hands some good thing, that he may have to give unto him that needeth. Let no filthy communication proceed out of your mouths: but that which is good to edify withal, when need is, that it may have favour with the hearers. And grieve not the holy spirit of God, by whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
And grieve not the holy spirit of God, by whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, fierceness and wrath, roaring and cursed speaking, be put away from you, with all maliciousness. read more. Be ye courteous one to another, and merciful, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake forgave you.
and walk in love even as Christ loved us, and gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice of a sweet savour to God.
and walk in love even as Christ loved us, and gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice of a sweet savour to God.
For the fruit of the spirit is, in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Women: submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the wife's head, even as Christ is the head of the congregation, and the same is the saviour of the body. read more. Therefore as the congregation is in subjection to Christ, likewise let the wives be in subjection to their husbands in all things. Husbands: love your wives, even as Christ loved the congregation, and gave himself for it,
Husbands: love your wives, even as Christ loved the congregation, and gave himself for it, to sanctify it, and cleansed it in the fountain of water through the word,
to sanctify it, and cleansed it in the fountain of water through the word, to make it unto himself a glorious congregation without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blame.
to make it unto himself a glorious congregation without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and without blame.
And ye masters, do even the same things unto them, putting away threatenings: and remember that even your master also is in heaven, neither is there any respect of person with him. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. read more. Put on the armour of God, that ye may stand steadfast against the crafty assaults of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood: but against rule, against power, and against worldly rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness for heavenly things. For this cause, take unto you the armour of God, that ye may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand perfect in all things.
For this cause, take unto you the armour of God, that ye may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand perfect in all things. Stand, therefore, and your loins gird about with verity, having on the breastplate of righteousness, read more. and shod with shoes prepared by the gospel of peace. Above all, take to you the shield of faith, wherewith ye may quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, and pray always with all manner prayer and supplication - and that in the spirit - and watch thereunto with all instance and supplication for all saints,
and pray always with all manner prayer and supplication - and that in the spirit - and watch thereunto with all instance and supplication for all saints,
But that ye may also know that condition I am in, and what I do, Tychicus my dear brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall show you of all things, whom I sent unto you for the same purpose: that ye might know what case I stand in, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Only let your conversation be, as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may yet hear of you, that ye continue in one spirit, and in one soul laboring as we do to maintain the faith of the gospel,
Only let your conversation be, as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may yet hear of you, that ye continue in one spirit, and in one soul laboring as we do to maintain the faith of the gospel,
Wherefore God hath exalted him, and given him a name above all names:
For we are circumcision which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:
But our conversation is in heaven, from whence we look for a saviour, even the Lord Jesus Christ,
Be not careful: but in all things show your petition unto God in prayer and supplication with giving of thanks.
I received all, and have plenty. I was even filled after that I have received of Epaphroditus, that which came from you, an odor that smelleth sweet, a sacrifice accepted and pleasant to God.
And when the epistle is read of you, make that it be read in the congregation of the Laodiceans also: and that ye likewise read the epistle of Laodicea.
yea, almost in every epistle, speaking of such things: among which are many things hard to be understood: which they that are unlearned and unstable pervert, as they do other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
and all that dwell upon the earth worshipped him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the lamb, which was killed from the beginning of the world.
Let us be glad and rejoice and give honour to him: for the marriage of the lamb is come, and his wife made herself ready.
And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and a high mountain, and he showed me the great city, holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the Lamb's twelve apostles.