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 they came down to Ephesus, and he left them there; but he himself, entering into the synagogue, reasoned with the Jews. And, though they asked him to remain a longer time with them, he consented not; read more. but, taking leave of them, and saying, "I will return to you again, God willing," he sailed from Ephesus;
Now a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by birth, a learned man, came down to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. The same had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and, being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the immersion of John. read more. The same also began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But Priscilla and Aquila, having heard him, took him to themselves, and expounded to him the way of God more accurately.
And ye perceive and hear that, not only at Ephesus, but almost in all Asia, this Paul, having persuaded, turned away a great multitude, saying, that they are not gods that are made with hands.
And, when they came to him, he said to them, "Ye yourselves know from the first day on which I came into Asia, after what manner I was with you all the time; serving the Lord with all humility, and with tears, and with trials which befell me in the plottings of the Jews;
serving the Lord with all humility, and with tears, and with trials which befell me in the plottings of the Jews; how I shrank not from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and from teaching you publicly, and from house to house,
how I shrank not from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and from teaching you publicly, and from house to house, fully testifying, both to Jews and Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus. read more. And, now, behold, I, bound by the Spirit, am going to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there; except that the Holy Spirit testifieth to me in every city, saying that bonds and tribulations await me. But I make not my soul of any value as dear to myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify the Gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom, will see my face no more. Wherefore, I testify to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men; for I shrank not from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
for I shrank not from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit appointed you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of God, which He purchased with His own blood. read more. I know that, after my departure, grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among yourselves will men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Wherefore, watch, remembering that for three years, night and day, I ceased not to admonish every one with tears.
Wherefore, watch, remembering that for three years, night and day, I ceased not to admonish every one with tears. "And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all the sanctified.
"And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all the sanctified.
"And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all the sanctified.
"And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all the sanctified. I coveted no one's silver, or gold, or apparel. read more. Ye yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I showed you that, thus laboring, ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
for a door, great and effectual, has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
in Whom we have our redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,
for a dispensation of the fulness of the seasons, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth; in Him, in Whom we also were made a heritage, having been predestinated according to the purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will;
which is an earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. On this account I also, having heard of the faith, on your part, in the Lord Jesus, and the love which ye show towards all the saints,
the eyes of your heart having been enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief corner-stone;
For this cause I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you gentiles, if, at least, ye heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
Now to Him Who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that is working in us,
I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord exhort you to walk worthily of the calling with which ye were called,
I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord exhort you to walk worthily of the calling with which ye were called, with all humility and meekness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love;
with all humility and meekness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love;
with all humility and meekness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love; earnestly endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
earnestly endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling;
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one immersion, read more. one God and Father of all, Who is over all, and through all, and in all. But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore, He saith, "Having ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." Now the word, "He ascended," what does it mean, but that He also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He Who descended is Himself also the One Who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things. And He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; with a view to the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the full knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man??o the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; that we may no longer be babes, billow-tossed, and carried about with every wind of teaching, in the sleight of men, in the craftiness suited to the artifice of error; but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, Who is the Head, Christ; from Whom all the body, fitly framed and knit together through every joint of supply, according to the working in due measure of each single part, secures the growth of the body to the upbuilding of itself in love.
from Whom all the body, fitly framed and knit together through every joint of supply, according to the working in due measure of each single part, secures the growth of the body to the upbuilding of itself in love.
that ye put off, as to your former manner of life, the old man, who is corrupt according to the desires of deceit; and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, read more. and put on the new man, who after God was created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
and become kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God also in Christ forgave you.
Let no one deceive you with empty words; for, because of these things, comes the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. Do not, therefore, become partakers with them; read more. for ye were once darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as children of light
Look, therefore, carefully, how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise, buying up the opportunity, because the days are evil.
speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil; because to us the struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the principalities, against the authorities, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. read more. On this account, take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day; and, having fully accomplished all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having girded your loins about with truth, and having put on the breast-plate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; withal having taken up the shield of faith, with which ye will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And receive the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: with all prayer and supplication praying at every opportunity in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints; and on my behalf that utterance may be given to me, in opening my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel,
and on my behalf that utterance may be given to me, in opening my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
for which I am an ambassador in chains, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
for which I am an ambassador in chains, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But, that ye also may know my affairs, what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; read more. whom I sent to you for this very purpose, that ye may know our affairs, and that he may encourage your hearts.
whom I sent to you for this very purpose, that ye may know our affairs, and that he may encourage 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 who love our Lord Jesus Christ in incorruptness.
in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins;
and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, whether the things on the earth, or the things in the heavens.
of which I was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God, which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,
having been buried with Him in your immersion, in which ye were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, Who raised Him from the dead; and you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, did He make alive with Him: having freely forgiven us all our trespasses;
and not holding fast the Head from Whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increases with the increase of God.
on account of which things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience; in which things ye also formerly walked, when ye were living in these things. read more. But now do ye also put away all these; anger, wrath, malice, reviling, shameful talk out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, having put off the old man with his practices, and having put on the new man who is being renewed unto full knowledge, according to the image of Him Who created him;
Put on, therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; (bearing with one another, and freely forgiving one another, if any one have a complaint against any; even as the Lord freely forgave you, so also do ye):
(bearing with one another, and freely forgiving one another, if any one have a complaint against any; even as the Lord freely forgave you, so also do ye): and over all these put on love, which is the uniting-bond of perfectness. read more. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, unto which also ye were called in one body; and become thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts, to God.
at the same time praying for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ (because of which I have also become bound), that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak. read more. Walk in wisdom toward those without, buying up the opportunity.
whom I sent to you for this very purpose, that ye may know the things that concern us, and that he may comfort your hearts;
wherein God, more abundantly willing to show to the heirs of the promise the immutability of His counsel, interposed with 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 everything ye were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge;
but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery??he hidden wisdom??hich God predestined before the ages for our glory; which no one of the rulers of this age has known; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; read more. but, as it has been written, "Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not, and that entered not into the heart of man??hatsoever things God prepared for those who love Him"; but to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things ??ven the deep things of God.
but to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things ??ven the deep things of God. For who of men knows the things of a man, except the spirit of the man that is in him? even so the things of God no one has known, except the Spirit of God.
For we are God's fellow-workers; ye are God's husbandry, God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master-builder, I laid a foundation; and another builds thereon. But let each one take heed how he builds thereon; read more. for other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God is dwelling in you?
because we, the many, are one bread, one body; for we all partake of the one bread.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of ministries, and the same Lord. read more. And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, Who worketh all things in all.
For, as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is the Christ; for, indeed, in one Spirit were we all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit. read more. For the body also is not one member, but many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body"; it is not, therefore, not of the body. And, if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body"; it is not, therefore, not of the body.
And God, indeed, set some in the assembly: first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; after that, miracles; then, gifts of healings, helps, governments, various kinds of tongues.
Then comes the end, when He delivereth up the Kingdom to God, even His Father; when He shall abolish all rule and all authority and power; for He must reign, till He hath put all the enemies under His feet. read more. As the last enemy, death is abolished; for He put all things in subjection under His feet. But, when He saith, "All things have been put in subjection," it is evident that He is excepted, Who subjected all things to Him. And, when all things shall be subjected to Him, then will the Son also Himself be subjected to Him Who subjected all things to Him, that God may be all in all.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus:
for a dispensation of the fulness of the seasons, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth; in Him,
in Whom ye also??fter having heard the word of the truth, the Gospel of your salvation, in Whom having also believed??ere sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is an earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. read more. On this account I also, having heard of the faith, on your part, in the Lord Jesus, and the love which ye show towards all the saints,
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, would give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the full knowledge of Him;
which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the Heavenly places,
which, indeed, is His body, the fulness of Him Who is filling all in all.
that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Wherefore, remember that ye, the gentiles in flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision in flesh made by hand, that at that time ye were apart from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.
and might reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby;
because through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
because through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Accordingly, therefore, ye are no longer strangers and sojourners; but ye are fellow-citizens of the saints and of the house-hold of God; read more. having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief corner-stone;
having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief corner-stone; in Whom all the building, fitly framed together, is growing up into a holy temple in the Lord;
in Whom all the building, fitly framed together, is growing up into a holy temple in the Lord; in Whom ye also are being built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.
which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it was now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; that the gentiles are fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partners with us of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel;
in order that now might be made known to the principalities and authorities in the heavenly places, through the assembly, the manifold wisdom of God, according to a purpose of the ages which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Wherefore, I ask that ye faint not at my tribulations in your behalf, which, indeed, is your glory.
that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit as to the inward man;
I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord exhort you to walk worthily of the calling with which ye were called, with all humility and meekness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love; read more. earnestly endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
earnestly endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; read more. one Lord, one faith, one immersion, one God and Father of all, Who is over all, and through all, and in all. But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
And He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; with a view to the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; read more. until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the full knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man??o the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ;
from Whom all the body, fitly framed and knit together through every joint of supply, according to the working in due measure of each single part, secures the growth of the body to the upbuilding of itself in love.
Wherefore, having put away false-hood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor, because we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath; read more. neither give place to the Devil. Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands that which is good, that he may have to impart to him that has need. Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but whatever is good for the supplying of the need, that it may give grace to those who hear. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in Whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption.
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in Whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and reviling, be put away from you, with all wickedness; read more. and become kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God also in Christ forgave you.
and walk in love, as Christ also loved you, and delivered Himself up for you, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweet smell.
and walk in love, as Christ also loved you, and delivered Himself up for you, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweet smell.
(for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
the wives, to their own husbands, as to the Lord; because a husband is head of the wife, as Christ also is Head of the assembly; Himself the Savior of the body. read more. But, as the assembly is subject to Christ, so also let the women be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the assembly, and delivered Himself up for it,
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the assembly, and delivered Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of the water in the word,
that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of the water in the word, that He might present to Himself the assembly, glorious, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it may be holy and without blemish.
that He might present to Himself the assembly, glorious, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it may be holy and without blemish.
And, masters, do the same thing to them, forbearing the threat; knowing that both their Master and yours is in Heaven, and there is no respect of persons with Him. Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. read more. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil; because to us the struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the principalities, against the authorities, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. On this account, take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day; and, having fully accomplished all, to stand.
On this account, take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day; and, having fully accomplished all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having girded your loins about with truth, and having put on the breast-plate of righteousness, read more. and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; withal having taken up the shield of faith, with which ye will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And receive the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: with all prayer and supplication praying at every opportunity in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints;
with all prayer and supplication praying at every opportunity in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints;
But, that ye also may know my affairs, what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I sent to you for this very purpose, that ye may know our affairs, and that he may encourage your hearts.
Only demean yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ; that, whether coming and seeing you, or being absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye are standing fast in one spirit, with one soul striving together for the faith of the Gospel;
Only demean yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ; that, whether coming and seeing you, or being absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye are standing fast in one spirit, with one soul striving together for the faith of the Gospel;
Wherefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed upon Him the name which is above every name;
For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in flesh:
For our citizenship is in Heaven, whence also we are waiting for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
Be anxious for nothing; but, in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God:
But I have all, and abound; I have been filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, an odor of sweet smell, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
And, when the letter may be read among you, cause that it be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that ye also read the one from Laodicea.
as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the founding of a world.
Let us rejoice, and exult, and give the glory to Him; because the marriage of the Lamb came, and His wife made herself ready."
And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the city, the holy Jerusalem, coming down out of the Heaven from God,
and the wall of the city, having twelve foundations; and on them, twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.