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 Esphesus, and left them there: but before his departure he himself went into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. Though when they desired him to stay longer with them, he did not consent: but took his leave of them, read more. saying, I must by all means keep the approaching feast at Jerusalem; but I will return to you again, God willing. So he sailed from Ephesus;
Now there came to Ephesus a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures. Who had been instructed in the way of our Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught clearly the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. read more. And as he began to speak openly in the synagogue, Aquila and Priscilla heard him and took him home, and expounded to him the way of God more perfectly.
And ye see and hear, that not only at Ephesus, but in almost all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and perverted many people, saying, that they are no gods which are made by hands.
And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know in what manner I behaved among you all the time, from the first day that I came into Asia. Serving the Lord with all humility, and many tears, and trials which befel me by the ambushes of the Jews.
Serving the Lord with all humility, and many tears, and trials which befel me by the ambushes of the Jews. And how I with-held nothing that was useful, but have declared it to you, and have taught you publicly and from house to house:
And how I with-held nothing that was useful, but have declared it to you, and have taught you publicly and from house to house: testifying both to the Jews and Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. read more. And now, being constrained by the spirit, behold I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will befal me there: save that the holy Spirit testifieth in every city, that bonds and afflictions await me. But none of these things move me, nor do I account my life dear, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now behold I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I call you to witness this day, that I am clear from the blood of all men. For I have not failed to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
For I have not failed to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit hath appointed you bishops, to feed the church of God, which He purchased with his own blood. read more. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And from among yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. Watch therefore, remembering that for the space of three years I ceased not by night and by day to warn every one with tears.
Watch therefore, remembering that for the space of three years I ceased not by night and by day to warn every one with tears. And now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to the word of his grace: who is able to edify you, and to give you an inheritance among all that are sanctified.
And now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to the word of his grace: who is able to edify you, and to give you an inheritance among all that are sanctified.
And now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to the word of his grace: who is able to edify you, and to give you an inheritance among all that are sanctified.
And now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to the word of his grace: who is able to edify you, and to give you an inheritance among all that are sanctified. I have coveted no one's silver, or gold, or apparel: read more. and ye yourselves know that these hands have ministred to my necessities, and to those that were with me. I have shewed you in all things, that by labouring thus ye ought to support the infirm; and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
though there are many opposers.
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, to the saints, who are at Ephesus, even the faithful in Christ Jesus; grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the remission of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might reduce all things, both in heaven and on earth, under one head in Christ: even in Him, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated to it according to the purpose of Him who effecteth all things after the counsel of His own will:
who is the pledge of our inheritance, till the redemption of his purchased possession, to the praise of his glory. Wherefore I also, having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus,
and enlighten the eyes of your understanding; that ye may know, what is the hope of his calling, and how rich the glory of his inheritance in the saints;
being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone:
For this cause I Paul am the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the sake of you Gentiles: as ye have heard the dispensation of the grace of God, which was given me to preach unto you:
Now to Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power operating in us,
I therefore, a prisoner for the sake of the Lord, exhort you to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all humility and meekness;
I therefore, a prisoner for the sake of the Lord, exhort you to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all humility and meekness; and with long-suffering forbear one another in love,
and with long-suffering forbear one another in love,
and with long-suffering forbear one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: for there is but one body and one Spirit,
endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: for there is but one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
even as ye are called in 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 all. But grace is given to each of us, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore it is said, "When he ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." Now this expression "He ascended" what does it mean, but that He descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. And therefore He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; to qualify holy men for the work of the ministry, to the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all arrive in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, at perfect maturity, even to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we may be no longer children fluctuating and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the artful insinuations of men, and their crafty methods of deceiving; but holding the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body being fitly joined together and compacted by the aid of every joint, according to the operation proportioned to every part, maketh an increase to the edification of itself in love.
from whom the whole body being fitly joined together and compacted by the aid of every joint, according to the operation proportioned to every part, maketh an increase to the edification of itself in love.
which according to your former conversation was corrupted with deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; read more. and to put on the new man, which according to the image of God is created in righteousness, and true holiness.
tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgiveth you.
Let no one deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Therefore be not partners with them. read more. For ye were heretofore darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord:
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise men: redeeming the time, 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 armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For our conflict is not with flesh and blood only, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the world and of the darkness of this age, against wicked spirits in heavenly places. read more. Take therefore the complete armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore having your loins girt about with truth, and putting on the breast-plate of righteousness: and having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace: over all taking the shield of faith, whereby ye will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one: take also the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying at all seasons with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and intercession for all the saints; and for me particularly, that utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth with freedom, to make known the mystery of the gospel:
and for me particularly, that utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth with freedom, to make known the mystery of the gospel: for which I am an ambassador though in chains: that I may speak boldly in behalf of it, as I ought to speak.
for which I am an ambassador though in chains: that I may speak boldly in behalf of it, as I ought to speak.
for which I am an ambassador though in chains: that I may speak boldly in behalf of it, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs, and what I am doing here, Tychicus a beloved brother, and a faithful minister in the Lord, shall make all known to you: whom I have sent to you, read more. for this very end, that ye might know our concerns, and that he may comfort your hearts.
for this very end, that ye might know our concerns, and that he may 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 that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
in whom we have redemption by his blood, even the remission of sins.
and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace by the blood of his cross; by Him only, whether they be things on earth, or things in heaven.
Of which I was made a minister according to the dispensation of God, which is given me towards you, that I might fully declare the word of God:
being buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are raised together with Him, through faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead. And when ye were dead in trespasses, and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
and not adhering to the head, from which all the body, being supplied and held together as by joints and bands, increaseth with the increase of God.
for which things the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. In which ye also formerly walked, when ye lived among them. read more. But now put away all these also, wrath, animosity, malice, calumny, and filthy discourse out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing ye have put off the old man with his evil 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 mercy, benignity, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any one has a complaint against any: even as Christ hath forgiven you, so also do ye.
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any one has a complaint against any: even as Christ hath forgiven you, so also do ye. And above all these put on love, which is the band of perfection. read more. And let the peace of God preside in your hearts, to which ye are also called as united in one body: and be thankful for it. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another by psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude singing in your hearts to the Lord.
Praying at the same time for us also, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to declare the mystery of Christ, for which also I am in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought. Behave yourselves wisely towards them that are without, read more. redeeming the time.
whom I have sent to you for this purpose also that he may know your affairs, and comfort your hearts;
Wherefore God being willing more abundantly to manifest unto the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it 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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in all utterance and knowledge;
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, that hidden wisdom which God ordained before the worlds for our glory: which none of the rulers of this age knew; for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. read more. But as it is written, "Eye hath not seen, and ear hath not heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for those that love Him." But God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, even the deep things of God.
But God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knoweth the things of a man, but the spirit of a man which is in him? so also the things of God no one knoweth, but the Spirit of God.
For we are fellow-laborers, the servants of God: and ye are the husbandry of God, ye are the building of God. According to the grace of God given to me, as a wise architect I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon: but let every one see to it how he buildeth thereon. read more. For no one can lay any other foundation, but that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ: and if any build upon this foundation gold,
Do ye not know that ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
For the bread is one, and we though many are one body; for we all partake of that one bread.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit: and there are different offices, but the same Lord:
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit: and there are different offices, but the same Lord: and there are diversities of operations, read more. but it is the same God who worketh them all in every one.
For as the body is one, and hath many members; but all the parts of this one body, though many, are but one body: so also is the mystical body of Christ; for by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, (whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free) and are all 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 therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, "Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?
And God hath placed you accordingly in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miraculous powers, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, and various kinds of tongues.
Then will be the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God even the Father; when He shall have abolished all rule, and all authority, and power. For he must reign till He hath put all his enemies under his feet. read more. The last enemy that is destroyed is death: for He hath put all things under his feet. But when He saith that all things are put under Him, it is plain that we are to except Him who put all things under Him. And when all things shall be subjected to Him, then shall the Son also himself be subject to Him, that 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, who are at Ephesus, even the faithful in Christ Jesus;
that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might reduce all things, both in heaven and on earth, under one head in Christ:
In whom ye also trusted, when ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also when ye believed, ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise, who is the pledge of our inheritance, till the redemption of his purchased possession, to the praise of his glory. read more. Wherefore I also, having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus,
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to the knowledge of Him,
which He exerted in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at his own right hand in heavenly places,
which is his body, the complete work of Him, who filleth all in all.
That in the ages to come He might shew the superabundant riches of his grace, in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus.
Wherefore remember that ye were formerly Gentiles in the flesh, called uncircumcision by that which is called circumcision made by hands in the flesh; and ye were at that time without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus,
and that He might reconcile both in one body unto God, by the cross, having thereby slain the enmity:
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the houshold of God; read more. being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone:
being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone: in whom the whole building fitly joined together increaseth to an holy temple in the Lord:
in whom the whole building fitly joined together increaseth to an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are built up together for an habitation of God by the Spirit.
which in other generations was not made known to men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be co-heirs, and of the same body, and joint-partakers of his promise in Christ, by the gospel:
that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions; according to the ancient purpose, which He executed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Wherefore I desire that ye would not be discouraged at my afflictions on your account, which is your glory.
that He would grant you, according to his glorious riches, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit, as to the inner man;
I therefore, a prisoner for the sake of the Lord, exhort you to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all humility and meekness; and with long-suffering forbear one another in love, read more. endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: for there is but one body and one Spirit,
endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: for there is but one body and one Spirit,
endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: for there is but one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in 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 all. But grace is given to each of us, according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
And therefore He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; to qualify holy men for the work of the ministry, to the edifying of the body of Christ: read more. till we all arrive in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, at perfect maturity, even to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
from whom the whole body being fitly joined together and compacted by the aid of every joint, according to the operation proportioned to every part, maketh an increase to the edification of itself in love.
Wherefore putting away lying, speak ye every one truth to his neighbor; for we are all members of one society. Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath; read more. and give not the devil room to ensnare you. Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labour, doing some good with his hands, that he may have something to bestow on him that hath need of it. Let no corrupt word come out of your mouth; but what is good to useful edification, that it may benefit the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed to the day of redemption.
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed to the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and fury, and clamor, and calumny, be put away from you, with all malice: and be kind one to another, read more. tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgiveth you.
even as Christ hath loved us, and given Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweet perfume.
even as Christ hath loved us, and given Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweet perfume.
walk therefore as children of light, (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,)
Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord: for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and the saviour of that body. read more. As the church then is subject to Christ, so also should wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it:
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave up Himself for it: to sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
to sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might prepare it for Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and unblameable.
that He might prepare it for Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy and unblameable.
And ye masters, do the same to them, forbearing threatening: knowing that ye yourselves also have a Master in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with Him. Moreover, my brethren, strengthen yourselves in the Lord, and in his mighty power. read more. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For our conflict is not with flesh and blood only, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the world and of the darkness of this age, against wicked spirits in heavenly places. Take therefore the complete armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.
Take therefore the complete armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore having your loins girt about with truth, and putting on the breast-plate of righteousness: read more. and having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace: over all taking the shield of faith, whereby ye will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one: take also the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying at all seasons with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and intercession for all the saints;
praying at all seasons with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and intercession for all the saints;
But that ye also may know my affairs, and what I am doing here, Tychicus a beloved brother, and a faithful minister in the Lord, shall make all known to you: whom I have sent to you, for this very end, that ye might know our concerns, and that he may comfort your hearts.
Only behave worthy of the gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you, or be absent, I may hear of you, that ye stand firm in one Spirit, striving together as with one soul for the saith of the gospel;
Only behave worthy of the gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you, or be absent, I may hear of you, that ye stand firm in one Spirit, striving together as with one soul for the saith of the gospel;
Wherefore God hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name above every name:
For we are of the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and having no confidence in the flesh.
from whence also we expect the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ: who will change our vile body,
Be anxious in nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known before God.
And indeed I have it all, and now abound: I am fully supplied, having received of Epaphroditus the things sent by you, a fragrant odor, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
And when this letter has been read amongst you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; that ye may also read that from Laodicea.
as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things: in which are some things hard to be understood, which the illiterate and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction.
So that all 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 glory to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
And he carried me away in spirit to a great and high mountain, and he shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God:
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.