Ephesians 2:11-3:13

One in Christ

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called k the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands - 12 remember l that you were at that time separated from Christ, m alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to n the covenants of promise, o having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were p far off have been brought near q by the blood of Christ. 14 For r he himself is our peace, s who has made us both one and has broken down t in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in u ordinances, that he might create in himself one v new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might w reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and x preached peace to you who were y far off and peace to those who were z near. 18 For a through him we both have b access in c one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer d strangers and aliens, 1 but you are e fellow citizens with the saints and f members of the household of God, 20 g built on the foundation of the h apostles and prophets, i Christ Jesus himself being j the cornerstone, 21 k in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into l a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him m you also are being built together n into a dwelling place for God by 2 the Spirit.

Ephesians 3

The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

1 For this reason I, Paul, o a prisoner for Christ Jesus p on behalf of you Gentiles - 2 assuming that you have heard of q the stewardship of r God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 s how the mystery was made known to me t by revelation, u as I have written briefly. 4 v When you read this, you can perceive my insight into w the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is 3 that the Gentiles are x fellow heirs, y members of the same body, and z partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7 a Of this gospel I was made b a minister according to the gift of c God's grace, which was given me d by the working of his power. 8 To me, e though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, f to preach to the Gentiles the g unsearchable h riches of Christ, 9 and i to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery j hidden for ages in 4 God k who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold l wisdom of God m might now be made known to n the rulers and authorities o in the heavenly places. 11 This was p according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have q boldness and r access with s confidence through our t faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering u for you, v which is your glory.

  1. Cross References
    Romans 2:26
    So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
    Romans 2:28
    For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.
    Colossians 2:11
    In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.
    Colossians 2:13
    And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.
  2. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 12:2
    You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led.
    Ephesians 5:8
    For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
    Colossians 3:7
    In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
  3. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:18
    They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.
    Colossians 1:21
    And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds.
    Ezekiel 14:5
    That I may lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, who are all estranged from me through their idols.
    Galatians 2:15
    We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners.
    Galatians 4:8
    Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.
  4. Cross References
    Romans 9:4
    They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.
  5. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 4:13
    But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
    Ephesians 1:18
    Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
  6. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:17
    And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
    Acts 2:39
    For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.
  7. Cross References
    Colossians 1:20
    And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
    Romans 3:25
    Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
  8. Cross References
    Psalms 72:7
    In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
    Micah 5:5
    And he shall be their peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men.
    Zechariah 9:10
    I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
    Colossians 3:15
    And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
    Luke 2:14
    "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
  9. Cross References
    Galatians 3:28
    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
  10. Cross References
    Colossians 1:21 - 22
    And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds.
    Romans 7:4
    Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.
  11. Cross References
    Colossians 2:14
    By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
    Colossians 2:20
    If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations -
  12. Cross References
    Romans 6:4
    We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
  13. Cross References
    Colossians 1:20 - 22
    And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
    1 Corinthians 12:13
    For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
  14. Cross References
    Isaiah 57:19
    Creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near," says the Lord, "and I will heal him.
  15. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:13
    But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
  16. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 4:7
    For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?
    Psalms 148:14
    He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the Lord!
  17. Cross References
    John 14:6
    Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
  18. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:12
    In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
    John 10:7
    So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
    John 10:9
    I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
    Romans 5:2
    Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
  19. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:4
    There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call -
    1 Corinthians 12:13
    For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
    John 4:23
    But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.
  20. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:12
    Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
    Hebrews 11:13
    These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
    Hebrews 13:14
    For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
  21. Cross References
    Philippians 3:20
    But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
    Hebrews 12:22 - 23
    But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering.
  22. Cross References
    Galatians 6:10
    So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
  23. Cross References
    Jeremiah 12:16
    And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, 'As the Lord lives,' even as they taught my people to swear by Baal, then they shall be built up in the midst of my people.
    1 Corinthians 3:9
    For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.
  24. Cross References
    Matthew 16:18
    And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
    Revelation 21:14
    And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
  25. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 3:11
    For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
  26. Cross References
    Psalms 118:22
    The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
    Isaiah 28:16
    Therefore thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: 'Whoever believes will not be in haste.
  27. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:15 - 16
    Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
  28. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 3:16 - 17
    Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?
  29. Cross References
    1 Peter 2:5
    You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
  30. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:17
    So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love.
    2 Corinthians 6:16
    What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
    1 Timothy 3:15
    If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
  31. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:1
    I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.
    Acts 23:18
    So he took him and brought him to the tribune and said, "Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, as he has something to say to you.
    Philippians 1:7
    It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
    Ephesians 6:20
    For which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
  32. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:13
    So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
    Colossians 1:24
    Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.
  33. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:10
    As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
    Colossians 1:25
    Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known.
    1 Timothy 1:4
    Nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
  34. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:7
    Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
    Ephesians 4:7
    But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
    Acts 11:23
    When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.
    Romans 1:5
    Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations.
  35. Cross References
    Acts 22:17
    When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance
    Acts 22:21
    And he said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'
    Acts 26:16 - 18
    But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you.
  36. Cross References
    Daniel 2:29
    To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be.
    Romans 16:25
    Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
    2 Corinthians 12:1
    I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
  37. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:9 - 10
    Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
  38. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:6
    Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.
  39. Cross References
    Colossians 4:3
    At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison -
  40. Cross References
    Galatians 3:29
    And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
  41. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:16
    And might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
  42. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:7
    Therefore do not become partners with them.
  43. Cross References
    Colossians 1:23
    If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
    Colossians 1:25
    Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known.
  44. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 3:6
    Who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
  45. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:2
    Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you.
  46. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:20
    Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.
    Ephesians 1:19
    And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
  47. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:9
    For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
  48. Cross References
    Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
  49. Cross References
    Job 5:9
    Who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number:
    Romans 11:33
    Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
  50. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:18
    Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
    Romans 2:4
    Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
  51. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:2 - 3
    Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you.
  52. Cross References
    Colossians 1:26
    The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
  53. Cross References
    Revelation 4:11
    "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
    Ephesians 2:10
    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
  54. Cross References
    Romans 11:33
    Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
  55. Cross References
    1 Peter 1:12
    It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
  56. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:21
    Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
    Ephesians 6:12
    For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
  57. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:3
    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
  58. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:11
    In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.
  59. Cross References
    Hebrews 4:16
    Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
    Hebrews 10:19
    Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus.
  60. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:18
    For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
  61. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 3:4
    Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God.
  62. Cross References
    Mark 11:22
    And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.
    Philippians 3:9
    And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith -
  63. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:1
    For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles -
  64. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 1:6
    If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.