Ephesians 2:14–3:13

¹⁴For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us,^{* 15}abolishing the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace,^{* 16}and might reconcile both to God in one body^p through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.^{q* 17}So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, ¹⁸for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father.^{* 19}So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God,^{* 20}built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone;^{r* 21}in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord,^{* 22}in whom you also are built together spiritually^s into a dwelling place for God.

Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

³This is the reason that I, Paul, am a prisoner for^t Christ Jesus^u for the sake of you gentiles, ²for surely^v you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you ³and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words,^{w* 4}a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ.^{* 5}In former generations this mystery^x was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:^{* 6}that is, the gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.^*

⁷Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. ⁸Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ^{* 9}and to make everyone see^y what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in^z God, who created all things,^{* 10}so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.^{a* 11}This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, ¹²in whom we have access in boldness and confidence through faith in him.^{b* 13}I pray, therefore, that you^c may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory.