FocusFrom former conduct to good works
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts the readers' former condition with God's mercy, joining salvation by grace through faith with their creation in Christ for good works.
interpretation Ephesians 2:10
KJVFor we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Read it in context
Salvation by Grace and Unity in Christ
Start reading at Ephesians 2:1 (Ephesians 2:1 to Ephesians 2:22).
The passage begins by describing the former state of spiritual death and God's act of quickening believers, leading into the explanation of salvation by grace through faith and its purpose, culminating in the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ.
- 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
- 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
- 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
- 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
- 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
- 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
- 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
- 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
- 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
- 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
- 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
- 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
- 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
- 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
- 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
- 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
- 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
- 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
- 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
- 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
- 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
- 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the named author. Pauline authorship is the traditional position, though some historical scholars dispute it. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ephesians 1:1–3:21): Paul addresses the saints and faithful in Christ, explicitly recalling his Gentile readers' former separation and their inclusion with Jewish believers in one body. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus, addressed as being at Ephesus in the KJV. Some early manuscripts omit the location, so wider circulation is possible. The letter expressly addresses believers of Gentile background. Biblical references: Ephesians 1:1; Ephesians 2:11. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is that believers are God's "workmanship," created anew in Christ Jesus for the purpose of performing good works, which God had prepared beforehand for them to do.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that salvation by grace through faith (as stated in verses 8-9) leads to a new life characterized by good works. These works are not the cause of salvation but its intended outcome, pre-ordained by God.
- What is the literary style? Epistle.
When
- When was it written? c. A.D. 60 to 62.
- When does the event take place? The "creation in Christ Jesus" occurs at the point of salvation, and the "walking in good works" is an ongoing process in the life of a believer. God's ordination of these works happened before time.
Where
- Where did it happen? The spiritual creation in Christ Jesus is not tied to a physical location, but the good works are to be walked in by believers wherever they are in the world.
- Where was the author located? Rome (in prison).
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Salvation by Grace and Unity in Christ (Ephesians 2:1 to Ephesians 2:22). Start reading at Ephesians 2:1. The passage begins by describing the former state of spiritual death and God's act of quickening believers, leading into the explanation of salvation by grace through faith and its purpose, culminating in the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse concludes the explanation of salvation by grace through faith (verses 8-9) by clarifying its purpose. While salvation is not by works, it is *unto* good works, demonstrating that God's saving act has a transformative and purposeful outcome in the lives of believers. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Believers are described as being "created in Christ Jesus," indicating that Christ is the means and sphere through which this new spiritual creation and purpose for good works are accomplished. He is central to God's workmanship in humanity. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, believers should understand that their salvation is a gift of God's grace, not earned by works. However, this salvation is intended to lead to a life of good works, which God has prepared for them to walk in. This encourages purposeful living, seeking to fulfill the divine design for their lives. interpretation
Cited: Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 2:8, Ephesians 2:9, Deuteronomy 32:6, Psalm 100:3, Psalm 138:8, Isaiah 19:25, Isaiah 29:23, Isaiah 43:21, Isaiah 44:21, Isaiah 60:21, Ephesians 4:24, Psalm 51:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15, Colossians 3:10, Matthew 5:16, Acts 9:36, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Colossians 1:10, 2 Thessalonians 2:17, 1 Timothy 2:10, 1 Timothy 5:10, 1 Timothy 5:25, 1 Timothy 6:18, Ephesians 1:4, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 4:1, Deuteronomy 5:33, Psalm 81:13, Psalm 119:3, Isaiah 2:3, Isaiah 2:4, Isaiah 2:5, Acts 9:31, Romans 8:1
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Ephesians 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question Pauline authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- we are Deut 32:6 Ps 100:3 Ps 138:8 Isa 19:25 Isa 29:23 Isa 43:21 Isa 44:21 Isa 60:21
- created Eph 4:24 Ps 51:10 2 Cor 5:17 Gal 6:15 Col 3:10
- good Matt 5:16 Acts 9:36 2 Cor 9:8 Col 1:10 2 Thess 2:17 1 Tim 2:10 1 Tim 5:10,25 1 Tim 6:18
- which Eph 1:4 Rom 8:29
- walk Eph 2:2 Eph 4:1 Deut 5:33 Ps 81:13 Ps 119:3 Isa 2:3-5 Acts 9:31 Rom 8:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Ephesians 2
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 2:19 Ephesians 4:1
Those once far off brought near
Ephesians 2:11–22FocusOne body and God's dwelling
Connection to the wholeThe Gentile readers' former exclusion is contrasted with reconciliation through Christ and their place in God's household and dwelling through the Spirit.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Ephesians
Paul addresses saints and faithful people in Christ Jesus. The letter describes God's purpose in Christ and a people brought together in Him, then calls those readers to walk worthy of that calling rather than treating their identity as permission for disobedience.
Ephesians 1:1 Ephesians 2:19 Ephesians 4:1
Blessing and prayer
Ephesians 1:1–23FocusGod's purpose in Christ
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for spiritual blessings in Christ and prays that the readers understand their hope, inheritance, and the power displayed in Christ.
interpretation FocusGrace, reconciliation, and revealed purpose
Connection to the wholePaul describes salvation by grace and the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in one body, then explains his ministry and prays for the church.
interpretation Walking worthy in one body
Ephesians 4:1–16FocusUnity and growth
Connection to the wholeThe practical appeal begins with maintaining unity and receiving the ministries that equip the body toward maturity in Christ.
interpretation The new life in relationships
Ephesians 4:17–6:9FocusHoliness, love, and responsibility
Connection to the wholePaul applies the new life to speech, desires, worship, households, and work, repeatedly grounding conduct in belonging to the Lord.
interpretation Stand in the Lord
Ephesians 6:10–24FocusSpiritual conflict and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe closing exhortation calls the readers to stand in God's strength and armour, joining vigilance with prayer and mutual encouragement.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.