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 2:8
KJVFor by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Read it in context
From Death to Life and Unity in Christ
Start reading at Ephesians 2:1 (Ephesians 2:1 to Ephesians 2:22).
The recommended start is the beginning of the chapter, as it initiates the discourse on salvation by grace and the unity of believers.
- 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 salvation is by grace through faith, not by human works, and it is a gift from God. This salvation quickens those who were spiritually dead, bringing them into unity in Christ.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His rich mercy and great love, by which He quickens those dead in sins and saves them by grace through faith, making them His workmanship and bringing them near through the blood of Christ.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by theological explanation and exhortation.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 60 to 62.
- When does the event take place? The spiritual quickening and salvation described are experienced by believers in their present lives, based on God's work through Christ. The writing of the letter occurred during Paul's imprisonment.
Where
- Where did it happen? The spiritual transformation described is not tied to a specific earthly location, but the letter was addressed to the church in Ephesus.
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Rome, writing from prison.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in From Death to Life and Unity in Christ (Ephesians 2:1 to Ephesians 2:22). Start reading at Ephesians 2:1. The recommended start is the beginning of the chapter, as it initiates the discourse on salvation by grace and the unity of believers.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Ephesians 2:8 summarizes the means of salvation previously introduced in Ephesians 2:5 ("by grace ye are saved") and sets the stage for the explanation that salvation is "Not of works" (Ephesians 2:9) and leads to "good works" (Ephesians 2:10). It also forms the theological foundation for the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles into one body in Christ, detailed in Ephesians 2:11-22. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The passage emphasizes that salvation is "with Christ," "in Christ Jesus," and that believers are "made nigh by the blood of Christ." Christ is identified as "our peace" and the one through whom both Jews and Gentiles have "access by one Spirit unto the Father." He is also the "chief corner stone" of God's household. stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? Believers today should recognize that their salvation is entirely a gift of God's grace, received through faith, and not earned by any personal effort or works. This understanding should lead to humility, gratitude, and a desire to live out the good works that God has prepared for them. interpretation
Cited: Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:5, Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 2:8, Ephesians 2:9, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 2:11, Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 2:14, Ephesians 2:16, Ephesians 2:18, Ephesians 2:20
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
- by Eph 2:5 Rom 3:24 2 Thess 1:9
- through Mark 16:16 Luke 7:50 John 3:14-18,36 John 5:24 John 6:27-29,35,40 Acts 13:39 Acts 15:7-9 Acts 16:31
- that Eph 2:10 Eph 1:19 Matt 16:17 John 1:12-13 John 6:37,44,65 Acts 14:27 Acts 16:14 Rom 10:14,17
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.