John Calvin on Ephesians 6:24

24. Grace be with all. The meaning is, “May God continue to bestow his favor on all who love Jesus Christ with a pure conscience!” The Greek word, which I follow Erasmus in translating sincerity, (ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ,) signifies literally uncorruptedness, which deserves attention on account of the beauty of the metaphor. Paul intended to state indirectly, that, when the heart of man is free from all hypocrisy, it will be free from all corruption. This prayer conveys to us the instruction, that the only way of enjoying the light of the Divine countenance is to love sincerely God’s own Son, in whom his love toward us has been declared and confirmed. But let there be no hypocrisy; for most men, while they are not unwilling to make some professions of religion, entertain exceedingly low notions of Christ, and worship him with pretended homage. I wish there were not so many instances in the present day to prove that Paul’s admonition, to love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity is as necessary as ever.

END OF THE COMMENTARIES ON THE EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS.

A TRANSLATION OF

CALVIN’S VERSION OF THE

EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE GALATIANS.

CHAPTER 1

1 Paul, an apostle, not from men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead,

2 And all the brethren who are with met to the churches of Galatia;

3 Grace (be) to you, and peace from God the Father, and (from) our Lord Jesus Christ,

4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from the present wicked age, according to the will of God and our Father,

5 To whom (be) glory for ever and ever. Amen.

6 I wonder that ye are so soon removed from Christ who called you in grace, “Par grace, ou, en la grace de Christ.” “By grace, or, in the grace of Christ.” to another gospel;

7 Which is not another thing, than that there are some who trouble you, and wish to subvert the gospel of Christ.

8 But although we, or an angel from heaven preach the gospel to you otherwise than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, now also I say again, if any one shall preach the gospel to you otherwise than what ye have received, let him be accursed.

10 For do I now persuade according to men, or according to God? “Ou, presche-je des hommoes ou de Dieu? ou, humainement, ou, Divinement?” “Or, do I preach from men or from God? or, humanly, or Divinely?” or do I seek to please men? for if I still pleased men, I should not be a servant of Christ.

11 But I make known to you, brethren, concerning the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not according to man;

12 For I neither received nor learned it from man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 For ye have heard of my conversation, which formerly was in Judaism; “Quelle a este autrefois ma conversation en la Loi Judaique.” “What was formerly my conversation in the Jewish Law.” that, beyond measure, I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it,

14 And profited in Judaism “En la Loy Judaique.” “In the Jewish Law.” above many my equals “Plusieurs de mes pareils, ou, de men age.” “Many of my equals, or, of my age.” in my nation, being exceedingly zealous for the traditions of the fathers. “Ou, de mes ancestres.” “Or of my ancesters.”

15 But after that it pleased God, (who had separated me from my mother’s womb, and (who) called me by his grace,)

16 To reveal his son to me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, immediately I conferred not “Je ne prins point conseil.” “I did not take counsel.” with flesh and blood,

17 Neither did I return to Jerusalem, to those who were apostles before me; but I went away into Arabia, and again returned to Damascus.

18 Next after three years, I returned to Jerusalem, that I might see Peter; and I abode with him fifteen days.

19 But I saw none other of the apostles, except James the Lord’s brother.

20 Now the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I do not speak falsely.

21 Afterwards I came into the countries of Syria and Cilicia;

22 And was unknown by face to the churches of Judea, which were in Christ.

23 But there was only this report among them: “Mais ils aveyont seulement ou y dire.” “But they had only heard it said.” He who at one time persecuted us, now preacheth the faith which he formerly was destroying,

24 And they glorified God in me.

CHAPTER 2

1 Next, after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem along with Barnabas, having taken Titus also.

2 And I went up according to revelation, “Et y montai par revelation.” “And I went up to it by revelation.” and communicated to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles; but privately to them who were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

3 But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised;

4 On account of false brethren, who had secretly entered in order to spy out our liberty, which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might; bring us into bondage;

5 To whom we gave place by subjection, not even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.

6 But of those who appeared to be something, whatsoever they formerly were, it is of no consequence to me; (God accepteth no man’s person, Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 34:19; Wisdom 6:8; Ecclesiasticus 35:16; Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17;) for they who appeared to be in estimation communicated nothing to me;

7 But, on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was communicated to me, as that of the circumcision (was) to Peter;

8 (For he who was effectual in Peter in order to the apostleship of circumcision, was also effectual in me towards the Gentiles;)

9 And James, and Cephas, and John, (who seethed to be pillars,) having known the grace given to me, gave to me and to Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we might discharge the apostleship among the Gentiles, and they among the circumcision.

10 Only that we should be mindful of the poor, which I also was careful to do.

11 And when Peter was come to Antioch, I openly withstood him, because he was worthy of blame.

12 For before that certain persons came from James, he partook of food along with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself from them, dreading those who were of the circumcision.

13 And the other Jews also dissembled along with him, so that Barnabas also was led aside into their dissimulation.

14 But when I saw that they did not walk uprightly, according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all ‘If thou, being a Jew, livest like Gentiles, and not like Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live like Jews?

15 We, (who are) Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

16 Knowing that man is not justified by works of the law, but through the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the that; for by works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

17 But if, seeking to be justified in Christ, We ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore the minister of sin? By no means.

18 For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

19 For by the law I am dead to the law. That I might live to God,

20 I am crucified with Christ. “Car par la Loy je suis mort a la Loy, et suis crucifie avec Christ, afin que je vive a Dieu.” “For by the Law I am dead to the Law, and am crucified with Christ, that I may live to God.” Now it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me; and that I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for, if righteousness is by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

CHAPTER 3

1 O foolish Galatians, who hath enchanted you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes hath been clearly exhibited Jesus, Christ crucified among you?

2 This only I wish to learn from you; Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the preaching of faith?

3 Are ye so foolish, that, having begun by the Spirit, ye are now completed by the flesh?

4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be indeed in vain.

5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, (doth he it) by the works of the law, or by the preaching of faith?

6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6 Romans 4:3 James 2:23.)

7 Know ye therefore that they who are of faith are the children of Abraham.

8 And the scripture, because it foresaw “Prevoyant.” “Foreseeing.” that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, formerly preached the gospel to Abraham: In thee shall all nations be blessed.

9 And so they who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

10 For all that are of the works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, (Deuteronomy 22:6,) Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

11 Now that by the law no man is instilled before God is evident, for the just by faith shall live. (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:38.)

12 And the law is not of faith; but the man who shall do these things shall live in them. (Leviticus 18:5.)

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, having been made a curse for us; (for it is written, (Deuteronomy 21:23,) Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree;)

14 That the blessing of Abraham may come upon the Gentiles by Christ Jesus; that we may receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.

15 Brethren, (I speak after the manner of men,) though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man setteth aside or addeth any thing.

16 Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

17 And this I say: the covenant (which was) formerly confirmed by God concerning Christ, the law, which began four hundred and thirty years after, doth not annul, so as to abolish the promise.

18 For, if the inheritance (is) by the law, (it is) no longer by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

19 To what then serveth the law? “A quoy donc sert la Loy?” It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come, to whom the promise was made; (and it was) ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

20 Now the mediator is not of one; but God is one.

21 (Is) the law then against the promises of God? “Ou, a elle este adjoustee centre les promesses de Dieu?” “Or, was it added against the promises of God?” By no means; for, if the law had been given that it might be able to give life, “Pour pouvoir vivifier.” “In order to be able to give life.” certainly righteousness would have been by the law.

22 But the scripture hath shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

23 Now before faith came, we were guarded under the law, shut up to the faith which was to be revealed.

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But faith being come, “La foy estant venue.” we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye are Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

CHAPTER 4

1 Now I say: As long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a slave, “Il n’est different en rien du serf.” “He is not different in any respect from the slave.” though he is lord of all;

2 But is under tutors and guardians, till the time appointed by the father.

3 So also we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.

4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, subjected under the law;

5 That he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive adoption. “A celle fin que receussions l’adoption des enfans.” “To this end, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

7 Wherefore thou art no longer a slave “Maintenant tu n’es plus serf.” but a son; and if a son, likewise an heir of God by Christ.

8 But at the time when ye knew not God, ye served those who by nature are not gods.

9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather have been known by God, why do ye turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, which you again desire to serve, anew? “Ausquels vous voulez derechef servir comme auparavant.” “Which you desire again to serve as formerly.”

10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

11 I am afraid of you, lest perhaps I have labored among you in vain.

12 Be ye as I; for I also am as you. Brethren, I beseech you; ye have done me no injury.

13 Now ye knew that, through infirmity of the flesh, I formerly preached the gospel to you;

14 And the trial of me, which was in my flesh, ye despised not, nor rejected; “Et n’avez point mesprise ne rejette l’espreuve de moy, telle qu’elle estoit en ma chair.” “And ye despised not, nor rejected, the trial of me, such as it was in my flesh.” but ye received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.

15 Where is then your blessedness? for I bear you witness, that, if it had been possible, ye would even have plucked out your own eyes, and would have given them to me.

16 Am I therefore become your enemy by speaking the truth?

17 They are jealous of you, not well; “Non point pour bien.” “Not for good.” yea, they wish to exclude you, that ye may be jealous of them.

18 But it is good to be the object of jealousy always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

19 My little children, for whom I again travail in birth; till Christ be formed in you,

20 I would wish now to be present with you, and to change my voice; for I am distressed about you.

21 Tell me, ye who wish to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?

22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons; one by the bond-maid, the other by the free-woman.

23 But he who (was) of the bond-maid was born according to the flesh; but he who, (was) of the free-woman, by promise.

24 Which things are allegorical “Lesquelles choses sent dites par allegorie.” “Which things are spoken by allegory.” for there are two covenants; one indeed from mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, that is Agar.

25 For Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and, on the other hand, corresponds to that which is now Jerusalem; for she is in bondage with her children.

26 But Jerusalem, which is above, is free, which is the mother of us all.

27 For it is written: Rejoice, O barren, who bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not; for more are the children of the forsaken than of her who hath a husband. (Isaiah 54:1.)

28 Now we, brethren, like Isaac, are children of the promise. (Romans 9:7.)

29 But as, at that time, he who was born according to the flesh, persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit; so also is it now.

30 But what saith the scripture? Cast out the bond-maid, and her son; for the son of the bond-maid shall not obtain the inheritance with the so, of the free-woman.

31 Wherefore, brethren, we are not children of the bond-woman, but of the free.

CHAPTER 5

1 Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty with which Christ hath made us free; and be not again entangled by the yoke of bondage.

2 Behold, I Paul protest to you, that, if ye be circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.

3 For I testify again to every man who is circumcised that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

4 Whosoever of you are justified by the law, ye have separated yourselves from Christ; ye are fallen from grace.

5 For we, through the Spirit, by faith, wait for the hope of righteousness.

6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith working by love.

7 Ye were running well. Who hindered you, that ye should not obey the truth?

8 This persuasion is not from him who called you.

9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

10 I am persuaded concerning you in the Lord, that ye will think nothing else; “Que vous n’aurez autre sentiment.” “That ye will have no other opinion.” but he that troubleth you shall bear the condemnation, whoever he be.

11 And I, “Et quant a moy.” “And as to myself.” brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? The offense of the cross is abolished.

12 Would that they were even cut off who trouble you!

13 For ye, brethren, have been called to liberty; only make not the liberty an occasion to the flesh, “Seulement (gardez) que la liberte ne soit occasion a la chair.” “Only beware lest the liberty be an occasion to the flesh.” but by love serve one another.

14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, namely, this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

15 But if ye bite and devour one another, see that ye be not consumed by one another.

16 Now I say: Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit; and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that ye cannot do those things which ye would wish.

18 But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, enmities, strife, emulations, wrath, quarrellings, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I foretell to you, as I also have foretold, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, “Patience, ou esprit patient.” “Patience, or a patient mind.” gentleness, kindness, fidelity,

23 Meekness, temperance; against such there is no law.

24 And they who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain-glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

CHAPTER 6

1 Brethren, although a man be overtaken in any fault, ye, who are spiritual, restore such a man in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

3 For if any one thinketh himself to be something, though he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

4 But let every one prove his own work; and then shall he have glory in himself alone, and not in another. “Et alors il aura dequoy se glorifier.” “And then will ye have ground of boasting.”

5 For every one shall bear his own burden.

6 Let him who is taught in the word communicate to the teacher in all good things.

7 Do not mistake: God is not mocked; for what a man shall have sowed, that will he also reap.

8 For he who soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he who soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

9 And let us not weary in doing good; for if we do not faint, we shall reap in due time. “Nous moissonnerons en la saison.” “We shall reap in the season.”

10 Therefore, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to them who are of the household of faith.

11 Ye see what a letter “Vous voyez (ou, voyez) quelles grandes lettres.” “Ye see, (or, See ye) how long a letter.” I have written with my own hand.

12 As many as wish to please outwardly in the flesh, “Tous ceux qui veuleut selon la face plaire en la chair, ou, Tous ceux qui cherchent belle apparence en la chair.” “All those who wish according to the face to please in the flesh, or, All those who seek a fine show in the flesh.” they constrain you to be circumcised; only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

13 For neither they who hold by circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they wish you to be circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

14 But far be it from me to glory, unless in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything nor uncircumcision; but a new creature.

16 And as many as walk by this rule, peace (be) on them, and mercy, and on the Israel of God.

17 Henceforth let no man give me annoyance; for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (be) with your spirit. Amen.

TO THE GALATIANS IT WAS WRITTEN FROM ROME.

A TRANSLATION OF

CALVIN’S VERSION

OF THE

EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS.

CHAPTER 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to all the saints who are at Ephesus, and to the believers in Christ Jesus;

2 Grace (be) to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed “Benit soit Dieu, ou, Loue soit Dieu.” “Blessed be God, or, Praised be God.” (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly “Es (choses) celestes, ou, Es lieux celestes.” “In heavenly things, or, In heavenly places.”‘‘ (places) in Christ;

4 As he hath chosen us in him before the creation of the world, that we might be holy and blameless in his sight through love:

5 Who hath predestinated us in adoption in himself through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he hath made us accepted in the Beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,

8 According to the riches of his grace; in which he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

9 Having made known to us the secret of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he had purposed in himself;

10 In order to the dispensation of the fullness of the times; “Afin de le dispenser en la plenitude des temps.” “In order to dis-pense it in the fullness of the times.” that he might gather together all things in Christ, both those things which are in heaven, and those things which are on the earth, in him;

11 Through whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things according to the purpose of his will;

12 That we, who first hoped in Christ, might be to the praise of his glory.

13 In whom ye also (trusted,) having heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, after having believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

14 Who is the earnest of our inheritance, till the redemption of the possession obtained, to the praise of his glory.

15 Wherefore I also, having heard of the faith which ye have in the Lord Jesus, and of the love (which ye have) toward all the saints,

16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, by the knowledge of him, “Pour avoir cognoissance (ou, par la cognoissance) de luy.” “In order to have knowledge of him, or, By the knowledge of him.”

18 The eyes of your mind enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the efficacy of the power of his strength;

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and caused him to sit at his own right hand in the heavenly (places);

21 Above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in (the age) which is to come;

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and hath appointed him head over all things to the church “Et l’a constitue sur toutes choses, pour estre chef a l’Eglise.”- And hath appointed him over all things, to be head to the Church.”

23 Which is his body, and the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

CHAPTER 2

1 And when ye were dead in your trespasses and sins;

2 In which for some time ye walked, according to the course “Secundum saeculum.” “Selon le cours.” of this world, according to the prince of the power of air, that is, of the spirit that now worketh “Qui est l’esprit qui besogne maintenant.” “Who is the spirit that now worketh.” in the children of disobedience;

3 Among whom we all also, for some time, had our conversation in the lusts of our flesh, executing what was agreeable to the flesh and to the mind; “Les desirs de la chair et de (nos) pensees.” “The desires of the flesh and of (our) thoughts.” and were by nature children of wrath, even as others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, on account of his great love, with which he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, quickened (us) together with Christ; (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and hath made us sit together in heavenly (places) in Christ Jesus;

7 That he might shew, in the ages to come, the surpassing riches of his grace, in (his) kindness “Par sa benignite.” “By his kindness.” toward us in Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; (it is) the gift of God.

9 Not of works, that no one may boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God hath prepared, that we may walk in them.

11 Wherefore remember that you, at one time Gentiles in the flesh, who were called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, made by the hand in the flesh,

12 At that time were without Christ, having been alienated from the commonwealth of Israel “N’ayans rien de commun avec la republique d’Israel.” “Having nothing in common with the commonwealth of Israel.” strangers from the tables of promise, “Estrangers des tables (ou, alliances) de la promesse.” “Strangers to the tables (or covenants) of promise.” not having hope, ” N’ayant point d’esperance.” “Having no hope.” and without God in the world;

13 But now in Christ Jesus “Par Jesus Christ.” “Through Jesus Christ.” you, who formerly were far off, have been made nigh through the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, “Qui de tous les deux a fait un.” “Who of both hath made one” and breaking down the middle wall of partition, the enmities in our flesh;

15 Abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments (which is) contained in ordinances, that he might unite in himself the two into one new man, making peace;

16 That he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, slaying “Ayant destruit.” “Having destroyed.” the enmities by it;

17 And coming, preached peace to you who were far off, and peace to those who were nigh;

18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

19 Therefore ye are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens of the saints, and of the household of God,

20 Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, of which Jesus Christ himself is the chief corner-stone;

21 In whom the whole building joined together groweth into a holy temple in the Lord;

22 In whom ye also are built together Or, “In whom also be ye builded together.” for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

CHAPTER 3

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, discharge the office of ambassador for you Gentiles;

2 If ye have heard of dispensation of the grace of God, (which was) given me towards you;

3 That through revelation he made known to me the secret, as I wrote a little before;

4 By attending to which ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,

5 Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets through the Spirit,

6 That the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ through the gospel.

7 Of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which was given to me according to the efficacy of his power.

8 To me, the least of all saints, was this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And that I should make manifest to all, what is the fellowship of the mystery, which hath been hid from ages in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ;

10 That the manifold wisdom of God might now be manifested to principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord,

12 Through whom we have boldness, and access with confidence, through the faith of him.

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my afflictions for you, which is your glory.

14 For this cause I bend my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named,

16 That he would give to you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man,

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that ye may be rooted and grounded in love, “Ou, Afin qu’estans enracinez et fondez en charite, vous puissiez comprendre.” “Or, That, being rooted and founded in love, ye may be able to comprehend.”

18 That ye may be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 To know, I say, the love of Christ, which surpasseth knowledge, that ye may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power working in you,

21 Be glory in the church through Jesus Christ, in all ages, for ever and ever. Amen.

CHAPTER 4

1 I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you, that ye may walk worthy of the calling to which ye have been called,

2 With all humility and meekness, with patience forbearing one another in love,

3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 One body and one spirit; “Soyez un corps et un esprit; ou, Il n’y a qu’un corps et un esprit.” “Be ye one body and one spirit; or, There is but one body and one spirit.” as ye have been called in one hope of your calling.

5 One Lord “Il n’y a qu’un Seigneur.” “There is but one Lord.” one faith, one baptism.

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all things, and through all things, (or, above all men and through all men,) and in you all.

7 But to each of us hath grace been given, according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith: After having ascended on high, he led captivity captive “Estant monte en haut, il a mene captive grande multitude de cap-this.” “Having ascended on high, he led captive a vast multitude of captives.” and gave gifts to men. (Psalm 68:18.)

9 Now that (word) he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He who descended is the same also who ascended above all heavens, that he might fill all things. “Ou, Accomplist, ou, replist le tout, ascavoir, toute l’Eglise de ses dons et graces.” “Or, That he might complete, or fill the whole, that is, the whole church, with his gifts and graces.”

11 And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and others pastors and teachers,

12 For the renewing of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body of Christ;

13 Till we all come into the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a perfect man, into the measure of the age of fulness “De l’aage entiere, ou, la parfaicte stature.” “Of the full age, or, the perfect stature.” of Christ;

14 That we may no longer be children, who are tossed and driven about by every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by craftiness for lying in wait to deceive;

15 But, following truth with love, may grow up in all things into hi