Ephesians 1:1

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

[This letter is from] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, according to God’s will, [and is being sent] to the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] at Ephesus [Note: This was a major city in the western province of Asia Minor, and is now a part of Turkey. The words “at Ephesus” are omitted in some manuscripts, suggesting it was a circular letter], and the faithful ones in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus [everywhere else (?)].

Cross References

Luke 16:10

“The person who is trustworthy in regard to very small matters, [such as material possessions] is also [likely to be] trustworthy in regard to large matters, [such as spiritual values], and the person who does not do what is right in very small matters is also not [likely] to do what is right in large ones.

Acts 16:15

And when she was immersed [into Christ], along with her household [i.e., possibly relatives and/or employees] she urged us, saying, “If you consider me to be a faithful disciple of the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she insisted that we go [to her house].

Acts 18:19

When they arrived at Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila there. He then went into the [Jewish] synagogue and held discussions with the Jews.

Acts 18:21

So, he left them, saying, “I will come back to you if it is God’s will.” Then He sailed from Ephesus.

Acts 9:13

But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many people about how much harm this man has done to your holy people at Jerusalem.

Romans 1:1

[This letter is from] Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, [who was] called to be an apostle, [and] set apart for [preaching] the Gospel of God.

Romans 1:7

All of you there in Rome [i.e., the church there] are also among such obedient believers. You are called Jesus Christ’s [people], loved by God and called to be His holy people. May you have unearned favor and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:1

Therefore, none of those who are in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus will be condemned.

1 Corinthians 4:12

we work hard with our hands. [Though] we are cursed, we [ask God’s] blessing [on people]; [though] we are persecuted, we persevere;

1 Corinthians 4:17

This is the reason that I am sending Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful [spiritual] son in [the service of] the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways [i.e., my teaching and conduct] which are in [the service of] Christ. I teach these things in every congregation wherever [I go].

2 Corinthians 1:1

[This letter is from] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy, our brother. [It is being sent] to the church of God at Corinth, with all the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] who are in the entire province of Achaia [Note: This was the southern province of Greece]

Galatians 1:1

[This letter is from] Paul, an apostle, (not from [the authority of] men, or through the [agency] of a man, but by [a direct commission from] Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead).

Galatians 3:26

For all of you are children of God through your faith in Christ Jesus [as God’s only Son].

Galatians 3:28

[In this relationship] there is to be no [distinction between] Jews or Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], slaves or free persons, men or women; for all of you are united into one [body] because of your relationship with Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:9

So then, all those who have faith [in Jesus] receive a blessing along with Abraham, a man of faith.

Ephesians 1:15

For this reason also, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people],

Ephesians 2:10

For we [Christians] are the product of God’s workmanship, [re-] created in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus for [the purpose of] doing good deeds. God had previously determined that this should be our practice.

Ephesians 2:13

But now [that you are] in [fellowship with] Christ, you [Gentiles], who were once far away [from God], have been brought near [to Him] through the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:6

God raised us up with Christ [See Col. 2:12] and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms [i.e., in the church. See 1:3] in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:21

But, so that you people also can know how I am doing and what is going on with me, Tychicus, the dearly loved brother and faithful minister in [the service of] the Lord, will tell you everything.

Colossians 1:2

[and is being sent] to the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] and faithful brothers in [fellowship with] Christ [who live] at Colosse. May you have unearned favor and peace from God our Father.

Revelation 17:14

These kings and the beast will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings. And those who are called and chosen [by God], and who are faithful [to Him will share the victory] with the Lamb.”

Revelation 2:10

Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. [For] look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. [But], you should be faithful [to God] even to the point of dying [for Him], and I will give you the crown of [never ending] life.

Revelation 2:13

I know where you are living; [it is] where Satan’s throne is. And [I know] that you are holding on firmly to my name, and did not deny [your] faith in me, even in the days of my faithful witness Antipas [Note: The Greek word here for witness is “martyr”], who was killed there where you are, where Satan lives.