What does Ephesians 2:1-3 mean?

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 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: 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." - Ephesians 2:1-3

Ephesians 2:1-3 - "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 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: 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."

Ephesians 2:1-3 - "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 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: 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."

Ephesians 2:1-3 in the King James Version reads:

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 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: 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."

The passage from Ephesians 2:1-3 presents a sobering and candid depiction of the human condition before coming to faith in Jesus Christ. It outlines the state of spiritual death and moral depravity that characterizes humanity apart from God's grace. The passage serves as a poignant reminder of the transformation that takes place in the life of a believer, as well as the significance of Christ's redemptive work.

The first verse sets the stage by emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace. It proclaims that believers have been made alive, or "quickened," by God, even though they were once dead in their trespasses and sins. This vivid imagery of spiritual death and resurrection captures the radical nature of God's salvific work in the lives of believers. It also underscores the contrast between the former state of spiritual death and the newness of life that believers experience in Christ.

The following verses provide further context for the spiritual condition of non-believers. The passage describes how people "walked according to the course of this world" and were under the influence of "the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." This imagery portrays the pervasive influence of sin and evil in the world, as well as the spiritual bondage that ensnares those who are estranged from God. The reference to "the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" highlights the complicity of non-believers in aligning themselves with the forces of darkness and rebellion against God.

The passage then goes on to delineate the moral and spiritual depravity that characterizes the lives of non-believers. It speaks of indulging in the "lusts of our flesh" and fulfilling the "desires of the flesh and of the mind." This depiction conveys the way in which people were enslaved to their sinful impulses and driven by their own selfish desires. The language used in these verses conveys the depth of human depravity and the futility of seeking fulfillment apart from God.

Lastly, the passage concludes by asserting that non-believers were "by nature the children of wrath, even as others." This statement underscores the pervasiveness of sin and its dire consequences, as well as the universal need for salvation. It highlights the reality of divine judgment and the inherent separation from God that characterizes the unredeemed human condition.

Overall, Ephesians 2:1-3 presents a vivid portrait of the state of humanity apart from God's grace. It keenly conveys the depth of spiritual death and moral depravity that characterizes non-believers, as well as the transformative power of God's redemptive work. The passage serves as a poignant reminder of the universal need for salvation and the radical transformation that takes place in the lives of those who come to faith in Jesus Christ. It also underscores the significance of Christ's atoning work and the hope that believers have in Him.

Ephesians 2:1-3 Artwork

Ephesians 2:1-3 - "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 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: 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."

Ephesians 2:1-3 - "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 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: 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."

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 4:1-2

Ephesians 2:1 - "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"

Ephesians 2:1 - "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"

Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3:1 - "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,"

Ephesians 3:1 - "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,"

Ephesians 3:2 - "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:"

Ephesians 3:2 - "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:"

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1-5

Ephesians 4:1-5

Ephesians 4:1-5

Ephesians 4:1-5