Ephesians 2:10 — New Living Translation (NLT) (2026-09-05)

Historical lead-up

In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul writes to the early church in Ephesus, a city known for its diverse culture and strong pagan influences. Paul had previously shared the message of Jesus with them, emphasizing the grace and salvation offered through faith. As he addresses the believers, he highlights their new identity in Christ and the transformation that comes from being part of God’s family.

Why this verse was written

This verse was written to encourage the Ephesians and remind them of their purpose in Christ. Paul wanted to affirm that their salvation was not just about being saved from sin but also about being created for good works. He aimed to strengthen their understanding of their identity and calling as followers of Jesus, emphasizing that they are not only recipients of grace but also active participants in God’s plan.

True meaning

Ephesians 2:10 speaks to the truth that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works. The key phrase here is “God’s handiwork,” which signifies that we are intentionally crafted by God with purpose. Paul is addressing the believers, reminding them that their lives have been transformed and that they are designed to do good works that God has prepared for them. This emphasizes both our value as individuals and the active role we play in God’s kingdom.

Living it today

This verse invites us to reflect on our identity in Christ and the good works we are called to do. In daily life, we can seek to understand our unique gifts and talents, using them to serve others and glorify God. This might look like volunteering in our community, offering support to those in need, or simply showing kindness in our interactions. In prayer, we can ask God to reveal the good works He has prepared for us and to help us walk in obedience to His calling.

What follows

Following this verse, Paul continues to elaborate on the significance of being brought near to God through Christ, emphasizing the unity and peace that believers share. This reinforces the idea that our good works are not just individual efforts but part of a larger community purpose in Christ.