Ephesians 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.

For {G1063} we are {G2070} his {G846} workmanship {G4161}, created {G2936} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} unto {G1909} good {G18} works {G2041}, which {G3739} God {G2316} hath before ordained {G4282} that {G2443} we should walk {G4043} in {G1722} them {G846}.

For we are of God’s making, created in union with the Messiah Yeshua for a life of good actions already prepared by God for us to do.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.

Commentary on Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)

Ephesians 2:10 is a foundational verse that beautifully explains the Christian's identity and purpose, following the profound declaration of salvation by grace in the preceding verses.

Context

This verse comes immediately after the powerful statement in Ephesians 2:8-9, which emphasizes that salvation is "by grace through faith" and "not of works," lest any man should boast. Verse 10 provides the crucial balance: while works do not save us, they are the *result* and *purpose* of our salvation. It shifts the focus from *how* we are saved to *why* we are saved and *who* we become.

Key Themes

  • God's Workmanship: Believers are described as God's "workmanship." This highlights God's active role in our creation and transformation. We are not merely saved; we are handcrafted by the divine artist.
  • Created in Christ Jesus: Our new identity and purpose are fundamentally tied to Christ. This signifies a spiritual rebirth and new creation, distinct from our former state.
  • Unto Good Works: The purpose of this new creation is clearly stated: "unto good works." These works are not the *cause* of salvation but the *evidence* and *fruit* of it. They are the path God intends for believers to walk.
  • Before Ordained: God has pre-planned or "before ordained" these good works for us. This speaks to God's sovereign plan and the specific purposes He has for each believer's life, prepared beforehand.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "workmanship" is poiēma (ποίημα). It's where we get the English word "poem." It suggests a created masterpiece, something carefully and skillfully made. We are God's unique and intentional creation in Christ.

The phrase "before ordained" comes from the Greek word proetoimazō (προετοιμάζω), meaning "to prepare beforehand." This reinforces the idea of God's divine intention and preparation regarding the good works believers are meant to do.

Practical Application

Ephesians 2:10 offers incredible comfort and direction. It reminds us that our salvation is entirely God's doing, giving us a new identity as His cherished creation. Furthermore, it provides a clear purpose: to live a life characterized by good works. These works are not burdensome requirements but rather the very path God has prepared for us to walk, allowing us to live out our new nature in Christ and be a light to the world, bringing glory to God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Philippians 2:13

    For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

  • Colossians 1:10

    That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

  • Hebrews 13:21

    Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17

    Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:8

    And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

  • Ephesians 4:24

    And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

  • Philippians 1:6

    Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:
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