Not of works, lest any man should boast.
It's not because of good things we do, so that no one can brag about it.
This verse emphasizes that salvation comes as a gift from God, not something we earn through our actions, so no one can take credit for it.
📚 Historical Context
In the first century AD, the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians from prison, addressing a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile believers in a city known for its diverse religious influences. He was emphasizing that salvation is a gift of God's grace through faith, directly challenging the common Jewish reliance on works of the Law for righteousness, which could foster pride. This context highlights Paul's broader mission to unify the early church by stressing that no one can earn salvation, preventing any basis for human boasting.
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