Ephesians 6:24

Ephesians 6:24, in plain English

May God's grace reach everyone who genuinely loves Jesus with a love that will never fade or die, even when circumstances try to shake it.

Why it's here

Paul is closing with a final, unconditional blessing—but notice he attaches it to something: a love for Jesus that's undying, that persists. He's not blessing false profession or casual belief; he's blessing real, enduring devotion. For people facing pressure and imprisonment in their faith, this was a powerful affirmation that their love matters and their faithfulness is noticed.

Who's speaking

Paul

Where it sits in the story

This is how Paul chooses to end his letter—not with a call to action or a final warning, but with grace. It's the last word, and grace is always God's last word. Throughout the Bible, grace shows up at the end of things, as if to remind us that whatever we've done or failed to do, God's generosity is what ultimately carries us forward.

The scholarly reading

Paul bestows grace upon all who possess a love for Jesus Christ that is imperishable and eternal—not merely sentimental affection but steadfast devotion.

Language and setting

The phrase "undying love" (ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ—literally, "in incorruptibility") employs eschatological language that saturates Paul's theology; ἀφθαρσία denotes that which transcends decay and mortality, the very substance of resurrection existence. This final blessing restricts grace not universally but to those whose orientation toward Christ exhibits this supernatural permanence. Some commentators (following Chrysostom's *Homilies on Ephesians*) read this as an implicit exhortation: genuine reception of grace manifests itself in unwavering devotion, making this simultaneously a benediction and a call to perseverance.

Voice

Paul, offering the final benediction and implicit exhortation

Significance

This closing ties back to Ephesians' opening affirmation of redemption in Christ (1:3-14) and its vision of believers sealed with the Holy Spirit *unto the day of redemption* (1:13-14). The emphasis on incorruptible love anchors the entire letter's theology: believers are incorporated into Christ's imperishable reality, and their love for him participates in that same transcendent character, making grace not merely forensic justification but transformative participation in Christ's resurrection life.

22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.

23Peace to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Read all of Ephesians 6 — The battle isn't against flesh and blood. Belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith — Paul arms believers for an invisible war.