Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Study Note
Study Note
Paul traces a three-step sequence — hearing the word of truth, believing the gospel, and being sealed with the Holy Spirit — presenting the Spirit as God's ratifying mark on those who enter covenant. The 'seal' ('sphragis') carried legal and commercial force in antiquity: it authenticated ownership, guaranteed security, and marked goods for delivery. Paul extends the metaphor in verse 14 by calling the Spirit an 'arrabon' (earnest, down-payment), indicating that present spiritual experience is a foretaste of full eschatological inheritance. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 uses identical sealing language, confirming the pattern as foundational to Pauline pneumatology.
Other Translations
in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,—in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth--the good news of your salvation--in whom also having believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of the promise,
In whom you, having been given the true word, the good news of your salvation, and through your faith in him, were given the sign of the Holy Spirit of hope,
Cross References
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard …
Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, …
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with …
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the …
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until …
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly …
Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word …
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy …