What does Ephesians 2:18 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 2:18 states: "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." In this verse, "him" refers to Jesus Christ, and "both" refers to Jews and Gentiles.

The verse signifies that through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, all people, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background, have the same access to God the Father.

The "one Spirit" mentioned is the Holy Spirit, who acts as a mediator or facilitator of this relationship.

The deeper meaning here includes the ideas of unity in Christianity and the abolishment of former divisions between Jews and Gentiles.

It emphasizes the new covenant in which the barriers to a direct relationship with God have been removed through Jesus.

Historical Context

Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul, likely around 60-62 A.D. while he was in prison in Rome.

The early church was grappling with the integration of Gentile believers into what was predominantly a Jewish sect following the teachings of Jesus.

There were significant cultural and religious tensions as the church tried to understand how the laws of the Old Testament and the Jewish traditions applied to this new community of believers.

This verse is addressing the unity of believers in this new faith and the radical inclusivity brought about by Christ's death and resurrection.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, there are several insights that can be gathered from this verse:

• Christocentric Access: The verse reinforces the Christocentric idea that Jesus is the only way to God, further strengthening the foundational Christian belief in the trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The verse offers insight into the role of the Holy Spirit as the one who enables believers to have a relationship with God.

This is part of the wider Christian doctrine relating to the work of the Spirit in salvation and the life of a believer.

• Unity of the Church: The verse also supports the theological conviction that the church should not be divided by ethnic, social, or cultural lines, highlighting the universal nature of the gospel and the equal standing of all people in Christ.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Ephesians 2:18 can be applied in the following ways:

• Encouraging Unity: This verse can be used to encourage unity and understanding within the body of believers, promoting diversity while maintaining doctrinal unity.
• Personal Relationship with God: It reinforces the idea that believers have personal access to God and can communicate with Him directly through prayer, without the need for an earthly intermediary.
• Cross-cultural Engagement: It calls for believers to embrace cross-cultural mission and engagement, recognizing that the gospel transcends cultural and racial divisions.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 3:12: "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him."
• John 14:6: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
• Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
• Romans 5:1-2: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
• 1 Corinthians 12:13: "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."

Language Study

The phrase "through him" translates from the Greek "δι’ αὐτοῦ" (di’ autou), indicating that it is through Jesus' agency or mediation that this access is granted.

"Access" is translated from the Greek word "προσαγωγή" (prosagōgē) which denotes being brought into the presence of someone, indicating a privilege of being able to approach a person of high status.

The term "Spirit" refers to "πνεῦμα" (pneuma), used here to designate the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to Christian beliefs, a number of ancient cultures and religions have concepts of mediators who connect humanity with the divine.

For instance, in ancient Greek religion, certain gods or demi-gods served as intercessors between humans and the pantheon of gods.

However, unlike these myths, Christianity holds a unique view that the mediator (Jesus) is also divine and one with God the Father, offering a direct and personal relationship with God.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not engage directly with scientific discourse but speaks to philosophical and metaphysical concepts about the nature of God, reality, and human experience.

The discussion on how humans can have a relationship with the divine transcends empirical scientific investigation and enters the realm of spiritual belief, personal faith, and theological doctrine.

Commentaries

Bible commentaries offer various expert interpretations of Ephesians 2:18:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry interprets this passage as the unification of Jews and Gentiles into one church, through the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit leading them to God the Father.
• The MacArthur Study Bible: Reverend John MacArthur notes that the "one Spirit" is the Holy Spirit and highlights the barriers that Christ's work has removed, which formerly separated Jews from Gentiles and all people from God.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary: This commentary emphasizes the reconciliation that has taken place through Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit in granting both Jewish and Gentile believers access to the Father.