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Ephesians 2

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

What does Ephesians 2:19 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 2:19 is a verse that communicates inclusion and belonging.

In the early Christian community, there was a concern about the division between Jewish believers and Gentile (non-Jewish) believers.

The apostle Paul is addressing a predominantly Gentile audience in Ephesus and emphasizes that they, once considered outsiders to the covenant of God, are now fully included among the people of God.

Paul uses familial and civic language in this verse to convey the unity and equality of all believers, Jewish and Gentile, in the family of God.

The terms "strangers" and "foreigners" refer to those who were not part of the commonwealth of Israel and thus did not have rights to the promises given to Israel.

The phrase "fellowcitizens with the saints" implies a shared citizenship in the kingdom of God, and "household of God" speaks of an intimate family relationship with God as the Father.

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

This letter to the Ephesians is believed to have been written by Paul while he was in prison, around AD 60-62.

Ephesus was a significant city in the Roman Empire, known for its large temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis.

The early church comprised both Jews and Gentiles, creating a potential for conflict due to cultural and religious differences.

Prior to Christ, Gentiles were not part of the covenant community of Israel and were often perceived as outsiders.

Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, Paul taught that the barriers between Jews and Gentiles had been broken down, creating a new, unified community of believers in Christ.

Theological Insights

Theologians of various traditions have viewed Ephesians 2:19 as a profound statement about the nature of the Christian church.

It has been interpreted as a declaration of unity between disparate groups, emphasizing that in Christ, ethnic, social, and cultural divisions are overcome.

This verse is often used to uphold the concept of the "invisible church," a doctrine stating that the true church is composed of all true believers irrespective of denominational lines.

It also underscores the 'already-but-not-yet' aspect of eschatology, where believers are considered citizens of the kingdom to come.

Some Catholic theologians use this verse to emphasize the church as a visible community with a hierarchical structure.

Practical Applications

Practically, Ephesians 2:19 encourages believers to act with brotherly love towards all members of the Christian community, regardless of their background or previous status.

It promotes inclusivity, unity, and reconciliation, serving as a call for the church to be an example of diversity in unity.

The idea of being no longer strangers but rather members of God's household can inspire a welcoming attitude in congregations and an openness to incorporate different traditions and practices within the Christian faith.

Cross-References

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 8:15-17: "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
1 Peter 2:5: "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
Hebrews 11:13-16: "...they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth...But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly..."
1 Corinthians 12:13: "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles..."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words used include:

"ξένοι" (xenoi), meaning "strangers," connoting those without rights in a community.
"πάροικοι" (paroikoi), translated as "foreigners" or "sojourners," refers to non-citizens, who were temporary residents without the privileges of citizenship.
"συμπολῖται" (sympolitai), meaning "fellowcitizens," indicating individuals who share equal privileges within the political life of a community.
"οἰκεῖοι" (oikeioi), translated as "of the household," suggesting intimate belonging and familial relations.

Understanding the nuances of these words in their original context deepens the impact of Paul's assertion that Gentiles are no longer outsiders.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The inclusiveness that Paul speaks about in Ephesians 2:19 contrasts with the exclusivity of many ancient religious and cultural traditions.

In Greco-Roman society, citizenship often carried with it certain privileges and rights that were not extended to non-citizens or foreigners.

In Judaism, the distinction between Jews and Gentiles was significant, with Gentiles seen as outside the covenant between God and Israel.

Paul's message challenges these boundaries, proposing a new community based upon faith in Christ rather than ethnic identity or cultural heritage.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, Ephesians 2:19 emphasizes a psychological and sociological understanding of group identity and belonging.

Studies in social identity theory and in-group/out-group dynamics acknowledge the human tendency to create divisions and the importance of inclusive communities for personal wellbeing and social cohesion.

The verse may also be of interest in discussions of genetics and genealogy, as it points away from biological determinism and towards a spiritual and adopted family.

commentaries

Commentators have offered various interpretations of Ephesians 2:19.

Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the spiritual privilege of Gentiles being brought into the fold of God's people.

John Calvin highlights the unity and peace that the verse promotes among Christians, along with the eradication of all spiritual privilege that the Jews formerly had over the Gentiles.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary discusses the implications for social unity and the consequent responsibilities for Christians to maintain the communal integrity of the church.

Contemporary scholars such as N.

Wright consider this verse as foundational for the understanding of Christian identity and the vocation of the church in the world.

Ephesians 2

Ephesians 2

What does Ephesians 2:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Ephesians 2:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?