What does Ephesians 2:21 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 2:21 focuses on the metaphor of the church as a building, specifically a holy temple.

The verse highlights that each follower of Christ is like a piece of the structure, which when united together, grows into a sacred dwelling for the Lord. This is not about physical growth but spiritual growth and edification.

The phrase "fitly framed together" suggests that every believer has a specific place and role within the church, carefully positioned by God, much like stones precisely placed in a building.

The imagery of growth implies that this divine structure, the church, is not static; it is dynamic and ever increasing in its capacity to glorify God.

Historical Context

Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s epistles, traditionally believed to have been written around 60-62 A.D. while he was imprisoned in Rome.

The recipients of this letter were predominantly Gentile believers in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman Province of Asia, which is present-day Western Turkey.

Ephesus was known for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and thus the imagery of a temple would have had particular resonance with its readership.

The early Christians often faced challenges in forming a cohesive community due to the diversity of their backgrounds and the partitions between Jews and Gentiles.

Therefore, the concept of unity in the body of Christ was a vital message for them.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse contributes to the idea of the "universal church," consisting of all believers, transcending time and location.

In Christian doctrine, Jesus Christ is the cornerstone or foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20), and believers are built upon this foundation.

The reference to a holy temple also invokes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the collective community of believers.

This theological insight moves away from the concept of God's presence being confined to a physical temple and associates it with the spiritual community instead.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can be interpreted to mean that each individual's contributions and spiritual gifts are important to the overall health and growth of the community.

It encourages believers to find their place within the church and work in harmony with others to further its mission.

A sense of mutual support and interconnectedness is promoted, where each member's spiritual well-being and development contribute to the strengthening of the whole body.

Cross-References

• 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."
• 1 Corinthians 3:16: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"
• 1 Corinthians 12:12: "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "fitly framed together" comes from the word "sunarmologoumene", derived from "sun" (together) and "harmologeo" (to fit together, to join).

It conveys the concept of each part being joined and aligned in exact harmony.

Another key word is "groweth" from "auxano", which often means physical growth but in this context is used metaphorically to describe the maturation and increase of the church through God's power.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a spiritual structure where deities dwell is not unique to Christianity.

Many ancient religions had temples and sacred buildings designed for the gods' presence. In Greek mythology, temples were built for gods such as Zeus and Athena. In many Eastern religions, the idea of a mandala represents the universe and can be thought of as a spiritual abode for divinity.

However, Christianity diverges by considering the collective body of believers as the temple rather than any physical construction.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, this verse doesn't necessarily intersect with empirical studies.

However, the principles of cooperation and interconnectedness can be observed in nature (e.g., in ecosystems, where individual organisms work together for the well-being of the whole) and are reflected in social sciences that study the dynamics and growth of communities.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians emphasize different aspects of Ephesians 2:21.

Some focus on the ecclesiological implications, seeing the verse as foundational to understanding the nature of the church. Others highlight the ethical calls to unity and service, emphasizing that each believer's actions contribute to the church's spiritual health.

Commentators frequently refer to the contrast between the physical temple of the Old Testament and the spiritual temple of the New Testament, noting how this transition reflects the broader shift from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ.