What does Ephesians 2:3 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 2:3 deals with Paul's description of the former state of Gentile converts to Christianity before they believed in Christ.

The verse conveys the idea that all people, including Paul and the Ephesians themselves, were once living in a manner driven by physical desires and thoughts (the 'flesh'). This mode of life is characterized by a focus on selfish ambitions and immediate gratification without regard to God's will.

The phrase "children of wrath" implies that this kind of existence naturally places humans under divine judgment, as they are not living according to God's righteous standards. Ultimately, this verse underscores the commonality of sinfulness among all people and the subsequent need for salvation.

Historical Context

The Book of Ephesians is one of the epistles in the New Testament, traditionally ascribed to the Apostle Paul.

The letter is addressed to the church in Ephesus, a diverse community of Gentiles and Jews in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

Paul's message in Ephesians centers on the unity and grace found in Christ.

The city of Ephesus was known for its diverse religious landscape and the worship of the goddess Artemis, which presented numerous contrasts to the Christian way of life.

Ephesians 2:3 reflects the tension between the Christians' past lifestyles and their new identity in Christ.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Ephesians 2:3 is rich in concepts of sin, nature, and judgment. It reflects the idea of Original Sin, the Christian doctrine that all humans inherit a sinful nature due to the fall of Adam and Eve.

The term "children of wrath" has been interpreted through various theological lenses:

• The Augustinian view emphasizes predestination and the idea of inherited guilt.
• The Arminian perspective focuses on human free will and the need for individual repentance.
• A contemporary theological interpretation might stress the social and psychological dimensions of sin, where "children of wrath" could also relate to cycles of brokenness and injustice that people perpetuate in society.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse serves as a reminder to believers of their past state and the transformative power of God's grace.

It encourages self-reflection and awareness of one’s natural inclinations towards self-centeredness and urges believers to live in a way that is aligned with God’s will.

Christians might use this as motivation to practice forgiveness (recognizing their own flaws) and to extend grace to others who are still living in ways not aligned with Christian values.

Cross-References

• Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
• Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
• Galatians 5:19-21 "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,..."
• 1 Peter 4:3 "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:"

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Ephesians 2:3 are:

• "conversation" (ἀναστροφή, anastrophē): behavior or way of life.
• "lusts" (ἐπιθυμίαις, epithymiais): desires or cravings, often implying sinful desires.
• "fulfilling" (ποιοῦντες, poiountes): performing or carrying out.
• "flesh" (σαρκός, sarkos): the bodily or worldly nature in contrast to the spiritual.
• "mind" (διανοιᾶς, dianoias): thoughts or inclinations.
• "wrath" (ὀργή, orgē): anger, often associated with divine judgment against sin.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, various religious traditions grappled with concepts of sin and morality. In Greco-Roman mythology, individuals were often at the mercy of capricious deities and fate.

In contrast, Judaism emphasized a covenant with a single, ethical God who demanded moral behavior.

The idea of being "children of wrath" could be seen as a departure from a deterministic worldview where human conduct is subject to the whims of the gods, moving instead toward a framework where individuals bear responsibility for their actions in a moral universe governed by a just God.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology and behavioral science might shed light on the nature of "lusts of the flesh" by examining human impulses and the biological drive for pleasure.

Additionally, the concept of being "by nature children of wrath" could be explored through a scientific lens by discussing genetic and environmental factors influencing behavior.

However, the concept of divine wrath is not within the purview of science, which focuses on naturalistic explanations rather than theological or supernatural ones.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of Ephesians 2:3.

• John Stott, an influential evangelical writer, emphasizes the universal nature of sin and the assurance that despite the desperate condition, God's grace is sufficient.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that this verse teaches the depth of our natural corruption and the need for regeneration.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the powerful influence of the flesh and affirms the radical change that occurs in a person when they become a Christian.

Each of these commentaries highlights the transformation from a life characterized by sin to one transformed by grace through Christ.