◄ Ephesians 2 ►
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Summary Christ Our Cornerstone Ephesians 2 paints an awe-inspiring picture of God's saving grace, bringing us from death to life and from separation to unity. It emphasizes that no matter our past, our ethnicity, or our deeds, we are welcomed into God's household through faith in Christ. This is a divine call to unity and reconciliation, urging us to live out this reality in our lives and communities. Verses 1-3: From Death to Life Apostle Paul begins by reminding the Ephesians of their previous spiritual state, characterized by disobedience and sin, under the influence of the world and Satan. Verses 4-10: Salvation by Grace through Faith Despite humanity's transgressions, God's love, mercy, and grace shine through. Paul underlines that believers are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, not by their own works. This gift from God is intended to generate good works as a response to His love. Verses 11-13: Inclusion of the Gentiles The division between Jews and Gentiles is addressed next. Paul explains that formerly, the Gentiles were alienated from the promises of God but are now included through the blood of Christ. Verses 14-18: Reconciliation and Unity in Christ Paul proclaims Jesus as the peacemaker who abolished the hostility between Jews and Gentiles, creating unity. Through Christ, both groups have access to God the Father by one Spirit. Verses 19-22: The Church as God's Household The chapter concludes with the profound image of the church as God's household, a holy temple where the Spirit of God lives. Believers, regardless of their backgrounds, are integral parts of this spiritual edifice. Ephesians 2 unfolds a transformative story of humanity's journey from death to life, division to unity, and strangers to citizens of God's kingdom. This chapter sheds light on God's immense love and grace, offering salvation to everyone through faith in Jesus Christ. Teaching Points Spiritual Death and Life Ephesians 2:1-5 highlights our former state of spiritual death due to sin and the transformative power of God's mercy and love, which makes us alive in Christ. And you were dead in your trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). Grace and Salvation Verses 8-9 emphasize that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Unity in Christ Ephesians 2:14-16 speaks of Christ as our peace, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and creating one new humanity. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14). The Household of God Verses 19-22 describe believers as members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household (Ephesians 2:19). Practical Applications Embrace Grace Recognize and accept that your salvation is a gift from God, not something you can earn. Live in gratitude and humility. Seek Unity Actively work towards unity within the body of Christ, breaking down barriers and fostering peace among believers. Build on the Foundation Strengthen your faith by studying the teachings of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as your cornerstone. Live as a Member of God's Household Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of being part of God's family, showing love and hospitality to others. People 1. God The chapter begins by highlighting God's role in salvation. Ephesians 2:4-5 states, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses." The Greek word for God here is "Θεός" (Theos), emphasizing His divine nature and authority. 2. Jesus Christ Central to the chapter, Jesus is the means through which believers are saved. Ephesians 2:13 says, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ." The Greek term "Χριστός" (Christos) refers to the Anointed One, the Messiah. 3. The Holy Spirit While not explicitly named in Ephesians 2, the Holy Spirit's work is implied in the process of reconciliation and unity. Ephesians 2:18 mentions, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." The Greek word "Πνεῦμα" (Pneuma) is used for Spirit, indicating the breath or spirit of God. 4. The Apostles and Prophets Ephesians 2:20 refers to the foundation of the church being "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." The Greek words "ἀπόστολοι" (apostoloi) and "προφῆται" (prophētai) denote those sent with a message and those who speak forth God's word, respectively. 5. The Gentiles Ephesians 2:11-12 addresses the Gentiles, who were once "excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise." The Greek term "ἔθνη" (ethnē) is used, meaning nations or peoples, indicating those who were not part of the Jewish community. 6. The Jews Implicitly mentioned as those who were "near" in contrast to the Gentiles who were "far away" (Ephesians 2:17). The chapter discusses the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles through Christ. 7. The Church While not a person, the church is described as a collective body of believers. Ephesians 2:19-22 speaks of the church as "fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household," built together into a holy temple. Places 1. Heavenly Realms Ephesians 2:6 states, "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus." The term "heavenly realms" (Greek: ἐπουρανίοις, epouraniois) refers to the spiritual dimension where believers are positioned with Christ. This is not a physical location but a spiritual status indicating the believer's union with Christ and participation in His victory and authority. 2. This World In Ephesians 2:2, it mentions, "in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air." The "world" (Greek: κόσμος, kosmos) here refers to the present age or system that is opposed to God. It is a metaphorical place representing the sphere of influence dominated by sin and rebellion against God. 3. Commonwealth of Israel Ephesians 2:12 refers to the "commonwealth of Israel," stating, "remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of the promise." The "commonwealth" (Greek: πολιτείας, politeias) signifies the community or citizenship of Israel, representing the people of God and their covenantal relationship with Him. 4. Far and Near Ephesians 2:13 mentions, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ." The terms "far" and "near" are used metaphorically to describe the spiritual distance and proximity to God. "Far" represents separation from God, while "near" signifies reconciliation and access to Him through Christ. Events 1. Spiritual Death and Sin Ephesians 2:1-2 describes how believers were once "dead in your trespasses and sins," following "the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air." The Greek word for "trespasses" (παράπτωμα, paraptōma) implies a fall or deviation from the right path. 2. Living in the Flesh Verse 3 explains that all people "lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts." The term "flesh" (σάρξ, sarx) often refers to the sinful nature in Pauline theology. 3. God's Mercy and Love In verses 4-5, it is stated that "God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses." The Greek word for "mercy" (ἔλεος, eleos) emphasizes compassion and kindness. 4. Salvation by Grace Verse 8 highlights that "by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." The Greek term for "grace" (χάρις, charis) signifies unmerited favor. 5. Created for Good Works Verse 10 states, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." The word "workmanship" (ποίημα, poiēma) suggests a crafted work or masterpiece. 6. Unity in Christ Verses 11-13 discuss how Gentiles, once "excluded from citizenship in Israel," have been "brought near by the blood of Christ." The Greek term for "brought near" (ἐγγύς, engys) indicates a close relationship or proximity. 7. Christ as Our Peace In verses 14-15, it is declared that "He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility." The Greek word for "peace" (εἰρήνη, eirēnē) conveys harmony and reconciliation. 8. Reconciliation through the Cross Verse 16 explains that Christ reconciled both Jews and Gentiles "to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility." The term "reconcile" (ἀποκαταλλάσσω, apokatallassō) means to restore a relationship. 9. Access to the Father Verse 18 states, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." The Greek word for "access" (προσαγωγή, prosagōgē) implies an introduction or approach to someone of higher status. 10. Citizenship and Household of God Verses 19-22 describe believers as "fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household," built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. The term "household" (οἰκεῖος, oikeios) refers to family or domestic members. Connections to Additional Scriptures Romans 5:8 But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Titus 3:5 He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 2:5 You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for Salvation Thank God for the gift of salvation and His grace that brings us from death to life. Unity in the Church Pray for unity among believers, that we may live as one body in Christ, breaking down walls of division. Strength to Live as God's Household Ask for strength and wisdom to live as members of God's household, reflecting His love and truth in our daily lives. Growth in Faith Pray for a deeper understanding of God's Word and a stronger foundation in Christ as our cornerstone. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the transition from death to life described in verses 1-3 relate to your personal faith journey? 2. What does salvation by grace through faith mean to you in your everyday life? 3. How can you respond to God's gift of salvation in practical ways? 4. How do verses 4-10 challenge the common worldly notions of merit and achievement? 5. How does Paul's message about the inclusion of Gentiles in verses 11-13 impact your understanding of God's love for all people? 6. In what ways does the reconciliation and unity described in verses 14-18 challenge divisions in our contemporary world? 7. How can you contribute to unity and peace in your own community, following the example of Christ? 8. What does it mean to you to be part of God's household as described in verses 19-22? 9. How does the image of the church as a holy temple where God's Spirit dwells inspire you to live your life? 10. What practical steps can you take to make your life a reflection of God's grace as described in this chapter? 11. How can we ensure that our faith is not just about "works" but about accepting God's grace? 12. How can the teachings of Ephesians 2 guide us in addressing prejudice and discrimination in today's society? 13. How can the unity described in this chapter influence our attitudes towards those who are different from us? 14. How does the reconciliation message in Ephesians 2 inspire you to deal with conflicts in your personal life? 15. How does Ephesians 2 challenge you to extend grace and love to others in your daily interactions? 16. What role can you play in making the church a place of unity, peace, and reconciliation as described in this chapter? 17. How can you express your faith in a way that acknowledges the undeserved grace of God as discussed in Ephesians 2? 18. How can the principle of unity in Ephesians 2 inform our approach to societal issues like racism and classism? 19. What actions can you take to ensure your life is a manifestation of the new humanity described in this chapter? 20. Reflect on your personal growth as a Christian. How has the understanding of being part of God's household influenced your spiritual journey? Topics 1. Dead in Transgressions and Sins (Ephesians 2:1-3) This section describes the spiritual state of humanity before salvation. It emphasizes that people were "dead in your trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). The Greek word for "trespasses" is "παράπτωμα" (paraptōma), meaning a false step or transgression, and "sins" is "ἁμαρτία" (hamartia), meaning to miss the mark. 2. Made Alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-7) Here, Paul explains God's mercy and love, stating, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4-5). The Greek word for "made alive" is "συζωοποιέω" (syzōopoieō), indicating being brought to life together with Christ. 3. Saved by Grace through Faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) This passage highlights the doctrine of salvation by grace, stating, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). The Greek word for "grace" is "χάρις" (charis), meaning unmerited favor, and "faith" is "πίστις" (pistis), meaning trust or belief. 4. Created for Good Works (Ephesians 2:10) Paul emphasizes the purpose of believers, saying, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10). The Greek word for "workmanship" is "ποίημα" (poiēma), meaning a work or creation, indicating that believers are crafted by God for a purpose. 5. Unity in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-13) This section discusses the unity between Jews and Gentiles, stating, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13). The Greek word for "brought near" is "ἐγγίζω" (engizō), meaning to come near or approach. 6. Christ Our Peace (Ephesians 2:14-18) Paul describes Christ as the peace between divided groups, saying, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one" (Ephesians 2:14). The Greek word for "peace" is "εἰρήνη" (eirēnē), indicating harmony and reconciliation. 7. A Dwelling Place for God (Ephesians 2:19-22) The chapter concludes with the imagery of believers as a holy temple, stating, "In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord" (Ephesians 2:21). The Greek word for "temple" is "ναός" (naos), referring to the inner sanctuary, symbolizing the indwelling presence of God among His people. Themes 1. Spiritual Death and Resurrection Ephesians 2:1-5 discusses the theme of spiritual death due to transgressions and sins, and the subsequent resurrection through Christ. The passage highlights the transformation from being "dead in your trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1) to being "made alive with Christ" (Ephesians 2:5). The Greek word for "trespasses" (παραπτώμασιν, paraptōmasin) emphasizes a deviation from the right path, while "sins" (ἁμαρτίαις, hamartiais) refers to missing the mark of God's standards. 2. Grace and Salvation The theme of grace is central in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . The Greek word for "grace" (χάριτι, chariti) signifies unmerited favor, underscoring the idea that salvation is a divine gift rather than a human achievement. 3. Unity in Christ Ephesians 2:14-16 addresses the theme of unity, emphasizing that Christ "is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility" (Ephesians 2:14). The Greek term for "peace" (εἰρήνη, eirēnē) conveys a sense of wholeness and reconciliation, highlighting the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. 4. New Identity and Citizenship In Ephesians 2:19, the theme of a new identity is presented: "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household" . The Greek word for "citizens" (πολῖται, politai) reflects a new status and belonging within God's kingdom, contrasting with the previous state of alienation. 5. The Church as a Holy Temple Ephesians 2:20-22 describes the church as a spiritual temple, "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20). The Greek term for "cornerstone" (ἀκρογωνιαῖος, akrogōniaios) signifies the essential role of Christ in the structure and unity of the church, which is "a dwelling place for God in His Spirit" (Ephesians 2:22). Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions