Ephesians 2
Ephesians 2 focuses on the transformation from spiritual death to life in Christ. Paul contrasts the former state of believers—being dead in sins—with their new life through God’s grace. The chapter highlights how salvation is a gift from God, not by works, and emphasizes unity in Christ, breaking down divisions between Jews and Gentiles.
Ephesians 2:1 (NKJV)
"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,"
Paul reminds the Ephesians that they were once spiritually dead because of their sins and trespasses. This spiritual death refers to separation from God, a state in which they were powerless to seek Him or live in righteousness. However, God brought them to life through Christ, emphasizing that this new life comes solely from God’s initiative and grace, not human effort.
Ephesians 2:2 (NKJV)
"in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,"
Paul describes how believers formerly lived, following the ways of the world and the influence of Satan, "the prince of the power of the air." This refers to a life driven by selfish desires, rebellion against God, and conformity to worldly values. Those outside of Christ are controlled by this spirit of disobedience, unable to free themselves from its grip.
Ephesians 2:3 (NKJV)
"among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others."
Paul includes himself and all believers in the past condition of living according to the flesh. They were driven by sinful desires, both physically and mentally, and as a result, they were deserving of God’s wrath. This shows that all people, regardless of background, were once under the same judgment of sin before receiving God’s mercy.
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NKJV)
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),"
Despite the sinful condition of humanity, God’s love and mercy shine through. His love is the motivation for His saving action, raising believers from spiritual death to life through Christ. This passage emphasizes that salvation is not earned, but given as a gift of grace, highlighting the immense kindness of God toward us.
Ephesians 2:6-7 (NKJV)
"and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
God not only made us alive in Christ but also elevated us spiritually, positioning us with Christ in heavenly places. This speaks of a present spiritual reality, where believers share in Christ's victory and authority. It also points to the future, where God will display the greatness of His grace and kindness throughout eternity.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Salvation is entirely by God’s grace, received through faith. Paul clarifies that it is not something we achieve by human effort or good works, preventing any grounds for boasting. This makes it clear that salvation is a divine gift, showcasing God’s initiative and generosity, leaving no room for pride.
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Having established that salvation is by grace, Paul emphasizes that good works are the result, not the cause, of salvation. Believers are God’s handiwork, designed for a life of good works that God has already planned for them. These works reflect the transformation that has taken place and are a natural expression of their new life in Christ.
Ephesians 2:11-12 (NKJV)
"Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you 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."
Paul reminds the Gentile believers of their previous exclusion from God’s people and promises. They were separated from Christ and the blessings given to Israel, living without hope or a relationship with God. This contrast emphasizes the profound change in their identity through Christ.
Ephesians 2:13 (NKJV)
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
Through Christ’s sacrifice, the Gentiles, who were once distant from God, have been brought into a close relationship with Him. The "blood of Christ" refers to His atoning death, which reconciles both Jews and Gentiles to God. This marks a pivotal transformation in their spiritual condition, uniting all believers in Christ.
Ephesians 2:14-15 (NKJV)
"For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,"
Christ is the peace that unites Jews and Gentiles by breaking down the dividing wall between them. Through His death, He abolished the hostility that the law caused and created a new humanity where all are equal in Him. This new unity brings peace and reconciliation, both with God and among believers.
Ephesians 2:16 (NKJV)
"and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity."
Through His sacrifice on the cross, Christ reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God, removing the hostility that once existed between them. By His death, the divisions were destroyed, and both groups are now part of the same body, the Church, united in peace and fellowship with God.
Ephesians 2:17-18 (NKJV)
"And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father."
Christ’s message of peace was for both those who were "afar off" (Gentiles) and those who were "near" (Jews). Now, through Him, both groups have equal access to the Father by the Holy Spirit. This highlights the unity and equality that all believers share in their relationship with God.
Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV)
"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,"
Gentiles are no longer outsiders but are now full members of God’s family. They share in the same privileges and blessings as the Jewish believers, being citizens of God’s kingdom and part of His household. This underscores the new identity and belonging that all believers have in Christ.
Ephesians 2:20 (NKJV)
"having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,"
The Church is built on the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. He is the essential part of the structure, holding everything together. This shows the continuity between the teachings of the apostles and the central role of Christ in the faith.
Ephesians 2:21-22 (NKJV)
"in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."
Believers are described as a spiritual temple, being built together in Christ. This temple is where God dwells through the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the collective unity of believers as a living, growing structure in which God is present, showing that the Church is more than just individuals—it is a unified body filled with God’s Spirit.