Ephesians 2
Ephesians 2 is divided into two major parts. The first (verses 1–10) describes our former condition and the change we experience in Christ. The second (verses 11–22) emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles, along with all believers, have become one in Christ. This chapter clearly states that human salvation is accomplished entirely by God’s grace, and it shows how, through that grace, we are transformed from the past into a new community.
1verseYou were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins,
2versein 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 children of disobedience.
3verseWe also all once lived among them in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
4verseBut God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,
5verseeven when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
6verseand raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7versethat in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus;
8versefor by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9versenot of works, that no one would boast.
10verseFor we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
11verseTherefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “uncircumcision” by that which is called “circumcision” (in the flesh, made by hands),
12versethat you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
13verseBut now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.
14verseFor he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of separation,
15versehaving abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace,
16verseand might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility through it.
17verseHe came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near.
18verseFor through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.
19verseSo then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God,
20versebeing built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;
21versein whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;
22versein whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.
Verses 1–10: Change Caused by Sin and Grace
In verses 1–3, it explains that everyone was spiritually dead because of sin and trespasses, and it states that we were, by nature, children of wrath. In verses 4–7, it emphasizes that God made us alive because of his great love and mercy, raised us up with Christ, and demonstrated his abundant grace. Verses 8–10 make it clear that we are saved by grace through faith—not because of our works, but because it is a gift from God. It also tells us that we were created for good works.
Verses 11–22: A Community United in Christ
In verses 11–13, it says that the Gentiles were once outsiders, excluded from the covenants, but now they have been brought near in Christ Jesus. Verses 14–18 proclaim that Jesus broke down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, established peace, and made it possible for everyone to approach God in one Spirit. Verses 19–22 declare that all believers are now God’s household and a holy temple, being built together in the Spirit.
Meditation Points
- Take time to reflect on the essence of your past, present, and the change brought about by grace.
- Regarding the fact that all believers are one community, what walls or separation mindset do you have?
- Reflect on how a life lived by grace is revealed in your everyday life.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Let’s check how you experience and give thanks for God’s grace in your life.
- Consider what you can put into practice to bring peace and unity with the people around you.
