BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES TRANSFORMED INTO GOD'S DWELLING PLACE

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him,the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him,you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)

Background

The historical background video on Ephesians from Day 1 identified the city as cosmopolitan, a melting pot of different cultures, worldviews, and religious beliefs. Its large Jewish population viewed the idol-worshipping Gentiles as unclean and avoided them as much as possible.

Observation

In today’s reading of Ephesians 2, you’ll notice Paul writing about the reconciliation that took place between God and humanity (2:1-10), followed by the reconciliation that took place between Jew and Gentile in Christ (2:11-22). Gentiles were formerly excluded from the citizenship of God’s people (2:12) but have now, with Jews, been created into one new humanity through faith (2:15). Together, they were fellow citizens, family members, and the temple in which God dwells by his Spirit (2:19-22).

Interpretation

As you read Ephesians 2, think about the radical transformations experienced by the believers in Ephesus: from dead in sin to alive in Christ (2:1,5), from far away to brought near by the blood (2:13), from hostile strangers to a family at peace (2:14-19). Paul is teaching the Jews and Gentiles in this city that all people stand on level ground at the foot of the cross. Since both groups are saved by grace, they can walk in a unity they never thought possible.

Application

Our reconciliation with God spills over into reconciliation with others (see also 1 Corinthians 12:12-13). Is there a particular Christian individual or group with whom you struggle to walk in unity? Spend some time in prayer about these things.