What does Ephesians 2:11-22 mean?
"Therefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye 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: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." - Ephesians 2:11-22
Ephesians 2:11-22 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is a powerful and significant passage that speaks to the unity and inclusion of all believers in Christ. This particular passage highlights the reconciliation and unification of Jews and Gentiles through the work of Jesus Christ.
The context of this passage is the letter to the Ephesians, written by the apostle Paul. In the letter, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity among believers and discusses the profound implications of the gospel for the church and for the lives of individual Christians. In this specific passage, Paul addresses the division between Jews and Gentiles in the early Christian community and underscores the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice in bringing these two groups together as one body.
Ephesians 2:11-22 begins by reminding the Gentile believers of their former condition before coming to faith in Christ. Paul points out that they were once separated from the commonwealth of Israel and were considered outsiders to the covenants of promise. In contrast, the Jews were God's chosen people, with access to His covenant and promises. This division created hostility and enmity between the two groups, leading to a sense of alienation and exclusion for the Gentiles.
However, Paul goes on to declare that through Jesus Christ, this division has been dismantled. In verse 13, he states, "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." This profound statement highlights the redemptive work of Christ, which has brought reconciliation and peace to those who were once estranged from God and from one another. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus has broken down the dividing wall of hostility and has made it possible for all believers, both Jews and Gentiles, to be reconciled to God and united as one body.
The imagery of the "dividing wall of hostility" carries significant symbolism. In the ancient Jewish temple, there was a physical barrier known as the "dividing wall" that separated the outer court of the Gentiles from the inner court of the Jews. This wall symbolized the exclusion and separation between Jews and Gentiles, reflecting the religious and cultural divide that existed at that time. Paul uses this imagery to illustrate the profound transformation that has taken place through Christ, as He has not only torn down this physical barrier but has also abolished the spiritual and relational barriers that once existed between people of different backgrounds.
Paul also emphasizes that through Christ, believers are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. This imagery speaks to the profound sense of belonging and inclusion that comes through faith in Christ. Regardless of one's ethnic or cultural background, all believers are welcomed into the family of God and are united as fellow heirs of His promises.
The passage concludes with a powerful depiction of the church as a spiritual temple, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. This imagery reinforces the idea of unity and interconnectedness within the body of believers, as each individual is essential to the building and growth of the church. Through Christ, all believers are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit, emphasizing the divine presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the community of faith.
Overall, Ephesians 2:11-22 is a profound declaration of the unity and inclusion of all believers in Christ, regardless of their backgrounds or previous divisions. This passage emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel in reconciling and unifying diverse individuals into one body, with Christ as the unifying force and foundation. The themes of reconciliation, inclusion, belonging, and unity are central to this passage, offering a powerful vision of the diverse and interconnected community of believers that God desires for His church. As modern-day Christians, we are called to embody this vision of unity and inclusion, recognizing the transformative work of Christ in breaking down barriers and creating a community that reflects the love and reconciliation of God.
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Ephesians 2:11-22 Artwork
Ephesians 2:11-22 - "Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 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."
"Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 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 2:11-22
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Ephesians 2:22 - "In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."
Ephesians 4:22
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Ephesians 2:11 - "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;"
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Ephesians 2:21-22 - "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."
"In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." - Ephesians 2:22
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Ephesians 2:8-9
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Ephesians 5:22 - "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."
Ephesians 2:2 - "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"
Ephesians 5:11 - "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
Ephesians 4:22 - "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;"
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2 Samuel 22:11 - "And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind."
2 Samuel 11:22 - "¶ So the messenger went, and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for."