By Robert L. Olsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Reconciled
Ephesians 2:11–22
Brought near (11–13)
In this passage Paul speaks to the believing Gentiles who were often mocked by the Jews for their lack of circumcision. Circumcision was a promise to the Jews going back to God’s promise to Abraham. All the nations were to be blessed through Abraham.
Although the Jews were called a kingdom of priests the Jews failed to understand this responsibility. A priest’s role is to go to God on behalf of others; this was the role Israel was supposed to fulfill. They were supposed to be a light to the Gentiles and point them to the one true God.
Instead being a Jew became a point of pride; they had been chosen by God while other peoples had not.
Paul shows one cannot simply trust in the action of circumcision as his or her salvation; true belief is a matter of the heart.
This would correlate today with people who claim they are Christian because they have been baptized but fail to recognize baptism is only an outward profession of an inward reality.
It was no different with circumcision and so Paul shows the Gentiles that the physical act of circumcision is not what makes one right with God.
Paul points out five ways the Gentiles were apart from God before their belief. They were without Christ, excluded from Israel, foreigners of the covenant, without hope and without God.
In verse 13, however, Paul reminds them of their redeemed state in Jesus. Through Christ they are brought near to God. This is only something God can accomplish. It was not of their own works but Christ’s. The essence of the gospel is that we are to share today with all people regardless of race, color or nationality.
People are lost, without hope and far from God. Through Jesus alone they may be brought near to God and experience His peace.
Peace Declared (14–18)
Not only are Gentiles brought near to Christ they are given peace in three main areas.
The first is in being in relationship to the believing Jews. A dividing wall no longer exists between the Jews and the Gentiles as they are all members of the body of Christ. Second they have made peace with the law. No one keeps the law perfectly; it is only through Christ’s grace that we are made at peace with God. No one can earn his or her way to heaven. Third the good news of the gospel brings peace as they now have access to the Spirit and the Father. This is only possible through the redeeming death and resurrection of Christ.
Citizenship Granted (19–22)
In the last portion of this chapter Paul reminds the Ephesians of the glorious result of being drawn near to Christ and given His peace. The believers in Christ are no longer alone, without hope, separated or excluded.
They are now fellow citizens, saints and members of Christ’s household which has Jesus as the cornerstone. They are lovingly welcomed in God’s family with Him as Father and fellow believers as brothers and sisters. What a marvelous difference God’s grace makes in our lives.
We see in this chapter how being apart from Christ is to be separated and without a home, but miraculously being with Christ we are part of His holy temple being united to serve the Lord. We are all members of a forever family.
This means there are no racial divisions in the body of Christ as we are all of one race — that of Adam. Let us remember this encouragement as divisions and arguments arise in the church.
We were saved to be Christ’s witness and bring glory to Him and He does that through redeeming us unto His purposes and together through His spirit.
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