Ephesians 2

Ephesians Chapter 2: God's People Saved from Death to Life by Grace

Overview

Ephesians chapter 2 elaborates on the power of God and the abundant blessings in Christ mentioned in the previous chapter, particularly emphasizing how Gentiles, who were formerly strangers, were saved from a state of sin and death to become God's people. This clearly demonstrates that salvation is not by human works but solely by God's grace.

Structure of the Text

2:1-3: Past State of Death and Sin: Describes the past condition of believers who were dead in sins and trespasses.

2:4-10: Salvation by God's Grace: Proclaims that God, in His abundant love and mercy, made believers alive and saved them in Christ. This emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not from human works.

2:11-22: Reconciliation and Unity in Christ: Explains how Gentiles, who were formerly far from God, were brought near by the blood of Christ, and how Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ to become the temple of God.

Key Themes

Sin and Spiritual Death: Humans are inherently in a state of spiritual death due to sin and trespasses.

God's Grace and Mercy: Salvation is not earned by human merit but is given solely by God's infinite grace and love.

Salvation in Christ: Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Unity of Gentiles and Jews: Christ has broken down the barrier between Jews and Gentiles, uniting all believers into one people of God.

New Creation and Good Works: Saved believers are a new creation in God, created to do good works that bring glory to God.

Verse-by-Verse Exposition

2:1-3: Past State of Death and Sin

2:1 "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;" (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

In the past, believers were spiritually dead in sins and trespasses, estranged from God. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

This spiritual death signifies being far from God, unable to know or follow Him. (Methodist, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist)

This is humanity's inherent condition, from which one cannot escape on their own. (Methodist, German Pietist, Baptist)

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:" (German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Reformed)

In the past, believers walked according to the values and trends of this world and were under the influence of Satan. (German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Reformed)

Satan works in disobedient people, leading them down the path of sin. (German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:3 "Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." (German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Reformed)

In the past, both Jews and Gentiles lived according to the lusts of their flesh and their minds, and were by nature children of wrath. (German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Reformed)

This shows humanity's fallen nature and a state deserving of God's judgment. (Puritan, Baptist)

2:4-10: Salvation by God's Grace

2:4 "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us," (German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Reformed)

God is rich in mercy and bestows salvation out of His great love for us. (German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Reformed)

This salvation is not based on human merit but solely on God's love and compassion. (Puritan, Baptist)

2:5 "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

God made us alive together with Christ, even when we were dead in sins, and this salvation is entirely by grace. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

The death and resurrection of Christ are the basis for our spiritual resurrection. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

2:6 "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain)

God has raised us up with Christ and made us sit with Him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain)

This shows our present and future glorious position through union with Christ. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain)

2:7 "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain)

God desires to display the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ in the ages to come. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain)

Our salvation becomes a channel to demonstrate God's grace. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain)

2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical, Korean Evangelical)

We are saved by grace through faith, but even this faith is from God, emphasizing that the entire salvation is God's gift. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical, Korean Evangelical)

It is not obtained by any human work or effort but is entirely God's sovereign gift. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical, Korean Evangelical)

2:9 "Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

Since salvation is not of works, no one can boast in their own deeds. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

All glory must return to God alone. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

We are God's workmanship, created anew in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

These good works are not a condition for salvation but a natural fruit and purpose of those who have been saved. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

2:11-22: Reconciliation and Unity in Christ

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;" (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

In the past, you Gentiles were in the flesh and were separated by those called "circumcision" in the flesh by human hands. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

"Circumcision" refers to the Jews, who considered Gentiles to be far from God. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:12 "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:" (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

At that time, Gentiles were without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:13 "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

But now, in Christ Jesus, you who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

The atoning death of Christ has removed the distance between us and God. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:14 "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;" (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

For Christ is our peace, who has made both Jew and Gentile one and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

The cross of Christ has the power to end all division and enmity. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:15 "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;" (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

Christ abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances, creating in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

This emphasizes the new life and unity in Christ, rather than the ceremonial requirements of the law. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:16 "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:" (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

And that He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:17 "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh." (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

Christ came and preached peace to you who were far away and to those who were near. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:18 "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

The work of the Triune God is involved in our salvation and the restoration of our relationship with God. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;" (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

Therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

This shows our sense of belonging and glorious status in God's kingdom. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:20 "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;" (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

Christ is the foundation and center of the church, connecting and sustaining everything. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:21 "In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:" (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

In Him, the whole building, fitly joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

Each member, united in Christ, becomes a holy dwelling place for God. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:22 "In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

In Him you too are being built together for God's dwelling place through the Spirit. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

This emphasizes the holiness and mystical unity of the church. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

Original Language Insights

2:1 "dead (νεκρούς - nekrous)": Literally means 'dead,' strongly indicating a state of spiritual lifelessness. (German Pietist, Reformed, Baptist)

2:4 "love (ἀγάπη - agapes)": Refers to God's sacrificial and unconditional love, which goes beyond human affection. (German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, German Evangelical, Reformed)

2:5 "quickened (συνεζωοποίησεν - synezoopoiesen)": Means 'made alive together,' indicating that we have been spiritually revived in union with Christ's resurrection. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain)

2:8 "grace (χάριτι - chariti)": Refers to God's unmerited favor and gift, given regardless of human merit or qualification. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

2:14 "peace (εἰρήνη - eirenes)": Signifies not just the absence of conflict, but the restoration of a right relationship with God and wholeness. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

Theological Perspectives — Comparison by Tradition

Emphasis on Grace of Salvation: Most traditions, including Presbyterian, Baptist, Evangelical, Methodist, Lutheran, and Reformed, emphasize salvation by God's grace alone, not by human works, as seen in Ephesians 2. Verses 2:8-9 are considered key passages supporting this theological stance. (Presbyterian, Baptist/Calvinist, Evangelical, Methodist, Lutheran, Reformed, German Reformed, Public Domain)

State of Spiritual Death: All traditions understand the state of spiritual death described in 2:1-3 as humanity's fallen nature. (Presbyterian, Baptist/Calvinist, Evangelical, Methodist, Lutheran, Reformed, German Reformed, Public Domain, Puritan, German Pietist)

Mediatorial Role of Christ: The role of Christ in breaking down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles and reconciling them (2:14-18) is a significant theme in all traditions, highlighting the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

Unity of the Church: The concept of Gentiles and Jews becoming one in Christ to form the temple of God (2:19-22) underscores the theological importance of the church's universality and unity. (Methodist, German Reformed, Lutheran, Public Domain, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Reformed)

Meaning of Good Works: Regarding good works as a result of salvation (2:10), all traditions understand them as the fruit and evidence of salvation, not its condition. (Reformed, German Reformed, Puritan, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican/Academic, German Evangelical, Lutheran, Public Domain, Evangelical)

Cross-References

Romans 5:12: "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—" (Universality of sin and death in Ephesians 2:1-3)

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (God's love and salvation by faith in Ephesians 2:4-10)

Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Unity in Christ in Ephesians 2:11-22)

Ephesians 4:1-3: "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Life of united believers in Ephesians 2:11-22)

Sermon and Application Points

Recognize the Seriousness of Sin: We must realize that we were all spiritually dead in sin and trespasses and deeply acknowledge our sinful nature. Remembering our past state leads to greater gratitude for God's grace.

Boast in God's Grace: We must remember that our salvation is entirely a free gift from God, unobtainable by any human effort. Our boasting should be solely in Christ and His grace.

Enjoy Unity in Christ: Since Christ has broken down the dividing wall between us, we are now united as children of God, transcending all boundaries. We must strive to maintain unity within the church through mutual love and acceptance.

Bring Glory to God Through Good Works: While salvation is not by works, we who are saved are called to do the good works God has prepared for us. Our lives should be a channel through which God's glory is revealed.

Restore and Enjoy Your Relationship with God: Having been far from God in the past, we can now boldly approach God the Father through Christ. We must live in deep fellowship with God through the Spirit.