Introduction to Paul's Letter to the Ephesians
with Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr.
EPHESIANS NOTES, COMMENTARY, AND REVIEW QUESTIONS
(Ephesians 2 - A New Life in Christ)
Survey
In chapter two, Paul elaborates on the theme of salvation. By God's grace, we were freed from the power of sin and Satan, reconciled to God, and saved to do good works (2:1-10). Paul describes salvation as a journey from spiritual death, or separation from God, to spiritual life, or connection to God (2:1-5). Salvation unites believers to Christ and allows us to participate in his resurrection, ascension, and present rule at the right hand of the Father (2:6). Yet, our current position of glory and privileges cannot compare with the glorious riches that await us in the future (2:7). Salvation is a wonderful gift of God that comes to us by grace through faith in Christ rather than through human effort (2:8-9). God's grace transforms us into a new creation in Christ and enables us to do truly good works (2:10).
In the second section of the chapter, Paul transitions to focus on the corporate effects of salvation. Christ's new life in the believer also creates a new community (2:11-22). Christ has made one Church out of those with diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. All believers have been reconciled to God by the Lord's eternal sacrifice (2:11-13). Indeed, Christ has torn down the previous wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles and included believers from both groups into a unified spiritual family (2:14-18). In Christ there are no second-class citizens. All, regardless of background, are joined in one body, the Church, through the Spirit of God to become a dwelling place of God (2:19-22).
CENTRAL VERSES - EPHESIANS 2:8-10
NIV - 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Commentary on Selected Verses
Verse 1. A transgression (or trespass) is literally a "false step." A sin is literally a "bad shot" or "missing the mark." There is no big distinction between these two words. Transgressions and sins are the fruit of spiritual death. One who is dead spiritually has no desire for the things of God.
Verse 2. That the Gentiles, before becoming Christians, "followed the ways of this world" (NIV) literally means that "they walked in the ways of this world." Walking down this ungodly path amounted to living a life in obedience to Satan.
Verse 3. What was true of these Gentiles was true of Paul and of all humanity. Paul states, "All of us also lived among them at one time" (NIV). To live as the Gentiles is to live according to the "the cravings of our sinful nature" (i.e., the lusts of the flesh). By following their natural desires, people became subject to the judgment of God.
Verse 4-5. God is rich in mercy. Mercy is a withholding of deserved punishment. Grace is a granting of undeserved favor. God's mercy and grace come from his love. Although we were dead in transgressions, God corrected the situation and "made us alive together with Christ." Spiritual death means separation from God; therefore, spiritual life is the restoration of fellowship with God. Salvation, which is mentioned in verse 5, is another way of describing the state of being alive in Christ (see verses 8-9).
Verse 6. The salvation of the believer is a guarantee both of eternal life and of resurrection from the dead. The state of being "seated with Christ in the heavenly realms" will be realized totally for the believer in the future. Salvation has a past, present and future dimension. We were saved from the penalty of sin (past). We are being saved from the power of sin (present). One day we shall be saved from the presence of sin (future).
Verse 7. This verse declares that although what we have now in Christ in our present state is wonderful, it is nothing in comparison to what we will have in the coming ages. Furthermore, what God has done for us in Christ is a testimony to the whole world of his love, grace, and mercy.
Verses 8-9. In these verses, Paul sums up the Gospel message. Grace is a gift of God. It does not come to us through any merit of our own. The human response to God's grace is faith. Paul goes on to state that the grace that we have received is "not by works, so that no one can boast." Because salvation does not come from human effort, it should not lead to spiritual pride.
Verse 10. Finally, in verse 10, Paul sums up his entire letter. First, "we are God's workmanship" (poiēma). In other words, we are his new creation. Secondly, we are "created in Christ to do good works." Therefore, although our human works were not enough to save us, good works are nevertheless important. We are not saved by good deeds, but once we are saved, we must follow a course of holy and righteous activity.
Review Questions
Answering the following questions will help you to understand the second chapter of Ephesians and to clearly articulate some of its major themes.
- In one or two words, what is the theme of verses 1-3?
- In one or two words, what is the theme of verses 4-10?
- The central verse of Ephesians is found in chapter 2, verse 10: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Write down this verse in three different Bible translations. What does the word "workmanship" mean? How does this verse make you feel as a Christian?
- In one or two words, what is the theme of verses 11-22?
- Why is the blood of Jesus important according to Ephesians, chapters 1 and 2?