Ephesians 2:19-22 – The Church as a Spiritual Household
Introduction
In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul presents an inspiring and profound perspective on the nature of the church. This passage not only establishes the idea of community for the church, but also calls on believers to embrace the divine fellowship they have been granted as members of God’s spiritual household. Paul’s vision of the church goes beyond cultural, ethnic, and societal divisions, bringing together all who have faith in Christ.
The Foundation of the Church (Verses 19-20)
Verse 19 of this passage declares that believers in Jesus are no longer excluded but are now included as fellow citizens, saints, and members of God’s household. This statement emphasizes that the church is a place where every member is welcome and valued equally, regardless of their background or ethnicity. The division between Jews and Gentiles, which once separated them, has been dismantled, illustrating the power of Christ’s sacrifice to reconcile humanity not only with each other but with God.
Paul emphasizes in verse 20 that the foundation of the church rests on the teachings of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This foundation is not only historical and doctrinal but also relational and communal. It signifies a shared faith, trust, and commitment among believers, grounding them in true teaching that is both ancient and living. Christ, as the cornerstone, ensures the stability and integrity of this spiritual foundation, aligning every part of His church in unity and purpose.
Growth into a Holy Temple (Verse 21)
Verse 21 uses an architectural metaphor to describe the church as a foundation that grows “into a holy temple in the Lord.” This growth is not just numerical, but also spiritual, indicating a dynamic process of becoming rather than a static state of remaining where we started. As the church joins together in Christ, it grows into a dwelling place that is fit not just by title but is functionally fit for God’s presence. This transformation is the work of the Spirit, who animates the church’s life and mission, making it a beacon of holiness and divine community with God in and to the world.
A Dwelling Place for God (Verse 22)
Verse 22 summarizes the core of the church’s identity and purpose, which is to be a shared dwelling where God resides through his Spirit. This aspect of the church’s vision counters individualistic beliefs about faith and instead stresses the collective identity and calling of God’s followers. It urges us to embrace unity and reminds us that in Christ, we are tied together as a family, and we must strive by qualification in Christ and enable by the Spirit to be a fitting place for God’s presence within us.
Reflections on Being Part of the Church
Paul’s message to the Ephesians is still relevant today, as it offers guidance for contemporary challenges and opportunities facing the church. It reminds us that being a part of the church means trusting Jesus not just for personal salvation, but also for communal identity and purpose. Our faith in Christ unites us, driving us to pursue holiness, embrace diversity, and live out the radical implications of the gospel.
Trusting in Jesus means trusting in His work to place us in the church, rather than just relying on personal salvation. Our individual faith journeys are intertwined with the communal story of God’s people. Belonging to the church is an essential aspect of our identity in Christ, affirming that every believer has a place in God’s family, regardless of their background.
The church’s purpose goes beyond any human agenda. Guided by and headed by Christ, we are called to embody God’s kingdom on earth, seeking His will above our own. Pursuing Christ means pursuing communion with God and each other, which shapes us into a holy community that reflects God’s holiness and love.
Conclusion
Ephesians 2:19-22 invites us to see the church not as a mere collection of individuals, but as a spiritual household. This household is built on the foundation of Christ and His apostles and grows together into a holy temple where God the Holy Spirit resides. This vision challenges us to deepen our commitment to each other and to examine how we present the church to a world that needs Jesus. We must embody the reconciling love of Christ in everything we do. As members of God’s household, let us embrace our collective calling with courage and hope, trusting in the Spirit to guide us into the fullness of God’s purpose for His church.
Glossary of Terms
Apostles: Early Christian leaders and messengers, often considered to be the original followers of Jesus Christ, who first spread the teachings of Christianity.
Believers: Individuals who have faith in Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Lord and Savior.
Christ: The Greek term for “Messiah,” referring to Jesus of Nazareth, regarded by Christians as the savior and son of God.
Church: In a Christian context, the church transcends a mere physical structure for worship. It embodies the collective body of Christians globally and across history, united in faith. This term also applies to local communities or gatherings of individuals within this global body, sharing in worship, fellowship, and service.
Communal Identity: A sense of belonging and identity shared within a community, in this case, referring to the shared identity of members within the Christian faith.
Cornerstone: Architecturally, the foundational stone that determines the position of the entire structure especially in stone masonry construction. Biblically, it symbolizes Jesus Christ as the foundational element of the Christian faith and the church.
Divine Fellowship: A spiritual connection and relationship with God and among believers.
Ethnicity: The fact or state of belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural tradition. In the context of Ephesians, it often refers to the division between Jews and Gentiles.
Gentiles: A term used in the Bible to describe all people who are not of the Jewish faith or ethnicity.
God’s Household: A metaphorical term for the Church used to describe the community of believers in Christ as a family united under God.
Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity in Christian belief, regarded as the presence of God active in the world, believers, and in the Church.
Jews: People who are of Jewish faith or ethnicity. In the context of Ephesians, they are often contrasted with Gentiles to discuss early church unity.
Prophets: Individuals in the Bible who are said to have been chosen by God to deliver His messages or prophecies to the people.
Reconciliation: Stemming from an accounting practice that involves balancing and settling accounts, reconciliation encompasses the restoration of amicable relations. Within a Christian framework, it signifies the renewal of the broken relationship between humanity and God, achieved through the sacrificial offering of Jesus Christ. This process transforms estrangement into a harmonious and intimate relationship with God, underscoring the profound depth of divine forgiveness and grace.
Salvation: In Christian belief, the saving of the soul from sin and its consequences. It is regarded as a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ’s work on the cross and resurrection.
Spiritual Foundation: The underlying basis of faith and the Christian life; in Ephesians, it refers specifically to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
Temple: Historically, a sacred place for worship. In a Christian context, it metaphorically represents the believer’s heart or the church as a dwelling place for God’s presence.
Unity: The state of being united or joined as a whole, especially among members of the Christian community, regardless of individual differences.