Ephesians 2:19-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 2:11-22

Union of Jews and Gentiles in the Christian Church. "Wherefore remember, that aforetime." The Ephesian Christians are reminded of what they were "aforetime," that is, before they received the gospel. It is a good exercise of memory for us all to go back on what we once were. For we did not all receive the gospel when it was first presented to us. Many of us who now believe were for years in a state of indifference; How well, then, does it become us to "remember" our former unconverted... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 2:11-22

Gospel reconciliation—its subjects, agency, and results. "Wherefore remember, that ye being in lime 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... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 2:14-19

Christ and his work of reconciliation. Here we have three topics: I. CHRIST OUR PEACE . Observe the several statements ( Ephesians 2:14-17 ). 1. He made both Jew and Gentile one (see Exposition). 2. He broke down the middle wall of partition. 3. He abolished the cause of enmity between Jew and Gentile—the Law of commandments in ordinances. 4. He constituted himself a new Man, to which both Jew and Gentile belong. 5. He thereby reconciled both to God. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 2:19

So then ye are no more strangers and foreigners. "Sojourners" is nearer πάροικοι than "foreigners;" it denotes persons dwelling in a place, but without citizen rights and privileges; but as such persons are usually foreigners, it is immaterial which term is used. But ye are fellow-citizens with the saints. The saints are the chosen ones of all time (comp. Hebrews 12:22 , "But ye are come unto Mount Zion," etc.). "Their names are engraven on the same civic roll with all whom ' the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 2:19

The Church a city. The Gentiles were now no longer strangers, but fellow-citizens with the saints. I. THE CITY MAY BE REGARDED EITHER AS THE CHURCH ON EARTH OR THE CHURCH IN HEAVEN . They are equally the city of God "which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God." It is a city strongly fortified with the walls and bulwarks of salvation, and is surrounded by a river of love, which ministers to the wants of its citizens. There God dwells in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 2:19

The Church a family. The Gentiles were no longer mere inmates of the family without domestic rights, like the guests of the priests in ancient times (Le 22:10), but "members of the household of God." I. THE CHURCH IS OFTEN LIKENED TO A FAMILY OR HOUSE , which is a much more intimate brotherhood than the city with all its precious franchises. The Church, which is the pillar and ground of the truth, is the house of God (t Timothy Ephesians 3:15 ); we are Christ's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 2:19-22

The Christian temple. The pride of Ephesus was her world-famed temple, in which the religion, the art, and even the commerce of the city centered and flourished. What the temple of Diana was materially in its visible romp and power, the Church of Christ is to be spiritually, but with a higher splendor and a wider influence. More than once has St. Paul described the Church as a temple. The truths shadowed forth by this name press upon us with weighty importance. I. THE MATERIALS ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 2:20

Being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. A new figure, the third here introduced to denote the change—that of a temple, of which Christians are stones. There is no contrast in form in this figure, as in the other two; it just expresses directly the privilege attained. There is a real contrast, however, between the first three and the last three verses of the chapter—the lowest degradation expressed in the one, the highest elevation in the ether. Observe, the apostle... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ephesians 2:20-22

The Christian temple. This the climax of the comparison between past and present pursued in this chapter. Temple of Diana at Ephesus may have suggested the figure. The three persons of the Godhead are concerned in this work of building. The three are brought together in Ephesians 2:22 . Glorious threefold cord, securing the salvation and final glory of the Church! The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost are with her foreverse While all... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ephesians 2:19

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners - You are reckoned with the people of God. You are entitled to their privileges, and are not to be regarded as outcasts and aliens. The meaning is, that they belonged to the same community - the same family - as the people of God. The word rendered “strangers” - ξένοι xenoi - means “foreigners in state,” as opposed to citizens. The word rendered “foreigners” - πάροικοι paroikoi - means “guests in a private family,” as opposed to the... read more

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