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Ephesians 2:21 – Temple Building

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:21 – Temple Building

in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,

Truth to Learn

Every Christian is part of the temple of God.

Behind the Words

The words “the whole” are translated from a form of pas, which can mean “all” or “every.” Since there is no definite article included with the word for “building” a literal translation would be either “all building” or “every building.”

“Building” is from the Greek word oikodomē, which is very similar to the word translated “having been built on” in the previous verse. This word can refer either to “the act of building” or to “the building” itself.

The verb sunarmologeō is translated here as “being fitted together.” This word is made up of sun, meaning “together,” harmos “to join things together,” and legō, which means “to lay forth” or “to say a word.” Putting these all together, we find that sunarmologeō means “to lay things closely joined together,” as one would do with stones or bricks in building a structure. The word is expressed here as a present participle, indicating that it is action that is continually taking place.

The word “grows” is from auxanō, which means “to grow” or “to increase.” This word is expressed in the present tense, indicative mood, which implies current continuous action.

“Temple” is translated from naos. This is derived from the verb naiō, meaning “to dwell.” Naos refers to “a shrine” or “a temple” where a deity dwells.

Meaning Explained

As we pointed out in Behind the Words, there is no definite article associated with the word oikodomē, which introduces some ambiguity as to whether Paul is talking about every believer being a holy temple, or the whole church being a single, holy temple. However, since both “building” and “temple” are singular Greek words and the following verse says that “you [plural] are being built together for a dwelling place [singular] for God,” there is strong evidence that Paul is referring to the entire church as the building.

Assuming that this is, in fact, what Paul was expressing, we are told here that the church, which is composed of every believer from the beginning of time, is continually being built by God. Each member of the church has a place in the building and is put in place joined closely together with those around him or her. Later in this letter (Ephesians 4:12) Paul will refer to the church as “the body of Christ.” Also. in his first letter to the Corinthians, he also refers to the church as “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Since Paul uses both of these metaphors to refer to the church universal, we can see that the church, whether a living body or a building, is continually being built. And, we see from this verse, that the church is the temple (dwelling place) of God, Himself. We are all part of the body, and we are all part of the holy temple where God lives.

Application

Whether we consider the church to be the temple of God or the body of Christ, we each have a part in it. Each and every Christian has an important function to perform. Are you performing your function? Are you being used by God as part of the church? If not, you’re not fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 2:20 – Building Material

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:20 – Building Material

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

Truth to Learn

Every Christian is part of God’s building.

Behind the Words

The words “having been built on” are translated from epoikodomeō, which is a double compound word made up of epi, meaning “upon,” oikos, which refers to “a dwelling place” or “a house,” and demō, meaning “to build.” Thus, epoikodomeō literally means “to build a dwelling upon.” It is expressed here as an aorist, passive, participle, so “having been built on” is a very accurate translation of this word.

“Foundation” is from the Greek noun themelios. This word is derived from the verb tithēmi, which means “to stand” or “to set in place.” Themelios, therefore, refers to something that has been put down in place, like a foundation.

The words “chief cornerstone” come from akrogōniaios, which is made up of akron, meaning “the extreme” or “the one on the end” and gōnia, which refers to “an angle” or “a corner.” So, we see that akrogōniaios refers to the extreme corner. Metaphorically, it refers to the first corner stone laid.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that we are no longer strangers from the covenants of promise and we are no longer foreigners from the commonwealth of Israel. We are now fellow citizens of a holy nation and members of God’s household. The word translated “household” is oikeios, which usually refers to people who live and work under the master of the house, but it can also refer to the things which make up the building as well. We see in the previous verse that Paul’s meaning was “a person who is a member of the household.” In the current verse, however, he twists the meaning of the word and now refers to us as part of the building itself. And, in the next couple of verses Paul will twist the meaning a little further yet.

For now, Paul is telling us that not only are we part of God’s family, but we are part of his building as well. The foundation of this building consists of Jesus Christ, as the first corner stone as well as the apostles and prophets. At the time that Paul wrote this letter, buildings were built differently than they are today. The foundation was not cement poured into forms; it consisted of large square-cut stones laid next to each other. Sometimes there was a second or third course of stones laid upon the first. The placement of the initial corner stone was the most critical because it set the position for the entire structure. If it’s not level and oriented in the proper direction, the entire building could suffer.

Jesus Christ was, Himself, the initial corner stone of this building, and He sets the position and the basis for the remainder of the structure. The apostles and prophets (that is, New Testament prophets) provide the remainder of the foundation of the building. Paul’s reference is probably to the writings of these men of God. You and I are also part of the building and we depend on the foundation for our stability.

Application

There is no Christian who exists alone and apart from the rest of the church. We are all interdependent and each one of us is needed to make the building whole.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 2:19 – Household Members

Posted on October 2, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:19 – Household Members

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

Truth to Learn

Christians are part of God’s household and will live with Him for eternity.

Behind the Words

The word translated “Now” is ara, which is an inferential particle. That is, it indicates that an inference, or conclusion is being made. It is somewhat difficult to translate directly into English, but is often translated as “now,” “then,” “so be,” “in conclusion,” or “truly.”

“Therefore” is from another Greek inferential particle, oun. This word is most often translated “therefore” or “certainly.”

The words “no longer” are translated from a single Greek word, ouketi. This is made up of ouk, meaning “not” and eti which refers to a duration of time. It is most often translated as “yet” or “still.” When these two words are combined they mean “not still” or “no longer.”

“Strangers” is the Greek word xenos, which we saw back in verse twelve. It refers to someone who is “a stranger” or “an alien.”

Paroikos is the Greek word translated “foreigners.” It is made up of para, meaning “by, beside, or near” and oikos, which refers to “a dwelling place” or “a house.” Thus, paroikos refers to “someone who lives nearby,” that is, “someone who lives in a nearby foreign country.”

Meaning Explained

As we saw above, the opening words of this verse indicate a conclusion is being drawn. In this case, the two words ara oun, are best translated as “So then,” That’s the basic meaning of “Now, therefore” as we have in our translation here (New King James Version). Paul is not saying “Now” as opposed to “previously.” He is simply summarizing what he has been teaching. This summary takes us back to verse twelve, where Paul said that we were “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise.”

Paul has been teaching us about how the blood of Jesus Christ and faith in His death on the cross as payment for our sins has broken down the dividing wall between the Gentiles and Jews. By breaking down this wall, we are at peace with the Jews and with God and we have access to God the Father through the Holy Spirit. So then …

We are no longer strangers from the covenants of promise and we are no longer foreigners from the commonwealth of Israel. Instead, we are fellow citizens of a holy nation with all the saints. “Saints” is a reference to all those whom God has declared righteous through faith, from the time of Adam to the present day. And, not only are we fellow citizens of that holy nation, we are now members of God’s household. That means that when we leave this life and “go home” it will be to God’s home.

Application

As Christians, we have so many precious promises that will help us endure this life of service to God. One of the greatest promises, however, is that when this life is over, we will live with Him in His home forever. What a blessing!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 2:18 – Three In One

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:18 – Three In One

For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Truth to Learn

All three persons of the Godhead have a part in our salvation.

Behind the Words

“Through” is translated from the Greek preposition dia, which indeed means “through.” As in English, it can mean motion through something or it can refer to something as the instrument of action, which is how it is used in the current verse.

The word translated “both” is amphoteros. This is the comparative form of amphi, meaning “around.” It can mean either “each of two things” or “both of two things.”

“Access” is from prosagōgē, which is made up of pros, meaning “forward to” or “toward” and a form of agō, which means “to lead” or “to bring.” So, literally, prosagōgē refers to “something that has been brought near;” that is, “something or someone that has permission to draw near.”

The word “Spirit” is pneuma, which is derived from the verb pneō, which means “to breath hard” or “to blow.” Pneuma, therefore, refers to “a current of air” or, figuratively, “a spirit.”

Meaning Explained

Before we get into this verse, let’s do a little review to properly set the stage for today’s verse. Paul began his current train of thought back in verse eleven, where he reminded us that we Gentiles were previously called “the uncircumcision” by the Jews. Because we were not circumcised, we were excluded from the spiritual nation of Israel, which meant that we were not included in the covenant of promise (that a Messiah would come and save Israel). Therefore, we did not have a relationship with God and we were without hope of salvation.

In fact, Paul tells us that we were far away from God. Not only were we a long way away, but there was a wall between us and the chosen nation of Israel so that we were prevented from getting near to God. And – there was hostility between us and the children of Israel. At that time, the only way for a person to get close to God was to adopt the Jewish faith and become circumcised, thereby committing to be bound by all the requirements of the law.

God, in His infinite wisdom, however, has made a way for us to be at peace with our Jewish brothers and to be at peace with God. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, the wall has been broken down, we have peace with our Jewish brothers, and we have peace with God. Jesus, who was completely man and completely God, lived a life without sin, perfectly fulfilling the law. He is righteous! On the cross, Jesus offered up His perfect life as payment for our sins. All who believe and accept that payment have their sins forgiven and are credited with the righteousness of Christ. This is the Gospel message of peace.

Now, therefore, through Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access to God the Father by the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit.

Application

As you can see, all three persons of the Godhead have a part in our salvation. The Father called us, The Son shed His blood for us, and the indwelling Holy Spirit gives us access. Thank you, God, for a perfect plan of salvation.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 2:17 – His Mouth Peace

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:17 – His Mouth Peace

And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.

Truth to Learn

All Christians should be proclaiming peace with God through the gospel message of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ as payment for our sins.

Behind the Words

The words “He came” are from the verb erchomai, which means “to come” or “to go.”

“Preached” is translated from euangellidzō, which is a compound verb made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and angellō, which means “to proclaim.” Thus, this word literally means “to proclaim the good news.” This is the word from which we get our English verb “to evangelize.”

“Peace” is translated from eirēnē, which we saw back in verse fourteen means “to be at peace with someone.” In the current verse, the best Greek manuscripts have the word eirēnē appears twice. Therefore, the verse should be translated:

And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and peace to those who were near.

The words “afar off” are from makran, which we saw back in verse thirteen. It means “a great distance away.”

“Near” is translated from the Greek word engus, which is based on the verb agchō, meaning “to squeeze.” Engus indicates that something is “nearby” or “close at hand.”

Meaning Explained

The current verse indicates a direct fulfillment of the words of Isaiah:

“I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” Says the LORD, “And I will heal him.” (Isaiah 57:19)

In verse fourteen we learned that Christ is our peace. In verse fifteen we learned that He made peace between Jews and Gentiles. Now we learn that Christ proclaimed (or announced) peace, both to those who were near and to those who were far away. In verse thirteen we learned that Gentiles are the ones who were once far away. By inference, we know that “those who were near” refers to the Jews.

There are a number of verses in the New Testament in which Jesus proclaimed peace, so it’s not hard to understand what Paul means by saying that he proclaimed peace to those who were near. But, we have to ask ourselves the question, “How did Jesus preach peace to those who were far off?” For the key to the answer to this question let’s look at John’s gospel. He recorded this statement that Jesus made to his disciples in the upper room after He was raised from the dead,

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21)

Jesus sent his disciples (and by extension, you and me) into the world to proclaim the gospel of peace. That’s how He proclaims peace to those who are far off.

Application

You and I are the means by which Jesus Christ is still proclaiming peace to those who are far off. When was the last time you shared the Gospel message to people around you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 2:16 – Deadly Reconciliation

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:16 – Deadly Reconciliation

and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

Truth to Learn

We are reconciled to God because of Jesus Christ’s death.

Behind the Words

“He might reconcile” is translated from the Greek verb apokatalassō. This is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” kata, used as an intensifier, and allassō, meaning “to change.” This word implies a reconciliation which comes from a dramatic change. In other words, it refers to restoring harmony or fellowship between two parties as a result of a dramatic change on the part of one of them.

The word “body” is soma, which refers to “a body, either literally or figuratively.” In this case it refers to the physical body of Jesus Christ.

“Cross” is from the Greek noun stauros, which is derived from the base of the verb histēmi, meaning “to stand.” It refers to “a stake” or “a cross” (something set upright) to which criminals were tied or nailed as a form of execution.

The expression “putting to death” comes from the verb apokteinō, which is composed of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and the verb kteinō, meaning “to slay.” Thus, apokteinō means “to kill” or “to put to death.”

Meaning Explained

This verse really focuses on the Greek word apokatalassō, the reconciliation of mankind to God. In other words, God has restored harmony and fellowship between us and Him as a result of a change in our status. That change is from being a condemned sinner to having the righteousness of Christ. But Paul makes a special point of declaring that both Jews and Gentiles have been reconciled to God. Jews needed reconciliation because they failed to keep the whole law. And Gentiles needed reconciliation as well because we were estranged from God and His blessing.

This reconciliation took place in the physical body of Jesus Christ. As the second person of the Godhead, Jesus is completely God. But, because He took on human form, that is, a physical human body just like you and I have, subject to pain, suffering, and death, He is also completely human. Because He became completely human and lived a life without sin, he was able to offer up His life in that body, through the pain and suffering of the cross, as the payment for our sins.

At this point Paul employs one of his “play on words” for which he is noted. He tells us that because of the death of His body, Jesus put to death the enmity, the hatred and hostility between Jews and Gentiles. By His death, He reconciled both Jew and Gentile with God and put to death the hostility between us.

Application

In his letter to the Romans, Paul said:

For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:10-11)

If we are dead to sin then it cannot have mastery over us, and we can live our lives to God as a result of the bodily death of Jesus Christ. Do you consider yourself to be dead to sin and alive to God?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 2:15 – No Distinction

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:15 – No Distinction

having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,

Truth to Learn

In the church there is no distinction between races or sexes.

Behind the Words

“Having abolished” is translated from the Greek verb katargeō. This is made up of kata, used as an intensifier and the verb argeō, meaning “to be inactive” or “to be idle.” Thus, katargeō means “to make something completely inactive.”

The word “enmity” is from echthra, which refers to “hatred” or “hostility.” It is also used metaphorically, as it is here, to refer to the cause for such hatred or hostility.

“Commandments” comes from the Greek noun entolē. This is derived from the verb entellomai, meaning “to charge” or “to command.” It refers to “a charge” or “an edict” as from a public or religious authority.

Dogma is the Greek word translated “ordinances.” It is derived from the verb dokeō, meaning “to think.” Dogma actually refers to “an opinion, proposition, or conclusion,” not to “a firmly fixed religious truth” as it is frequently used today.

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse Paul introduced us to the idea that Christ is the one who made peace between the Jews and the Gentiles. He did so by destroying the partitioning wall between us. In the Greek text the word translated enmity (echthra) immediately follows the words translated “the middle wall of separation.” Being placed in apposition (side by side) like this indicates that enmity further defines “the middle wall of separation” not “the law of commandments.” So, a better translation of verses fourteen and fifteen might be:

For He is our peace, who made both one and destroyed the middle wall of separation, even the enmity, by having deactivated in His flesh the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, making peace,

Now, what we learn here is that Christ completely fulfilled the Law, and then He offered up His sinless life as the sacrificial lamb (completing the fulfillment of the law). In so doing, His righteousness can now be credited to all who believe. Therefore, the enmity between Jews and Gentiles, like the wall that separated us in the Temple court, has been destroyed. And, by fully satisfying the law and offering Himself as the sacrificial lamb, He has deactivated the Law of Moses.

In the book of Romans, Paul goes to great lengths to show that we are no longer bound by the law as slaves to it like the Jews were. Instead, we have a new master, God, who has purchased our redemption and has adopted us as His children. Now that the enmity has been destroyed, we are at peace with our Jewish brothers in Christ. Together we all make up the body of Christ and we work together in serving God.

Application

In the church, the body of Christ, there is no distinction between the races or the sexes as there was in the Jewish faith. We are all one in Christ, co-equal servants of Almighty God.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 2:14 – Peace Without Fences

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:14 – Peace Without Fences

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

Truth to Learn

We now have access to God through the new covenant.

Behind the Words

The word translated “peace” is eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” The root of this word is probably the verb eirō, which means “to join.” Hence, to be at peace with someone implies that you are joined together with them for your mutual benefit. It does not simply imply a passive act (that you leave each other alone) but an active one (that you join together with another person to produce good).

“Both” is translated from amphoteros, which is an inclusive comparative form of the word amphō, meaning “the two.” Therefore, amphoteros means “each of two” or “both.”

The words “broken down” are from the verb luō, which literally means “to loosen,” “to dissolve,” or “to destroy.”

Mesotoichon (used only here in the New Testament) is the Greek word translated “middle wall.” It is a compound word made up of mesos, meaning “middle” and toichos, which refers to the wall of a building (a different word, teichos refers to the wall of a city). Thus, mesotoichon literally refers to “an inner separating wall, as opposed to a protective wall.”

“Separation” is from phragmos, which is derived from the verb phrassō, meaning “to enclose with a fence or a hedge.” Phragmos refers to a “fence intended to keep someone out.”

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we learned that Gentiles were not included in the covenant made between God and Abraham. But, we also learned that God abolished the old covenant and created a new one, sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Now we learn that because of this new covenant, He (Jesus) is our peace. Paul is not talking here about the same personal sense of peace which he told the Philippian Christians about,

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

The peace that Paul is talking about here is the peace between Jews and Gentiles. We are now joined together in a special way. Paul explains this peace further by saying that both Jews and Gentiles have been made one and that the partition separating us from one another has been dissolved.

In the middle of the courtyard of the former Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, a special partition wall divided the court of the Gentiles from the court of Israel. On that wall was an inscription forbidding Gentiles from going any further. That wall was symbolic of the partition wall separating Jews and Gentiles. However, the partition between us has now been demolished by the new covenant through the blood of Jesus.

Application

Mankind no longer has to practice all the ordinances of the Jewish faith in order to be children of God. Through faith in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, we are cleansed of our sins and we are adopted into His family.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 2:13 – A New Covenant

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:13 – A New Covenant

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Truth to Learn

God has made a new covenant for us.

Behind the Words

“Now” is translated from nuni, which is a strengthened form of nun, meaning “now.” The strengthened form adds emphasis on the present.

“Once” is from the Greek word pote, which has several nuances of meaning and is used of both the past and the future. It can mean “at some time,” “one time or another,” “when,” “formerly,” or “at last.”

The Greek word translated “far off” is makran, which is derived from makros, meaning “long.” Makran means “a great distance away.”

The words “have been brought” are from the verb ginomai, which means “to begin to be” or “to come into existence.” Thus, Paul is really saying, “you … have become near.”

Meaning Explained

Paul’s current train of thought began back in verse eleven where he reminded us that previously we were Gentiles in the flesh and we were called “the uncircumcision” by the Jews. So what’s the big deal about circumcision? Back in Genesis chapter fifteen, Abraham was declared to be righteous because he believed God’s promise that the Messiah would be one of his descendants. Fifteen years later (Genesis 17) he still had no children by his wife Sarah. At that time God promised him again that He would be a father of many nations, telling him that in one year Sarah would give birth to a son. He then made another covenant with Abraham, promising him that He would be God to Abraham’s descendants and that He would give him and his descendants the land of Canaan. This covenant required Abraham and his entire household to be circumcised.

The fact that we were not descendants of Abraham means that we aren’t part of the Commonwealth of Israel. Therefore, we were not included in the promise of the coming Messiah or the promise that Jehovah would be our God. And, as a result, as Paul said in verse twelve, we were without hope. Now that Abraham’s descendant, the Messiah, has come and shed His blood as payment for our sins, things have changed. We, who were aliens and far away from the promises and covenants, have been brought near by a new covenant. Luke recorded the following words of our Lord at the Last Supper:

This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:20)

In other words, by shedding His blood, he was making a new covenant. And, in the book of Hebrews we are told:

In that He says, “a new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete.” (Hebrews 8:13)

Because of this new covenant, sealed with Christ’s blood, we who were once far off have now become near to God.

Application

If you believe that the blood of Christ saved you from your sins, then God has declared you to be righteous. Because you are righteous, you can stand (actually, we will sit) in His presence. All who refuse to believe are unrighteous and can’t stand in His presence; they will be cast into the Lake of Fire.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 2:12 – Without Hope?

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 2:12 – Without Hope?

that at that time you 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.

Truth to Learn

Through faith in Christ we are no longer without hope.

Behind the Words

The word “without” is translated from the Greek word chōris, which means “without” or “separated from.”

“Being aliens” is from the verb apallotrioō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “apart from” and allotrioō, meaning “to alienate” or “to separate from.” Thus, this word means “to be completely separated from.”

“Commonwealth” is translated from politeia (from which we get our English word politics). It is indirectly derived from polis, meaning “a city.” Politeia refers to a community or commonwealth of citizens.

Xenos is the Greek word translated “strangers.” It refers to someone who is not a citizen of a commonwealth.

The words “without God” are from atheos, which is made up of a, meaning “not” or “without” and theos, which is the Greek word for “god.” Therefore, we see that atheos refers to someone “without God” or “Godless.”

“Hope” is translated from the Greek word elpis, which refers to more than just a wish. It is “a hope for something with the full expectation that it will happen.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul noted that before we were saved we were called “the uncircumcision” by the Jews, because we were not part of the covenant that God made with them through Abraham. Even though the Jewish faith had degenerated into a works oriented religion, they still were the recipients of God’s covenant because they were descendants of Abraham.

Paul now expands on what he has just said. He tells us that before we were saved, we were without Christ. That’s pretty obvious. But, he also tells us that we were not part of the political entity called Israel either. The significance of this is that only Israel was privy to the covenant. Now, we have to ask, what covenant is Paul talking about?

Shortly after the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit of God was poured out, Peter preached a message to the Jews in the temple area. As part of that message, he said:

You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, “and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Acts 3:25)

This is the covenant referred to by Paul, the promise of a Messiah. Before the coming of Christ, we were outside the commonwealth to whom the promise was made. Therefore, before Christ, we were without hope and we were without God. We were alone in the world system.

Application

Before we were saved, we were hopelessly lost and destined for eternal punishment in Hell. But now, through faith in the blood of Christ, we have hope and the assurance that we will spend eternity in God’s holy presence. There is hope for us!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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