Eph 2 | MHM | STEP | State of the Ephesians by Nature Paul describes how the Ephesians were in a very sad and hopeless condition before they came to know Christ. He wants them to see what it means to be lost without God, so that they will be grateful for what Jesus has done for them. This was not only the state of the Ephesians, but also of all people by nature. v. 1 : Paul says that those who do not know Christ are dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1 ). This means that sin is like a spiritual death. Sinners are cut off from God, who is the source of life. Sin kills the soul and leaves people unable to please God or enjoy spiritual things.

‏ Ephesians 2

State of the Ephesians by Nature

Paul describes how the Ephesians were in a very sad and hopeless condition before they came to know Christ. He wants them to see what it means to be lost without God, so that they will be grateful for what Jesus has done for them. This was not only the state of the Ephesians, but also of all people by nature.

v. 1: Paul says that those who do not know Christ are dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1 ^a). This means that sin is like a spiritual death. Sinners are cut off from God, who is the source of life. Sin kills the soul and leaves people unable to please God or enjoy spiritual things.

v. 2: He explains that, in the past, the Ephesians walked—that is, lived—according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2 ^b). This "prince" is the devil, who leads people away from God. Those living in sin are following the ways of the world and are actually obeying the devil, even if they do not realize it. The devil is also called the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience, which means he has a powerful influence over all who choose to disobey God.

v. 3: Paul adds that this was true for everyone, including the Jews: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past (Ephesians 2:3 ^c). By nature, all people want to satisfy their sinful desires, both in body and mind. People naturally do what their sinful hearts want, becoming slaves to their passions and bad thoughts. Because of this, we are all by nature the children of wrath, even as others. This means everyone, no matter their background, deserves God’s anger and judgment because of sin. But, as Paul will show, God’s grace can change this sad condition for anyone who believes in Jesus.

The Change Wrought in the Ephesians

Paul explains the wonderful transformation that God brought about in the lives of the Ephesians. He describes how this change was entirely the work of God’s grace and highlights the purpose of their new life in Christ. This change, which applies to all believers, moves us from spiritual death to a life of purpose and good works for God’s glory.

v. 4–5: Paul begins by showing that God is the one who saved them. He says, But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, brought us to life in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5 ^d). God’s mercy is abundant, and His love is great. Out of His kindness, He saves sinners who are spiritually dead. Paul emphasizes that by grace you are saved. Salvation is not something we earn, but a gift of God’s love and mercy.

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v. 6: Paul explains that God has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6 ^e). Believers are united with Christ in His resurrection and exaltation. This means that Christians are no longer tied to the sinful ways of the world. Instead, they live with a heavenly perspective, enjoying spiritual blessings and the hope of eternal life.

v. 7: God’s purpose in saving sinners is that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7 ^f). God’s work in us is a display of His amazing grace and mercy, meant to encourage others to trust in Him. His kindness is shown through Christ, who is the source of all blessings for believers.

v. 8–9: Paul makes it clear that salvation is by grace through faith and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8 ^g). Faith is not something we produce on our own—it is a gift from God. Salvation is not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:9 ^h). This means no one can take credit for their salvation. It is entirely God’s work, and all glory belongs to Him.

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v. 10: Paul explains that believers are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Ephesians 2:10 ⁱ). Christians are like new creations, made by God to do good works. These works are not the cause of salvation but the result of it. God has before ordained these good works, meaning He planned for His people to live holy and fruitful lives. Our purpose as Christians is to walk in them, glorifying God in every part of our lives.

The Miserable Condition of the Ephesians by Nature

Paul wants the Ephesians to remember how hopeless their lives were before they knew Christ. He encourages them to look back at their past so they can stay humble and be more thankful to God. He reminds them that they were Gentiles, separated from the blessings that belonged to God’s people.

v. 11: Paul says, Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh (Ephesians 2:11 ^j). They did not have the sign of circumcision, which showed a person belonged to God’s covenant people. The Jews looked down on them and called them “uncircumcised.” The Jews were proud of their outward sign, but it was only an outward thing and not enough by itself. Paul teaches that we should not be proud of outward things or look down on others who do not have them.

v. 12: At that time, they were without Christ, meaning they had no knowledge or relationship with the Messiah. They were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel—outside God’s chosen people and the blessings of belonging to the church. They were strangers from the covenants of promise and did not know about God’s promises for salvation and eternal life. Because of this, they had no hope of spiritual blessings or eternal life. They were without God in the world; even though they believed in many false gods, they had no relationship with the one true God. This is the sad condition of all who do not know Christ.

v. 13: Paul then explains the change: But now in Christ Jesus, you who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13 ^k). Through faith in Jesus and his sacrifice, those who were once far from God are brought close. They now belong to God, are part of His church, and enjoy all the blessings that come with being a child of God. This nearness to God is only possible because Jesus died for their sins.

The Union of Jews and Gentiles

Paul explains how Christ brings peace and unity between groups that were once divided. He shows that through Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles are reconciled to each other and to God. This unity is one of the great blessings of salvation, as it creates one family of believers who share the privileges of being part of God’s household.

v. 14: Jesus is described as our peace. Through His sacrifice, He made both one, uniting Jews and Gentiles into one group (Ephesians 2:14 ^l). The "middle wall of partition"—the ceremonial law, which created division—was removed by Him. This law, which included many outward rules and rituals, acted as a barrier between Jews and Gentiles, but Christ broke it down to create unity.

v. 15: Paul explains that Jesus abolished in his flesh the enmity—the hostility caused by the law of commandments in ordinances (Ephesians 2:15 ^m). By fulfilling the law through His death, Jesus removed the cause of division. He created one new man, a united body of believers who worship God together through the gospel, making peace between people who were once enemies.

v. 16: Christ also reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God. He did this by the cross, where He offered Himself as a sacrifice to end the enmity between God and sinners (Ephesians 2:16 ⁿ). Through His death, Jesus made it possible for all believers to be at peace with God and with one another.

v. 17: Jesus preached peace to those who were far off (Gentiles) and to those who were near (Jews) (Ephesians 2:17 ^o). He delivered the message of reconciliation personally and through His apostles. When the gospel is preached, it is as though Christ Himself is speaking, offering peace and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

v. 18: Through Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles have access by one Spirit unto the Father (Ephesians 2:18 ^p). Christ’s sacrifice gives us the right to approach God, and the Holy Spirit gives us the desire and strength to come to Him. This shows how the entire Trinity is involved in bringing us into a relationship with God.

v. 19: Paul reminds the Ephesians that they are no more strangers and foreigners, but now fellow-citizens with the saints and part of the household of God . They are no longer outsiders but have the full privileges of being part of God’s family. The church is like a city where every believer has citizenship and like a household where every believer is part of the family.

v. 20: The church is compared to a building, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone . The apostles and prophets laid the foundation by teaching God’s word, but Jesus holds everything together. He is the most important part of the church, giving it stability and unity.

v. 21: In Christ, the whole building is fitly framed together, growing into a holy temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2:21 ^q). The church is like a spiritual temple where God’s people come together to worship Him. Each believer is like a living stone, joined to others in Christ, to create a sacred place for God’s presence.

v. 22: Paul concludes by saying that the Ephesians, too, are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22 ^r). God’s Spirit lives in His people, both individually and as a church. This is a reminder that the church is not just a building, but a community where God dwells with His people now and forever.