Ephesians Part 07

Ephesians 2:19–22 says, 

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

Paul concludes this portion of his letter by revealing the full picture of reconciliation—how God has brought both Jew and Gentile into one united spiritual family. The Gentiles, who were once “strangers and foreigners,” now share full citizenship in God’s household. The word xenoi refers to general foreigners, often short-term visitors or outsiders. The second word paroikoi means resident aliens—people who live in a land that is not their own, having limited privileges and rights. This perfectly describes the Gentiles’ former relationship to God before Christ. They may have lived near the borders of God’s covenant promises but had no part in them.

Yet now, through Christ, that status has changed dramatically. Paul doesn’t say they are fellow citizens with the nation of Israel, but with the saints—those who are spiritually called and set apart as God’s people. The saints are not defined by lineage or ethnicity but by faith and obedience to God. They are the ones who, at Christ’s return, will rise to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17).  

Daniel foresaw this spiritual kingdom centuries earlier: 

“Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him” (Daniel 7:27).

Paul is reminding his readers that they are now citizens of this coming, everlasting Kingdom. They are members of the household of God—a powerful image of belonging and intimacy. As Adam Clarke noted, God’s household is like a great spiritual temple, and every believer is both a child and servant in that house, with equal rights and privileges before the Father. All have the same access through one Spirit and the same opportunity to receive grace and glory from Him.

This vision was not new. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a time when even foreigners would be welcomed into God’s service and worship:

“Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants—Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath and holds fast My covenant—even them I will bring to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer . . . for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:6–7).

In our next lesson we will finish our look at the final verses of Ephesians 2.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.