Study Content

Paul begins this chapter by describing the spiritual condition of humanity apart from Christ.

He says believers were once dead in trespasses and sins.

The Greek word nekros means dead or lifeless.

Paul is not describing physical death but spiritual separation from God.

Just as a physically dead person cannot respond to the physical world, a spiritually dead person cannot respond to God apart from His intervention.

Paul says people once walked according to the course of this world.

The word aiōn refers to the age or system of the world.

It describes the patterns of thinking and behavior that shape society apart from God.

This system influences people to live independently of God’s authority.

Paul also refers to the prince of the power of the air.

This is a reference to Satan and the spiritual forces that oppose God’s purposes.

The phrase suggests influence within the unseen spiritual realm that affects human behavior and thinking.

Paul describes this influence as a spirit that now works in the children of disobedience.

The Greek word energeō indicates active influence or operation.

This shows that rebellion against God is not merely a human issue but part of a larger spiritual conflict.

Paul then explains that all people once lived according to the desires of the flesh.

The word sarx refers to the fallen human nature that seeks satisfaction apart from God.

This includes both outward behaviors and inward attitudes.

Paul says people fulfilled the desires of the flesh and of the mind.

This reveals that sin is not limited to actions but includes thoughts, motivations, and intentions.

Because of this condition humanity was by nature children of wrath.

This phrase reflects the reality that sin places humanity under God’s righteous judgment.

However, Paul then introduces one of the most hopeful transitions in Scripture.

“But God.”

These two words mark the turning point of the chapter.

Despite humanity’s spiritual death, God intervened.

Paul says God is rich in mercy.

The word eleos refers to compassion toward those who are suffering or undeserving.

God’s mercy flows from His great love for humanity.

Even when people were spiritually dead, God made them alive together with Christ.

The Greek word synezōopoieō means to make alive together.

Believers share in the new life that comes through Christ’s resurrection.

Paul reminds them again that this transformation occurs by grace.

Grace is not something humans earn.

It is something God freely gives.

Paul then says that God raised believers up together with Christ and seated them in heavenly places.

This does not mean believers physically occupy heaven now.

Rather, it describes their spiritual position and identity.

Because of their union with Christ, they share in His victory and authority.

Paul explains that this act of grace demonstrates the exceeding riches of God’s kindness.

God’s salvation reveals His character and displays His mercy throughout eternity.

Paul then summarizes the gospel in one of the most well-known passages of Scripture.

Salvation comes by grace through faith.

The Greek word pistis refers to trust or reliance.

Faith is not merely intellectual agreement but trust in the work of Christ.

Paul emphasizes that salvation is not from ourselves.

It is the gift of God.

The word dōron means a freely given gift.

Because salvation is a gift, it cannot be earned through works.

This removes any possibility of boasting.

Human pride has no place in salvation because the entire work belongs to God.

However, Paul clarifies that good works still have an important place.

Believers are God’s workmanship.

The Greek word poiēma means something crafted or created.

It is the root of the English word “poem.”

Believers are the result of God’s creative work.

They are created in Christ Jesus for good works.

These works do not produce salvation.

They are the result of salvation.

God prepared these works beforehand so that believers would walk in them.

Paul then shifts focus to the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.

He reminds the Gentile believers that they were once separated from Christ.

They were excluded from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise.

This meant they lived without hope and without knowledge of the true God.

But now in Christ Jesus those who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

The phrase “brought near” reflects language from the temple where only certain people could approach God.

Christ’s sacrifice removes these barriers.

Paul then explains that Christ Himself is our peace.

The word eirēnē again refers to restored harmony.

Christ has made both groups one and broken down the dividing wall of hostility.

Many scholars believe Paul is referring to the wall in the Jerusalem temple that separated Gentiles from the inner courts.

Christ removed the hostility that divided people.

He abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances.

This refers to the ceremonial regulations that distinguished Jews from Gentiles.

Through His work Christ created one new humanity from the two groups.

This new humanity is the church.

Paul explains that through the cross Christ reconciled both groups to God in one body.

Reconciliation refers to the restoration of relationship after conflict.

The cross removed the hostility between humanity and God as well as between different groups of people.

Through Christ believers now have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Access here suggests entrance into the presence of God.

No longer are people separated by cultural or religious barriers.

Paul concludes the chapter with an image of construction.

Believers are no longer strangers and foreigners.

They are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.

The church is described as a building.

The foundation is the apostles and prophets.

Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone.

The Greek word akrogōniaios refers to the cornerstone that aligns and stabilizes the entire structure.

In Christ the entire building grows together into a holy temple in the Lord.

Paul ends by saying believers are being built together into a dwelling place for God through the Spirit.

God’s presence no longer resides in a physical temple.

It now dwells among His people.