In the preceding paragraph the apostle had set
forth—1l. The moral and spiritual condition of the
CHAP. II. vs. 11-22. 123
Ephesians by nature. 2. The spiritual renovation and exaltation which they had experienced. 3. The design of God in this dispensation. In this paragraph he exhibits the corresponding change in their relations. In doing this he sets forth :—
I. Their former relation—1st. To the church as for- elgners and aliens. 2d. To God as those who were far off, without any saving knowledge of him, or interest in his promises, vs. 11. 12.
Il. The means by which this alienation from God and the church had been removed, viz. by the blood ° of Christ. His death had a twofold effect.—1. By satisfying the demands of justice, it secured reconcilia- tion with God. 2. By abolishing the law in the form of the Mosaic institutions, it removed the wall of parti- tion between the Jews and Gentiles. A twofold recon- ciliation was thus effected ; the Jews and Gentiles are united in one body, and both are reconciled to God, vs. 13-18.
II. In consequence of this twofold reconciliation, the Ephesians were intimately united with God and his people. This idea is set forth under a threefold figure.—i. They are represented as fellow-citizens of the saints. 2. They are members of the family of God. 3. They are constituent portions of that temple in which God dwells by his Spirit, vs. 19-22.
The idea of the church which underlies this para- graph, is that which is every where presented in the New Testament. The church is the body of Christ. It consists of those in whom he dwells by his Spirit.