What does Ephesians 2:19-22 mean?
"So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." - Ephesians 2:19-22

Ephesians 2:19-22 (KJV) states: "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."
In this passage, the Apostle Paul is addressing the Gentile believers in Ephesus, reminding them that they are no longer outsiders but are now members of God's family through their faith in Jesus Christ. He is emphasizing the unity and commonality that believers have in Christ, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
One of the central themes of this passage is the concept of belonging and unity in the body of Christ. Paul uses the imagery of citizenship and household to illustrate the believers' new identity in Christ. By using the terms "strangers and foreigners," Paul is highlighting the alienation and separation that the Gentiles once experienced before coming to faith in Christ. However, through their faith, they have become "fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God," emphasizing their inclusion and belonging in the community of believers.
Additionally, Paul emphasizes the foundation upon which this new community is built. He mentions that the believers are "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." This imagery is significant as it highlights the authority and teachings of the apostles and prophets in establishing the early Christian church, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of their faith. This emphasizes the importance of the teachings and example set by Jesus Christ, which serve as the foundation for the Christian faith.
Furthermore, Paul describes this new community of believers as a temple, stating, "In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord." This imagery is important as it emphasizes the unity and cohesion of the body of Christ. The believers, when linked together, form a temple for God, representing the presence of God among them. This symbolizes the spiritual unity and collective identity of the believers as they grow and mature in their faith.
The final verse of this passage is a reminder of the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the believers, stating that they are "builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." This serves as a reminder of the spiritual reality of God's presence among believers and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in uniting and sanctifying them.
In a broader context, this passage is not only addressing the specific Gentile believers in Ephesus but also speaks to all believers, emphasizing the new identity and belonging that is found in Christ. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and inclusivity within the body of Christ, regardless of cultural or ethnic differences.
In conclusion, Ephesians 2:19-22 is a powerful reminder of the unity and belonging that believers have in Christ. It emphasizes the foundational teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, the spiritual unity and cohesion of the body of Christ, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This passage serves as an encouragement for believers to recognize and embrace their new identity in Christ and to live in unity and harmony with one another as members of the household of God.
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Ephesians 2:19-22 Artwork
Ephesians 2:19-22 - "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." - Ephesians 2:19-22
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Ephesians 2:22 - "In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."
Ephesians 2:19 - "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"
Ephesians 4:22
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Ephesians 2:21-22 - "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."
"In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." - Ephesians 2:22
"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;" - Ephesians 2:19
2 Samuel 22:19 - "They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay."
Ephesians 5:22 - "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."
Ephesians 2:2 - "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"
Ephesians 3:19 - "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
Ephesians 5:19 - "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"
Acts 19:28 - "And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians."
Ephesians 4:22 - "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;"
Ephesians 2:8
Ephesians 2:10