Paul contrasts their former state as dead in trespasses, walking according to the world's course and the prince of the power of the air, with their present state of being quickened together with Christ and raised to sit in heavenly places, saved by grace through faith as God's workmanship. He addresses Gentile believers who were once far off, strangers to Israel's covenants, but now brought near by Christ's blood, the wall of partition abolished, creating one new man and reconciling both to God in one body through the cross.
Read Ephesians Chapter 2 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Places in This Chapter
The Temple
View on MapThe Temple in Jerusalem was the permanent house of worship built by Solomon on Mount Moriah. Destroyed by Babylon, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel and later greatly expanded by Herod. Jesus taught in the Temple courts, cleared it of merchants, and predicted its destruction, which occurred in 70 AD.
Position in Book
Spiritual BlessingsChapters 1
Grace and UnityChapters 2-3
Saved by grace, Jews and Gentiles united, Paul's ministry.
Worthy WalkChapters 4:1-5:21
Household and WarfareChapters 5:22-6:24
Bible Bites
No Personal Names or Problems
Unlike Paul's other letters, Ephesians mentions no specific people by name (except Tychicus the messenger) and addresses no particular problems. This suggests it may have been a circular letter meant for multiple churches in Asia Minor.
Ephesians