Ephesians 2:19-22 - Lectionary for St. Philip and St. James, Apostles
5/18/23
5/7/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
There was a serious controversy in the middle of the first century, about the time Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians. The heart of the question was whether it was necessary to become a Jew in order to be a Christian. The people of Ephesus, the vast majority, at least, were Gentiles. Those who believed on Christ were certainly saved from sin. Yet they were strangers. They were not immediately seen as partakers of the promise of God to Abraham.
In Ephesians 2:19-22 Paul speaks clearly of "you" rather than "we." He is addressing the Ephesians as a group, and is not including himself. They, Gentiles, are no longer strangers. They have been made citizens in the household of God. They are not illegal aliens. They are part of the family. Not only that, but their foundation includes both the apostles (New Testament) and the prophets (Old Testament). The Ephesians are on the same footing as Jews from Jerusalem who have trusted Jesus.
Like the Ephesians, all of us who trust in Jesus are truly and certainly part of God's household. There is no room for doubt or fear. We have become a dwelling for God. He has brought us into his family.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
5/18/23
5/7/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
There was a serious controversy in the middle of the first century, about the time Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians. The heart of the question was whether it was necessary to become a Jew in order to be a Christian. The people of Ephesus, the vast majority, at least, were Gentiles. Those who believed on Christ were certainly saved from sin. Yet they were strangers. They were not immediately seen as partakers of the promise of God to Abraham.
In Ephesians 2:19-22 Paul speaks clearly of "you" rather than "we." He is addressing the Ephesians as a group, and is not including himself. They, Gentiles, are no longer strangers. They have been made citizens in the household of God. They are not illegal aliens. They are part of the family. Not only that, but their foundation includes both the apostles (New Testament) and the prophets (Old Testament). The Ephesians are on the same footing as Jews from Jerusalem who have trusted Jesus.
Like the Ephesians, all of us who trust in Jesus are truly and certainly part of God's household. There is no room for doubt or fear. We have become a dwelling for God. He has brought us into his family.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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