Ephesians 2:19 – Fellow citizens and family members

Consequently, the no longer are you guests and sojourners, but are fellow-citizens of the saints and belong to God’s family..

The nations were once outsiders. Whenever they went into Jerusalem, there was this “central wall of the barrier” that carefully kept them at a distance from the sanctuary. Paul’s imprisonment (from which he now writes, 3:1) had begun with the accusation that he would have brought a pagan into the temple. The charge was false, but “in spirit” it was exactly what Paul taught. The nations are no longer just guests, but family members. No more sojourners but fellow citizens!

“Fellow citizens of the saints” does not mean that the nations are now incorporated into Israel. No, there is a new formation, a “new man” (:15). Believers from the nations and believers form Israel are both incorporated into Christ. Literally: in the body, that is, placed in the body of Christ. Because that is the ecclesia: the body of Christ.

The concept of “fellow citizens” includes: together citizens of one city (polis). With “family members” the atmosphere is much more intimate: living together in one house. The house of GOD without the signs ‘no trespassing’. The place where GOD lives as a Father and is accessible to all who are at home.

Delen: