January 16, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Ephesians Chapter 2

¹ And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

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:

³ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

⁵ Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

⁶ And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

⁷ That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.

¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

¹¹ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

¹² That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

¹³ But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

¹⁴ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

¹⁵ Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

¹⁶ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

¹⁷ And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

¹⁸ For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

¹⁹ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

²⁰ And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

²¹ In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

²² In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

The second chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians deepens the understanding of the new life as a gift of God’s grace and the restoration of unity between Jews and Gentiles through Jesus Christ. Paul vividly describes the former spiritual deadness of believers, who were separated from God by sins and transgressions, and how they were made alive through God’s mercy and love. This chapter highlights the transformative power of God’s grace and emphasizes that salvation is received not through human works but solely through faith in Christ. Additionally, it underscores the importance of unity within the Church, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Commentary

Paul begins the chapter with a sobering depiction of the believers’ former state: “You were dead in your transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). This metaphor of death emphasizes the complete separation from God and humanity’s inability to save itself. He further describes how believers once lived according to the desires of their flesh and the spirit of this world, making them “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3).

The turning point comes in verse 4, where Paul highlights God’s abundant mercy and great love: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.” Here, the fundamental message of grace is emphasized—salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned through human efforts. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8).

Paul continues to explain the new identity of believers in Christ. They are “made alive with Christ” and “seated with Him in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:5–6). This spiritual rebirth is an essential part of the Christian experience, emphasizing the close connection between God and believers.

Another central point is the unity of the Church, which includes both Jews and Gentiles. Before redemption, Gentiles were “without Christ, alienated from the citizenship of Israel” (Ephesians 2:12). Through Christ’s work, this separation was overcome: “For He is our peace, who has made the two one” (Ephesians 2:14). Christ abolished hostility through His flesh and created a new humanity that lives together in peace.

Paul describes the Church as the “Holy Temple” and emphasizes that believers are “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20–21). This imagery illustrates the stability and holiness of the Church and Christ’s central role as its head.

Summary

Ephesians Chapter 2 conveys a powerful message of salvation and unity through God’s grace. Paul describes the former spiritual deadness of believers and highlights how they were made alive through God’s mercy and the love of Christ. Salvation is not achieved through human works but solely through faith in Jesus Christ. This new life in Christ leads to the unity of the Church, which includes both Jews and Gentiles, with Christ as the cornerstone and head of the community. The chapter emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace and the importance of unity and holiness within the Christian community, which serves as God’s holy temple.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 87—“To My Father, and Your Father”
This chapter is based on Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12.
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction:

In Chapter 87 we learn about the final act of Jesus’ earthly life and His ascension into heaven. Jesus, having triumphed over death and sin, prepares to ascend to His Father in heaven. This moment marks the completion of His mission on Earth and the lasting promise of His presence in the hearts of believers. The place of His ascension—the Mount of Olives—is not merely a geographical location but a place rich with memories of Jesus’ life, prayers, and His struggle for humanity’s salvation. The ascension signifies the transition from Jesus as the suffering Redeemer to the triumphant King ascending to heaven.

Commentary:

Chapter 87 presents Jesus’ ascension as an act of victory and fulfillment. After completing His earthly mission and revealing Himself as the living Savior, He enters the heavenly realms. This moment is bittersweet for the disciples—filled with sorrow at parting from their Master but also with hope, as they now have confirmation of His victory over death. The Mount of Olives, once a place of Jesus’ prayers and struggles, now becomes the stage for His farewell. Yet, this farewell is not final; rather, it marks the beginning of a new era of hope. Jesus promises to remain with His followers and assures them that He will return one day in glory.

The angels affirm to the disciples that Jesus has not departed forever but will return in the same way they saw Him ascend. The image of heavenly hosts welcoming their King symbolizes Jesus’ future triumph at His second coming. Before this moment, Jesus raises His hands in blessing—a powerful affirmation of His presence and ongoing connection with the disciples. This blessing uplifts the disciples spiritually, filling them with joy and confidence in Christ’s continued presence and His role as their intercessor.

Summary:

Chapter 87 portrays Jesus’ ascension as a profound moment of exaltation and victory. The Mount of Olives, once a place of prayer and struggle, becomes the setting for His glorious ascent into heaven. After offering His disciples comfort and the promise of His return, Jesus is taken up by a cloud, disappearing from their sight. The angels proclaim that Jesus will return in the same way. This event conveys a dual message to believers: the comfort and assurance of Christ’s ongoing presence and the hope of His glorious return. The disciples return to Jerusalem with newfound joy and confidence, their hearts filled with praise and gratitude for the living Christ, who continues to live and intercede for them.

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