Freedom Calls

“Fellow citizens with the saints.”
Ephesians 2:19

Let’s dive deeper into the context and meaning of Ephesians 2:19.

The Background:

Ephesians 2:19 falls within the broader context of Ephesians 2:11-22, which explores the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ.

Paul writes to the predominantly Gentile church in Ephesus, addressing their former separation from God and their new status as believers.

The Problem:

Before Christ, Gentiles were considered “strangers” (xenoi) and “sojourners” (parepidemoi), indicating their separation from God’s people, the Jews.

The Jews, as God’s chosen people, had a unique covenant relationship with Him. Gentiles, on the other hand, were seen as outsiders, without hope, and without God (Ephesians 2:12).

The Solution:

Through faith in Jesus Christ, Gentile believers are now reconciled to God and united with Jewish believers. Paul emphasizes that they are no longer strangers or sojourners but have been brought near to God through Christ’s blood (Ephesians 2:13).

This reconciliation is made possible by Christ’s death, which has broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14-15).

The Result:

As a result of this reconciliation, Gentile believers are now “fellow citizens” (sympolitai) with the saints, part of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19). This new status is characterized by:

1. Equality: Gentile believers are now on equal footing with Jewish believers, both being part of God’s people.
2. Unity: The dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down, and they are now united in Christ.
3. Belonging: Gentile believers have been welcomed into God’s household, becoming part of His family.
4. New Identity: They are no longer defined by their former separation from God but by their new identity in Christ.

The Implications:

Ephesians 2:19 has significant implications for the church:

1. Unity in Diversity: The church is called to demonstrate unity in diversity, embracing believers from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
2. Reconciliation: The gospel is a message of reconciliation, not only between God and humanity but also between people groups.
3. Inclusivity: God’s household is characterized by inclusivity, welcoming people from all nations and backgrounds.
4. New Identity: Believers are called to find their primary identity in Christ, rather than in their ethnic, cultural, or social backgrounds.

Here are quotes from Charles Spurgeon, C.S. Lewis, and A.W. Tozer on the privileges and benefits of being a fellow citizen with the saints:

Charles Spurgeon:

• “He who is a fellow-citizen with the saints is a member of a holy nation, a partaker of the heavenly calling, an heir of the kingdom which is not of this world.” (From the sermon “Fellow-Citizens with the Saints”)
• “The saints are not a mob, but a corporation, a holy commonwealth, a city of the Lord, a heavenly Jerusalem.” (From the sermon “Fellow-Citizens with the Saints”)

C.S. Lewis:

• “The next moment is as much beyond our grasp, and as much in God’s care, as heaven or hell or anything there may call to us. This is the beauty of the world; this is the wonder of the world: that it is always now, that it is always being redeemed, that it is always being bought back, that it is always being given away.” (From “The Weight of Glory”)
• “You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.” (From “Mere Christianity”) – This quote highlights the idea that as fellow citizens with the saints, we are not just physical beings, but spiritual beings, united with God and with each other.

A.W. Tozer:

• “The church is not a corporation, it’s not a business, it’s not a social club. The church is a fellowship of believers who have been born again by the Spirit of God, and who are being led by the Spirit of God.” (From “The Pursuit of God”)
• “The Christian’s life should be a continuous prayer. We should walk in the Spirit and be led by the Spirit. We should live in the Spirit and be guided by the Spirit.” (From “The Pursuit of God”) – This quote highlights the idea that as fellow citizens with the saints, we are called to live a life of continuous prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Summary of Privileges and Benefits:

As fellow citizens with the saints, we are privileged to:

• Be part of a holy nation, a heavenly calling, and a kingdom that is not of this world
• Be united with God and with each other, as spiritual beings, rather than just physical beings
• Be led by the Spirit of God and guided by His will
• Live a life of continuous prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit
• Be part of a fellowship of believers who have been born again by the Spirit of God
• Be part of a holy commonwealth, a city of the Lord, a heavenly Jerusalem
• Be part of a community that is being redeemed, bought back, and given away by God’s love and grace.

These privileges and benefits highlight the beauty and wonder of being a fellow citizen with the saints, and the incredible blessings that come with being part of God’s kingdom.