18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Verse eighteen not only clarifies the previous verses’ intentions regarding Jews and Gentiles, but also presents the first reference to the Trinity in Ephesians. We will see more as the epistle progresses.
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.
Verse nineteen once again confirms our understanding of verses 14-18: two groups are now made one in Christ. The "stranger" idea from verse twelve is reasserted, as is our new status in Christ. The words “citizens” and “household” are also important, as one references the members of a kingdom, and the other references the members of a family. The wording "foundation of the apostles and prophets" is clearly referencing Scripture; Christ as the corner stone, who filthy frames the building together, is then figurative language showing Christ as the key to as a fulfillment of all of Scripture. He is the key to the promises of both kingdoms in Scripture. This also serves to explain why Peter is not the one on whom the church is built, but rather Christ; it is Peter's confession of Jesus as Christ in Matthew 16:15-16, not Peter himself (see also I Corinthians 3:11, I Corinthians 3:16, and I Corinthians 6:19).
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