No Longer Strangers: The Unity of Believers

Ephesians 2:19 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁹So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and of the household of God,

This verse explains the result of the reconciling work of Jesus, stating that believers are no longer foreigners and strangers but are fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household.

The phrase “fellow citizens with God’s people” suggests that believers are now part of God’s family and community and have been given equal status and privileges within that community. The phrase “members of his household” suggests that believers are now part of God’s household, or family, and are able to experience the love and care that is provided within that family.

Overall, this verse is a reminder of the reconciliation work of Jesus and the fact that through faith in Him, believers are able to be reconciled to God and become part of His family and community. It is a reminder of the grace and love of God towards believers and the fact that we are no longer outsiders of His covenant but are now members of His household and family.

So then – This phrase connects the thought in verse 18 (about being brought near to God through Christ’s blood) to the idea being presented in verse 19.

You are no longer strangers and aliens – The imagery of being a stranger or alien suggests a sense of not belonging or not being fully accepted. But through faith in Christ, believers are no longer in that state. They are now fully accepted and part of the household of God.

But you are fellow citizens – The metaphor of citizenship conveys the idea of belonging to a community and having rights and privileges within that community. Believers are now considered citizens of God’s kingdom, with all the rights and privileges that come with it.

With the holy ones – The word “holy ones” refers to all believers, both those still on earth and those in heaven. The idea is that believers are now members of one community, united in their faith in Christ.

And members of the household of God – The metaphor of a household emphasizes the idea of being part of a family, with all the love and support that comes with it. Believers are now considered members of God’s family, with all the rights and privileges that come with it.

Historical and Cultural Context

When Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesians, the recipients were primarily Gentile converts to Christianity. They would have had a strong sense of being outsiders within the Jewish community and possibly within the larger Greco-Roman society as well.

The imagery of being a “stranger and alien” would have resonated with them, as it would have reminded them of their previous status as outsiders. However, through faith in Christ, they are now fully accepted into God’s household and considered fellow citizens with the saints.

This idea of citizenship also holds significant weight in the historical and cultural context of the time. Roman society placed a high value on citizenship and the rights and privileges that came with it. Being considered a citizen of God’s kingdom would have held great significance for the Ephesian believers.

Additionally, the imagery of the “household of God” would have also held great significance in that culture, as the patriarchal household was the basic unit of society in the ancient world. The idea that they are now members of God’s household would have also conveyed to them a sense of belonging, protection, and provision.

In summary, the imagery and metaphor used in this verse would have had a powerful impact on the Ephesian believers, reminding them of their newfound status as fully accepted members of God’s community, with all the rights and privileges that come with it.