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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 108

"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God."

Text: Ephesians 2:19

WRITING WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASM

Paul could barely restrain himself as he forged forward to the conclusion of his arguments. The phrase he used, “now, therefore, you are no longer” (“ara oun este ouketi”) suggests that he wrote with a tremendous spirit of strength and joy. The phrase may be read as if the thoughts tumbled out one after another).

“Now”

The glorious work of redemption in the past, must of necessity produce glorious results in the present. This was the thrust and significance of the word “now”. The joy and wonder must not be lost in the word “now”.

“Therefore”

This word is often called an “inferential article”. It is used as a conclusion to an argument, or a series of argument. The force of the inferential article when combined with the word “now” strengthens the idea that Paul was having elated feelings even as he wrote about the wonderful results of Christ’s redemptive work.

“No longer”

The third phrase (actually, just one word “ouketi”) was used with obvious delight. Combine these three words together and we should be able to picture a very energetic apostle bursting with joy and gratitude as he pulled all his arguments together to formulate his conclusion.

UNDERSTANDING PAUL’S SENSE OF ELATION

Let’s do a quick comparison of the two states of the Gentiles, before and after faith in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ. That would help us appreciate his high sense of joy.

1. Before Christ’s redemptive work

a) “Without Christ” Ephesians 2:12
b) “Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel” Ephesians 2:12
(The more exact word should be “alienated” rather than “aliens”)
c) “Strangers from the covenants of promise” Ephesians 2:12

2. After faith in Christ’s redemptive work

a) “No longer strangers” Ephesians 2:19
b) “Foreigners” Ephesians 2:19
c) “Fellow citizens” Ephesians 2:19
d) “Members of the household of God” Ephesians 2:19