Ephesians 2:22
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:22 (KJV)
Context
Ephesians 2:22 concludes the passage that begins at Ephesians 2:11, where the apostle Paul describes the reconciling work of Christ and the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers. He reminds Gentile believers that they were once outsiders to the covenant promises, but Christ has brought them near to God. In verse 22, Paul describes the collective body of believers as a habitation of God through the Spirit.
Meaning
The phrase “in whom” refers to Jesus Christ, who is the foundation and cornerstone mentioned earlier in Ephesians 2:20. It is through faith in Christ that believers are united and find their identity. The Greek verb translated “are builded together” (συνοικοδομεῖσθε) is a present passive indicative, indicating a continuous process of being built together with others. This verb appears only here in the New Testament, though 1 Peter 2:5 uses a similar verb for the same process of believers being built into a spiritual house.
Paul uses the imagery of a building to illustrate the unity and cohesion of believers. Through faith in Christ, believers become part of the spiritual temple being constructed by God. This imagery highlights the idea of a unified community of believers, where each individual plays a vital role. The word for “habitation” (κατοικητηριον) is a late word from the Septuagint, used in the New Testament only here and in Revelation 18:2. It is derived from κατοικεω, meaning “to dwell,” and is related to the word used in Ephesians 3:17 for Christ dwelling in the heart.
The purpose of believers being built together is to serve as a dwelling place for God. In the Old Testament, the temple was the physical dwelling place of God’s presence among His people. However, in the New Testament, God’s presence now resides in the hearts of believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is essential for believers to become a habitation of God. The Holy Spirit not only unifies believers but also empowers them to live out their faith and bear witness to the world. The Spirit’s presence within the community of believers testifies to God’s presence among them.
Biblical connections
The building described here is not merely individual but corporate; each believer is a stone in the temple, and together they form one habitation. The present tense of the verb suggests an ongoing process, indicating that believers are continually being built together, growing into a holy temple in the Lord. This building is sacred, set apart for God, and cannot be used for any other purpose without profanation. The church does not belong to the state and cannot lawfully be controlled by it; it is God’s house in which he alone has authority.
Application
Unity in Christ: Ephesians 2:22 emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ. It reminds us that our faith transcends individual relationships with God. We are part of a larger community of believers, and our collective unity should reflect God’s love and character.
The Church as God’s Dwelling Place: As believers, we are not just individuals with personal relationships with God. We are joined together as a spiritual house, and our collective unity makes us a dwelling place for God’s presence. This truth should inspire us to treat the Church with reverence and seek to live in harmony with other believers.
The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the building and unification of believers. We should rely on the Spirit’s guidance, empowerment, and fruit-bearing in our lives, both individually and collectively. It is through the Holy Spirit’s work that we become a habitation of God.
Reflecting God’s Presence: As a habitation of God, we should strive to reflect His character and nature to the world. Our lives should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and demonstrate the love, grace, and mercy of God to others.
Reflection
Ephesians 2:22 reminds believers of their unity in Christ and their collective role as a habitation of God through the Spirit. It emphasizes the importance of the Church as a spiritual community and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. May we strive to live out these truths in our lives and contribute to the building of God’s dwelling place.
