# Ephesians Chapter 2
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## Summary
Paul points out we were once formerly dead in our sins; children of wrath like the rest of mankind, but by grace have been raised with him that he might show grace and kindness towards us. For by grace we have been saved through faith that none may boast. But we are his workmanship created for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Paul encourages the Ephesians to recall at one point they were strangers to the covenant having no hope. But now through the messiah we have been made familiar, brought near through abolishing adherence to commandments expressed in ordinances. All that Christ might make one new man and peace. Part of a household built on the framework of the apostles and the insights of the prophets.

## Summarrium Meditatio
Two particular points have struck me about this passage. Firstly Paul makes explicit that we were once dead in sin but have since been raised with Christ. He highlights that we are recipients of grace and mercy. Let's just take a moment to clarify what we are talking about. For the purpose of keeping this simple let's recognise them through contrast. If *mercy* is not getting what we do deserve, then *grace* is getting what we do not deserve. 

Paul however does not simple talk about being recipients of grace. Indeed how many sermons are content to explicate verse 8-9 but ignore the subsequent verse 10? This passage is dripping with teleology and to ignore it is to miss a crucial point. We are shown mercy and grace for a reason. The motivation behind God's actions here are to exhibit the `immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us` because of his great love[^1]. This is undoubtedly the most elaborate display of affection in history. The lonely, the isolated, the rejected the cast down need only look at the cross to see the extent to which they are loved.

Paul however does not simply finish here. He situates this incredible display within the context of the teleological purpose. In verse 10 we read that we are his *workmanship* created in Chris Jesus for *good works*. So the gift is an elaborate display not the goal. Indeed it is easy to mistake what Paul is saying here. Gifts are an expression of the value. Humans, however, are his workmanship that have a purpose. Specifically good works. We don't exist for the purpose of salvation, we exist for good works and it please him to exhibit his great love for us in such a spectacle.

I mentioned a second point.

The second point is also somewhat tangential. The familiarisation of the stranger is a pattern within scripture. That God takes what is unfamiliar and makes it familiar; takes what is unclean and makes it clean; takes what is outside and brings it inside. What is interesting here is the consequence of this great display of affect.

We become, Paul tells us, part of the household of God. What household? Well this is build on the foundations of the apostles and prophets. The apostles who were trained and instructed to spread the teachings of Christ whilst the prophets brought revelations and vision to the people. One way of viewing this is the structure and order of the framework; with the frame breaking power of insight. Continuity and change; both being necessary for the health and development of believers.

An interesting thought to meditate upon: If Christ is unchanging and the cornerstone how does the structure grow?

[^1]: In the greek *pollen agapen*. [Pollen](https://newfrontierstogether.org/words/) from which we derive 'poly' and [agapen](https://biblehub.com/greek/26.htm) as in agape; the love that gives of itself.