Paul is taken up with the overwhelming goodness that God in Christ has showered on believers, and with his amazing plan to unite Gentiles with Jews in a new community—the church, the body of Christ. Here, Paul provides one of the finest descriptions of the Christian life in the entire New Testament. Though written from prison, this letter is full of joy, praise, and thanksgiving. It is a fittin…
1Y él os dio vida a vosotros, cuando estabais muertos en vuestros delitos y pecados,
2en los cuales anduvisteis en otro tiempo, siguiendo la corriente de este mundo, conforme al príncipe de la potestad del aire, el espíritu que ahora opera en los hijos de desobediencia,
3entre los cuales también todos nosotros vivimos en otro tiempo en los deseos de nuestra carne, haciendo la voluntad de la carne y de los pensamientos, y éramos por naturaleza hijos de ira, lo mismo que los demás.
4Pero Dios, que es rico en misericordia, por su gran amor con que nos amó,
5aun estando nosotros muertos en pecados, nos dio vida juntamente con Cristo (por gracia sois salvos),
6y juntamente con él nos resucitó, y asimismo nos hizo sentar en los lugares celestiales con Cristo Jesús,
7para mostrar en los siglos venideros las abundantes riquezas de su gracia en su bondad para con nosotros en Cristo Jesús.
8Porque por gracia sois salvos por medio de la fe; y esto no de vosotros, pues es don de Dios;
9no por obras, para que nadie se gloríe.
10Porque somos hechura suya, creados en Cristo Jesús para buenas obras, las cuales Dios preparó de antemano para que anduviésemos en ellas.
11Por tanto, acordaos de que en otro tiempo vosotros, los gentiles en cuanto a la carne, erais llamados incircuncisión por la llamada circuncisión hecha con mano en la carne.
12En aquel tiempo estabais sin Cristo, alejados de la ciudadanía de Israel y ajenos a los pactos de la promesa, sin esperanza y sin Dios en el mundo.
13Pero ahora en Cristo Jesús, vosotros que en otro tiempo estabais lejos, habéis sido hechos cercanos por la sangre de Cristo.
14Porque él es nuestra paz, que de ambos pueblos hizo uno, derribando la pared intermedia de separación,
15aboliendo en su carne las enemistades, la ley de los mandamientos expresados en ordenanzas, para crear en sí mismo de los dos un solo y nuevo hombre, haciendo la paz,
16y mediante la cruz reconciliar con Dios a ambos en un solo cuerpo, matando en ella las enemistades.
17Y vino y anunció las buenas nuevas de paz a vosotros que estabais lejos, y a los que estaban cerca;
18porque por medio de él los unos y los otros tenemos entrada por un mismo Espíritu al Padre.
19Así que ya no sois extranjeros ni advenedizos, sino conciudadanos de los santos, y miembros de la familia de Dios,
20edificados sobre el fundamento de los apóstoles y profetas, siendo la principal piedra del ángulo Jesucristo mismo,
21en quien todo el edificio, bien coordinado, va creciendo para ser un templo santo en el Señor;
22en quien vosotros también sois juntamente edificados para morada de Dios en el Espíritu.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
I
Versículo 1
I. 2:1-10 Paul reflects on the terrible situation of the believers before they believed in Christ an…
2:1-10 Paul reflects on the terrible situation of the believers before they believed in Christ and the grace of God that has spared them.
2:1-3 Paul’s readers were once like dead people before God (see 2:5; Col 2:13). Because of their disobedience and sins, driven by the power of the devil, they were condemned along with the rest of the world to suffer God’s judgment.
II
Versículo 2
II. 2:2 Human sin results from our being governed by the devil, the spirit who rules both the powers …
2:2 Human sin results from our being governed by the devil, the spirit who rules both the powers of evil in the spiritual realm (see 1:21; 6:11-12; cp. Col 1:13) and human beings who refuse to obey God (2 Cor 4:4; contrast Rom 8:2-14; Gal 5:22-23).
III
Versículo 3
III. 2:3 Unconverted people are naturally under the control of the passionate desires and inclinations…
2:3 Unconverted people are naturally under the control of the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature (see Rom 3:9-20, 23). Because of their sin, they are subject to God’s anger, because God hates sin (see Eph 5:6; Rom 1:18; 2:5, 8; 3:5, 19; 4:15; 5:9; 9:22; 12:19; 13:4-5; Col 3:6; 1 Thes 1:10; 2:16; 5:9).
IV
Versículo 4
IV. 2:4-10 By God’s mercy, kindness, and love, those who are joined to Jesus Christ are saved from th…
2:4-10 By God’s mercy, kindness, and love, those who are joined to Jesus Christ are saved from the terrible consequences of their sin and enjoy the benefits of Christ’s resurrection.
V
Versículo 5
V. 2:5 gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead (literally made us alive together with Chris…
2:5 gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead (literally made us alive together with Christ): Joined with Christ, believers share in his resurrection, now and in the future (see 2:6; Rom 6:4-14; Col 3:1-4). • It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved: See Eph 1:2; 2:8-9.
VI
Versículo 6
VI. 2:6 united with Christ Jesus: Because of this union, believers share God’s glory and blessings, a…
2:6 united with Christ Jesus: Because of this union, believers share God’s glory and blessings, and experience resurrection both now and in the future (see Rom 6:4-14; Col 2:12-13; 3:1-4).
VII
Versículo 7
VII. 2:7 grace: See study note on 1:2.
2:7 grace: See study note on 1:2.
VIII
Versículo 8
VIII. 2:8-9 This is a concise summary of how a person is saved. It is a cardinal tenet of the Good News…
2:8-9 This is a concise summary of how a person is saved. It is a cardinal tenet of the Good News that people are made righteous through trust in Christ rather than through their own merit (see Rom 1:16-17; 3:24-25; Gal 2:16; cp. John 3:16, 36). Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done (see Rom 3:21–4:8; 9:16; Gal 3:2-10; 5:1-6; cp. 2 Tim 1:9; Titus 3:5). Salvation is for those who trust Christ alone to save them. As a result, none of us can boast about it (cp. Rom 3:27; 4:2; 1 Cor 1:30-31; Gal 6:14).
IX
Versículo 10
IX. 2:10 He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us: Good…
2:10 He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us: Good works are the result, not the cause, of salvation. God’s Spirit, working through a transformed heart, produces a good life (Gal 5:22-23).
X
Versículo 11
X. 2:11-22 Paul now focuses on the grace that God has given particularly to Gentiles (non-Jews), bri…
2:11-22 Paul now focuses on the grace that God has given particularly to Gentiles (non-Jews), bringing them into his family and uniting them with Jews in a new, unified, multiethnic community—the body of Christ, the church. Paul’s emphasis on the inclusion of Gentiles might suggest they were experiencing discrimination from Jewish Christians.
2:11 Traditionally, Jews disdained Gentiles, considering them “uncircumcised heathens” who were excluded from God’s people (see Gen 17:9-14). Paul argues that judging people by their bodies and not their hearts is superficial—in Christ, physical circumcision means nothing (see Rom 2:28-29).
XI
Versículo 12
XI. 2:12 Before their conversion, Gentiles had no part in God’s people or the covenant promises God h…
2:12 Before their conversion, Gentiles had no part in God’s people or the covenant promises God had made to them; they were without God and without hope (see 4:18; Col 1:21).
XII
Versículo 13
XII. 2:13 Only by being united with Christ Jesus through trust in him can a person be reconciled to Go…
2:13 Only by being united with Christ Jesus through trust in him can a person be reconciled to God (see Rom 5:10-12; 2 Cor 5:18-21). The blood of Christ—his sacrificial death—makes this possible (see Eph 1:7; Rom 3:24-25; 5:9; Col 1:20; cp. Heb 9:12-15; 1 Pet 1:19; 1 Jn 1:7; Rev 1:5; 5:9).
XIII
Versículo 14
XIII. 2:14 Christ himself has brought peace to us: Peace with God (2:16-17; Rom 5:1, 10-11, 18-21; Col …
2:14 Christ himself has brought peace to us: Peace with God (2:16-17; Rom 5:1, 10-11, 18-21; Col 1:20-22) and between Jews and Gentiles (see Eph 2:15-16; 4:3). • the wall of hostility that separated us: Social and religious practices traditionally divided Jews from Gentiles. A low wall around the Temple in Jerusalem marked the boundary beyond which Gentiles were not allowed to step. It symbolized the distinction Jews drew between themselves and Gentiles.
XIV
Versículo 15
XIV. 2:15 ending the system of law: See Rom 10:4; Col 2:14; cp. Rom 6:14; 7:4-6. • The church is one n…
2:15 ending the system of law: See Rom 10:4; Col 2:14; cp. Rom 6:14; 7:4-6. • The church is one new people, a community where love and acceptance are prized and ethnic distinctions are no longer a source of division (see Rom 15:7-12; Gal 3:28; cp. John 10:16).
XV
Versículo 16
XV. 2:16 Christ’s death on the cross reconciles humans to God, and also Jews and Gentiles to each other.
2:16 Christ’s death on the cross reconciles humans to God, and also Jews and Gentiles to each other.
16
Versículo 17
16. 2:17 far away . . . near: This verse possibly alludes to Isa 57:19. • The Greek text lacks the wo…
2:17 far away . . . near: This verse possibly alludes to Isa 57:19. • The Greek text lacks the words Gentiles and Jews, but they are implied (see Eph 2:13; see also study note on 1:12-13).
17
Versículo 18
17. 2:18 Because of Christ’s sacrifice for sins, both Jewish and Gentile believers receive the Holy S…
2:18 Because of Christ’s sacrifice for sins, both Jewish and Gentile believers receive the Holy Spirit, which makes it possible for them to approach God openly (see 3:12; cp. Acts 10:34-37, 44-48; 1 Pet 3:18).
18
Versículo 19
18. 2:19 Gentiles who believe are no longer strangers and foreigners (2:11-12, 17). Through Christ, t…
2:19 Gentiles who believe are no longer strangers and foreigners (2:11-12, 17). Through Christ, they are fully accepted into God’s family. They become children of God, just like believing Jews (see Rom 8:14-17).
19
Versículo 20
19. 2:20 Apostles are missionary evangelists commissioned by God. • Here, the prophets appear to be N…
2:20 Apostles are missionary evangelists commissioned by God. • Here, the prophets appear to be New Testament prophets, not Old Testament ones (see 3:5; 4:11; see also 1 Cor 12:10, 28-29; 14:1-5, 22-24, 29-32, 39; cp. Acts 13:1; 19:6; 21:9-10). In both the Old Testament and New Testament, prophets are not primarily predictors of the future but are empowered to speak a message from God (see 1 Cor 12:10). • The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets (or on the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets)—that is, on their faithful witness to the saving message of Christ (see Rev 21:14; cp. Matt 16:18). However, the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself, the Messiah, Savior, and Lord (cp. 1 Cor 3:11). The cornerstone is the most important stone in a building’s foundation (see Isa 28:16; Mark 12:10; Acts 4:11; 1 Pet 2:6-7).
20
Versículo 21
20. 2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, …
2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, because the Lord himself is among his people (see Matt 18:20; 28:20; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:4-5).
Nuevo Testamento
Ephesians — Capítulo 2
Paul is taken up with the overwhelming goodness that God in Christ has showered on believers, and with his amazing plan to unite Gentiles with Jews in a new community—the church, the body of Christ. Here, Paul provides one of the finest descriptions of the Christian life in the entire New Testament. Though written from prison, this letter is full of joy, praise, and thanksgiving. It is a fittin…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Y él os dio vida a vosotros, cuando estabais muertos en vuestros delitos y pecados,
2en los cuales anduvisteis en otro tiempo, siguiendo la corriente de este mundo, conforme al príncipe de la potestad del aire, el espíritu que ahora opera en los hijos de desobediencia,
3entre los cuales también todos nosotros vivimos en otro tiempo en los deseos de nuestra carne, haciendo la voluntad de la carne y de los pensamientos, y éramos por naturaleza hijos de ira, lo mismo que los demás.
4Pero Dios, que es rico en misericordia, por su gran amor con que nos amó,
5aun estando nosotros muertos en pecados, nos dio vida juntamente con Cristo (por gracia sois salvos),
6y juntamente con él nos resucitó, y asimismo nos hizo sentar en los lugares celestiales con Cristo Jesús,
7para mostrar en los siglos venideros las abundantes riquezas de su gracia en su bondad para con nosotros en Cristo Jesús.
8Porque por gracia sois salvos por medio de la fe; y esto no de vosotros, pues es don de Dios;
9no por obras, para que nadie se gloríe.
10Porque somos hechura suya, creados en Cristo Jesús para buenas obras, las cuales Dios preparó de antemano para que anduviésemos en ellas.
11Por tanto, acordaos de que en otro tiempo vosotros, los gentiles en cuanto a la carne, erais llamados incircuncisión por la llamada circuncisión hecha con mano en la carne.
12En aquel tiempo estabais sin Cristo, alejados de la ciudadanía de Israel y ajenos a los pactos de la promesa, sin esperanza y sin Dios en el mundo.
13Pero ahora en Cristo Jesús, vosotros que en otro tiempo estabais lejos, habéis sido hechos cercanos por la sangre de Cristo.
14Porque él es nuestra paz, que de ambos pueblos hizo uno, derribando la pared intermedia de separación,
15aboliendo en su carne las enemistades, la ley de los mandamientos expresados en ordenanzas, para crear en sí mismo de los dos un solo y nuevo hombre, haciendo la paz,
16y mediante la cruz reconciliar con Dios a ambos en un solo cuerpo, matando en ella las enemistades.
17Y vino y anunció las buenas nuevas de paz a vosotros que estabais lejos, y a los que estaban cerca;
18porque por medio de él los unos y los otros tenemos entrada por un mismo Espíritu al Padre.
19Así que ya no sois extranjeros ni advenedizos, sino conciudadanos de los santos, y miembros de la familia de Dios,
20edificados sobre el fundamento de los apóstoles y profetas, siendo la principal piedra del ángulo Jesucristo mismo,
21en quien todo el edificio, bien coordinado, va creciendo para ser un templo santo en el Señor;
22en quien vosotros también sois juntamente edificados para morada de Dios en el Espíritu.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
Versículo 1
I. 2:1-10 Paul reflects on the terrible situation of the believers before they believed in Christ an…
Versículo 2
II. 2:2 Human sin results from our being governed by the devil, the spirit who rules both the powers …
Versículo 3
III. 2:3 Unconverted people are naturally under the control of the passionate desires and inclinations…
Versículo 4
IV. 2:4-10 By God’s mercy, kindness, and love, those who are joined to Jesus Christ are saved from th…
Versículo 5
V. 2:5 gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead (literally made us alive together with Chris…
Versículo 6
VI. 2:6 united with Christ Jesus: Because of this union, believers share God’s glory and blessings, a…
Versículo 7
VII. 2:7 grace: See study note on 1:2.
Versículo 8
VIII. 2:8-9 This is a concise summary of how a person is saved. It is a cardinal tenet of the Good News…
Versículo 10
IX. 2:10 He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us: Good…
Versículo 11
X. 2:11-22 Paul now focuses on the grace that God has given particularly to Gentiles (non-Jews), bri…
Versículo 12
XI. 2:12 Before their conversion, Gentiles had no part in God’s people or the covenant promises God h…
Versículo 13
XII. 2:13 Only by being united with Christ Jesus through trust in him can a person be reconciled to Go…
Versículo 14
XIII. 2:14 Christ himself has brought peace to us: Peace with God (2:16-17; Rom 5:1, 10-11, 18-21; Col …
Versículo 15
XIV. 2:15 ending the system of law: See Rom 10:4; Col 2:14; cp. Rom 6:14; 7:4-6. • The church is one n…
Versículo 16
XV. 2:16 Christ’s death on the cross reconciles humans to God, and also Jews and Gentiles to each other.
Versículo 17
16. 2:17 far away . . . near: This verse possibly alludes to Isa 57:19. • The Greek text lacks the wo…
Versículo 18
17. 2:18 Because of Christ’s sacrifice for sins, both Jewish and Gentile believers receive the Holy S…
Versículo 19
18. 2:19 Gentiles who believe are no longer strangers and foreigners (2:11-12, 17). Through Christ, t…
Versículo 20
19. 2:20 Apostles are missionary evangelists commissioned by God. • Here, the prophets appear to be N…
Versículo 21
20. 2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, …