Ephesians 2:18 - Commentary Summary

Bible Verse: "For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father."

Introduction

The Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians is a profound exploration of the mystery of Christ and His plan for the Church. In Ephesians 2:18, Paul succinctly encapsulates the essence of Christian access to God, establishing the pivotal roles of Christ and the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

Access to the Father

Paul asserts that through Christ, all believers—both Jews and Gentiles—enjoy direct access to God the Father. This is a remarkable truth that transcends the previous barriers established by the Law and cultural distinctions.

Insights from Matthew Henry

Henry emphasizes the grace embodied in this access. He notes:

• Unity in Access: Both Jews and Gentiles have equal standing before God.
• Direct Approach: The concept of access suggests an invitation into the presence of God, a privilege that the Old Testament only allowed through priests.

This access is a result of Christ's redeeming work, as Henry mentions, which allows for all believers to draw near in prayer and worship.

Insights from Albert Barnes

Barnes elaborates on the implications of this access:

• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The phrase "by one Spirit" highlights the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, facilitating this communion with the Father.
• Spiritual Equality: It underscores the profound equality among believers; all have the same access irrespective of their former status or background.

Barnes further points out that this divine access leads to a deep, personal relationship with God, a cornerstone of Christian faith.

Insights from Adam Clarke

Clarke reflects on the doctrinal significance of this verse:

• Trinitarian Access: He highlights the triune aspect of this 'access': we approach the Father through the Son in the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Historical Shift: Emphasizing the transition from the Old Covenant, Clarke notes that the ways to God have changed dramatically with Jesus Christ's sacrificial death.

Clarke also comments on how this access must invoke a sense of reverence and gratitude among believers considering the cost at which it was procured.

Theological Implications

This singular verse holds key theological insights that can be explored further:

• Salvation and Access: The access to God is intimately tied with the overarching theme of salvation through Christ. It reinforces that no human effort can attain God's favor; it is solely by grace.
• The Role of Prayer: Access to the Father empowers believers to engage in prayer, giving confidence that petitions are heard and answered.
• The Nature of Worship: The verse implies that worship can now be conducted in spirit and in truth, aligning with Jesus' teaching in John 4:24.

Practical Applications

This profound access invites several practical applications for pastors, students, theologians, and scholars:

• Encouragement in Worship: Pastors can encourage congregations to approach God with boldness in prayer, knowing they have unrestricted access.
• Promoting Unity: The unity between Jews and Gentiles should remind scholars of the inclusive nature of the Gospel, demanding that every division in the Church be addressed.
• Teaching on the Holy Spirit: Educators can emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding and embracing believers, as He is the active agent in the relationship with God.

Conclusion

In summary, Ephesians 2:18 is a powerful declaration of the nature of the Christian faith. It asserts that through Jesus Christ, believers are granted an incredible privilege: access to God the Father. As the church reflects on this truth, it should inspire a life of worship, unity, and profound appreciation for the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit.