Visual Theology – Ephesians ?

This chart shows the structure. What follows explains each part.

Ephesians 2:11-22
Wherefore remember that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

The Transformation from Alienation to Nearness

Ephesians 2:11-22 presents a profound contrast between the Gentiles’ former alienation and their new nearness in Christ. Paul reminds Gentile believers they were once “without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). This was a state of total exclusion from Israel’s covenants and from God Himself.

The Radical Work of the Cross

The cross accomplished a radical transformation: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). This nearness is a complete change of identity, achieved solely by Christ’s blood.

Central to this is the abolition of enmity and the law of commandments contained in ordinances. On the cross, Christ “abolished in his flesh the enmity... for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross” (Ephesians 2:15-16). The cross did not merge Gentiles into Israel’s old order but created an entirely new entity—the “one new man”—where former distinctions are abolished. In this new man, Christ is all.

This shows the church is not Israel, nor a continuation of Israel’s covenants. Both Jews and Gentiles are reconciled “in one body by the cross.” The “middle wall of partition” has been broken down forever.

The New Position: Citizenship and Family

The result is that Gentiles are no longer “strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). They are now full members of God’s household, sharing the same access: “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:18).

A Corporate Habitation for God

This new position is corporate: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone... In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20-22). Gentiles are now part of God’s habitation—a living, spiritual temple composed of all believers.

The Masterpiece of Grace

The transformation is complete. Gentiles, once “aliens” and “without God,” have been made “fellowcitizens,” “members of the household of God,” and part of God’s dwelling place. This displays the riches of God’s grace. The cross abolished enmity and formed a new creation.

In summary, Ephesians 2:11-22 reveals that the church is not a continuation of Israel, but a new man created in Christ. Alienation has been replaced by nearness, citizenship, and habitation—all accomplished by the blood of Christ and the creative work of the cross.