Build Up that Temple!

Paul started this section (2:11-22) by dealing with unity between Gentile and Jewish believers. Unity is emerging as one of the main themes in Ephesians. As Paul finishes the section, the apostle underscores unity by pulling in a second theme, perhaps the biggest theme in the letter - the church. The church is the temple of the living God, made up of the people of the living God! And this temple must have unity: carefully and closely fitted building stones, rising up from its straight and strong foundation. Paul caps off this passage by showing how Jesus replaces a dividing wall with a holy temple: i.) He makes us new (v.19); ii.) He keeps us straight (v.20); iii.) He fits us together.