Ephesians 2:22
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In whom ye also are builded - The apostle now applies the metaphor to the purpose for which he produced it, retaining however some of the figurative expressions. As the stones in a temple are all properly placed so as to form a complete house, and be a habitation for the Deity that is worshipped there, so ye are all, both believing Jews and Gentiles, prepared by the doctrine of the prophets and apostles, under the influence of the Spirit of Christ, to become a habitation of God, a Church in which God shall be worthily worshipped, and in which he can continually dwell. 1. Many suppose that the apostle in the preceding chapter alludes to the splendor of the temple of Diana at Ephesus, which was reputed one of the wonders of the world. But to me this opinion does not seem sufficiently founded. I believe he has the Jewish temple continually in view; for that temple, above all in the universe, could alone be said to be a habitation of God. Both in the tabernacle and temple God dwelt between the cherubim; there was the symbol of his presence, and there was the worship performed which himself had prescribed. After the model of this was the spiritual temple, the Christian Church, constructed; and God was to dwell in the one, as he had dwelt in the other. This simile, drawn from the temple at Jerusalem, was alone worthy of the apostle's design; to have alluded to the temple of Diana would have disgraced his subject. And as many at Ephesus were Jews, and well acquainted with the temple at Jerusalem, they would both feel and venerate the apostle's simile, and be led to look for the indwelling of God; that which distinguished the Jewish temple from all others on the face of the earth. 2. The Church of God is very properly said to be a most noble and wonderful work, and truly worthy of God himself. There is nothing, says one, so august as this Church, seeing it is the temple of God. Nothing so worthy of reverence, seeing God dwells in it. Nothing so ancient, since the patriarchs and prophets labored in building it. Nothing so solid, since Jesus Christ is the foundation of it. Nothing more closely united and indivisible, since he is the corner stone. Nothing so lofty, since it reaches as high as heaven, and to the bosom of God himself. Nothing so regular and well proportioned, since the Holy Spirit is the architect. Nothing more beautiful, or adorned with greater variety, since it consists of Jews and Gentiles, of every age, country, sex, and condition: the mightiest potentates, the most renowned lawgivers, the most profound philosophers, the most eminent scholars, besides all those of whom the world was not worthy, have formed a part of this building. Nothing more spacious, since it is spread over the whole earth, and takes in all who have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Nothing so inviolable, since it is consecrated to Jehovah. Nothing so Divine, since it is a living building, animated and inhabited by the Holy Ghost. Nothing so beneficent, seeing it gives shelter to the poor, the wretched, and distressed, of every nation, and kindred, and tongue. It is the place in which God does his marvelous works; the theater of his justice, mercy, goodness, and truth; where he is to be sought, where he is to be found, and in which alone he is to he retained. As we have one only God, and one only Savior and Mediator between God and man, and one only inspiring Spirit; so there is but one Church, in which this ineffable Jehovah performs his work of salvation. That Church, however scattered and divided throughout the world, is but one building, founded on the Old and New Testaments; having but one sacrifice, the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. 3. Of this glorious Church every Christian soul is an epitome; for as God dwells in the Church at large, so he dwells in every believer in particular: each is a habitation of God through the Spirit. In vain are all pretensions among sects and parties to the privileges of the Church of Christ, if they have not the doctrine and life of Christ. Traditions and legends are not apostolic doctrines, and showy ceremonies are not the life of God in the soul of man. 4. Religion has no need of human ornaments or trappings; it shines by its own light, and is refulgent with its own glory. Where it is not in life and power, men have endeavored to produce a specious image, dressed and ornamented with their own hands. Into this God never breathed, therefore it can do no good to man, and only imposes on the ignorant and credulous by a vain show of lifeless pomp and splendor. This phantom, called true religion and the Church by its votaries, is in heaven denominated vain superstition; the speechless symbol of departed piety.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
are builded together--Translate, "are being builded together." through--Greek, "in the Spirit." God, by His Spirit in believers, has them for His habitation (Co1 3:16-17; Co1 6:19; Co2 6:16). Next: Ephesians Chapter 3
John Gill Bible Commentary
In whom you also are builded together,.... As the church universal, so every particular church is a building that is compact together, in and upon Christ, as the church at Ephesus was: God is the builder of it; Christ is the foundation; true believers are the proper materials; the door, or entrance into it, is Christ, and faith in him; the ministers of the Gospel are pillars in it; the ordinances are its windows; its furniture is of various sorts, there are vessels of small, and of great quantity; and its provisions are large and entertaining. A church is a building compact together; it consists of many parts; and these are joined together, by agreement, and are knit and cemented in love; and being thus joined together, they are designed for social worship, and their great concern should be to edify one another. The phrase, "in whom", may either refer to the holy temple before spoken of, the church universal, of which a particular church is a part; or to Christ, who is the master builder, by whom they are built together, and the foundation on whom they are built, and the cornerstone in whom they meet and are united. And the end of their being thus built together is, for an habitation of God through the Spirit; which may be understood of God the Father, since he is distinguished from Christ, in whom, and from the Holy Spirit, through whom, they are built for this purpose, though not to the exclusion of either of them; for a particular church is an habitation of Father, Son, and Spirit: and it being the habitation of God, shows his great grace and condescension, and the great value and regard he has for it; and this makes it a desirable, delightful, and pleasant habitation to the saints; and hence it is a safe and a quiet one, and they are happy that dwell in it; and hither should souls come for the enjoyment of the divine presence: and whereas it is said to be such through the Spirit; hence it appears, that the Spirit is concerned with the other two persons in the building of it; and that hereby it becomes a spiritual house; and is, through his grace, a fit habitation for the holy God to dwell in; and that God dwells in his churches by his Spirit. Next: Ephesians Chapter 3
Ephesians 2:22
Christ Our Cornerstone
21In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.22And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Tabernacle of the Most High
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K40:02LEV 11:44ZEP 3:17MAT 21:132CO 6:15EPH 2:22COL 1:131PE 2:5In this sermon, the speaker highlights the contrasting aspects of God's nature and how he reveals himself in different settings. The speaker uses examples such as a professor who is stern in the classroom but gentle with his child at home, and a king who appears majestic in public but is just like any other person at home. The speaker emphasizes that God also reveals different aspects of himself in different settings, particularly in his church. The speaker describes God's love and affection for his church, comparing it to a father with his children, and even mentions a passage in the Bible where God is represented as singing over his church.
Pure Heart, Pure Church - Part 7
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K08:39EPH 2:22This sermon emphasizes the transformation that occurs when God dwells within a person, making them His habitation. It discusses the contrast between living according to worldly ways and becoming a dwelling place for God, highlighting the need for cleansing and surrender to God's control. The story of a woman's restoration after 40 years of spiritual dryness is shared, illustrating the power of God to revive and renew a person's joy and peace.
(Pdf Book) God's Dwelling Place
By Bakht Singh1.3K00:00The Church as God's DwellingEbooksSpiritual OfferingsPSA 84:3MAT 16:18JHN 14:11CO 3:92CO 5:17EPH 2:22PHP 3:13HEB 3:61PE 2:4REV 21:5Bakht Singh emphasizes the profound mystery of God's dwelling place, illustrating how believers, redeemed by Christ, are being gathered to form a habitation for God through the Spirit. He explains that the Church is not a physical building but a living entity made up of redeemed individuals, highlighting the importance of understanding the true meaning of the Church and its significance to God. Singh draws parallels between the Tabernacle's design and the spiritual life of believers, stressing that true worship and service must be rooted in divine revelation and obedience to God's plan. He encourages believers to recognize their role in God's eternal purpose and to bring forth spiritual offerings that reflect their relationship with Him.
The City of God
By Wong Chin Meng1.0K1:15:13City Of GodISA 62:1MAT 6:331CO 3:16EPH 2:22REV 21:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of living a supernatural life that goes beyond the natural. He emphasizes that when God is present in our lives, we can live with abundance even with very little. The preacher shares his disillusionment with the hypocrisy he witnessed among believers who displayed spiritual fervor on Sundays but lived immoral lives during the week. He highlights the importance of having the real presence of God in our lives, as it brings about a transformation that surpasses human understanding. The preacher also draws parallels to the Israelites' experience in Egypt, where they were slaves for 430 years but were ultimately delivered by God's supernatural power.
Rooted and Grounded in Love
By Bill McLeod81837:33LoveEPH 2:19EPH 2:22EPH 3:14EPH 3:201PE 1:13REV 21:22In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a man named B. Earl who had a life-changing encounter with God. B. Earl was a preacher who often cried while preaching, but one day he realized that his tears were not enough. He cried out to God and was convicted of his own shortcomings. Through his surrender and seeking of God's love, B. Earl experienced a transformation and went on to lead 150,000 people to Christ. The speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and feeling the love of Christ towards everyone and encourages listeners to wait on the Lord and be involved in His work.
Revival in the Book of Ezra - Part 5
By Roy Hession76054:48RevivalPSA 127:1ISA 61:4ZEC 4:6MAT 16:181CO 3:16EPH 2:221PE 2:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of the prophet Zachariah and the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the walls, which were still broken down and the gates burnt with fire. The speaker mentions that while the temple had been rebuilt, the walls remained in ruins. The sermon highlights the hope and faith of the Jews during their captivity in Babylon, as they waited for the prophesied 70 years to pass. The speaker also emphasizes the need for personal repentance and the rebuilding of our own spiritual temples.
God's Temple
By Robert B. Thompson6211:18:00EZK 40:28EZK 40:48MAT 6:33EPH 2:22REV 3:12REV 21:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the sacrifices made by those who came before us in their dedication to serving God. He mentions how they were persecuted, sawn in half, and burned at the stake for their faith. The speaker then calls on Jesus for help and asks for the empowerment of Michael to drive Satan away. He encourages the audience to give their all to serve God and to be willing to love not their own lives to the death. The speaker also discusses the challenges and trials that believers may face in their journey with God, comparing it to the process of breaking a horse. He concludes by highlighting the impact Jesus had in just three years of ministry and the importance of following God's will.
Meat in Due Season
By George Warnock1671:22:33Christian Life1SA 8:4JHN 5:19ROM 8:31CO 1:27EPH 2:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following God's will and doing what He asks of us. He highlights the need for commitment, obedience, and walking with the Lord. The speaker also discusses the concept of God's glory returning and the significance of seeking God earnestly. Additionally, the sermon touches on the idea that the Covenant presented to us by God is impossible to keep, as demonstrated by the nation of Israel. The speaker explains that the purpose of the law was to reveal the corruption of the human heart and that through Jesus, we are now free from the old law of sin and death.
Acts 2
By John Nelson Darby0The Holy SpiritGrace and RedemptionJOL 2:1MAT 12:19JHN 7:39ACT 2:41CO 3:161CO 6:192CO 5:19EPH 2:22John Nelson Darby emphasizes the monumental event of the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, marking the transformation of believers into the dwelling place of God. He explains how this event signifies the fulfillment of God's promise and the opening of grace to all nations, transcending the barriers established at Babel. The Holy Spirit's descent, characterized by wind and fire, empowered the disciples to proclaim the gospel in various languages, demonstrating God's desire for all to hear His message. Darby contrasts the law and the gospel, highlighting that through Christ's death and resurrection, redemption is available to everyone, not just the Jews. He warns against the rejection of this grace, which is essential for salvation.
The Church Which Is His Body
By William MacDonald0The Nature of the ChurchThe Mission of the ChurchJHN 10:16ACT 2:4ACT 7:38ACT 20:281CO 3:91CO 10:32EPH 1:22EPH 2:15EPH 2:22EPH 5:25William MacDonald emphasizes that the Church is not merely an organization but a living organism, a body of believers united in Christ through the Holy Spirit. He defines the Church using various metaphors such as a flock, God's husbandry, and the body of Christ, illustrating its vital role in worship and community. MacDonald also discusses the mission of the Church, highlighting the importance of preaching the gospel and grounding believers in the truths of the Church. He argues that the Church began on the day of Pentecost, marking a significant moment in God's plan for humanity. Ultimately, he calls for Christians to devote themselves to the Church's expansion and spiritual welfare.
Houses of God
By A.W. Tozer0Indwelling of ChristUnity of GodheadJHN 1:14JHN 14:23ROM 8:91CO 3:162CO 6:16GAL 2:20EPH 2:22COL 1:27HEB 13:51JN 4:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound truth that Christ dwells within the regenerate believer, as affirmed by Scripture. He highlights the unity of the Godhead in the life of a believer, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make their home in those who love and obey Christ. Tozer reflects on the historical belief of the Church regarding the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man, a doctrine that has been foundational since the early Church. This indwelling presence of Christ transforms believers into true houses of God, embodying His essence and purpose. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding and appreciation of this divine relationship.
July 1. 1678.
By Jane Lead0JOS 1:91CO 3:111CO 15:42EPH 2:22HEB 12:26Jane Lead preaches about the call to be strong and courageous in the Lord's might, drawing parallels to the deliverance from Egypt and the future shaking of the heavens and earth. She emphasizes the foundation of the Temple being God and the Lamb, pointing to a new Temple-Body that will be raised up by God's power alone, distinguishing the chosen ones. This new body will be formed by the divine breath, free from corruption, leading to the inhabitants of the Eternal Canaan being the glory and strength of it, united under Christ their Head.
Why Are You Alive?
By Ernest O'Neill01CO 6:19GAL 2:20EPH 2:10EPH 2:22PHP 2:13COL 1:15COL 1:17Ernest O'Neill delves into the concept of why we feel the urge to do good at times, explaining that it stems from our Maker giving us a choice to live as if we were not part of God, yet occasionally feeling the influence of Jesus within us. He emphasizes that we are created in Christ, part of Him, and sustained by His life and love, which leads to moments of wanting to be generous and unselfish. O'Neill highlights the continuous strain on God as we exert our wills inside Him, causing Him to experience our actions and choices, ultimately emphasizing the importance of recognizing that we are inside Christ, and He is inside us, guiding us to fulfill the good works prepared for us.
He Dwelleth With You, and Shall Be in You
By A.B. Simpson0Holy SpiritAbiding PresenceJHN 14:17JHN 15:4ACT 1:8ROM 8:91CO 3:162CO 1:22GAL 2:20EPH 2:22COL 1:271JN 4:13A.B. Simpson emphasizes the two critical stages in the Christian life: the initial work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration and the deeper experience of the Spirit's abiding presence within us. He illustrates the difference between merely having the Spirit's influence and allowing Him to take full residence in our hearts as the Owner and Keeper. Simpson encourages believers to invite the Holy Spirit not just as a guest but as the one who controls and transforms our entire being. This profound relationship with the Holy Spirit leads to a life filled with joy and purpose, as Christ makes our hearts His home.
Giving the Lord His Place
By Tom Macartney0PSA 27:4MRK 11:15JHN 2:131CO 3:16EPH 2:22REV 3:20Tom Macartney preaches on the importance of giving the Lord His central place in our lives, drawing parallels from the lives of David, Paul, and the Lord Jesus Himself. Just as Jesus cleansed the temple to restore His Father's rightful place, we are redeemed to prioritize God's glory in our hearts. David's thirst for God and passion to secure the Lord's central place exemplify selfless sincerity, while Paul's focus on knowing Christ and exalting Him in every aspect of life underscores the significance of God's rightful place.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
By Samuel Chadwick02CH 16:9PSA 127:1ZEC 4:6JHN 16:8ACT 2:3ROM 8:91CO 3:162CO 3:5GAL 2:20EPH 2:22Samuel Chadwick preaches about the Holy Spirit's dwelling in sanctified humanity, emphasizing that God values loving hearts over costly buildings and seeks men to carry out His work. The Spirit empowers believers, transforming them with new energy and effectiveness, making them able ministers of the Gospel. Chadwick highlights the importance of the Spirit's presence in believers, attributing all spiritual effectiveness to the indwelling power that quickens and gives life. He also stresses that the conquest of the world for God can only be achieved through the Holy Ghost, convicting hearts of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
Love of God
By John Follette0EXO 25:8JHN 1:14ACT 7:48ROM 8:91CO 3:161CO 6:19EPH 2:221PE 2:5REV 3:20John Follette preaches about the persistency of God's love in seeking humanity, from the creation to the coming of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God seeks to have a close relationship with us, desiring to dwell among us and in us, ultimately leading us back to our original purpose of glorifying Him. The love of God is relentless, always pursuing us to save, cleanse, fill, and bring us back into coordination with Him.
Of Communion With God.
By John Gill0Fellowship with the TrinityCommunion with GodPSA 90:1ISA 54:5LAM 3:24JHN 17:21ROM 5:10EPH 2:22PHP 4:191JN 1:31JN 3:11JN 4:13John Gill emphasizes that communion with God is the pinnacle of the Christian experience, representing the closest relationship believers can have with the divine in this life. He explains that this communion is rooted in the union between God and His people, established through Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is characterized by mutual indwelling, walking together, and conversing with God. Gill highlights that only those who are redeemed, regenerated, and sanctified can enjoy this fellowship, which is a profound blessing and a source of joy and strength. He further elaborates on the special communion believers have with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, underscoring the honor and value of such a relationship. Ultimately, Gill portrays this communion as a foretaste of heavenly bliss, making it a vital aspect of the believer's life.
God Expects Your Surrender
By Andrew Murray0Divine WorkSurrenderJHN 15:5ROM 12:11CO 6:192CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:22PHP 3:8COL 3:3HEB 10:191PE 2:5Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of absolute surrender to God, drawing parallels from everyday objects that serve their purpose only when fully dedicated to a specific task. He illustrates that just as a pen must be surrendered to the hand for effective writing, believers must wholly yield themselves to God for Him to work in their lives. Murray points out that the temple of Solomon was dedicated entirely to God, and similarly, each person is a temple meant for divine habitation, contingent upon their complete surrender. He asserts that God is worthy of this surrender and that without it, His transformative work cannot occur in us.
Christians, Temples of the Living God. (2 Cor. 6:16)
By George Whitefield0ISA 64:4MAT 7:21JHN 4:24ROM 8:91CO 6:192CO 6:16EPH 2:22HEB 3:6JAS 4:8George Whitefield preaches on the believers being the temple of the living God, emphasizing the importance of being separated from the world, devoted to prayer, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He challenges the audience to examine their hearts and strive for a deeper relationship with God, warning against mere outward religious practices without true spiritual transformation. Whitefield urges both the deceived formalists and the neglectful sinners to seek the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to become true temples of God, highlighting the necessity of faith and repentance for salvation.
Praising God With One Heart
By D.L. Moody0Indwelling of the Holy SpiritUnity in WorshipJHN 14:17ACT 2:4ROM 8:91CO 3:161CO 6:19GAL 5:16EPH 2:221TH 5:192TI 1:71JN 4:4D.L. Moody emphasizes the unity and power of praising God with one heart, drawing parallels between the dedication of Solomon's Temple and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers today. He explains that believers are now the Temple of the Holy Ghost, filled with the Spirit's presence since Pentecost, and that the Holy Spirit empowers them to overcome worldly challenges. Moody highlights the importance of recognizing every believer as a temple of the Holy Ghost, urging them to glorify God in their bodies and spirits. He warns that while the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, many do not experience His power fully. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of the Spirit's presence in the lives of Christians.
God's Dwelling Place in Ephesus
By Keith Malcomson0ACT 16:6ACT 19:11CO 3:11EPH 1:22EPH 2:22EPH 5:25EPH 5:29EPH 5:32Keith Malcomson preaches about the Church in Ephesus being built as a dwelling place for God through the Spirit, contrasting the man-made temples of the city with the spiritual temple formed by believers. The believers in Ephesus, marked by their personal encounters with Jesus Christ, became a permanent dwelling place for God, spiritually, heavenly, eternally, and beautifully. The Church in Ephesus was likened to a building, a body, and a bride, emphasizing unity, growth, and intimate communion with Christ as the head.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In whom ye also are builded - The apostle now applies the metaphor to the purpose for which he produced it, retaining however some of the figurative expressions. As the stones in a temple are all properly placed so as to form a complete house, and be a habitation for the Deity that is worshipped there, so ye are all, both believing Jews and Gentiles, prepared by the doctrine of the prophets and apostles, under the influence of the Spirit of Christ, to become a habitation of God, a Church in which God shall be worthily worshipped, and in which he can continually dwell. 1. Many suppose that the apostle in the preceding chapter alludes to the splendor of the temple of Diana at Ephesus, which was reputed one of the wonders of the world. But to me this opinion does not seem sufficiently founded. I believe he has the Jewish temple continually in view; for that temple, above all in the universe, could alone be said to be a habitation of God. Both in the tabernacle and temple God dwelt between the cherubim; there was the symbol of his presence, and there was the worship performed which himself had prescribed. After the model of this was the spiritual temple, the Christian Church, constructed; and God was to dwell in the one, as he had dwelt in the other. This simile, drawn from the temple at Jerusalem, was alone worthy of the apostle's design; to have alluded to the temple of Diana would have disgraced his subject. And as many at Ephesus were Jews, and well acquainted with the temple at Jerusalem, they would both feel and venerate the apostle's simile, and be led to look for the indwelling of God; that which distinguished the Jewish temple from all others on the face of the earth. 2. The Church of God is very properly said to be a most noble and wonderful work, and truly worthy of God himself. There is nothing, says one, so august as this Church, seeing it is the temple of God. Nothing so worthy of reverence, seeing God dwells in it. Nothing so ancient, since the patriarchs and prophets labored in building it. Nothing so solid, since Jesus Christ is the foundation of it. Nothing more closely united and indivisible, since he is the corner stone. Nothing so lofty, since it reaches as high as heaven, and to the bosom of God himself. Nothing so regular and well proportioned, since the Holy Spirit is the architect. Nothing more beautiful, or adorned with greater variety, since it consists of Jews and Gentiles, of every age, country, sex, and condition: the mightiest potentates, the most renowned lawgivers, the most profound philosophers, the most eminent scholars, besides all those of whom the world was not worthy, have formed a part of this building. Nothing more spacious, since it is spread over the whole earth, and takes in all who have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Nothing so inviolable, since it is consecrated to Jehovah. Nothing so Divine, since it is a living building, animated and inhabited by the Holy Ghost. Nothing so beneficent, seeing it gives shelter to the poor, the wretched, and distressed, of every nation, and kindred, and tongue. It is the place in which God does his marvelous works; the theater of his justice, mercy, goodness, and truth; where he is to be sought, where he is to be found, and in which alone he is to he retained. As we have one only God, and one only Savior and Mediator between God and man, and one only inspiring Spirit; so there is but one Church, in which this ineffable Jehovah performs his work of salvation. That Church, however scattered and divided throughout the world, is but one building, founded on the Old and New Testaments; having but one sacrifice, the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. 3. Of this glorious Church every Christian soul is an epitome; for as God dwells in the Church at large, so he dwells in every believer in particular: each is a habitation of God through the Spirit. In vain are all pretensions among sects and parties to the privileges of the Church of Christ, if they have not the doctrine and life of Christ. Traditions and legends are not apostolic doctrines, and showy ceremonies are not the life of God in the soul of man. 4. Religion has no need of human ornaments or trappings; it shines by its own light, and is refulgent with its own glory. Where it is not in life and power, men have endeavored to produce a specious image, dressed and ornamented with their own hands. Into this God never breathed, therefore it can do no good to man, and only imposes on the ignorant and credulous by a vain show of lifeless pomp and splendor. This phantom, called true religion and the Church by its votaries, is in heaven denominated vain superstition; the speechless symbol of departed piety.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
are builded together--Translate, "are being builded together." through--Greek, "in the Spirit." God, by His Spirit in believers, has them for His habitation (Co1 3:16-17; Co1 6:19; Co2 6:16). Next: Ephesians Chapter 3
John Gill Bible Commentary
In whom you also are builded together,.... As the church universal, so every particular church is a building that is compact together, in and upon Christ, as the church at Ephesus was: God is the builder of it; Christ is the foundation; true believers are the proper materials; the door, or entrance into it, is Christ, and faith in him; the ministers of the Gospel are pillars in it; the ordinances are its windows; its furniture is of various sorts, there are vessels of small, and of great quantity; and its provisions are large and entertaining. A church is a building compact together; it consists of many parts; and these are joined together, by agreement, and are knit and cemented in love; and being thus joined together, they are designed for social worship, and their great concern should be to edify one another. The phrase, "in whom", may either refer to the holy temple before spoken of, the church universal, of which a particular church is a part; or to Christ, who is the master builder, by whom they are built together, and the foundation on whom they are built, and the cornerstone in whom they meet and are united. And the end of their being thus built together is, for an habitation of God through the Spirit; which may be understood of God the Father, since he is distinguished from Christ, in whom, and from the Holy Spirit, through whom, they are built for this purpose, though not to the exclusion of either of them; for a particular church is an habitation of Father, Son, and Spirit: and it being the habitation of God, shows his great grace and condescension, and the great value and regard he has for it; and this makes it a desirable, delightful, and pleasant habitation to the saints; and hence it is a safe and a quiet one, and they are happy that dwell in it; and hither should souls come for the enjoyment of the divine presence: and whereas it is said to be such through the Spirit; hence it appears, that the Spirit is concerned with the other two persons in the building of it; and that hereby it becomes a spiritual house; and is, through his grace, a fit habitation for the holy God to dwell in; and that God dwells in his churches by his Spirit. Next: Ephesians Chapter 3