Ephesians 2:18

ὅτι διʼ αὐτοῦ κ.τ.λ. This clause explains ‘the way of peace.’ The Father is the source of peace (cf. Ephesians 1:2). Peace is to be enjoyed only in communion with Him. Through Christ we have obtained the right of entry into the Father’s Presence, and in the power of the one Spirit with which Christ according to His promise fills our hearts we go hand in hand to exercise our privilege.

τὴν προσαγωγὴν. Ephesians 3:12; Romans 5:2. Cf. 1 Peter 3:18.

ἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι. 1 Corinthians 12:13; Philippians 1:27; corresponding naturally to ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι (Ephesians 2:16). Notice the ‘dynamic’ force of the phrase. It implies a true ‘possession.’ The Spirit cannot be present and inactive. See Intr., pp. lxv ff.

πρὸς τὸν πατέρα. Cf. Ephesians 3:14. This use of ὁ πατήρ absolutely as a title for God is rare in St Paul (Romans 6:4; and perhaps Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 8:6). It is common in St John not only in recorded words of our Lord but also in Epp. and in the narrative of Ev.; not in Apoc.

St Paul has now completed his exposition of the bridging of the gulf between Jew and Gentile, and the thought of the worship of the Father in which the restored communion among men culminates leads him on naturally to the thought of the Church as the true Spiritual Temple finding her highest function in providing a true home for God upon earth.