Ephesians 2:18

for It is possible to render "that," and so to make this the substance of the message of "peace." The difference is not important. But it is grammatically better to retain A. V. (and R. V.).

both Masculine plural, as Ephesians 2:16, where see note. Both the great groups, in all their individual members, have this access.

access Better, our introduction; the proper meaning of the original word, reminding the accepted Christian that he owes his freedom of entrance to Another. True, the freedom is present, perpetual, and assured; but it not only was first secured by the Redeemer's work, but rests every moment on that work for its permanence. We are, thanks be to God, evermore free to and in His presence-chamber, but we are also evermore free there "throughHis Son," Who "ever liveth to make intercessionfor us." The word occurs elsewhere Romans 5:2; and below, Ephesians 3:12.

by one Spirit Lit. and better, in one Spirit; surrounded, animated, penetrated, by the Spirit. This is undoubtedly the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, so largely in view in this Epistle. Cp. 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Judges 20:21; among other passages, for a similar implicit recognition of the Persons of the Holy Trinity in the Divine harmony of their actions for and relations to the saints.

" One:" in contrast to the "both." See Acts 5 for the fact that even to Apostles after Pentecost it was still a discovery that the Holy Ghost should visit and bless Gentiles with the same freedom and fulness as Jews.

the Father "His Father and our Father;" John 20:17. This profound word, rich in life, love, and joy, was indeed a new treasure, in its Christian sense, to "them that were afar off." No pagan mythology, or philosophy, though the wordwas not unknown to them, knew the thing;the Divine reality of an eternal and paternal Holy Love. To the Israelite the Lord was indeed known as "like unto a Father pitying his children" (Psalms 103:13); "doubtless our Father" (Isaiah 63:16); but even to him the word would develope into inexhaustible riches when read in the light of the Sonship of the true Messiah.

Observe that the approach of the soul is here, as always, ultimatelyto the Father. Not that the Son, and the Spirit, are not eternal and Divine; but He is the Father.