Homilies on Ephesians — Homily 6

St. John Chrysostom

1. 0. Greeting

Chapter II. Verses 17-22

And He came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were near, for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father. So then you are no more strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief corner-stone. In whom each several building, fitly framed together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

He sent not, says the Apostle, by the hand of another, nor did He announce these tidings to us by means of any other, but Himself did it in His own person. He sent not Angel nor Archangel on the mission, because to repair so many and vast mischiefs and to declare what had been wrought was in the power of none other, but required His own coming. The Lord then took upon Himself the rank of a servant, nay, almost of a minister, and came, and preached peace to you, says he, that were far off, and to them that were near. To the Jews, he means, who as compared with ourselves were near. For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.

Peace, says he, that peace which is towards God. He has reconciled us. For the Lord Himself also says, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you. [[John 14.27]] And again, Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. [[John 16.33]] And again, Whatsoever you shall ask in my name that will I do. [[John 14.14]] And again, For the Father loves you. [[John 16.27]] These are so many evidences of peace. But how towards the Gentiles? Because through Him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father, not ye less, and they more, but all by one and the same grace. The wrath He appeased by His death, and has made us meet for the Father's love through the Spirit. Mark again, the in means by or through. By Himself and the Spirit that is, He has brought us unto the Father. So then you are no more strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints.

Perceive ye that it is not with the Jews simply, no, but with those saintly and great men, such as Abraham, and Moses, and Elias? It is for the self-same city with these we are enrolled, for that we declare ourselves. For they that say such things, says he, make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own. [[Hebrews 11.14]] No longer are we strangers from the saints, nor foreigners. For they who shall not attain to heavenly blessings, are foreigners. For the Son, says Christ, abides forever. [[John 8.35]]

And of the household, he continues, of God.

The very thing which they at the first had, by means of so many toils and troubles, has been for you accomplished by the grace of God. Behold the hope of your calling.

Being built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets.

Observe how he blends all together, the Gentiles, the Jews, the Apos