Ephesians 2:18

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Ephesians 2:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.
Ephesians 2:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Ephesians 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For through him we both have an access, That is, both Jews and Gentiles; the Arabic version reads, “we both factions”: being made one, and reconciled unto God, and having the Gospel of peace preached to both, they have through Christ freedom of access and boldness in it: by one Spirit unto the Father: they may come to God as the Father of spirits, and of mercies, who has made their souls or spirits, and bestowed his mercies on them in great abundance; and as the Father of Christ, and as their God and Father in Christ: and the rather they should consider him in this relation to them, in order to command in them a reverence and fear of him; to secure a freedom and liberty in their approach to…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Translate, "For it is through Him (Joh 14:6; Heb 10:19) that we have our access (Eph 3:12; Rom 5:2), both of us, in (that is, united in, that is, "by," Co1 12:13, Greek) one Spirit to the Father," namely, as our common Father, reconciled to both alike; whence flows the removal of all separation between Jew and Gentile. The oneness of "the Spirit," through which we both have our access, is necessarily followed by oneness of the body, the Church (Eph 2:16). The distinctness of persons in the Divine Trinity appears in this verse. It is also fatal to the theory of sacerdotal priests in the Gospel through whom alone the people can approach God. All alike, people and ministers, can draw nigh to…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For through him - That is, he has secured this result that we have access to God. This he did by his death - reconciling us to God by the doctrines which he taught - acquainting us with God; and by his intercession in heaven - by which our “prayers gain acceptance” with him. We both have access - Both Jews and Gentiles; see the notes at Romans 5:2. We are permitted to approach God through him, or in his name. The Greek word here - προσαγωγή prosagōgē - relates properly to the introduction to, or audience which we are permitted to have with a prince or other person of high rank. This must be effected through an officer of court to whom the duty is entrusted. “Rosenmuller,” Alt und neu…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For through him, we both - Jews and gentiles. Have access - Liberty of approaching, by the guidance and aid of one Spirit to God as our Father. Christ, the Spirit, and the Father, the three - one God, stand frequently in the same order. Ephesians 2:19”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:18 Because of Christ’s sacrifice for sins, both Jewish and Gentile believers receive the Holy Spirit, which makes it possible for them to approach God openly (see 3:12; cp. Acts 10:34-37, 44-48; 1 Pet 3:18).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“through: Eph 3:12; Joh 10:7, Joh 10:9, Joh 14:6; Rom 5:2; Heb 4:15, Heb 4:16, Heb 7:19, Heb 10:19, Heb 10:20; Pe1 1:21; Pe1 3:18; Jo1 2:1, Jo1 2:2 by: Eph 4:4, Eph 6:18; Zac 12:10; Rom 8:15, Rom 8:26, Rom 8:27; Co1 12:13; Jde 1:20 the: Eph 3:14; Mat 28:19; Joh 4:21-23; Co1 8:6; Gal 4:6; Jam 3:9; Pe1 1:17 Ephesians 2:19”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification