Paul acknowledges the spiritual state of his readers, recognizing that they were once "dead in trespasses and sins." This applies to everyone who hasn't trusted in Christ as their Savior. Before conversion, humans rebel against God by disobeying His commands and sinning against Him. However, those who trust in Christ are transformed by God's grace.
Paul describes their pre-Christian condition, noting the influences of the world, the Devil, and their fallen nature. Before knowing Christ, Ephesians followed the culture and the Devil, fulfilling their desires instead of following God's will. This dire situation results from both external influences and our fallen nature. Paul refers to people as "children of wrath," deserving God's wrath.

After describing humanity's desperate state, Paul introduces a glorious contrast in Ephesians 2:4: "But God." We were destined to face God's wrath due to our offenses against Him. However, two reasons are given for the change in our predicament: God's mercy and great love. God's merciful character and love motivate His initiative to redeem His people. Ephesians 2:5 emphasizes our dire predicament before God's rescue and the gracious salvation believers receive through faith. Paul emphasizes believers' union with Christ, being made alive, raised, and seated with Him.

These verses connect to the preceding section, explaining God's gracious salvation. Despite our sinful state and worldly influences, God has made us alive, raised us, and seated us with Christ in heavenly places. Salvation is by grace received through faith. It is not earned but a gift from God. Salvation leads believers to perform good works, which God has predestined. We are called to walk in these good works, acknowledging that salvation and all its components are a result of God's grace.

In verse 12, Paul reminds the Gentile believers in Ephesus of their past deficiencies and contrasts them with the blessings of Israel as God's covenant people. The Gentiles were once separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope of messianic salvation or future resurrection and a relationship with the true God. However, their union with Christ has completely reversed their status. Through His death on the cross, Christ broke down the wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles and created a new humanity, bringing peace between them. This reconciliation is possible because both groups are united in one body, the church, through the cross, which removes hostility between God and humanity. Gentile believers are now considered fellow citizens in God's kingdom, having a spiritual home in God's heavenly realm.

Christ's sacrifice has transformed Gentiles from "aliens" to members of God's household. Previously, "aliens" lacked rights and privileges in a foreign land. But through Christ, Gentiles are embraced as children of God, with all the associated rights and responsibilities. Paul assures his Gentile readers that their heavenly Father accepts and provides for them. Paul, not of his choosing but through divine appointment and God's grace, became a gospel minister. Alongside his coworkers, he saw himself as a recipient of God's grace, humbly serving as a servant. He recognized the power of God in bestowing this grace upon him. These verses express Paul's gratitude and reverence for being commissioned as an ambassador for Christ. He considered himself the least among the saints but fulfilled his ministry of sharing the gospel with the Gentiles through the grace he received.

Gentiles are described as building stones in God's holy temple, growing spiritually and numerically. Only those united with Christ are part of this temple, where God dwells. Ultimately, it is God's dwelling place, built by His Spirit. Believing Gentiles' status has been transformed from being without Christ, home, friends, hope, and God to being citizens, members, and God's dwelling place.

Despite his imprisonment, Paul remains dedicated to his apostolic calling and stewardship of God's grace. He reveals the divine mystery of the reconciliation and unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. Gentile believers now share the promises through union with Him and the gospel proclamation. The once-hidden mystery is now openly declared, revealed by the Spirit to the apostles and prophets.

Paul's purpose was to proclaim the unfathomable riches of Christ to the Gentiles, revealing God's profound wisdom and bringing reconciliation to believers. This plan, once hidden, is now revealed, uniting Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul encourages the Ephesians to remain steadfast in suffering, as it is part of God's plan for their benefit and glory. He prays for their strength so they may comprehend God's power's greatness and be filled with His love. Paul concludes with a doxology, praising God's power and highlighting His glory in the church and in Jesus Christ.