Narrative Lectionary Year Four (John)
July 18, 2022 – Ephesians 2:11-22
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Furthering the Power of God’s Story – Narrative Lectionary Commentary
by Daniel D. Maurer
Historically, the English language used the term “passport” for the first time in about the 16th century. It meant—quite literally—a “pass to bring one through a port.” They became commonplace throughout Europe by the early 19th century. Then, suddenly, passports began losing ground and were virtually abolished by the late 19th century. In a wellspring of optimism and aided by the railroad, people believed the world was on the advent of completely abolishing war. More than that, a person’s country of birth would serve as only one, minor distinguishing feature of a full identity.
Then World War I happened.
Suddenly, passports were back in vogue, and their ubiquity grew to encompass the entire world. National security became paramount, even to now—in the 21st century—many countries are considering adding biometric data to this identifying document.
I bring up the history of passports (great article, by the way) only because I believe it addresses today’s text in an interesting way.
The early Christian community was up in arms about circumcision, which cut to core (see what I did?) of a (male) person’s identity in the late-first and early-second century. The author of Ephesians takes a peculiar track in confronting the circumcising snippers. First, the author states the supremacy of Christ’s fleshly sacrifice to bring both groups into one. The flesh of Christ substitutes for the flesh of the foreskin. (Sorry to be gross, but that’s what’s going on there!)
Second, the author then relates that both groups are reconciled through Christ, that there are no longer strangers and aliens, but citizenship in the sainthood.
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. - Ephesians 2:19-22
Where once those without the law and the prophets were lost foreigners, now Christ made one body of citizens.
I would be interested in reading a feminist reading of this text—I’m not sure where women came into play with the whole circumcision thing, particularly because women played such a seminal role in both the growth of and the leadership to the early church.
But at least with the question of males we know the early Pauline understanding—there was no longer two groups composed of aliens and privileged. Only citizens.
Today in this world of nationalism and boundaries growing ever more defined, no message could be more relevant. In the United States, and within other countries too, we see tribalism and wall building become the norm. It’s a classic example of “what-about-ism.” That is, well, what about you?
Although I believe preachers need to develop a robust understanding of the historical context of this text, it’s an opportunity to break down barriers and proclaim the citizenship all people have in Christ. I would even go so far to say that it encompasses ALL people as well, not just the churchy folks we see in our pews.
Perhaps with this foundation, we might embody—literally, in Christ—a renewed fervor to reach across the aisles and not just shake hands with our enemies, but actually begin to see them as just as valid citizens as we ourselves are.
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The following links and resources are not produced or maintained by Clergy Stuff. However, at the time of this posting, the links were active and considered to be good source material for proclamation for the text for this week. Please scroll down or click on the quick jump menu you find below. For more free worship resources & planning materials, please visit our links for RCL Worship Resources.
Other Resources
Exegetical Links
Chapter II, Exhortation to the Greeks, Clement of Alexandria
The Center for Excellence in Preaching, Stan Mast, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary.
http://words.dancingwiththeword.com/2012/07/breaking-down-dividing-wall.html (Blog)
"Christ Is Our Peace," and also "Members of God's House," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
Great Quotes
“I am a citizen of the world.”
“We will never know peace and stability in the world without balance. And we will never know balance without justice for all. Yet, justice exists only where there is fairness and equality — when every man and country is treated and viewed equally. No country should be given power over another. In addition, no country should be granted privileges that are denied to others. No one country has the authority to decide which country will be embargoed, denied to protect itself, and will be favored based on the weight of their resources. Eliminate the hypocrisy.”
Video Resources
Song: Reconciliation Hymn “Come to Jesus”
Daily Devotional Feed
Free Dramatic Reading For This Text (NRSV)
ACTS TEXT
[NARRATIVE DRAMATIC READING GOES HERE]