Bible Strands
Ephesians 2:18
For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The apostle Paul addresses a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile believers in Ephesus, explaining how Christ’s preaching of peace has dismantled their former separation. He writes to establish their unified standing before God following his description of their reconciliation in the preceding verses.
The words — προσαγωγὴν (prosagōgēn) literally denotes a formal approach or access, while ἀμφότεροι (amphoteroi) specifies “both” groups without distinction. The text uses these terms to state the factual reality of their shared approach to God.
The thread — The concept of unified access appears in 1 Corinthians 12:13 through Spirit baptism into one body, in Ephesians 3:12 where faith grants bold entry into God’s presence, and in Romans 5:2 where believers stand in grace through Christ. These passages consistently link Spirit-work and faith to the removal of barriers before God.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to acknowledge that Jewish and Gentile believers share identical standing before God, granted by the Spirit rather than inherited status. It demands practical unity within the community by treating this access as a settled fact, not a future hope.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.
- Ephesians 3:12 In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.
- Romans 5:2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
- Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;
- John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
- Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
- John 10:9 I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.
- John 10:7 So He said to them again, “Truly, truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
- Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
- Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.