Ephesians 2: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ephesians 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

People were spiritually dead because of their transgressions and sins (vv. 1-3). God, rich in mercy, made them alive with Christ, raising them to sit with him (vv.

Key verse

“for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”
Ephesians 2:8 (WEB)

Outline

Ephesians 2:1–3 Spiritual Death and Disobedience
Ephesians 2:4–7 God's Mercy and Grace
Ephesians 2:8–10 Salvation by Grace through Faith
Ephesians 2:11–13 Gentile Inclusion and Unity
Ephesians 2:14–16 Christ as Peace and Reconciliation
Ephesians 2:17–19 Access to the Father
Ephesians 2:20–22 Building a Holy Temple

Discussion questions

In v5, what does it mean that God made us 'alive together with Christ'?
In v14, what does it mean for Christ to be 'our peace'?
The phrase 'children of wrath' in v3: what implications does this have for understanding human nature?
The term 'one new man' in v15: how does it reshape our understanding of unity in Christ?
When have you felt 'alienated from the commonwealth of Israel' like in v12?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ephesians 2: Ephesians 4, Colossians 1, 2 Corinthians 5.

Before next time: read Ephesians 3.