Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 2:19

"So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God," — Ephesians 2:19 (ASV)

Paul now draws a conclusion from vv.1418 and expands on v.13. Two technical terms commonly denoting inferiority of status are contrasted with “fellow citizens.” “Foreigners” (GK 3828) refers in particular to short-term transients; “aliens” (GK 4230) to those who had settled in a country of their choice. These latter were sojourners who received protection and legal status by paying a small tax, though they had no intrinsic rights. Such had been the position of the Gentiles in relation to the kingdom of God before the coming of Christ. But now they enjoy all the privileges of God’s new people. They are united with the saints of the past (1:18) as well as with contemporary Christians (cf. vv.21–22). In addition, the Gentiles are “members of God’s household”; this phrase describes theocracy in its domestic aspect.