------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #covenant, #Israel # The Commonwealth of Israel **Scripture Reference: [Ephesians 2:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2.12&version=AMP)** ## Introduction The Commonwealth of Israel is a concept that emerges from Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians. In [Ephesians 2:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2.12&version=AMP), Paul describes the spiritual condition of the Gentiles before their inclusion into the covenant community through [[Christ]]. This passage highlights the theological implications of [[covenant inclusion]], the unity of the [[Church]] with the [[remnant]] of Israel, and the overarching purposes of [[God's redemptive plan]]. Understanding the commonwealth sheds light on the [[relationship between Israel and the Church]] in [[salvation history]]. --- ## Historical Context Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesian church in a cultural milieu marked by division between [[Jew]] and [[Gentile]]. The [[Jewish people]] considered themselves the recipients of God's promises through the [[covenants]] given to [[Abraham]], [[Moses]], and [[David]]. Gentiles, on the other hand, were regarded as outsiders—"without hope and without God in the world" ([Ephesians 2:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2.12&version=AMP)). The term "commonwealth" refers to an organized polity or state, and in this theological context, it denotes the covenant community of Israel to which Gentiles have now been granted access through the work of [[Christ]]. --- ## Lexical Analysis The Greek term used for "commonwealth" in [Ephesians 2:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2.12&version=AMP) is *πολιτεία* (politeia), which conveys the idea of citizenship, community, or participation in the political life of a state. It suggests that the Gentiles, once alienated from the life of Israel, are now participants in a shared spiritual citizenship. This implies more than just legal membership; it points to a fuller identity rooted in [[God’s covenant promises]]. The word *politeia* also evokes a sense of belonging, emphasizing unity between once-separated groups under the authority of [[God]]. --- ## Theological Themes ### 1. Covenant Inclusion The inclusion of Gentiles into the Commonwealth of Israel reflects the theological principle of [[covenant expansion]]. While the original [[Abrahamic covenant]] was specific to the descendants of Abraham, the [[New Covenant]] through Christ extends God's promises to "all nations" ([Galatians 3:28](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3.28&version=AMP)). This covenant expansion aligns with [[God's mission]] to redeem both [[Jew]] and [[Gentile]] under a single covenant family. --- ### 2. Unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ Paul underscores that the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile has been broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2.14&version=AMP)). The Commonwealth of Israel now includes both groups through their union in [[Christ]]. This unity fulfills [[Old Testament]] prophecies, such as those in [Isaiah 49:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+49.6&version=AMP), which foretold the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation. [[The Church]] becomes the new covenant community where racial and ethnic distinctions no longer define one's spiritual status. --- ### 3. Eschatological Implications From a [[Premillennial Eschatology]] perspective, the concept of the Commonwealth of Israel carries significance for the future restoration of Israel. [[Romans 11:25-26]] foretells a time when "all Israel will be saved," suggesting that both the national Israel and the [[Gentile Church]] will participate in the [[Millennial Kingdom]]. This eschatological hope underscores God's faithfulness to His promises and reveals the scope of His redemptive plan, which integrates both Jew and Gentile into His kingdom purposes. --- ### 4. Sanctification in the New Covenant Community Membership in the Commonwealth of Israel implies not only covenant privileges but also responsibilities. As citizens of this community, believers are called to a life of [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]]—growing in holiness and obedience to God's commands ([1 Peter 2:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2.9&version=AMP)). The ethical dimensions of the commonwealth are emphasized throughout the New Testament, where believers are exhorted to "walk worthy of their calling" ([Ephesians 4:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4.1&version=AMP)). --- ## Authorial Intent and Application Paul’s intent in discussing the Commonwealth of Israel was to demonstrate the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s covenant community without erasing the unique role of Israel. His goal was to foster unity within the [[Body of Christ]] while highlighting the continuity between the [[Old Covenant]] and the [[New Covenant]]. For believers today, this passage encourages a deeper understanding of their identity in [[Christ]] as members of a spiritual commonwealth that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. It also underscores the importance of living as faithful citizens of God’s kingdom, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of His promises in the return of [[Christ]]. --- #### Call to Action: - Reflect on your identity as a citizen of God's covenant community. - Pursue unity with fellow believers across cultural and ethnic divides. - Live a life worthy of your calling within the [[Body of Christ]] ([Ephesians 4:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4.1&version=AMP)). --- ## Related Concepts - [[Covenant Inclusion]] - [[Bible Study/Topics/Sanctification/Sanctification]] - [[New Covenant]] - [[Premillennial Eschatology]]