The nation ran off the rails hating the outsiders, but God had another purpose one resting in Christ. Through Jesus Christ, a new grouping would be made of both Jews, carved from the larger and left behind humanity subsequently considered to be Gentiles. From both would be made a new creation.
Winding up in the 18th verse Paul wrote that it was through Jesus that we both have access to the Father by a single Spirit. He will then bind all these words to a final section transitioning with words like so then, therefore, consequently.
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In
him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22–ESV)
Look at the words that he plops through these verses: fellow citizens, members, household, apostles, prophets, Jesus Christ, God’s dwelling, and the Spirit. That 21st verse tells of a structure, joined in Christ, becoming a temple. This is no place, but rather a persona of sorts. David wanted to build a temple, but God said not now. People wanted places, but God wanted people. The places are but places for Holy people to live and be who they were created to be.
Purpose is found among the people who live in the places.
God builds with people, not stuff. He finished the stuff and after that created us in his image. The rest of earth time would be devoted to people building; community assembly.
Richard A. Ulrich, MD says
This passage is an excellent reminder that as unique (albeit small) members of God’s Kingdom, we each have an essential part proportional to our faithfulness and obedience. Romans 12 emphasizes this perspective. In the current “Explore the Bible” series, Joseph’s brothers abused and rejected him. It took years before Joseph understood that his brothers meant it for evil, but God for good. Even in conflict, we best exhibit our contribution and importance in serving Christ by “not being weary in well doing.” [Gal 6:9] After all, “patience is the queen of virtues.” RAU