Paul opens chapter 3 prepared to pray, but he is moved to reiterate the truths he has taught in chapters 1 and 2. So in a lengthy parenthetical diversion, Paul reminds us again of the importance of God’s establishment of the church and the fact that God revealed the purpose and ministry of the church to him and sent him up specifically as a missionary to the Gentiles who are readily welcomed into God’s family when receiving His saving grace through Jesus Christ.

In verses 11-22, Paul considers our outward lives. He compares our former living without Christ to our present living in Christ. Paul shows how salvation in Christ’s finished work on the cross unites every believer, Jew and Gentile. He proceeds to declare that our privileges are equal and illustrates this reality with heavenly citizenship and the illustration of the building of a temple.

In the first portion of chapter 2, Paul contrasts our souls before salvation and our souls after salvation. He describes for us God’s gracious unseen work on the inside in saving our souls. In verses 11-22, Paul considers our outward lives. He compares our former living without Christ to our present living in Christ.