What does Ephesians 2:22 mean?

Previously, Paul described the collective church of Jesus, the apostles, prophets, and all other believers as a temple. Here, Paul also includes his readers as an important part of the building process. Notice that this work takes place "by the Spirit." We worship by the Spirit (Philippians 3:3), live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25), are led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:18), walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), are taught by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13), and are washed, sanctified, and justified by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11). Just as salvation is something owed purely to the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8–9), success in the Christian life is owed entirely to the power of God through the Holy Spirit.

This segment, which began in verse 11, is summarized here in verse 22. Paul once again highlights the reality of Christian unity. God is the emphasis of the church, and that church—God's people—is made up of all of the individual parts which work together to worship Him. Regardless of background, Jew or Gentile, and regardless or past sins, God can forgive. He creates a new family among believers, joining us together both in this life and in eternity (John 17:20–26).