“Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;”– Ephesians 2:15 (KJV)
“He did this by ending the system of the law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups.”– Ephesians 2:15 (NLT)
“The Messiah has made things up between us so that we’re now together on this. Both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance.”– Ephesians 2:15 (MSG)
What Does Ephesians 2:15 Mean?
When we read Ephesians 2:15, we find an essential message about unity and reconciliation. In this verse, the Apostle Paul speaks about how Jesus changes everything for both Jews and Gentiles. Before Jesus, there were divisions and barriers that separated people. The law that God gave through Moses had rules that created an ‘us versus them’ mentality. But through Jesus Christ, those barriers are no longer needed. He did not just come to fulfill the law but to transform it.
This verse emphasizes that through His death and resurrection, Jesus abolished the enmity that existed between these two groups. This means we are not defined by our backgrounds, cultures, or past experiences, but united in Christ. The beauty of the message lies in the idea that we can be one new person, a new creation that reflects His peace and love. It encourages us to embrace our differences and celebrate our unity within the wonder of God’s family.
Ephesians 2:15 Explanation and Commentary
In Ephesians 2:15, Paul mentions two critical aspects: the law of commandments and the reconciliation that Jesus brings. The law was essential for the Jewish people but also served as a barrier for the Gentiles. In their view, they were seen as outsiders who could not participate in the blessings of God’s covenant. But according to the New Living Translation, Jesus ended this system of the law and commandments.
When Jesus gave His life, it was more than just a sacrifice; it was a complete transformation. He opened the door for both Jews and Gentiles to access His grace and salvation. By doing this, He created a pathway for everyone regardless of their background to find peace in Him and become part of the same family. We should take to heart this message that no one is excluded from God’s love and inclusion. This idea of unity should encourage us and make us reflective about how we treat others.
Furthermore, we see that Jesus achieved this by making “one new man” from the two groups. This indicates a new identity in Him, showcasing how He calls people from diverse backgrounds to become part of a single body of believers, known as the Church. This transformation is not superficial; it represents a deep and authentic change that impacts our lives and how we relate to one another.
As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded that unity is not about erasing our distinct identities but celebrating them under the banner of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Paul reminds us that just as a body is one and yet has many members, so it is with Christ. This means we should strive to reflect this unity within our communities and lives. God’s desire is for us to live together in harmony, reflecting His love through our actions.
Context of Ephesians 2:15
Understanding Ephesians 2:15 necessitates looking into the broader context of the book of Ephesians. Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Ephesus who were facing numerous challenges within their diverse community. This letter encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith while also addressing various issues that arose from both cultural differences and misunderstandings about the law.
The early church was a melting pot of different cultures and beliefs. Many Gentiles were coming to faith, and there was a concern that Jewish believers might feel threatened by their presence. Paul speaks passionately about the reconciliation available through Christ, emphasizing how He breaks down barriers between people. Ephesians 2 indicates a movement from separation toward togetherness in Christ. This emphasizes that our friendships, churches, and communities can be places of harmony and inclusion.
In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul discusses how we were once dead in our sins but made alive in Christ by grace. This grace is not limited to just one group, but is generous enough for all. Paul wanted to remind the believers that God’s grace breaks divisions. Therefore, Ephesians 2:15 is a significant verse as it encapsulates this powerful truth of reconciliation and hope.
Reflectively, this context helps us recognize that we are called to carry forth the message of unity. We have a role in promoting peace within our relationships and communities. Our differences should not be sources of division but points of transformational love through Jesus Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ephesians 2:15
When analyzing Ephesians 2:15, we can break down several key components that hold rich meaning for us. One of these parts is the “law of commandments contained in ordinances.” This phrase refers to the Jewish law, a significant aspect of the relationship between God and His people. Jesus came to fulfill and transform this law, assuring us that our standing before God is not based on legalistic adherence but grace.
Another crucial part of this verse is the concept of enmity. Enmity points to the hostilities and divisions that existed. With Christ, this enmity has been abolished. This is a divine act that brought two distinct groups together. It removes the barriers built by pride, prejudice, and preconceived notions, welcoming all into the fold of God’s love.
Then we move to the phrase “one new man.” This indicates a transformation that occurs in Christ. By coming to faith in Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles become part of a new identity—a single new creation. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul echoes this sentiment, saying, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” We are called to view ourselves and one another through this lens of renewal.
Lastly, the outcome of this transformation is peace. The peace that we find in Jesus is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of divine wholeness. In Colossians 3:15, we read, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” This peace invites us to foster a spirit of kindness, love, and understanding toward each other.
Lessons to Learn From Ephesians 2:15
Ephesians 2:15 teaches us profound lessons about community and belonging. First, we learn that God values unity amidst diversity. Just as Jesus broke down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, we too are encouraged to break down the walls that separate us. Differences in race, culture, and background should not divide us but instead lead us to appreciate the richness each person brings into our community.
Next, grace is central to our identity in Christ. The law served its purpose but was not the final answer. Understanding that our identity is not rooted in performance but in God’s unmerited favor frees us to love others genuinely. This implies that we should extend the same grace to one another, even when we disagree. In James 4:10, we are told to “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” Humility fosters an environment for mutual respect and compassion.
Another key lesson is the power of peace. We should strive toward being peacemakers in our families, communities, and churches. The work of reconciliation is not just the job of a few but a calling of every believer. When we actively pursue peace, we reflect the character of Christ, who is our ultimate peace. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” This tells us that pursuing peace is a significant part of our identity as followers of Christ.
Lastly, we come away from Ephesians 2:15 with the reminder that we are all recipients of God’s incredible love which binds us together. Let us encourage one another to build each other up, reminding each other that we are all valued members of the family of God. This journey is about walking alongside one another in faith as we grow together.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Ephesians 2:15 invites us into a deeper understanding of unity and reconciliation in Christ. As we embrace our identity in Him, we can actively participate in healing the divisions that exist around us. Let us commit to being instruments of peace and love in our communities, demonstrating the grace we have received to others.
We are reminded that being part of God’s family means welcoming everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Each day provides us an opportunity to reflect the love of Christ and point others to the hope found in Him. As we aim to embody this verse, let us remember that we can serve as agents of change, fostering compassion and respect among all individuals. For further insights on living out our faith, feel free to explore Bible Repository where many teachings and stories await.