Ephesians 2: 14 Commentary

Throughout the old testament, the Jews drove the gentiles out of the land with the sword. Christ has taken that “wall of hostility” away. Cf. v.14. Christianity is to promote peace among the Jew and gentile converts. Cf. v.18, Matt 16:52.

By James Richter (wrote 536 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 1/7/2011 23:59 pm

2:11-22 The middle (i.e. dividing; wall of hostility NIV) wall (vs. 14) between the Jewish and Gentiles is abolished (i.e. demolished; ending the system NIV) (vs. 15). Modern day illustration would be the coming down of the Berlin Wall.

How?
• By the blood of Christ (vs. 13).
• In the [Holy] Spirit (vs. 22).
It is always the work of God not man that ultimately brings down barriers between persons and people groups. Of course, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, He involves people to accomplish His purposes in these matters.
Paul speaks of both (vs 14; 16; 18) the two (vs 15) and those afar off (Gentiles) and those who are near (Jews vs 13; 17). In Christ Jesus (vs 13) both the Jews and Gentiles are accepted. Now it is true Paul elsewhere speaks of the Jews being cast away; broken off (i.e. cut off Rom 11:15; 17; 20); but this was only the Jews who were rejecting Christ, it was their unbelief (Rom 11:20; 23) that cut them off.
So is there a purpose in this? Yes, this happened so salvation, by grace through faith, could come to the Gentiles, i.e. the whole world (Rom 11:11-12; 15). Here in Ephesians Paul is talking about those Jews who have not continued in their unbelief (Rom 11:23-24); they are coming to God, through faith in Christ. Bothe Jews and Gentiles in Christ make up a new man (vs 15), the new household of God (vs 19), a holy temple in the Lord (vs 21). We are both, together, the new dwelling place of God (vs 22).

Danny~ Indianapolis IN.

By Danny (wrote 1 Bible Commentary - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 5/22/2009 21:47 pm