Ephesians 2:14-17
2:14 a Christ himself has brought peace to us: Peace with God (2:16-17 b; Rom 5:1 c, 10-11 d, 18-21 e; Col 1:20-22 f) and between Jews and Gentiles (see Eph 2:15-16 g; 4:3 h).• the wall of hostility that separated us: Social and religious practices traditionally divided Jews from Gentiles. A low wall around the Temple in Jerusalem marked the boundary beyond which Gentiles were not allowed to step. It symbolized the distinction Jews drew between themselves and Gentiles.
2:15 i ending the system of law: See Rom 10:4 j; Col 2:14 k; cp. Rom 6:14 l; 7:4-6 m.
• The church is one new people, a community where love and acceptance are prized and ethnic distinctions are no longer a source of division (see Rom 15:7-12 n; Gal 3:28 o; cp. John 10:16 p).
2:16 q Christ’s death on the cross reconciles humans to God, and also Jews and Gentiles to each other.
2:17 r far away ... near: This verse possibly alludes to Isa 57:19 s.
• The Greek text lacks the words Gentiles and Jews, but they are implied (see Eph 2:13 t; see also study note on 1:12-13).
Copyright information for
TNotes