Ephesians 2:15 - having abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace;
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What does "Ephesians 2:15" mean?
Ephesians 2:15 is a rich verse packed with meaning, central to understanding Paul's message of reconciliation in Christ. Let's break it down:
"having abolished in his flesh the hostility...": This refers to Jesus Christ, and "in his flesh" emphasizes that his death on the cross was the means by which he abolished hostility. The "hostility" here is the animosity and division that existed between Jews and Gentiles. This division was fueled by both cultural differences and, importantly, the Mosaic Law.
"...the law of commandments contained in ordinances...": This is a key phrase. It refers to the Mosaic Law, specifically the ritual and ceremonial aspects (the "ordinances") that set Jews apart from Gentiles. Think of things like circumcision, dietary laws, and Sabbath observance. Paul isn't saying the moral law is abolished (things like "do not murder" are still important). Rather, he's saying the specific rules and regulations that created a barrier between Jews and Gentiles are no longer the defining mark of God's people. They were a "middle wall of partition" (Ephesians 2:14) that Jesus broke down.
"...that he might create in himself one new man of the two...": This is the heart of the verse. Through Christ's sacrifice, God is creating a new entity: a unified body of believers comprised of both Jews and Gentiles. This "one new man" is the Church. It's not simply adding Gentiles to Judaism; it's a new creation altogether, a community where the old divisions are overcome in Christ.
"...making peace;": The ultimate goal of abolishing the hostility and creating this new man is to establish peace. This peace isn't just the absence of conflict; it's a positive, harmonious relationship with God and with one another. It's a reconciliation of humanity to God and to each other.
In summary, Ephesians 2:15 means that Jesus, through his death on the cross, has removed the barriers created by the Mosaic Law's ceremonial aspects, allowing him to create a new community (the Church) where Jews and Gentiles are united in him, experiencing reconciliation and peace.
Key Implications:
Unity in Christ: The verse emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, regardless of their background.
The Nature of the Church: The Church is a new creation, not simply a continuation or replacement of Israel, but a distinct entity with a unified identity in Christ.
The Purpose of Christ's Sacrifice: Jesus' death wasn't just about individual salvation; it was also about breaking down barriers and creating a new community of peace and reconciliation.
The Role of the Law: While the moral law still holds, the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law are no longer the defining marks of God's people. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to these specific rules.
Ephesians 2:15 - having abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace;
What does "Ephesians 2:15" mean?
Ephesians 2:15 is a rich verse packed with meaning, central to understanding Paul's message of reconciliation in Christ. Let's break it down:
"having abolished in his flesh the hostility...": This refers to Jesus Christ, and "in his flesh" emphasizes that his death on the cross was the means by which he abolished hostility. The "hostility" here is the animosity and division that existed between Jews and Gentiles. This division was fueled by both cultural differences and, importantly, the Mosaic Law.
"...the law of commandments contained in ordinances...": This is a key phrase. It refers to the Mosaic Law, specifically the ritual and ceremonial aspects (the "ordinances") that set Jews apart from Gentiles. Think of things like circumcision, dietary laws, and Sabbath observance. Paul isn't saying the moral law is abolished (things like "do not murder" are still important). Rather, he's saying the specific rules and regulations that created a barrier between Jews and Gentiles are no longer the defining mark of God's people. They were a "middle wall of partition" (Ephesians 2:14) that Jesus broke down.
"...that he might create in himself one new man of the two...": This is the heart of the verse. Through Christ's sacrifice, God is creating a new entity: a unified body of believers comprised of both Jews and Gentiles. This "one new man" is the Church. It's not simply adding Gentiles to Judaism; it's a new creation altogether, a community where the old divisions are overcome in Christ.
"...making peace;": The ultimate goal of abolishing the hostility and creating this new man is to establish peace. This peace isn't just the absence of conflict; it's a positive, harmonious relationship with God and with one another. It's a reconciliation of humanity to God and to each other.
In summary, Ephesians 2:15 means that Jesus, through his death on the cross, has removed the barriers created by the Mosaic Law's ceremonial aspects, allowing him to create a new community (the Church) where Jews and Gentiles are united in him, experiencing reconciliation and peace.
Key Implications:
Unity in Christ: The verse emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, regardless of their background.
The Nature of the Church: The Church is a new creation, not simply a continuation or replacement of Israel, but a distinct entity with a unified identity in Christ.
The Purpose of Christ's Sacrifice: Jesus' death wasn't just about individual salvation; it was also about breaking down barriers and creating a new community of peace and reconciliation.
The Role of the Law: While the moral law still holds, the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law are no longer the defining marks of God's people. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to these specific rules.