A Verse
Ephesians 2:13-16
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
A Comment
In verse 13, the phrase, “by the blood of Christ,” refers to Jesus” sacrificial death for sinners, which is explained in more detail in verses 14 and 16. Jesus is our peace. He is our shalom, that is, a peace that is not simply “the cessation of hostilities,” but rather, the state of being delivered or saved. So, how is it that Jesus is our peace?
According to Paul, Jesus is our peace through His unifying work to tear down the wall of hostility that separated Jew and Gentile. This wall of hostility was represented in the way that Jews observed the law of Moses. Instead of being a blessing to the nations, the Jews separated themselves through their observance of the Mosaic Law.
But, now, in Christ, the Law of Moses has been set aside, as Paul writes in verses 15-16, “By abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.”
In other words, the law that once was used to keep Jews and Gentiles separated has been abolished through Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross. There was no longer a need for the Jews to find their identity in the law of Moses. There was no longer a need for Gentiles to attempt to become like the Jews in order to be a part of their community. In Christ, the wall that divided these two groups had been brought down by Jesus. Our hope for reconciliation with God and others is rooted in Christ alone!
A Prayer
Join me as I pray…
A Blessing
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Making Peace