Ephesians 2:13-18 is a passage from the New Testament of the Christian Bible that discusses the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles through Christ. This passage highlights the significance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the unity it brings to those who believe in him.
The passage begins with verse 13, which says, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ." This verse refers to the fact that before the sacrifice of Jesus, Gentiles were considered outsiders to the Jewish faith and were not able to participate fully in the religious life of the Jews. However, through the sacrifice of Jesus, Gentiles are now able to draw near to God and are no longer considered outsiders.
Verse 14 continues, "For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition." This verse highlights the role of Jesus in bringing peace between Jews and Gentiles. In the Jewish temple, there was a wall that separated the court of the Gentiles from the inner court where the Jews worshiped. This wall symbolized the division between the Jews and the Gentiles. However, through the sacrifice of Jesus, this wall was broken down, and there is now unity between the two groups.
Verse 15 says, "Having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace." This verse explains that Jesus abolished the hostility between Jews and Gentiles that was caused by the law of commandments contained in ordinances. This law made it difficult for Gentiles to convert to Judaism, which caused tension between the two groups. However, through the sacrifice of Jesus, the law was fulfilled, and there is now no longer any hostility between Jews and Gentiles. Instead, they are united in one new man through Jesus Christ.
Verse 16 continues, "And might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby." This verse emphasizes that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was what reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God. Through his death, Jesus killed the hostility between the two groups, and they are now united in one body through him.
Verse 17 says, "He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near." This verse highlights the role of Jesus in preaching peace to both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus came to bring peace to those who were far off (the Gentiles) and to those who were near (the Jews).
Finally, verse 18 says, "For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father." This verse explains that both Jews and Gentiles have access to God through the sacrifice of Jesus. They are no longer separated by the law, but are united through the Holy Spirit to the Father.
In summary, Ephesians 2:13-18 emphasizes the unity that comes through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through his death, the hostility between Jews and Gentiles was abolished, and they are now united in one new man through Jesus. This passage highlights the role of Jesus in bringing peace to both Jews and Gentiles and in reconciling them to God.
See also: vs 11-12
Ephesians 2:13-18. Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby. He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near. For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.