Meaning of Ephesians 2:14

This verse proclaims Jesus Christ as the embodiment of peace, specifically addressing the profound reconciliation He has achieved between formerly divided groups. The "two groups" refer to Jews and Gentiles, who, in the context of first-century Judaism and its surrounding cultures, were separated by significant religious and cultural barriers, primarily stemming from the Law and its associated practices. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, has not only brought peace between God and humanity but also peace among humanity by dissolving the animosity and division that separated these two peoples, effectively demolishing the "dividing wall of hostility" that kept them apart.

Context and Background

The historical context of Ephesians 2 is crucial for understanding this verse. The Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus, a diverse community composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. For centuries, the Jewish people had been set apart by God through the Mosaic Law, which included specific ordinances and practices that distinguished them from the Gentile nations. This distinction, while intended by God for a specific purpose, often fostered a sense of separation and even animosity between Jews and Gentiles. The "dividing wall" likely alludes to the physical barrier in Herod's Temple that separated the outer court (accessible to Gentiles) from the inner courts (reserved for Jews), beyond which Gentiles were forbidden to pass under penalty of death. This physical barrier served as a tangible symbol of the spiritual and social chasm that existed.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is reconciliation through Christ. Jesus is presented not merely as a bringer of peace but as peace itself. This implies that His very being and work are the source and substance of peace. The verse highlights the abolition of division, specifically between Jews and Gentiles, signifying the end of the exclusionary nature of the old covenant's external markers. The "dividing wall of hostility" represents the animosity, prejudice, and legalistic barriers that created separation. By destroying this, Christ establishes a new reality where all believers are united. The concept of unity in Christ is paramount, suggesting that in Him, former enemies become one new people.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse has profound implications for the Christian life and the church. It means that Christ's atoning work has removed the barriers that kept humanity alienated from God and from each other. For believers, this translates into the dismantling of personal prejudices and animosities. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to reflect this unity, transcending ethnic, cultural, and social divides. The hostility that once defined the relationship between Jew and Gentile is replaced by a shared identity in Christ, fostering love, understanding, and mutual respect among all believers.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Ephesians 2:14 fits seamlessly into the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan. From the initial separation of humanity from God in Genesis due to sin, the Old Testament progressively reveals God's desire to reconcile humanity to Himself and to establish a people through whom He would bless all nations. The Law, while establishing Israel's identity, also highlighted humanity's inability to perfectly keep God's commands, pointing towards a need for a greater mediator. Jesus fulfills this role by offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, thereby breaking down the barriers of sin and ritual that separated people from God and from one another, paving the way for the universal inclusion of all who believe, as prophesied in passages like Isaiah 56:7 and Zechariah 8:20-23.

Analogies

One analogy for the "dividing wall of hostility" is a high, impassable fence that separates two neighboring properties. This fence prevents interaction, breeds suspicion, and fosters a sense of "us" versus "them." Jesus, in this analogy, tears down the fence, inviting both neighbors to share a common space, to build relationships, and to enjoy the benefits of shared community. Another analogy is a deep chasm that can only be bridged by a strong, secure structure. Jesus is that bridge, His sacrifice providing the foundation upon which all can cross from separation to unity.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse finds resonance with numerous other biblical passages. In Galatians 3:28, Paul states, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This echoes the unity described in Ephesians 2:14, emphasizing that in Christ, all former distinctions that created social stratification and division are rendered obsolete. Colossians 1:20 speaks of Christ reconciling "all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross," which aligns with the comprehensive peace Christ brings, extending beyond human relationships to the cosmic realm. The concept of God making "one new humanity" out of the two (Jews and Gentiles) is further elaborated in Ephesians 2:15, where it states Christ abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances.