Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of the two one new man, so making peace
To understand this verse fully, we must go back in time to the Old Testament, when Israel was wandering in the desert after escaping from Egypt. Moses led the nation to freedom and then oversaw God’s entry into a covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai. The statutes of this pact became known as the Mosaic Law. Its most famous section is the Ten Commandments, but there were many more decrees. Jewish tradition counts a total of 613 commands. I can’t imagine trying to remember them all!
It shouldn’t surprise us that such an extensive and comprehensive set of rules and regulations would create separation between Jews and Gentiles. God’s purpose was to set apart a nation for himself through whom the Messiah, or Savior, would come. The Israelites were also to shine God’s light in a dark world. But because of our human tendency to sin, the result was mostly hostility and distrust between the two groups.
With this backdrop in mind, Paul explains precisely how Jesus changed everything. Thanks to his sacrifice on the cross (“his flesh”), Christ abolished the Mosaic Law and the accompanying division between Jew and Gentile. The Greek verb means “to render inoperative,” or, in other words, “to deprive something or someone of its force, influence, or power.” I would compare it to a police officer having to give up his badge, thereby losing all the authority his position conferred.
Jesus opened a new way for Jews and Gentiles alike to relate to God. The Mosaic Covenant still teaches us many important truths, but it could never lead to salvation. Our relationship with God is based on the New Covenant established through Christ.
So, where does this leave Jews and Gentiles? Since the differences between them were no longer necessary, Paul writes that Christ made them into “one new man.” The Jews didn’t have to become Gentiles, nor did the Gentiles have to become Jews. Instead, Jesus enabled both to become part of one new community—the church—and they later came to be known as “Christians.”
The final result is peace. At the cross, Jesus accomplished what humans never could, transforming a hostile relationship into a peaceful one.
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I really appreciate the time you take to encourage us, Carol. So true. The essence of the gospel is Christ, who is, makes, and extends peace to all His people, regardless of …. everything! It is interesting to note that the commentators on Ephesians regard the “enmity” as a psychological barrier erected by the Jews to guard their superior status. In Christ, every last vestige of self-importance and elitism comes crashing down. Only One is left in the spotlight, who has accomplished what no human or list of ordinances could do, thus removing every false claim for human preeminence. One Christ and one people whom He has ransomed for Himself—I rejoice now as well as look forward to sharing all those benefits that He has won for us forever.
Amen and amen!
Here comes the lamb..