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Ephesians 2:15

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Ephesians 2:15 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Ephesians explains how Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice on the cross, abolished the enmity and hostility that existed between Jews and Gentiles. By fulfilling the requirements of the Old Testament law and its commandments, Jesus removed the barriers that separated these two groups, creating a new identity, a new community, called the Church. This act of reconciliation brought peace and unity between previously divided parties. The phrase "one new man" signifies the unity and harmony that believers in Christ experience, regardless of their background or ethnicity. Through His sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for all people to come together as one body, united in faith and love. This verse highlights the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which not only brings individual salvation but also establishes peace and unity among believers.

Theological Overview

When looking at the theological interpretation of Ephesians 2:15, the concept of enmity being abolished in Christ's flesh is a key point. The enmity refers to the hostility between Jews and Gentiles, which was reconciled through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The verse also mentions the law of commandments contained in ordinances, which many theologians see as the religious laws and rituals that separated Jews and Gentiles. Through Christ's death and resurrection, these barriers were removed, and a new unity was created between believers. The phrase "one new man" signifies the unity of all believers in Christ, regardless of their background or ethnicity. This unity is the basis for the peace that Christ brought to humanity through His redemptive work. By understanding the cultural and religious context of this verse, we can appreciate the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice in reconciling all believers and bringing about peace.

Ephesians 2:15 in other translations

American Standard Version

having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, [so] making peace;

World English Bible

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;

Douay-Rheims

Making void the law of commandments contained in decrees: that he might make the two in himself into one new man, making peace

Geneva Bible (1599)

In abrogating through his flesh the hatred, that is, the Lawe of commandements which standeth in ordinances, for to make of twaine one newe man in himselfe, so making peace,