What does Ephesians 2:14 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 2:14 discusses Christ's role in reconciling humanity to God and also in creating peace and unity among disparate groups of people, specifically Jews and Gentiles.

The verse describes how Christ has made "both one," referring to these two groups who were historically and religiously divided.

By "breaking down the middle wall of partition between us," it's figurative language to describe the removal of the division or hostility that existed between Jews and Gentiles.

In the context of the New Testament, the "middle wall of partition" can be seen as the Mosaic Law and the ordinances that separated Jews from Gentiles, making social and religious communion between them difficult, if not impossible.

Historical Context

This verse is part of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, which was written around 60-62 AD when Paul was likely imprisoned in Rome. Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor (modern-day western Turkey) and was very diverse in its population, including both Jews and Gentiles.

Historically, Jews had been God's chosen people with strict laws and customs distinguishing them from other nations.

With the coming of Christ and the spread of Christianity, these distinctions were challenged as the new faith made salvation accessible to all, irrespective of their ethnic background or former religious allegiances.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is significant for several reasons:

• It affirms the Christian belief in Christ as a peacemaker who reconciles humanity to God and to one another.
• It reflects soteriological inclusivity within Christian theology, that salvation through Jesus Christ is offered to all people, not just to a specific ethnic or religious group.
• It speaks to the concept of the "New Humanity" in Christ, suggesting that in Christ the distinctions that separate people are overcome.
• It also introduces the concept of the "Church" as a single, unified body of believers, both Jew and Gentile.

Various denominations might emphasize different aspects of this verse.

Protestant theologians might focus on the grace of Christ in breaking down barriers of sin and legalism, while Catholic and Orthodox interpretations might integrate it into a theology of the Church as the mystical body of Christ.

Practical Applications

Practically, Ephesians 2:14 encourages believers to:

• Embrace diversity within the body of believers, working towards unity and peace.
• Break down barriers of racial, cultural, and social differences, reflecting the unifying work of Christ.
• Promote reconciliation and peace-making in personal relationships and within society.
• Reflect on how religious practices might unnecessarily exclude or divide people.

Cross-References

• Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
• Colossians 3:11: "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."
• Romans 10:12: "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him."

Language Study

The original Greek text uses significant terms:

• "Peace" (εἰρήνη, eirēnē): Often refers to a state of national tranquility, exemption from the rage and havoc of war, but also to peace between individuals or personal harmony and security.
• "Made both one" (ἑνὸς ποιέω, henos poieō): The Greek verb "poieō" suggests the act of creating or making, and "henos" translates to "one," implying the creation of a new unity.
• "Broken down" (λύω, lyō): Means to destroy, dissolve, or dismantle, indicating the removal of the previous barrier.
• "Middle wall of partition" (μεσότοιχον τοῦ φραγμοῦ, mesotoichon tou phragmou): A metaphorical phrase indicative of a dividing wall like the literal wall in the Temple that separated the Gentiles from the inner sections where only Jews could go.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, walls and partitions often symbolized separation of the divine from the mundane, or the pure from the impure, as seen in temples and religious structures.

For example, in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, there was a physical wall separating the Court of the Gentiles from the inner areas open only to Jews.

Comparatively, many religions have concepts of reconciliation and unity, such as the Hindu idea of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family), suggesting global harmony and peace.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly relate to scientific concepts, the ideas of reconciliation and peace-building are supported by social sciences that study intergroup relations, community cohesion, and the psychological impacts of social division and unity.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the importance of Christ's reconciling work, acknowledging the removal of the ceremonial law which was the cause of enmity. John Gill notes the law as a "wall of partition" that Christ abolished, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Many biblical scholars agree that this passage celebrates the unity and new social order established in Christ, transcending old divisions.