Ephesians 2:15

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Having abolished {G2673} in {G1722} his {G846} flesh {G4561} the enmity {G2189}, even the law {G3551} of commandments {G1785} contained in {G1722} ordinances {G1378}; for to {G2443} make {G2936} in {G1722} himself {G1438} of twain {G1417} one {G1519}{G1520} new {G2537} man {G444}, so making {G4160} peace {G1515};

Complete Jewish Bible

by destroying in his own body the enmity occasioned by the Torah, with its commands set forth in the form of ordinances. He did this in order to create in union with himself from the two groups a single new humanity and thus make shalom,

Berean Standard Bible

by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 2:15 profoundly articulates how Jesus Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross, decisively ended the hostility that separated humanity from God and, specifically, divided Jews and Gentiles. By nullifying the Mosaic Law's divisive power, Christ forged a new spiritual reality, uniting these two distinct groups into a single, unified "new man," thereby establishing comprehensive peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component within a larger theological exposition spanning [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - From Alienation to Reconciliation"). Paul addresses Gentile believers, reminding them of their former state of alienation from God's covenants and Israel. [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace") introduces the concept of Christ being "our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition." Verse 15 then elaborates on *how* Christ achieved this, detailing the mechanism of peace-making through the abolition of the Law's divisive function. The subsequent verses ([Ephesians 2:16-18](/ephesians/2-16-18 "Ephesians 2:16-18 - Reconciliation Through the Cross")) further explain that Christ's death reconciled both groups to God in one body, granting access to the Father by one Spirit. This passage culminates in the powerful imagery of believers, both Jew and Gentile, being built together into a holy temple in the Lord ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built into God's Dwelling")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The first-century world was sharply divided between Jews and Gentiles. Jewish identity was deeply intertwined with the Mosaic Law, including its dietary restrictions, circumcision, and ceremonial practices, which served as distinct markers separating them from the "unclean" Gentile nations. The Jerusalem Temple itself had a physical "middle wall of partition" (the Soreg) that Gentiles were forbidden to pass on pain of death, symbolizing this profound religious and social separation. This historical and cultural backdrop underscores the radical nature of Paul's message: Christ's work transcended and dismantled these deeply entrenched religious and ethnic barriers, offering a new basis for identity and community that was neither exclusively Jewish nor Gentile, but "in Christ."
* **Key Themes:** Ephesians 2:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Ephesians. Foremost is the theme of **Reconciliation and Unity**, demonstrating how Christ's work brings together disparate parties—God and humanity, and Jew and Gentile—into a single, harmonious body. It also highlights the **Supremacy of Christ**, portraying Him as the sole agent capable of achieving such profound transformation and peace. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **New Creation**, emphasizing that believers are not merely reformed but made into a "new man" in Christ, signifying a radical shift in identity and relationship. This new reality in Christ also underscores the **Abolition of the Old Covenant's Divisive Aspects**, particularly the ceremonial Law, which no longer functions as a barrier but is fulfilled in Christ, paving the way for a universal people of God. The concept of peace, as both a state of being and a divine accomplishment, is also central, echoing the broader message of Christ as "our peace" found in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abolished (Greek, _katargéō'_):** This word, from G2673, means "to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively." It conveys the idea of rendering something inoperative, nullifying its power, or putting an end to it. In the context of Ephesians 2:15, it signifies that Christ did not merely modify or lessen the enmity and the Law's divisive effect, but completely stripped them of their power to separate and condemn, making them of no effect as a barrier.
* **Enmity (Greek, _échthra'_):** From G2189, this term refers to "hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition." It describes a state of active hatred or deep-seated animosity. Paul uses this powerful word to describe the profound alienation between God and humanity due to sin, and specifically, the intense mutual antagonism that existed between Jews and Gentiles, rooted in their differing covenants and cultural practices. Christ's work directly targeted and eradicated this hostility.
* **New (Greek, _kainós'_):** G2537 describes something "new (especially in freshness; while νέος is properly so with respect to age)." This signifies a qualitative newness, something unprecedented and superior, not merely a renovation of the old. The "one new man" is not a hybrid of Jew and Gentile, but an entirely new spiritual entity, distinct from both, created by Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Having abolished in his flesh the enmity":** This clause establishes the means and object of Christ's work. The "flesh" refers to Christ's physical body, indicating that His atoning death on the cross was the decisive act. Through His crucifixion, He nullified the "enmity"—the deep-seated hostility that separated humanity from God due to sin, and the specific animosity between Jews and Gentiles. His physical sacrifice was the ultimate act of peace-making.
* **"[even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances":** Paul clarifies the primary source of the Jew-Gentile "enmity" that Christ abolished. It was the Mosaic Law, with its specific "commandments" (G1785, authoritative prescriptions) and "ordinances" (G1378, decrees, ceremonial regulations). These aspects of the Law, while divinely given, inadvertently created a barrier, highlighting the distinctiveness of Israel and the "unclean" status of Gentiles, thus fostering division. Christ's death fulfilled the Law, rendering its divisive power inoperative.
* **"for to make in himself of twain one new man":** This phrase reveals the profound purpose and outcome of Christ's abolition of the enmity and the Law. "Twain" (G1417, two) refers to the two previously separate groups: Jews and Gentiles. The goal was not merely reconciliation or coexistence, but a radical unification "in himself" (G1438, in Christ's person and work). They are forged into "one new man" (G1520, one; G2537, new; G444, human being)—a singular, unprecedented spiritual entity, the Church, where former distinctions are transcended.
* **"[so] making peace":** This concluding phrase summarizes the glorious result of Christ's entire work described in the verse. The creation of "one new man" out of "twain" inherently results in "peace" (G1515, harmony, prosperity). This peace is multifaceted: reconciliation with God, and reconciliation between previously estranged human groups, specifically Jew and Gentile, now united in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 2:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. **Antithesis** is central, contrasting the former state of "enmity" and "twain" (two distinct, hostile groups) with the new reality of "peace" and "one new man" (a unified, harmonious entity). This stark contrast highlights the radical transformation wrought by Christ. **Metonymy** is present in "in his flesh," where "flesh" (Christ's physical body) stands for His sacrificial death on the cross, the means by which the abolition occurred. The phrase "one new man" functions as a potent **Symbolism** for the Church, representing a unified body of believers transcending ethnic and social divisions, embodying a new humanity created by Christ. This imagery emphasizes not just reconciliation but a complete spiritual re-creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 2:15 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the nature of the Church and the scope of Christ's redemptive work. It teaches that the cross of Christ not only dealt with humanity's sin against God but also dismantled the social and religious barriers that divided humanity. The abolition of the "law of commandments contained in ordinances" does not mean the moral law is nullified, but rather that its ceremonial and legalistic aspects, which served as a "dividing wall" between Jew and Gentile, have been fulfilled and transcended in Christ. This inaugurates a new covenant reality where access to God is no longer mediated by ethnic lineage or adherence to specific ritualistic laws, but solely by faith in Christ. The "one new man" represents a radical new humanity, a unified body of believers (the Church) where all are equally reconciled to God and to one another, reflecting God's ultimate purpose to gather all things in Christ.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - No Jew or Gentile")
* [Romans 10:12](/romans/10-12 "Romans 10:12 - No Distinction Between Jew and Gentile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 2:15 calls believers to a profound understanding of their identity and purpose in Christ. It challenges us to recognize that any human-made distinctions, prejudices, or barriers that foster division within the body of Christ fundamentally contradict the unifying work of the cross. Our unity is not based on shared culture, ethnicity, social status, or even denominational affiliation, but solely on our common identity as "one new man" in Christ. This truth compels us to actively pursue reconciliation, understanding, and genuine fellowship with all who name Jesus as Lord, regardless of their background. It means intentionally dismantling any "walls" we might consciously or unconsciously erect, fostering environments of radical welcome and mutual respect. Living out this truth demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel to a fragmented world, showcasing the peace that only Christ can bring.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "walls" or divisions (ethnic, social, economic, theological) exist in my community or church that might contradict the "one new man" principle of Ephesians 2:15?**
* **How can I personally contribute to dismantling these divisions and fostering genuine unity and peace among believers?**
* **In what ways do I still rely on external distinctions or "ordinances" for my sense of identity or righteousness, rather than fully embracing my identity "in Christ"?**

### FAQ

**What does "abolished in his flesh the enmity" mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that Jesus Christ, through His physical death on the cross, completely nullified or rendered inoperative the deep-seated hostility (enmity) that existed. This hostility was twofold: the alienation between humanity and God caused by sin, and the specific, profound animosity between Jews and Gentiles. Christ's body, broken in sacrifice, became the means by which this division and opposition were decisively overcome, making peace possible. The concept is further elaborated in [Colossians 2:14](/colossians/2-14 "Colossians 2:14 - Blotting Out the Handwriting of Ordinances").

**How did Christ abolish "the law of commandments contained in ordinances"?**

Answer: Christ abolished the "law of commandments contained in ordinances" not by destroying the moral principles of the Law, but by fulfilling its requirements and transcending its ceremonial and legalistic aspects that served as a dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles. The Mosaic Law, with its detailed rules and rituals, inadvertently created a separation, emphasizing the distinct "chosen" status of Israel and the "unclean" status of Gentiles. Christ's death on the cross served as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the Law's demands and inaugurating a new covenant. This removed the Law's power to condemn and to divide, as explained in [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ the End of the Law").

**What is the "one new man" that Christ makes?**

Answer: The "one new man" refers to a singular, unified spiritual entity that Christ creates out of the "twain" (two distinct groups: Jews and Gentiles). It is not merely a reconciliation where they coexist, but a radical fusion into a completely new humanity, the Church. This new identity in Christ transcends former ethnic, social, or religious distinctions, signifying that in Christ, all believers are equally members of God's household, with equal access to God. This concept is foundational to understanding the unity of the Church, as further explained in [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - One Body and One Spirit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 2:15 stands as a profound declaration of Christ's unique and indispensable role in the reconciliation of all things. The "abolition in his flesh" points directly to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, where His physical body became the vehicle for ending both humanity's enmity with God and the deep-seated division between Jew and Gentile. He is the ultimate peacemaker, not merely by teaching peace, but by embodying and achieving it through His death. The "law of commandments contained in ordinances" that once separated was fulfilled and transcended in Him, demonstrating that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ the End of the Law")). In His resurrected body, Christ creates "one new man," signifying the Church as a unified body, where all who believe are brought into a new spiritual humanity, no longer defined by old distinctions but by their shared identity in Him. This new creation is a direct result of His redemptive work, making Him the head of this new body ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ the Head of the Body")) and the source of its peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Christ is not just the subject of this verse, but its active agent, its means, and its ultimate goal—the very embodiment of the peace and unity He brings.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 2:14

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Galatians 3:10

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Hebrews 8:13

In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away.

Galatians 6:15

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

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 2:20

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

Colossians 1:21

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled