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;

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};

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,

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

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

Context

Ephesians 2:15 is a pivotal verse within a larger passage (Ephesians 2:11-22) where the Apostle Paul explains the profound spiritual transformation brought about by Jesus Christ. Before Christ, the Gentile world was separated from God's covenants and people, Israel, by a significant barrier often referred to as a "middle wall of partition" (Ephesians 2:14). This verse elaborates on how Christ's sacrificial death on the cross actively dismantled this barrier, creating a new reality for all believers.

Meaning of Ephesians 2:15

This verse reveals the transformative work of Christ's crucifixion:

  • "Having abolished in his flesh the enmity": Christ's physical death on the cross served a critical purpose: to put an end to the hostility (Greek: echthra) that existed. This enmity was twofold: the hostility between humanity and God due to sin, and specifically, the deeply entrenched animosity between Jews and Gentiles. Christ's body, broken on the cross, became the means by which this division was overcome.
  • "[even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances": Paul clarifies that the primary source of this enmity, particularly between Jew and Gentile, was the Mosaic Law with its detailed rules and ceremonial ordinances. While the Law was given by God, its specific requirements and distinctions inadvertently created a separation, emphasizing the "unclean" status of Gentiles in contrast to the "chosen" status of Israel. Christ's death fulfilled the Law, removing its power to divide and condemn, and inaugurating a new covenant.
  • "for to make in himself of twain one new man": The ultimate purpose of Christ's abolition of the Law's divisive power was to forge something entirely new. "Twain" refers to the two distinct groups—Jew and Gentile. In Christ, these two are not merely reconciled or coexisting; they are fused into a single, unified entity—"one new man." This speaks to the spiritual unity and new identity found in Christ, transcending former ethnic or religious distinctions, as expressed in Galatians 3:28 where there is neither Jew nor Greek.
  • "[so] making peace": The profound result of this unifying work is peace. This encompasses peace between God and humanity (reconciliation), and peace among humanity itself, specifically between those who were once bitter adversaries—Jew and Gentile—now united as fellow members of God's household.

Key Themes

  • Reconciliation and Unity: The verse highlights Christ's central role in reconciling estranged parties—both humanity to God and Jew to Gentile—creating a unified body, the Church.
  • The Abolition of the Law as a Dividing Wall: It emphasizes that the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law, which once separated people, were fulfilled and transcended by Christ's sacrifice, no longer serving as a barrier.
  • Peace Through Christ's Sacrifice: The ultimate outcome of Christ's work is the establishment of comprehensive peace, bringing harmony where there was once hostility.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word for "enmity" is echthra (ἔχθρα), which denotes active hostility, hatred, or animosity. Paul uses this term to powerfully convey the intense division that existed. Christ's work didn't just lessen the tension; it "abolished" (Greek: katargeō - to render inoperative, nullify, or put an end to) this deep-seated antagonism.

Practical Application

Ephesians 2:15 holds immense significance for believers today. It calls us to recognize the profound unity we share in Christ, regardless of our diverse backgrounds, cultures, or former divisions. It reminds us that any human-made barriers that lead to hostility or exclusion within the Christian community contradict the very work of Christ on the cross. We are to live as "one new man," actively pursuing peace and embodying the reconciliation that Christ achieved, reflecting God's unifying love to a fragmented world.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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
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