Ephesians 2:16

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

And {G2532} that he might reconcile {G604} both {G297} unto God {G2316} in {G1722} one {G1520} body {G4983} by {G1223} the cross {G4716}, having slain {G615} the enmity {G2189} thereby {G1722}{G846}:

and in order to reconcile to God both in a single body by being executed on a stake as a criminal and thus in himself killing that enmity.

and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility.

and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Commentary

Context

Ephesians 2:16 is a pivotal verse within Paul's letter to the Ephesians, specifically in a section (Ephesians 2:11-22) where he addresses the profound transformation brought about by Christ's work on the cross. Historically, there was a deep-seated spiritual and cultural division between Jews and Gentiles. Jews, as God's chosen people under the Mosaic Law, often viewed Gentiles as "outsiders" or "unclean." This verse follows Paul's declaration that Christ has broken down the "middle wall of partition" (Ephesians 2:14), effectively abolishing the Law's ceremonial requirements that separated them, and making of the two groups "one new man" (Ephesians 2:15).

Key Themes

  • Reconciliation through Christ: The primary message is Christ's role in bringing both Jews and Gentiles into a right relationship with God. This reconciliation is not partial but complete, uniting formerly alienated groups.
  • Unity in the Body of Christ: The verse emphasizes that this reconciliation results in "one body," referring to the church, which is the spiritual body of Christ. All believers, regardless of their background, are integrated into this singular entity (Ephesians 4:4).
  • The Efficacy of the Cross: The cross of Christ is presented as the sole instrument through which this profound reconciliation and unity are achieved. It is the means by which both the enmity between God and humanity (due to sin) and the enmity between Jew and Gentile (due to legal and cultural barriers) are overcome.
  • Slaying the Enmity: Christ's sacrifice on the cross decisively ended the hostility. This refers to the spiritual alienation between humanity and God, as well as the social and religious antagonism between Jews and Gentiles.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "reconcile" is apokatallassō, which means to "reconcile completely" or "restore to favor." It signifies a thorough and definitive change from hostility or alienation to peace and harmony. The term "enmity" comes from the Greek word echthra, denoting deep-seated hostility, hatred, or antagonism. Paul's use of "having slain the enmity thereby" (KJV) powerfully conveys that Christ's death on the cross utterly destroyed this hostile relationship, making way for peace and unity for all who believe.

Practical Application

Ephesians 2:16 holds immense relevance for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Divisions are Overcome in Christ: Just as the historical barriers between Jews and Gentiles were abolished, so too are all human-made divisions (racial, social, economic, denominational) rendered insignificant in the light of Christ's unifying work. Believers are called to live out this truth, actively pursuing unity and peace within the church.
  • The Cross is Central to Peace: Our peace with God (Romans 5:1) and our peace with one another are both rooted in Christ's atoning sacrifice. This verse underscores the radical and comprehensive nature of Christ's work on the cross, which not only forgives sins but also creates a new, unified community.
  • We Are One Body: This verse calls Christians to recognize their shared identity and purpose in the "one body" of Christ. It encourages mutual love, acceptance, and collaboration, reflecting the very nature of God's reconciling love.

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Cross-References

  • Colossians 1:20

    And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

  • Colossians 1:22

    In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

  • Romans 5:10

    For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

  • 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 2:20

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

  • Romans 8:3

    For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

  • 2 Corinthians 5:18

    And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
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