Ephesians 2

[Gerr]

I have been challenged to examine Eph 2 on a number of occasions, and so here it is. Due to time constraints, I will zero in on verses 14ff.

[:"red"]2:14 "For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the divinding wall,

2:15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,

2:16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity,

2:17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near;

2:18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but are fellow-citizens with the saints, and are of God's household,

2:20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone,

2:21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord;

2:22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. NASB [/]

[:"blue"]"For He Himself is our peace."

[/]

Why do we need peace or to make peace with God?

1. Before Jesus, we "were dead in ...trespasses and sins." verse 1 & 5.

2. Walking [living] according to the whims of the "prince of the power of the air"; sons of disobedience, verse 2.

3. By nature children of wrath, v.3, aliens/estranged from birth.

4. Under sentence of death, Rom 6:23, Ez 18:20

What caused this alienation/estrangement? Sin, Isa 59:2. Sin made us enemies of God, Rom 5:10. One transgression, Adam's, resulted in the condemnation of all men, Rom 5:18.

To be cont'd.

Gerry

PS. This may take me some time because of time constraints.

[Gerr]

[:"red"]"For He Himself is our peace." [/]

Christ is our peace because:

1. He is the Prince of Peace, Isa 9:6.

2. He is the peace offering prefigured in Leviticus.

3. It is God and Christ alone who can give true peace, Eph 1:2; Rom 5:1; Lev 26:6; Jn 14:27; Jn 16:33

How can peace with God obtained?

1. It is the GIFT of God received by faith, Eph 2:8.

2. It is by GRACE received through faith, Ibid.

3. It is by His "rich mercy" & "great love", 2:4

4. By "the good pleasure of His will" He "predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ," 1:5

5. "In Him". To me the theme of Ephesians.

a) "He chose us IN HIM before the foundation of the world..." 1:4

"He made us accepted IN the Beloved," 1:6

c) "IN HIM we have redemption," 1:7

d) "IN HIM we have.....forgiveness of sins," 1:7

e) Both God's family in heaven & His family on earth will be gathered together as one, "IN HIM", 1:10

f) "IN HIM also we have obtained an inheritance," 1:11

g) It is "IN HIM" that we are "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise," 1:13

h) It is "IN CHRIST" that God "has blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places," 1:3

As everyone can see from these passages, it is God who takes the INITIATIVE, the FIRST MOVE, in establishing peace between Himself & His estranged children. It is by GRACE ALONE obtained through faith alone. It is God's GIFT accepted by faith alone. There is no place for human machinations "lest anyone should boast". 2:9.

Gerry

To be cont'd.

[Gerr]

[:"red"] 2:14 "Who has made both one" [/]

It is God's will that there be oneness and harmony in His universe. There is not a family of Jews, a family of Gentiles, and a family of angels. There is not an antediluvian family of believers & a post-deluge family of believers. There is not an OT family of believers & a NT family of believers. God does not have a family of Whites & a family of Blacks; a family of Browns, and a family of Yellows. God has only a family of one. On this earth it was His prayer that "those whom You have given Me, ...be one" Jn 17:11 NKJ. It is His purpose to "gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth - in Him." 1:10.

Or as the GNT puts it, "This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head."

Gerry

To be cont'd.

[Gerr]

Eph 2 cont'd.

[:"red"] 2:14 "who has made both one" [/]

In the immediate context of v.14, the "both one", however, refers to Gentiles & Israelites, the "Uncircumcision" & the "Circumcision", see v.11-13. The wider context of oneness in God's universe is already mentioned in the previous post.

How did God accomplish making "both one", these two such disparate groups?

[:"red"]2:14 "and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

2:15 "having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commanments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace"[/]

What is this "middle wall" that was broken down, dissolved, destroyed? Unfortunately, there is nowhere else in Scripture where this "middle wall" is mentioned. I doubt one will find three commentaries that agree on what it is for sure. Some think it was the literal wall that kept the Gentiles from the inner courts of the Temple. Since there is no unanimity, let the Bible speak for itself.

Paul does say in the next verse that something was "abolished", Gk meaning "to do away, to render idle, put an end to", which he ways was "the enmity" or echthra - the cause of the enmity, hostility, hatred. There is no question that there was hatred/hostility/enmity between Jew/Israelite & Gentile.

So what caused this enmity? Most of the major translations [NASB, NKJ, NIV, NCV, NRSV] point to "the law of commandments contained in ordinances". NLT has this:

[:"red"]"By his death he ended the whole system of Jewish law that excluded the Gentiles. His purpose was to make peace between Jews & Gentiles by creating in himself one new person from the two groups." [/]

To be cont'd

Gerry

[Gerr]

Eph 2 cont'd.

[:"red"]2:14 "and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

2:15 "having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commanments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace"[/]

So what caused this enmity? Most of the major translations [NASB, NKJ, NIV, NCV, NRSV] point to "the law of commandments contained in ordinances". NLT has this:

[:"red"]"By his death he ended the whole system of Jewish law that excluded the Gentiles. His purpose was to make peace between Jews & Gentiles by creating in himself one new person from the two groups." [/]

Let's go to v.16 which says: [:"red"]"and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity."NKJ [/]

Here Paul clearly mentions the fact that BOTH need to be reconciled to God. Recall that it was sin that caused separation. It was the sin of the one man Adam that brought alienation & death to all mankind. [:"blue"]It was not law that brought separation & alienation between God & man! [/]

What is it that brings separation/alienation between man & man? between a man & his wife? blacks & whites? brother & brother? brother & sister? Is it not the very same thing that separates/alienates man from God? So how then could "the law of commandments contained in ordinances" cause enmity, separation & alienation?

To be cont'd,

Gerry

[Gerr]

Eph 2 cont'd.

What is it that brings separation/alienation between man & man? between a man & his wife? blacks & whites? brother & brother? brother & sister? Is it not the very same thing that separates/alienates man from God? So how then could "the law of commandments contained in ordinances" cause enmity, separation & alienation?

Did the Law/Torah as given by God to Moses cause separation & alienation? The the rest of the OT writings cause separation/alienation?

Recall the NLT quote which says that, "he ended the whole system of Jewish law that excluded Gentiles." Did the Torah & the OT cause enmity/hostility/alienation because they excluded Gentiles? Let us examine what the Torah & the rest of the OT say about Gentiles.

[:"red"]"A mixed multitude went up with them also," Ex 12:38 NKJ; "Many other people went up with them," NIV; "Many people who were not Israelites went with them," NLT. [/]

Here we see that at the beginning of the Exodus, non-Israelites were not excluded in the journey to the promised land. ANYONE & EVERYONE who wanted to join them could go to the promised land.

Did the religious services serve as a barier, a wall that excluded non-Israelites? Let the Torah speak again.

Regarding the Passover. [:"red"]"This is the ordinance of the Passover: NO FOREIGNER [nekar - alien, stranger] SHALL EAT IT. A SOJOURNER [tashab - stranger] and a HIRED SERVANT shall not eat it......All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. And when a STRANGER [ger - a sojourner, a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherited rights] dwells with you AND WANTS TO KEEP THE PASSOVER to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, AND THEN LET HIM COME NEAR AND KEEP IT; AND HE SHALL BE AS A NATIVE OF THE LAND. For no uncircumcised person shall eat it. One law shall be for the native-born and for the stranger who dwells among you. Ex 12:43-49 NKJ. [/]

The same instruction is repeated in Nu 9:14, [:"red"]"And if a stranger dwells among you, and would keep the LORD'S Passover, he must do so according to the rite of the Passover and according to its ceremony; you shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger and the native of the land." NKJ [/]

Here the Passover ordinance was exclusive in that no uncircumcised person was to participate in it. It is also inclusive in that ANYONE who wants to keep the Passover could do so on condition of circumcision. Recall that circumcision was a sign of joining into a covenant relationship with God, Gen. 17:10. So you can see that the last invitation in the Bible to, [:"red"]"Come! And let him who thirsts come. WHOEVER desires, let him take the water of life freely," Rev 22:17 [/] was open also to the non-Isralites of old.

How about the Tabernacle religious services, did it exclude Gentiles?

1. There were certain things that neither Gentiles NOR Israelites who were not of the priestly line could not eat, Ex 29:33, Lev 22:10, Nu 1:51; 3:10; 16:40

2. The Day of Atonement laws applied both to Israelites & participating Gentiles, Lev 16:29.

3. Laws about sacrifice & the eating of blood applied to all, Lev 17:8, 10-15, Nu 15:14-16.

4. Prohibitions against sacrificing to Molech applied to all, Lev 20:2.

5. Prohibitions against abominations applied to all, Lev 18:26.

6. Temple was for all who want to worship God, 2 Chr 6:32; Isa 14:1; 56:3-7 [:"red"]"My house shall be called a house of prayer FOR ALL NATIONS." [/]

How about the civil laws? Did they exclude Gentiles?

1. Cities of refuge applied to all, Nu 35:15; Josh 20:9.

2. Law of gleanings applied to all, Lev 19:10; 23:22,34; Dt 24:19-21.

3. Justice was for all, Dt 1:16; 10:18; Zech 7:10; Mal 3:5; Jer 7:6; 22:3

4. Gentiles were to share in all the material blessings, Dt 26:11-15

5. The Covenant was for ALL who were willing to enter into it, Dt 29:8-16; 31:12; Josh 8:33,35; Isa 56:3,4,6.

Soooooooo, how can these laws as God gave them, be the cause for enmity? In fact the Torah commanded the Israelites to, "love the stranger", Dt 10:19.

To be cont'd,

Gerry

[Clio]

Gerry,

I just want to say, I'm really enjoying your study on Ephesians 2. It's really encouraging...

As you post, do you mind if I contribute? Or would you rather this be your study?

Clio

[Gerr]

Please, do so, Clio.

Gerry

[Clio]

[:"blue"]"For He Himself is our peace."

[/]

The word translated in the KJV as peace has a number of meanings... It is translated most often in the KJV as 'peace', but is also translated one, rest, and quietness.

However to the believers at Ephesus, who were Greek speaking believers, it also meant:

1) a state of national tranquillity

a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war

2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord

3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)

Later study of the Bible, the exercise of scholarly talents through the ages, have added the following meanings to the greek word translated in this chapter as 'peace':

4) of the Messiah's peace

a) the way that leads to peace (salvation)

5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is

It is possible that Paul also meant of the Messiah's peace, but it's interesting that he chose a word that has a primary meaning of the "exemption from the rage and havoc of war".

Paul, even in his choice of tranquil words is relating this reconciliation with Abba Father to the concept of war... perhaps pointing to the real reason for needing this peace... the war in the heavenlies... of which this entire world is a casualty and those without True Jesus Peace remain as POW's to those opposing Abba Father and His government.

I like the Amplified because it is a translation with the implied meanings of the words the writer chose. This is important because 2000 years from the writings of the manuscripts, we have lost the intuitive understanding the intended audience would have had. The Amplified brings that intuitive knowledge back to us... although imperfectly.

From the Amplified Bible, Verses 14 & 15, for it requires these two verses together to understand Paul's thought...

For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us, by abolishing in His [own crucified] flesh the enmity [caused by] the Law with its decrees and ordinances [which He annulled]; that He from the two might create in Himself one new man [one new quality of humanity out of the two], so making peace.

What a concept! It's not just peace with Abba Father Jesus created in His own crucified flesh, but peace between Jew and Gentile, that He might create a new quality of humanity! A humanity at one with Abba Father.

Quote:

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Why do we need peace or to make peace with God?

1. Before Jesus, we "were dead in ...trespasses and sins." verse 1 & 5.

---

The Amplified Bible states it this way:

1AND YOU [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins 2In which at one time you walked [habitually].

Please note that the end of verse one is not the end of Paul's sentence. Paul continued saying that we were slain by those sins in which we walked HABITUALLY.

Quote:

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2. Walking [living] according to the whims of the "prince of the power of the air"; sons of disobedience, verse 2.

3. By nature children of wrath, v.3, aliens/estranged from birth.

---

Continuing on, Paul wants to make sure his audience understands that they are POW's, even if they had never thought of themselves that way... they are "under control"...

The rest of verse 2 from the Amplified Bible.

You were following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the air. [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God].

Note that the prince of the power of the air is the same phrase Paul will later use in Ephesians 6 where he tells us who we are truly fighting against. And tells us of the Armor of Abba Father and why we need it.

Clio

[Gerr]

Eph 2 cont'd.

Now contrast those laws with the laws that the Jews added to the Torah & the rest of the OT.

If heathen (gentile) hits a Jew, the gentile must be killed. Sanhedrin 58b.

A Jew need not pay a gentile ("Cuthean") the wages owed him for work. Sanhedrin 57a.

If an ox of an Israelite gores an ox of a Canaanite there is no liability; but if an ox of a Canaanite gores an ox of an Israelite...the payment is to be in full. Baba Kamma 37b.

If a Jew finds an object lost by a gentile ("heathen") it does not have to be returned. (Affirmed also in Baba Kamma 113b).

When a Jew murders a gentile ("Cuthean"), there will be no death penalty. What a Jew steals from a gentile he may keep. Sanhedrin 57a.

The gentiles are outside the protection of the law and God has "expose their money to Israel." Baba Kamma 37b.

Jews may use lies ("subterfuges") to circumvent a Gentile. Baba Kamma 113a.

All gentile children are animals. Yebamoth 98a.

Gentile girls are in a state of niddah (filth) from birth. Abodah Zarah 36b.

Gentiles prefer sex with cows. Abodah Zarah 22a-22b.

Later on here are some things the rabbis taught:

Jews possess dignity even angels cannot share. Chullin (91b)

To strike Israelite is like slapping the face of God. Sanhedren 58b.

A Jew considered good in spite of sins he commits. Chagigah 15b.

Christian or servant cannot become witnesses. Choschen Ham (34,19)

Discard wine touched by Christians. Abhodah Zarah (72b)

Avoid unknown Christian doctors. Iore Dea (155,1)

Never praise Christians lest it be believed. Abhodah Zarah (20a)

Usury permitted now for any reason to Christians. Iore Dea (159, 1)

Jew may lie and perjure to condemn a Christian. Babha Kama (113a)

Name of God unprofaned when lying to Christians. Babha Kama (113b)

There are many more. Recall how they set aside the 5th commandment with Corban. Recall how they made the Sabbath so onerous that it was OK to get an animal out of a ditch but not OK to relieve human suffering on the Sabbath.

So let me ask those who think that the "Law of commandments contained in ordinances" in Eph 2:15 is the Law as God gave it or the perversions that the Jews piled on top of it.

Let's bring this matter closer to home. What was the cause of the enmity between Black & Whites which is within the memory of most adults in the US or in S. Africa? It most definitely was NOT just laws. Just laws protect people. Just laws bring peace to people & nations. But unjust, corrupt, racist laws promote hatred.

You decide what the "Law of commandments...." in Eph 2:15 refer to, but it is very clear to me what Paul was refering to. God's law is perfect, holy, & righteous. It is the very transcript of His own character. It was the Prince of Peace Himself who gave the Law, so how then could the Prince of Peace give a law that causes division, estrangement, hostility, hatred, & alienation?

To be cont'd,

Gerry

[benherndon]

"The Law" was for the Jews---NOT for the Gentiles. There was according to historians a literal hatred between gentiles and Jews --but there were some exceptions just like today in Jerusalem. There are some gentiles in the city but the Jews and gentiles still hate each other today, categorically speaking. In the Temple of Jesus time there was a 'court' for the Gentiles and a stone wall separated that room from all other rooms in the sanctuary area. That stone wall ('marble' wall, allegedly) was what Paul referred to when he used the 'wall of separation' reference in Eph 2. That wall existed because of The Law of Moses which excluded the gentiles and was an example of the separation between the Jews and gentiles Paul speaks to this in the same chapter of Eph 2---referring to the Jews as being "near" (to God) and the gentiles as being 'afar off' (from God)----until the Cross event by which Christ made us all 'one man' with equal opportunities etc.

When Christ died and was resurrected He reconciled both the Jew sinner and the gentile sinner to the same Father. Thus he did away with the 'wall' of separation---He made us all one by 'abolishing' 'the Law' which had set up the sanctuary system, the 'system of Jewish law' that separated the Jew from the Gentile and gifted them both HIs Grace, His unmerited forgiveness for all the sins of both, and reconciled both to God.

Eph 2 in describing this says:----verse 14 "For Christ himself has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us. v 15--BY HIS DEATH HE ENDED THE WHOLE SYSTEM OF JEWISH LAW THAT EXCLUDED THE GENTILES" (NLT verson)

Pick up any version of the Bible and you will see that Paul was referring to the Law of MOses, including the Ten Commandments, mostly the ceremonial parts for emphasis----"By his death He ended the whole system of Jewish law that excluded the gentiles."

What was the system of Jewish law? It was the Law of Moses including the Ten Commandments with all its regulations. It was built around the sanctuary system. When the curtain was torn from top to bottom at His death---that was the 'fulcrum' moment!! That was the 'watershed' moment. Suddenly with His last gasp of breath----it all occurred!!!

The 'curtain was torn'!!! This ended the entire Jewish system of religion which was their Law!

"By abolishing in HIs [own crucified]flesh the enmity [caused by] the Law with its decrees and ordinances [which He annulled]: that He from the two might create in Himself one new man [one new quality of humanity out of the two], so making peace." Eph 2:15 Amplified.

[benherndon]

The Barclay translation, The Daily Study Bible, on Eph 2:13-18--"But as things now are, because of what Christ Jesus has done, you who were once far off have been brought near, at the price of the blood of Christ. For it is He who is our peace; it is He who made both Jew and Gentile into one, and who broke down the middle wall of the barrier between, and destroyed the enmity by coming in the flesh, and wiped out the law of commandments with all it decrees. This He did that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, by making peace between them, and that He might reconcile both to God in one body through the Cross, after He had slain the enmity by what He did. So He came and preached peace to you who were afar off, and peace to them whowere near, because, through Him, we both have the right of entry into the presence of the Father, for we come in the one Spirit."

Barclay says that in 1871 one of the barrier wall tablets was found which says, "Let no one of any other nation come within the fence and barrier around the Holy Place. Whosoever will be taken doing so will himself be responsible for the fact that his death will ensue." That 'barrier' between the Jew vs Gentile was The Law of Moses, the Torah, which declared the Israelites to be His people and all others were excluded. The "Law" that set that up, with its commandments and regulations was 'abolished' (not my choice of words, but Paul's) at the Cross by His blood, His flesh!

In regard to Israel being God's only chosen people, refer to Ps 147:19,20---"He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel [Jacob]. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the Lord."

Do what you will with the Word of God---but it seems to me we should be very honest with His Word! We should take what it says in its own words seriously without rationalizing it away one way or another. What did it mean when it was written by His appointed apostles?!

Ben

[benherndon]

To summarize: While the Law of Moses was abolished at the Cross in its authority over Christians, it was replaced with what the NT refers to as Christ's Law. It isn't hard to figure out that the way to live the Christian life is to follow the New Testament/Covenant teachings. Read the NT over and over and take it alone as the 'Law' for Christians and I believe any insecurity about one's position with Christ and the Father will become secure in your mind... and peaceful!! All who 'call on His name' will be saved!

Ben

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

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Gerry Cabalo said:

It is by GRACE ALONE obtained through faith alone. It is God's GIFT accepted by faith alone. Gerry

To be cont'd.

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[:"red"] "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." [/] James 2:17 KJV

[:"red"] "So you see, we are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone." [/] James 2:24 NLT

"Faith alone" is not a familiar term in the Word, neither "grace alone".

[:"red"] "Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."

[/] 2 Tim 4:2 NLT

[:"red"] "...the people who sat in darkness

have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow,

a light has shined."

From then on, Jesus began to preach, "Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near." [/] Matt 4:16,17 NLT

Preach the Word!

[Gerr]

Quote:

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LifeHiscost said:

Quote:

---

Gerry Cabalo said:

It is by GRACE ALONE obtained through faith alone. It is God's GIFT accepted by faith alone. Gerry

To be cont'd.

---

[:"red"] "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." [/] James 2:17 KJV

[:"red"] "So you see, we are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone." [/] James 2:24 NLT

"Faith alone" is not a familiar term in the Word, neither "grace alone".

[:"red"] "Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."

[/] 2 Tim 4:2 NLT

[:"red"] "...the people who sat in darkness

have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow,

a light has shined."

From then on, Jesus began to preach, "Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near." [/] Matt 4:16,17 NLT

Preach the Word!

---

[:"blue"]If you have the faith that works that Paul talks about and not the faith that doesn't work that James talks about, then salvation is by Grace obtained through faith alone. It is God's Gift received through faith alone. [/]

Gerry

[Clio]

I sent my first portion of the study on this chapter to my Aunt, who returned me the following comments over the weekend....

It sent me to some translations and editions I have around here to see if there was anything I might contribute. My old Harper Study edition of the RSV does, in a note, use the phrase "a heavenly commonwealth" (cf. Phil. 3:20) which works nicely in balance with your "POW" analogy and is a useful contrast to the RSV "commonwealth of Israel" which left us out. Here is the RSV 12-22:

"Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end.

And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."

One thing I like in this translation is the repetition of the word "hostility." It means the same as enmity, but enmity is somehow a more old-fashioned, alien-sounding word, whereas we all know what "hostility" feels like (don't you agree?), both when directed at us or when we ourselves are feeling it toward something or someone.

Another point Paul makes in this passage is that Jesus did not just preach

peace to those who are near (who think they deserve peace, without preaching?)or to those who are far off (who, the "near" might think, need to be lectured about peacemaking?) but to both mutually hostile groups.

To be with Christ Jesus in the heavenly places, citizens of the Heavenly

Commonwealth, we need the peace that passes understanding, which replaces

hostility and division with oneness as we become the temple of God.

Clio.... and her Aunt

[Gerr]

Eph 2 cont'd.

[:"red"] 2:15 "so as to create in Himself one new man from]/i] the two, thus making peace," NKJ.

"His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace." NIV

[/]

Paul here reiterates his theology of oneness, the unity of God's family, under the One Head, Jesus Christ. It was God's purpose that in His divine wisdom which He purposed "before the foundation of the world," 1:4, "which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God," 3:9, it has always been his plan "that the Gentiles should be FELLOW HEIRS, OF THE SAME BODY, and PARTAKERS of His promise in Christ through the gospel," 3:6 NKJ.

The exclusion of Gentiles from the "commonwealth of Israel" [politeia]/i] state rights of citizenship] (2:12), was NEVER God's idea. That was a Jewish invention concocted in the mind of the prince of division.

[:"red"]"and that He might reconcile them both to God IN ONE BODY through the cross..." NKJ. [/]

While the Jews/Israelites may have been nearer to God because they received "the oracles of God", Rom 3:2, He is no respecter of persons. The Jew needed reconciliation with God no less than the Gentile. In fact they received the greater condemnation because they received the covenants & the oracles of God and rejected it.

[:"red"]"in ONE BODY through the cross." [/]

Again the idea of unity, oneness is repeated. This "one body" may either be refering to the one body the church, or the one body of Jesus sacrificed in the Cross.

[:"red"]2:18 "For through Him we BOTH have access by ONE Spirit to the Father." NKJ. [/]

Both needed reconciliation with God. Both made into ONE, through that ONE body. Both have access to God by ONE Spirit.

To be cont'd.

Gerry

[Gerr]

Eph 2 cont'd.

[:"red"]2:19, "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." NKJ [/]

As "fellow citizens" they have ALL the rights of citizens. As citizens they are also subject to all the laws of the State. As "members of the household of God," they enjoy ALL the privileges of the children belonging to the family. And as members of the household, they are also subject to the same house rules. While the "oracles of God" and the "covenants" may have been given to the Israelites, the SAME rules APPLIED to ALL citizens & members of that family/household/commonwealth. In OT Israel, Gentiles could participate in the Passover, Temple services upon acceptance of the God of Israel, just as the same Gentiles could have a part in NT in the Christ who is our Passover.

To be cont'd

Gerry

[benherndon]

OK, Gerry, we understand your rationalization of Eph 2:14 which says Jesus 'abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations".......(how could it be said more plainly?)

Now go visit Gal 3:24,25 and exegete that one for us while you recover some more.

(We hope you're still doing well from the surgery.)

Ben

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

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benherndon said:

rationalization of Eph 2:14

Now go visit Gal 3:24,25

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Ephesians 2:13-15 NLT

[:"red"] "Until faith in Christ was shown to us as the way of becoming right with God, we were guarded by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until we could put our faith in the coming Savior.

Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian and teacher to lead us until Christ came. So now, through faith in Christ, we are made right with God. But now that faith in Christ has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian. So you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus." [/] Galatians 3:23-26 NLT

Not to add any antagonism between brothers, but putting these Scriptures side by side indicates only personal opinion makes them appear as contradictory. Since it is the disciple of Christ' most important need to reveal how all of God's Words are consistent with each other, as God does not give contradictory messages, only contrary understanding causes conflict determined by insistence on one's own way.

[:"red"] "Love...does not demand its own way. " [/]

1 Cor 13:5

[:"red"] "God is love." [/] 1 John 4:8

[:"red"] "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." [/] Hebrews 13:8 NASB

BTW, I believe the Spirit of Christ has led me to put Him first, not take His name in vain, not bow down in worship to images, keep the day He calls His own as exclusive to Him as He ordains, treat my parents honorably, not to murder anyone, not to commit adultery, not to steal, not to bear false witness against anyone, and not covet anything that belongs to another person.

Most people find that conduct safe to be around, and will continue to until they determine to serve a different master than Jesus.

Keep the faith!

[Gerr]

Eph 2 cont'd.

[:"red"]2:20 "having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone." NKJ [/]

Paul has already mentioned that God's household not only consisted of Israelites, but also ALL Gentile believers. And in the greater context of God's family, it is composed of His family in heaven & on this earth, 1:7. The mystery, the secret revealed to Paul was this very truth, i.e. [:"red"]"that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the SAME BODY, and PARTAKERS OF THE PROMISE in Christ through the gospel." 3:6 NKJ. [/]

[:"red"]2:21 "in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord." [/]

God has been in process of building a spiritual Temple since A & E. "Having been built on the foundation the apostles & PROPHETS." This spiritual Temple did not begin in the NT times. It has been growing throughout history by "continued addition & integration of people as 'living stones' (1 Pet 2:5). And it is Jesus Himself who COMPLETES this building. He is not only the "chief cornerstone" but the CAPSTONE of the whole edifice.

[:"red"]2:22 "in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." NKJ. [/]

So here we find that NT believers as only building blocks, "living stones" (1 Pet 2:5) that are being incorporated into a structure that has been in process of building since creation.[:"red"] "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female,"[/] in this building,[:"red"] "for you are ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS," Gal 3:28 NKJ.[/] This ONE spiritual temple is indwelt by that same ONE God.

To summarize:

Instead of Eph 2:14ff being an argument supporting the division of believers as Jewish believers distinct from Gentiles, it clearly shows to me the ONENESS of ALL believers since the beginning of time. They all belong the the ONE & the SAME BODY. All reconciled to God by that ONE sacrifice. Each individual believers as building blocks in this ONE spiritual temple.

If Paul meant by the "law of commandments contained in ordinances) in 2:15 that was abolished was the law as God gave it & the whole OT, why then in the very same letter would he say, [:"red"]"No more lying, then!" 4:25 GNT, [/] And then proceed to quote the OT to back it up? [:"red"]"Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," 4:25 quoting Zech 8:16? Why in the same breath quote the OT again Ps 4:4 when he says, "Be angry, and do not sin", 4:26 NKJ.[/]

If the law as God gave it was done away in Eph 2:15 as some contend, how then could Paul say, [:"red"]"For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God," 5:5 NKJ. [/] How did the Ephesians know this? Where did they get this information & the authority that fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, & idolatry were sinful & not tolerated in the kingdom of Christ or God? IS IT NOT FROM THE LAW?

Again in the same letter, if it was the law as God gave it that was abolished in Eph 2:15, why would Paul continue to quote & get his authority from it? In Eph 6:1 he says, [:"red"]"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." [/] Where did he get this authority from? Of course none other than the Law which he quotes again, [:"red"]"Honor your father and mother," (Dt 5:16) which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." 6:2,3 NKJ. [/] Contrast this with the Law of Corban that nullified this commandment which the Jews piled on top of it, a tradition that Jesus plainly denounced.

Eph 2 concluded.

Gerry

[benherndon]

Now, exegete Gal 3:24,25 and see how it matches with Eph 2.

I am letting you have full sway here in deference to your recent health history--

Ben

[benherndon]

LHC, I see you like the NLT. I suggest that it, only it, be read twice during the rest of this year beginning each time with Matthew and..right on through to the end of Revelation. Now, as you read, put every other spiritual authority out of your mind and just JUST listen to what IT says. Do it twice this year-----that's easy !----do it twice this year and as you read ask yourself if what you've thought was true previously is consistent with what you're reading.

Remember now!---put away ALL other spiritual reading!

------And...... !

Ben

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

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benherndon said:

LHC, I see you like the NLT. I suggest that it, only it, be read twice during the rest of this year beginning each time with Matthew and..right on through to the end of Revelation. Now, as you read, put every other spiritual authority out of your mind and just JUST listen to what IT says. Do it twice this year-----that's easy !----do it twice this year and as you read ask yourself if what you've thought was true previously is consistent with what you're reading.

Remember now!---put away ALL other spiritual reading!

------And......

!

Ben

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Thank you, Ben, for the suggestion. There's no doubt in my mind that by following it you believe I will have a better handle on experiencing God's presence. However, did you ever stop to think how much time I would have left to follow God's suggestions for me, if I were to follow each and every person's assurance that if I would just follow their advice, I would be fully on the road to glory?

[:"red"] "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice..." [/] Revelation 1:10 KJV

[:"red"] "You shall walk in all the way which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess." [/] Deuteronomy 5:3 NASB

[:"red"] "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." [/]

Isaiah 30:21 KJV

As to the NLT being my favorite___I accept all of the translations, most of the versions, and part of the commentaries about the translations and versions of the Holy Scriptures, and then listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit to tell me what is best to repeat to others. God has not given me the responsibility to see that others accept that which He asks me to share.

[:"red"] "And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear." [/] Ezekiel 3:11 KJV

The part of your suggestion I definitely will continue in, is this: ------And......

BTW, I believe that one of the reasons our Father has left so many different translations and versions of His Word was because He knew He was leaving that which was eternal, in the hands of His very fallible servants and He knew by splitting the truth among them, by comparing, all would have a better chance of gaining the Truth.

[:"red"] "Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." [/] John 14:6 AMP

Keep the faith!

By the way, Ben, whether you or I are without flaw in our belief or not, it is Jesus' belief that will deliver us to His home to be with Him. And I believe you recognize that already anyway.

[:"red"] "But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin]." [/] 1 Cor 1:30 AMP

[benherndon]

Quote:

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BTW, I believe that one of the reasons our Father has left so many different translations and versions of His Word was because He knew He was leaving that which was eternal, in the hands of His very fallible servants and He knew by splitting the truth among them, by comparing, all would have a better chance of gaining the Truth.

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>>>>Couldn't agree more! However, all versions say contextually the exact same thing. Our human tendency is to pick the version that says more clearly what point we are trying to make---and sometimes we have a tendency to take it out of context. (BTW, I'm not referring to you or anybody else specifically--just reminding myself of my own weakness in that regard!)

Ben