Source Scripture
Read the passage first. Study notes begin after the Scripture.
Ephesians 2:11-19
11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15Having 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;
16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Question in context
The paragraph begins with Gentiles alienated from Israel's commonwealth and covenants and ends with them made fellow citizens in one household. The ordinances and hostility language must be interpreted within that reconciliation rather than used to erase every commandment named righteous elsewhere.
What the passage itself says
- The addressed Gentiles were formerly without Messiah, alienated from Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise.
- Messiah brings those far off near and makes peace in one body, identifying hostility and separation as the problem being overcome.
- The result is citizenship and household membership, not a new people defined by the absence of YAHUAH's righteousness.
Immediate and confirming witnesses
Read these passages with the source Scripture to follow the immediate and confirming context.
- Immediate explanation: Ephesians 2:11-14,16-18
The abolished element is tied to enmity and exclusion between Jew and Gentile, with reconciliation as the result. - Lexical usage: Acts 15:1,5,10
The apostolic parallel rejects imposed boundary requirements for Gentile acceptance as a salvation-yoke. - Prophetic purpose: Isaiah 56:6-8
The prophetic vision joins foreigners to YAHUAH's covenant worship rather than excluding them behind man-made barriers. - Apostolic confirmation: Romans 3:29-31
Paul confirms one Elohim for Jew and Gentile while preserving the law through faith.
Related Words in Context
Continue with these related Scripture studies.
- Ephesians 2:15: Commandments in Ordinances Must Be Read Carefully
The abolished barrier concerns ordinances producing separation and hostility, not YAHUAH's eternal righteousness.