Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians partly to impress upon them the importance and the blessings of the church. He told them that the church is the body of Christ (1:22-23; 5:23-29). Redemption and forgiveness are in the church (1:7). One’s hope is in the church (1:18). True wisdom and knowledge are in the church (1:17). The church is the family of God (3:15). All spiritual blessings are in the church (1:3). Those in the church are spiritually alive instead of dead spiritually (2:1, 5).
In the last half of Ephesians 2, Paul wrote about the peace that is in the church. There are two different types of peace. In verses 11-15, he discussed peace between Gentiles and Jews. In verse 14, the apostle mentioned the “middle wall of partition” (KJV) or “separation” (NKJV). Jesus Christ broke down the partition between Jews and Gentiles who are in the church. In verse 15, Paul told the Ephesians that the Old Law (Mosaic Law) was that partition. God gave the Mosaic Law to the Jews. The Jews were God’s chosen people. Jews had come to think of themselves as higher than Gentiles. They had come to think of Gentiles as spiritual dogs. The dog was not regarded highly in Palestine. However, now Jews and Gentiles are at peace with each other. Christians are all equal in Christ. There is no animosity or hatred among Christians.
Formerly, a Gentile could come to God through the Mosaic Law. Now, though, both Jews and Gentiles must come to God through the Law of Christ. They are now equal in that both must come to the New Law. Under the Mosaic Law, Jews were born into Judaism. A Jew did not have to come to that Law.
In Ephesians 2:16, the apostle Paul penned that both Gentiles and Jews are now reconciled to God in one body – the church. Both have peace with God through Christ. This is the second peace. Those outside of the church have no peace with God. Instead, they have enmity. God now offers peace to everyone. Only through Christ does one have access to the Father (2:18). In 2 Peter 3:14, the apostle Peter urged his readers to be diligent to be found in peace with God. The Judgment is the context of that message. Everyone needs to make sure they are at peace with God.
Study your Bible. Learn how to be at peace with man and with God. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
