He Is Our Peace

Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us

‘Peace’ – Among many things, Christ is to us: Peace (2:14); wisdom (1Cor. 1:30); righteousness (1Cor. 1:30); sanctification (1Cor. 1:30); redemption (1Cor. 1:30); light (John 8:12); the way, truth, and life (John 14:6).

‘Both one’ – Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ (2:14, 16; 3:6; 4:4-6; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-13).

‘Wall of partition’ [Greek: mesotoichon] partition wall. Here it means that Christ broke down the wall that separated Jews and Gentiles. A wall of stone about 1,8 metres high separated the court of the Gentiles from that of the Jews in the temple. To cross it meant death to any Gentile. Jews always endeavoured to live by themselves among the Gentiles. They either wanted a river or a wall between them and their Gentile neighbours. Wherever they went, their own laws, rites, and customs made a separation between them and the Gentiles. This latter fact is what is referred to as the “middle wall of partition” between Jews and Gentiles. Christ abolished the law of Moses with all of its commandments, ordinances, and rituals, and provided a new covenant entirely for both Jews and Gentiles, making them one and on the same level in all things. To emphasize this, the literal veil of the temple was rented from top to bottom, indicating that the way into the holiest had been made for all men, that the old law was at an end and a new covenant ratified.

‘Partition’ [Greek: phragmos] a fence, protection, defence.