Ephesians 2:11-22 is a powerful passage of scripture that speaks of the reconciliation of the Jew and Gentile through the work of Jesus on the cross. Before Jesus, there was a wall of separation between the Jew and Gentile, both physically and spiritually. The Jews thought they were superior to the Gentiles and there was a source of enmity between them. Jesus, however, broke down that wall of separation and reconciled the two groups through His death on the cross. This reconciliation is only possible in Jesus and it brings us near to God by His blood. As a result, we are no longer strangers and foreigners but are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. In this blog post, we will explore the implications through this Bible study of Ephesians 2:11-22 and understand how God has used the division between Jew and Gentile to fulfill His plans and purposes and create the church. Below is the video message and outline notes.
Ephesians 2 Bible Study
The Wall of Separation between Jew and Gentile
OPENING PASSAGE - Ephesians 2:11-12
A division of scriptures, the Jew (Circumcision) and Gentile (Uncircumcision).
One might ask why did God create divide humanity in this manner?
To create a people group to fulfill His plan and purposes on the earth.
To give us an example - 1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened to them for examples. They are written as an admonition to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come.
God gave the law through Israel.
To give us Jesus as Saviour to the world.
To show that there are no natural avenues to a relationship with God.
Regarding the Gentiles, it says that they were in a desperate place, being aliens, strangers, having no hope, and being without God.
Apart From Christ:
Without spiritual blessings.
Without light.
Without peace.
Without rest.
Without safety.
Without hope.
Without a Prophet, Priest, or King.
VERSE - Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus: Those Gentiles who are now in Christ Jesus are no longer far away from God but are brought near (close) to God, which has been made possible because of the blood of Christ, through His sacrificial death.
This reconciliation only happens in Jesus. The only way to be brought near to God is by the blood of Christ.
VERSE - Ephesians 2:14-16
The Jew and Gentile were brought together under Christ.
There was a wall of separation physically and spiritually between the Jews and Gentiles. Disputes and contentions between them.
Jews thought they were superior to the Gentiles. They were God’s people.
The Gentiles did not keep the law.
In the temple, there was a physical barrier, an actual wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles. Court of the Gentiles. Paul was arrested because he was accused by the Jews of taking a Gentile past this barrier. Acts 21:28b - “Men of Israel, help!.... He (Paul) even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.
Paul is making it clear here that this wall (physically and spiritually) is gone because of Christ.
The work of Jesus on the cross is foundational to salvation for both Jews andGentilese. Therefore, there is no longer any dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles. Jesus broke that wall down.
Jesus is greater than any division that separates. Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, and there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gentiles and Jews are brought together into one body, the Church. We are united today because of what Jesus did on the cross.
We both are reconciled to God. Jews and Gentiles were alienated from one another; but more importantly, they were both alienated from God by their sins.
For He, Himself is our peace: Jesus Himself is our peace; He hasn’t simply made peace between God and man and Jew and Gentile; He is our peace. Without Christ, peace is impossible.
VERSE - Ephesians 2:17-18
The same peace (Christ) is preached to those afar off (Gentiles) and those near (Jews). We have to understand something, Jew or Gentile, must approach God through the only mediator - Christ. One group does not have greater access than the other does.
VERSE - Ephesians 2:19-22
Paul is speaking to Christians of Gentile background. They should not regard themselves as “second-class citizens” in God’s kingdom in any regard. They are not only full citizens but saints and full and equal members of God’s household.
The foundation is the original apostles and prophets, and their revelation, recorded in the New Testament.
Jesus Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone. This cornerstone is the stone in place that is foundational (everything depended upon, was measured to this stone), to the whole building and it holds the whole structure together.
As we keep to our common foundation, the whole building of God’s people grows together. We call this the church.
The Church is a building, perfectly designed by God. God arranges the Church for His own glory and purposes.
The Church is a dwelling place, a place where God lives. The Church is to be both the living place of God and His people.
The Church is a temple, holy and set apart for God.
The Church is made up of people. We need to be actively part of the church. The church needs us. The church needs to be together.
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