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Text -- Ephesians 2:14 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
2:14 For he is our peace, the one who made both groups into one and who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility,
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Eph 2:14 - -- For he is our peace ( autos gar estin hē eirēnē hēmōn ). He himself, not just what he did (necessary as that was and is). He is our peace w...

For he is our peace ( autos gar estin hē eirēnē hēmōn ).

He himself, not just what he did (necessary as that was and is). He is our peace with God and so with each other (Jews and Gentiles).

Robertson: Eph 2:14 - -- Both one ( ta amphotera hen ). "The both"(Jew and Gentile). Jesus had said "other sheep I have which are not of this fold"(Joh 10:16).

Both one ( ta amphotera hen ).

"The both"(Jew and Gentile). Jesus had said "other sheep I have which are not of this fold"(Joh 10:16).

Robertson: Eph 2:14 - -- One ( hen ) is neuter singular (oneness, unity, identity) as in Gal 3:28. Race and national distinctions vanish in Christ. If all men were really in ...

One ( hen )

is neuter singular (oneness, unity, identity) as in Gal 3:28. Race and national distinctions vanish in Christ. If all men were really in Christ, war would disappear.

Robertson: Eph 2:14 - -- Brake down the middle wall of partition ( to mesotoichon tou phragmou lusas ). "Having loosened (first aorist active participle of luō , see note o...

Brake down the middle wall of partition ( to mesotoichon tou phragmou lusas ).

"Having loosened (first aorist active participle of luō , see note on Joh 2:19) the middle-wall (late word, only here in N.T., and very rare anywhere, one in papyri, and one inscription) of partition (phragmou , old word, fence, from phrassō , to fence or hedge, as in Mat 21:33)."In the temple courts a partition wall divided the court of the Gentiles from the court of Israel with an inscription forbidding a Gentile from going further (Josephus, Ant. VIII. 3, 2). See the uproar when Paul was accused of taking Trophimus beyond this wall (Act 21:28).

Vincent: Eph 2:14 - -- Our peace ( ἡ εἰρήνη ἡμῶν ) Christ is similarly described in abstract terms in 1Co 1:30; wisdom , righteousness , sanctif...

Our peace ( ἡ εἰρήνη ἡμῶν )

Christ is similarly described in abstract terms in 1Co 1:30; wisdom , righteousness , sanctification , redemption . So Col 1:27, hope of glory . Christ is thus not merely our peace-maker , but our very peace itself.

Vincent: Eph 2:14 - -- Both ( τὰ ἀμφότερα ) Lit., the both. The neuter gender shows that Jews and Gentiles are conceived by the writer merely as two f...

Both ( τὰ ἀμφότερα )

Lit., the both. The neuter gender shows that Jews and Gentiles are conceived by the writer merely as two facts. The masculine is used in Eph 2:15, Eph 2:16.

Vincent: Eph 2:14 - -- Hath broken down ( λύσας ) Lit, loosened or dissolved . Rev., giving the force of the aorist tense, brake down . The participle has ...

Hath broken down ( λύσας )

Lit, loosened or dissolved . Rev., giving the force of the aorist tense, brake down . The participle has an explanatory force, in that He brake down .

Vincent: Eph 2:14 - -- The middle-wall of partition ( τὸ μεσότοιχον τοῦ φραγμοῦ ) Lit., the middle wall of the fence or hed...

The middle-wall of partition ( τὸ μεσότοιχον τοῦ φραγμοῦ )

Lit., the middle wall of the fence or hedge . The wall which pertained to the fence; the fact of separation being emphasized in wall , and the instrument of separation in fence . The hedge was the whole Mosaic economy which separated Jew from Gentile. Some suppose a reference to the stone screen which bounded the court of the Gentiles in the temple.

Wesley: Eph 2:14 - -- Not only as he purchased it, but as he is the very bond and centre of union.

Not only as he purchased it, but as he is the very bond and centre of union.

Wesley: Eph 2:14 - -- Jews and gentiles, one church. The apostle describes, The conjunction of the gentiles with Israel, Eph 2:14-15. And, The conjunction of both with God,...

Jews and gentiles, one church. The apostle describes, The conjunction of the gentiles with Israel, Eph 2:14-15. And, The conjunction of both with God, Eph 2:15-18. Each description is subdivided into two parts. And the former part of the one, concerning abolishing the enmity, answers the former part of the other; the latter part of the one, concerning the evangelical decrees, the latter part of the other.

Wesley: Eph 2:14 - -- Alluding to that wall of old, which separated the court of Israel from the court of the gentiles. Such a wall was the ceremonial law, which Christ had...

Alluding to that wall of old, which separated the court of Israel from the court of the gentiles. Such a wall was the ceremonial law, which Christ had now taken away.

JFB: Eph 2:14 - -- Greek, "Himself" alone, pre-eminently, and none else. Emphatical.

Greek, "Himself" alone, pre-eminently, and none else. Emphatical.

JFB: Eph 2:14 - -- Not merely "Peacemaker," but "Himself" the price of our (Jews' and Gentiles' alike) peace with God, and so the bond of union between "both" in God. He...

Not merely "Peacemaker," but "Himself" the price of our (Jews' and Gentiles' alike) peace with God, and so the bond of union between "both" in God. He took both into Himself, and reconciled them, united, to God, by His assuming our nature and our penal and legal liabilities (Eph 2:15; Isa 9:5-6; Isa 53:5; Mic 5:5; Col 1:20). His title, "Shiloh," means the same (Gen 49:10).

JFB: Eph 2:14 - -- Greek, ". . . of the partition" or "fence"; the middle wall which parted Jew and Gentile. There was a balustrade of stone which separated the court of...

Greek, ". . . of the partition" or "fence"; the middle wall which parted Jew and Gentile. There was a balustrade of stone which separated the court of the Gentiles from the holy place, which it was death for a Gentile to pass. But this, though incidentally alluded to, was but a symbol of the partition itself, namely, "the enmity" between "both" and God (Eph 2:15), the real cause of separation from God, and so the mediate cause of their separation from one another. Hence there was a twofold wall of partition, one the inner wall, severing the Jewish people from entrance to the holy part of the temple where the priests officiated, the other the outer wall, separating the Gentile proselytes from access to the court of the Jews (compare Eze 44:7; Act 21:28). Thus this twofold wall represented the Sinaitic law, which both severed all men, even the Jews, from access to God (through sin, which is the violation of the law), and also separated the Gentiles from the Jews. As the term "wall" implies the strength of the partition, so "fence" implies that it was easily removed by God when the due time came.

Clarke: Eph 2:14 - -- For he is our peace - Jesus Christ has died for both Jews and Gentiles, and has become a peace-offering, שלום shalom , to reconcile both to God...

For he is our peace - Jesus Christ has died for both Jews and Gentiles, and has become a peace-offering, שלום shalom , to reconcile both to God and to each other

Clarke: Eph 2:14 - -- Who hath made both one - Formed one Church out of the believers of both people

Who hath made both one - Formed one Church out of the believers of both people

Clarke: Eph 2:14 - -- The middle wall of partition - By abolishing the law of Jewish ordinances, he has removed that which kept the two parties, not only in a state of se...

The middle wall of partition - By abolishing the law of Jewish ordinances, he has removed that which kept the two parties, not only in a state of separation, but also at variance

This expression, the middle wall, can refer only to that most marked distinction which the Jewish laws and customs made between them and all other nations whatsoever

Some think it refers to their ancient manner of living among the Gentiles, as they always endeavored to live in some place by themselves, and to have a river or a wall between them and their heathen neighbors. Indeed, wherever they went, their own rites, ordinances, and customs were a sufficient separation between them and others; and as Jesus Christ abolished those customs, admitting all into his Church, both Jews and Gentiles, by repentance and faith, he may be said to have broken down the middle wall of partition. When, at the death of Christ, the veil of the temple was rent from the top to the bottom, it was an emblem that the way to the holiest was laid open, and that the people at large, both Jews and Gentiles, were to have access to the holiest by the blood of Jesus

Some think there is an allusion here to the wall called chel, which separated the court of Israel from the court of the Gentiles; but this was not broken down till the temple itself was destroyed: and to this transaction the apostle cannot be supposed to allude, as it did not take place till long after the writing of this epistle.

Calvin: Eph 2:14 - -- 14.For he is our peace He now includes Jews in the privilege of reconciliation, and shows that, through one Messiah, all are united to God. This cons...

14.For he is our peace He now includes Jews in the privilege of reconciliation, and shows that, through one Messiah, all are united to God. This consideration was fitted to repress the false confidence of the Jews, who, despising the grace of Christ, boasted that they were the holy people, and chosen inheritance, of God. If Christ is our peace, all who are out of him must be at variance with God. What a beautiful title is this which Christ possesses, — the peace between God and men! Let no one who dwells in Christ entertain a doubt that he is reconciled to God.

Who hath made both one This distinction was necessary. 126 All intercourse with the Gentiles was held to be inconsistent with their own superior claims. 127 To subdue this pride, he tells them that they and the Gentiles have been united into one body. Put all these things together, and you will frame the following syllogism: If the Jews wish to enjoy peace with God, they must have Christ as their Mediator. But Christ will not be their peace in any other way than by making them one body with the Gentiles. Therefore, unless the Jews admit the Gentiles to fellowship with them, they have no friendship with God.

And breaking down the middle wall of partition To understand this passage, two things must be observed. The Jews were separated, for a certain time, from the Gentiles, by the appointment of God; and ceremonial observances were the open and avowed symbols of that separation. Passing by the Gentiles, God had chosen the Jews to be a peculiar people to himself. A wide distinction was thus made, when the one class were “fellow-citizens and of the household” (Eph 2:19) of the Church, and the other were foreigners. This is stated in the Song of Moses:

“When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel: for the Lord’s portion is his people, Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.” (Deu 32:8)

Bounds were thus fixed by God to separate one people from the rest; and hence arose the enmity which is here mentioned. A separation is thus made. The Gentiles are set aside. God is pleased to choose and sanctify the Jewish people, by freeing them from the ordinary pollution of mankind. Ceremonial observances were afterwards added, which, like walls, enclosed the inheritance of God, prevented it from being open to all or mixed with other possessions, and thus excluded the Gentiles from the kingdom of God.

But now, the apostle, says, the enmity is removed, and the wall is broken down. By extending the privilege of adoption beyond the limits of Judea, Christ has now made us all to be brethren. And so is fulfilled the prophecy,

“God shall enlarge Japheth,
and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem.” (Gen 9:27)

Defender: Eph 2:14 - -- The Lord Jesus Christ Himself is "our peace." He is "The Prince of Peace" (Isa 9:6), "the God of peace" (Heb 13:20), "King of peace" (Heb 7:2), and "a...

The Lord Jesus Christ Himself is "our peace." He is "The Prince of Peace" (Isa 9:6), "the God of peace" (Heb 13:20), "King of peace" (Heb 7:2), and "author of ... peace" (1Co 14:33). In the context of this passage, He has provided through His blood (Eph 2:13) the means of making peace between Jew and Gentile, with both together as members of His own mystical body, the "new man" of Eph 2:15 and the "one body" of Eph 2:16. This great body is also the theme of such passages as Eph 1:22, Eph 1:23; 1Co 12:12, 1Co 12:13; and Col 3:10, Col 3:11."

TSK: Eph 2:14 - -- our : Isa 9:6, Isa 9:7; Eze 34:24, Eze 34:25; Mic 5:5; Zec 6:13; Luk 1:79, Luk 2:14; Joh 16:33; Act 10:36; Rom 5:1; Col 1:20; Heb 7:2, Heb 13:20 both ...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Eph 2:14 - -- For he is our peace - There is evident allusion here to Isa 57:19. See the notes at that verse. The "peace"here referred to is that by which a ...

For he is our peace - There is evident allusion here to Isa 57:19. See the notes at that verse. The "peace"here referred to is that by which a "union"in worship and in feeling has been produced between the Jews and the Gentiles Formerly they were alienated and separate. They had different objects of worship; different religious rites; different views and feelings. The Jews regarded the Gentiles with hatred, and the Gentiles the Jews with scorn. Now, says the apostle, they are at peace. They worship the same God. They have the same Saviour. They depend on the same atonement. They have the same hope. They look forward to the same heaven. They belong to the same redeemed family. Reconciliation has not only taken place with God, but with each other. "The best way to produce peace between alienated minds is to bring them to the same Saviour."That will do more to silence contentions, and to heal alienations, than any or all other means. Bring people around the same cross; fill them with love to the same Redeemer, and give them the same hope of heaven, and you put a period to alienation and strife. The love at Christ is so absorbing, and the dependence in his blood so entire, that they will lay aside these alienations, and cease their contentions. The work of the atonement is thus designed not only to produce peace with God, but peace between alienated and contending minds. The feeling that we are redeemed by the same blood, and that we have the same Saviour, will unite the rich and the poor, the bond and the free, the high and the low, in the ties of brotherhood, and make them feel that they are one. This great work of the atonement is thus designed to produce peace in alienated minds every where, and to diffuse abroad the feeling of universal brotherhood.

Who hath made both one - Both Gentiles and Jews. He has united them in one society.

And hath broken down the middle wall - There is an allusion here undoubtedly to the wall of partition in the temple by which the court of the Gentiles was separated from that of the Jews; see the notes and the plan of the temple, in Mat 21:12. The idea here is, that that was now broken down, and that the Gentiles had the same access to the temple as the Jews. The sense is, that in virtue of the sacrifice of the Redeemer they were admitted to the same privileges and hopes.

Poole: Eph 2:14 - -- For he is our peace i.e. Peace-maker, or Mediator of peace, both between God and man, and between Jew and Gentile. He is called our peace as elsewh...

For he is our peace i.e. Peace-maker, or Mediator of peace, both between God and man, and between Jew and Gentile. He is called

our peace as elsewhere our righteousness, redemption, salvation. God is said to reconcile us, 2Co 5:19 , but Christ only to be our peace.

Who hath made both one i.e. one body, or one people, or one new man, Eph 3:15 .

And hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us having taken away the ceremonial law, which was as a wall of separation between Jew and Gentile, as appears in the next verse. It seems to be an allusion to that wall of the temple which parted between the court of the people into which the Jews came, and the outmost court, that of the Gentiles, who, when they came to worship, might not come into the other court, and were excluded by this wall.

Haydock: Eph 2:14 - -- Christ destroyed the enmity which, like a wall of separation, stood between Jew and Gentile, and united them into one people. He did this in his fles...

Christ destroyed the enmity which, like a wall of separation, stood between Jew and Gentile, and united them into one people. He did this in his flesh, by his own blood, or the sacrifice he made of his flesh on the cross. (Calmet)

Gill: Eph 2:14 - -- For he is our peace,.... The author of peace between Jew and Gentile: there was a great enmity of the Jew against the Gentile, and of the Gentile agai...

For he is our peace,.... The author of peace between Jew and Gentile: there was a great enmity of the Jew against the Gentile, and of the Gentile against the Jew; and chiefly on account of circumcision, the one being without it, and the other insisting on it, and branding one another with nicknames on account of it; but Christ has made peace between them by abrogating the ceremonial law, which was the occasion of the difference, and by sending the Gospel of peace to them both, by converting some of each, and by granting the like privileges to them all, as may be observed in the following verses: and Christ is the author of peace between God and his people; there is naturally in man an enmity to God; sin has separated chief friends; nor can man make his peace with God; what he does, or can do, will not do it; and what will, he cannot do; Christ is the only fit and proper person for this work, being a middle person between both, and is only able to effect it, being God as well as man; and so could draw nigh to God, and treat with him about terms of peace, and agree to them, and perform them; and which he has brought about by his blood, his sufferings and death; and which is made on honourable terms, by a full satisfaction to the law and justice of God; and so is a lasting one, and attended with a train of blessings: moreover, Christ is the donor of peace, of external peace in his churches, and of internal peace of conscience, and of eternal peace in heaven: this is one of the names of the Messiah with the Jews b;

"says R. Jose the Galilean, even the name of the Messiah is called שלום, "peace"; as it is said, Isa 9:6 "the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace";''

see Mic 5:5 where it is said, "and this man shall be the peace"; which the Jewish c writers understand of the Messiah:

who hath made both one; Jews and Gentiles, one people, one body, one church; he united them together, and caused them to agree in one, and made them to be of one mind and judgment by the above methods; as well as he gathered them together in one, in one head, himself, who represented them all:

and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; the ceremonial law, which was made up of many hard and intolerable commands, and distinguished, and divided, and kept up a division between Jews and Gentiles: so the Jews call the law a wall, "if she be a wall", Son 8:9 זו תורה, "this is the law", say they d: and hence we read of חומת התורה, "the wall of the law" e; and sometimes the phrase, a "partition wall", is used for a division or disagreement; so R. Benjamin says f, that between the Karaites and Rabbanites, who were the disciples of the wise men, there was מחיצה, "a middle wall of partition"; a great difference and distance; and such there was between the Jew and Gentile, by reason of the ceremonial law; but Christ removed it, and made up the difference: the allusion seems to be to the wall which divided the court of Israel from the court of the Gentiles, in the temple, and which kept them at a distance in worship.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Eph 2:14 Grk “who made the both one.”

Geneva Bible: Eph 2:14 ( 12 ) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; ( 12 ) As by the ceremonies and w...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Eph 2:1-22 - --1 By comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace,10 he declares that we are made for good works: and being brought near by Christ, sh...

MHCC: Eph 2:14-18 - --Jesus Christ made peace by the sacrifice of himself; in every sense Christ was their Peace, the author, centre, and substance of their being at peace ...

Matthew Henry: Eph 2:14-22 - -- We have now come to the last part of the chapter, which contains an account of the great and mighty privileges that converted Jews and Gentiles both...

Barclay: Eph 2:13-18 - --We have already seen how the Jew hated and despised the Gentile. Now Paul uses two pictures, which would be specially vivid to a Jew, to show how t...

Barclay: Eph 2:13-18 - --It is not to be thought that the Jews were the only people who put up the barriers and shut people out. The ancient world was full of barriers. Ther...

Barclay: Eph 2:13-18 - --So Paul goes on to say that in Christ these barriers are down. How did Christ destroy them? (i) Paul says of Jesus, "He is our peace." What did he ...

Barclay: Eph 2:13-18 - --Paul goes on to tell of the priceless gifts which come with the new unity in Christ. (i) He made both Jew and Gentile into one new man. In Greek there...

Constable: Eph 1:3--4:1 - --II. THE CHRISTIAN'S CALLING 1:3--3:21 ". . . the first three chapters are one long prayer, culminating in the gr...

Constable: Eph 2:11--3:20 - --B. Corporate calling 2:11-3:19 New spiritual life does not just mean that we have experienced regenerati...

Constable: Eph 2:11-22 - --1. Present ministry 2:11-22 The apostle first stated the reality of the union of all believers i...

Constable: Eph 2:14-18 - --The significance of Gentile believers' union with Jewish believers 2:14-18 Essentially Jesus Christ's death has resulted in peace between Gentile beli...

College: Eph 2:1-22 - --EPHESIANS 2 B. GOD'S SALVATION (2:1-22) 1. Saved from Sin (2:1-10) 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Ephesians (Book Introduction) The Epistle to the Ephesians From Rome a.d. 63 By Way of Introduction There are some problems of a special nature that confront us about the so-...

JFB: Ephesians (Book Introduction) THE headings (Eph 1:1, and Eph 3:1, show that this Epistle claims to be that of Paul. This claim is confirmed by the testimonies of IRENÆUS, [Against...

JFB: Ephesians (Outline) INSCRIPTION: ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH IN THE FATHER'S ETERNAL COUNSEL, AND THE SON'S BLOODSHEDDING: THE SEALING OF IT BY THE SPIRIT. THANKSGIVING AND PRA...

TSK: Ephesians 2 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Eph 2:1, By comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace, Eph 2:10. he declares that we are made for good works, and being...

Poole: Ephesians 2 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 2

MHCC: Ephesians (Book Introduction) This epistle was written when St. Paul was a prisoner at Rome. The design appears to be to strengthen the Ephesians in the faith of Christ, and to giv...

MHCC: Ephesians 2 (Chapter Introduction) (Eph 2:1-10) The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them. (Ep...

Matthew Henry: Ephesians (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians Some think that this epistle to the Ephesians was a circular l...

Matthew Henry: Ephesians 2 (Chapter Introduction) This chapter contains an account, I. Of the miserable condition of these Ephesians by nature (Eph 2:1-3) and again (Eph 2:11, Eph 2:12). II. Of t...

Barclay: Ephesians (Book Introduction) A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS OF PAUL The Letters Of Paul There is no more interesting body of documents in the New Testament than the letter...

Barclay: Ephesians 2 (Chapter Introduction) The Christless Life And The Grace Of God (Eph_2:1-10) 2:1-10 When you were dead in your sins and trespasses, those sins and trespasses in which onc...

Constable: Ephesians (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background Almost all Christians believed in the Pauline autho...

Constable: Ephesians (Outline) Outline I. Salutation 1:1-2 II. The Christian's calling 1:3-3:21 A. Indi...

Constable: Ephesians Ephesians Bibliography Abbot, T. K. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistles to the Ephesians and t...

Haydock: Ephesians (Book Introduction) THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE EPHESIANS. INTRODUCTION. Ephesus was a famous city, the metropolis of Asia Minor, upon the Ægean...

Gill: Ephesians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO EPHESIANS The city of Ephesus is, by Pliny a, called the other light of Asia; Miletus was one, and Ephesus the other: it was the me...

Gill: Ephesians 2 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO EPHESIANS 2 The design of the apostle in this chapter, is to magnify the riches of divine grace, in the effectual calling and salva...

College: Ephesians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION We are saved by grace through faith! We do not earn our salvation - it is the gift of God. This is the shocking good news of Ephesians. ...

College: Ephesians (Outline) OUTLINE I. DOCTRINE: God's Plan for Salvation - Eph 1:1-3:21 A. God's Blessings - 1:1-23 1. Salutation - 1:1-2 2. Present Blessings in Ch...

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