“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14 (ESV)
The result the Apostle Paul gives for the work by Jesus Christ in bringing to salvation Gentiles who were distant from the truth and promises of God is peace. More than just bringing sinner’s peace, the apostle states that He Himself (Jesus Christ) is our peace.
The phrase “For he himself” is in an intensive and emphatic statement. It refers, in the context, to Jesus Christ alone. Paul wants his readers to know that he himself, Jesus Christ, is the believer’s peace. The small word is (εἰμί; eimi) refers to Jesus as presently, and actively being something. He is our peace.
Peace (εἰρήνη; eirene) means not only freedom from worry, but also tranquility, health and the end of hostilities. Jesus is the only one who removes the estrangement between sinners and God the Father (Romans 5:1-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21). He alone is the source of reconciliation.
Jesus has not only broken the estrangement between God and man, but also between one’s fellow man. It is Jesus who has made both the Jew and the Gentile one in Christ. Through His person and work on earth, Jesus alone has broken down λύω; lyo), loosed and destroyed what Paul calls the dividing wall of hostility.
The phrase the dividing wall of hostility refers to barriers in the temple area in Jerusalem which separated and segregated the Jews from the Gentiles. This resulted in hostility (ἔχθρα; echthra) or enmity between the ethnic groups.
Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “A wall separated Gentiles and Jews, and signs were posted excluding Gentiles from the inner courts where sacrifices for sin were performed. Paul interprets as emblematic of the law’s function of keeping Israel separate from the surrounding pagan peoples.”
It is through Jesus Christ’s person and work alone that no barriers between people groups exist unto salvation (Galatians 3:23-29). We are all one in Christ.
This truth reminds me of a Maranatha Music chorus appropriately entitled He is our Peace.
He is our peace
Who has broken down every wall,
He is our peace, He is our peace.
He is our peace
Who has broken down every wall,
He is our peace, He is our peace.
Cast all your cares on Him,
For He cares for you,
He is our peace, He is our peace.
Thank you Jesus for being our peace. This is because You are the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 