Ephesians 2:15
by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace
by abolishing in His flesh
This phrase highlights the physical and sacrificial nature of Christ's work. The Greek word for "abolishing" is "katargeō," which means to render inactive or ineffective. In the context of Christ's flesh, it signifies the profound act of Jesus' incarnation and crucifixion, where He took on human form to fulfill and thus nullify the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law. This act was not a mere spiritual or symbolic gesture but a tangible, historical event that underscores the reality of the Incarnation and the physical suffering of Christ. It emphasizes the depth of God's love and the lengths to which He went to reconcile humanity to Himself.

the law of commandments and decrees
The "law of commandments and decrees" refers to the Mosaic Law, which included not only the Ten Commandments but also numerous ceremonial and civil laws given to Israel. The Greek term "dogma" is used here for "decrees," indicating established ordinances or authoritative decisions. Historically, these laws served to set Israel apart and guide them in holiness. However, they also highlighted humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through works. Christ's fulfillment and subsequent abolishment of these laws in His flesh signify the transition from the Old Covenant, based on adherence to the law, to the New Covenant, based on grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

He did this to create in Himself
The phrase "to create in Himself" speaks to the divine initiative and purpose behind Christ's work. The Greek word "ktizō" for "create" implies a new act of creation, akin to God's original creation of the world. This new creation is not merely a reformation but a transformation, indicating the profound change brought about by Christ's redemptive work. In Himself, Christ becomes the locus of this new creation, emphasizing that it is only through union with Him that this new reality is possible. This reflects the theological truth that salvation and unity are found solely in Christ.

one new man out of the two
This phrase encapsulates the unifying purpose of Christ's work. The "two" refers to Jews and Gentiles, who were historically divided by the law and cultural enmity. The Greek word "kainos" for "new" suggests something unprecedented and qualitatively different. In Christ, these two groups are reconciled and formed into "one new man," symbolizing the church as the unified body of believers. This new entity transcends ethnic, cultural, and social barriers, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Gospel and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

thus making peace
The culmination of Christ's work is "making peace." The Greek word "eirēnē" for "peace" denotes not just the absence of conflict but the presence of harmony and wholeness. This peace is both vertical, between humanity and God, and horizontal, among human beings. Historically, the division between Jew and Gentile was profound, but Christ's sacrificial act dismantled the barriers, creating a new community characterized by peace. This peace is a foretaste of the ultimate reconciliation and unity that will be fully realized in God's eternal kingdom. It serves as an inspiration for believers to live out this peace in their relationships and communities, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
Central to this verse, Jesus is the one who abolishes the law of commandments and decrees through His sacrificial death.

2. Jews and Gentiles
The two groups that are reconciled into one new man through Christ's work, representing the breaking down of the dividing wall of hostility.

3. The Law of Commandments and Decrees
Refers to the Mosaic Law, which included ceremonial and civil laws that separated Jews from Gentiles.

4. The Church
The new entity created by Christ, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, united in faith.

5. The Cross
The event through which Jesus accomplished the reconciliation and peace mentioned in this verse.
Teaching Points
Unity in Christ
Christ's work on the cross unites all believers, regardless of their background, into one body. This unity should be reflected in the church today, promoting peace and reconciliation among all members.

The Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Mosaic Law, freeing believers from its ceremonial and civil demands. This freedom should lead to a life led by the Spirit, not bound by legalism.

Peace through Reconciliation
True peace is found in the reconciliation that Christ provides. Believers are called to be peacemakers, reflecting the peace of Christ in their relationships.

Identity in Christ
Our primary identity is found in being part of the new creation in Christ. This identity transcends all earthly distinctions and should shape how we view ourselves and others.

Living as the New Man
As part of the new creation, believers are called to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ, embodying love, grace, and truth in their daily lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the abolishment of the law in Ephesians 2:15 affect your view of Old Testament laws and their application today?

2. In what ways can you actively promote unity within your local church, reflecting the "one new man" created by Christ?

3. How does the concept of peace in Ephesians 2:15 challenge you to address conflicts in your personal relationships?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to live out your identity as part of the new creation in Christ?

5. How can the teachings of Ephesians 2:15 inspire you to engage with people from different cultural or religious backgrounds?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Galatians 3:28
This verse speaks to the unity of believers in Christ, emphasizing that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:14
Discusses how Christ canceled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands, nailing it to the cross, which parallels the abolishing of the law in Ephesians 2:15.

Romans 10:4
States that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes, highlighting the fulfillment and completion of the law through Christ.

Hebrews 8:13
Refers to the new covenant, making the first one obsolete, which aligns with the idea of abolishing the old law.

Isaiah 9:6-7
Prophesies the coming of the Prince of Peace, who will establish peace and justice, fulfilled in Christ's work of reconciliation.
Abolition of the Ceremonial, But not of the Moral, LawJames Fergusson.Ephesians 2:15
Christ Abolishing the EnmityA. Barry, D. D.Ephesians 2:15
One New Man in ChristA. Barry, D. D.Ephesians 2:15
The Use of the LawEphesians 2:15
Union in the ChurchJames Fergusson.Ephesians 2:15
Gospel Reconciliation - its Subjects, Agency, and ResultsD. Thomas Ephesians 2:11-22
The Spiritual TempleR.M. Edgar Ephesians 2:11-22
Union of Jews and Gentiles in the Christian ChurchR. Finlayson Ephesians 2:11-22
Christ Our PeaceW.F. Adeney Ephesians 2:13-18
Christ Our PeaceT. Croskery Ephesians 2:14-16
People
Ephesians, Paul
Places
Ephesus
Topics
Abolished, Abolishing, Annulled, Aside, Commandments, Commands, Contained, Create, Decrees, Definite, Design, Division, Enmity, Establishing, Expressed, Flesh, Form, Hostility, Humanity, Law, Making, Orders, Ordinances, Peace, Purpose, Regulations, Rules, Sections, Setting, Thus, Twain, Unite
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ephesians 2:15

     1115   God, purpose of
     2324   Christ, as Saviour
     4010   creation, renewal
     5380   law, and gospel
     6166   flesh, sinful nature
     7422   ritual
     7424   ritual law

Ephesians 2:11-18

     5467   promises, divine

Ephesians 2:11-19

     7031   unity, God's goal

Ephesians 2:12-19

     6717   reconciliation, world to God

Ephesians 2:13-16

     2414   cross, centrality

Ephesians 2:13-17

     2525   Christ, cross of
     6511   salvation
     6704   peace, divine NT

Ephesians 2:13-22

     5005   human race, and redemption

Ephesians 2:14-15

     6661   freedom, and law
     8341   separation

Ephesians 2:14-16

     1355   providence
     5734   relationships

Ephesians 2:14-18

     5030   knowledge, of Christ
     7025   church, unity

Ephesians 2:14-22

     6718   reconciliation, believers

Library
March 14. "We are his Workmanship" (Eph. Ii. 10).
"We are His workmanship" (Eph. ii. 10). Christ sends us to serve Him, not in our own strength, but in His resources and might. "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them." We do not have to prepare them; but to wear them as garments, made to order for every occasion of our life. We must receive them by faith and go forth in His work, believing that He is with us, and in us, as our all sufficiency for wisdom, faith, love, prayer,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

July 2. "And Hath Raised us up Together" (Eph. Ii. 6).
"And hath raised us up together" (Eph. ii. 6). Ascension is more than resurrection. Much is said of it in the New Testament. Christ riseth above all things. We see Him in the very act of ascending as we do not in the actual resurrection, as, with hands and lips engaged in blessing, He gently parts from their side, so simply, so unostentatiously, with so little imposing ceremony as to make heaven so near to our common life that we can just whisper through. And we, too, must ascend, even here. "If
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

October 1. "That in the Ages to Come He Might Show the Exceeding Riches of his Grace" (Eph. Ii. 7).
"That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace" (Eph. ii. 7). Christ's great purpose for His people is to train them up to know the hope of their calling, and the riches of the glory of their inheritance and what the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe. Let us prove, in all our varied walks of life, and scenes of conflict, the fulness of His power and grace and thus shall we know "In the ages to come the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness to
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

God's Workmanship and Our Works
'We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.'--Eph. ii. 10. The metal is molten as it runs out of the blast furnace, but it soon cools and hardens. Paul's teaching about salvation by grace and by faith came in a hot stream from his heart, but to this generation his words are apt to sound coldly, and hardly theological. But they only need to be reflected upon in connection with our own experience, to become vivid and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

'The Chief Corner-Stone'
'Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief corner-stone.'--Eph. ii. 20 (R.V.). The Roman Empire had in Paul's time gathered into a great unity the Asiatics of Ephesus, the Greeks of Corinth, the Jews of Palestine, and men of many another race, but grand and imposing as that great unity was, it was to Paul a poor thing compared with the oneness of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Asiatics of Ephesus, Greeks of Corinth, Jews of Palestine and members of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

'The Riches of Grace'
'That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus.'--Eph. ii. 7. One very striking characteristic of this epistle is its frequent reference to God's purposes, and what, for want of a better word, we must call His motives, in giving us Jesus Christ. The Apostle seems to rise even higher than his ordinary height, while he gazes up to the inaccessible light, and with calm certainty proclaims not only what God has done, but why He has done
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Salvation: Grace: Faith
'By grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.'--Eph. ii. 8 (R.V.). Here are three of the key-words of the New Testament--'grace,' 'saved,' 'faith.' Once these terms were strange and new; now they are old and threadbare. Once they were like lava, glowing and cast up from the central depths; but it is a long while since the eruption, and the blocks have got cold, and the corners have been rubbed off them. I am afraid that some people, when they read
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Resurrection of Dead Souls
'God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.'--Eph. ii. 4, 5. Scripture paints man as he is, in darker tints, and man as he may become, in brighter ones, than are elsewhere found. The range of this portrait painter's palette is from pitchiest black to most dazzling white, as of snow smitten by sunlight. Nowhere else are there such sad, stern words about the actualities of human nature; nowhere else such
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Scripture Way of Salvation
"Ye are saved through faith." Ephesians 2:8. 1. Nothing can be more intricate, complex, and hard to be understood, than religion, as it has been often described. And this is not only true concerning the religion of the Heathens, even many of the wisest of them, but concerning the religion of those also who were, in some sense, Christians; yea, and men of great name in the Christian world; men who seemed to be pillars thereof. Yet how easy to be understood, how plain and simple a thing, is the genuine
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Spiritual Resurrection
The apostle is here speaking, you will observe, of the church at Ephesus, and, indeed, of all those who were chosen in Christ Jesus, accepted in him, and redeemed with his blood; and he says of them, "You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." What a solemn sight is presented to us by a dead body! When last evening trying to realize the thought, it utterly overcame me. The thought is overwhelming, that soon this body of mine must be a carnival for worms; that in and out of these
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

The Agreement of Salvation by Grace with Walking in Good Works
I shall call your attention to the near neighborhood of these two phrases, "Not of works," and "Created in Christ Jesus unto good works." The text reads with a singular sound; for it seems strange to the ear that good works should be negatived as the cause of salvation, and then should be spoken of as the great end of it. You may put it down among what the Puritans called "Orthodox Paradoxes," if you please; though it is hardly so difficult a matter as to deserve the name. Not long ago, I tried
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Life from the Dead
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."--Ephesians 2:1. OUR TRANSLATORS, as you observe, have put in the words "hath he quickened", because Paul had thrown the sense a little farther on, and it was possible for the reader not to catch it. The have but anticipated the statement of the fourth and fifth verses: "God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ." Here is the point. God
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The Tabernacle of the Most High
When men talk of holy places they seem to be ignorant of the use of language. Can holiness dwell in bricks and mortar? Can there be such a thing as a sanctified steeple? Can it possibly happen that there can be such a thing in the world as a moral window or a godly door post? I am lost in amazement, utterly lost, when I think how addled men's brains must be when they impute moral virtues to bricks and mortar, and stones, and stained glass. Pray how deep Doth this consecration go, and how high? Is
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

A Solemn Deprival
WE SHALL have two things to consider this evening--the misery of our past estate, and the great deliverance which God has wrought for us. As for:-- I. THE MISERY OF OUR PAST ESTATE, be it known unto you that, in common with the rest of mankind, believers were once without Christ. No tongue can tell the depth of wretchedness that lies in those two words. There is no poverty like it, no want like it, and for those who die so, there is no ruin like that it will bring. Without Christ! If this be the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915

All of Grace
OF THE THINGS which I have spoken unto you these many years, this is the sum. Within the circle of these words my theology is contained, so far as it refers to the salvation of men. I rejoice also to remember that those of my family who were ministers of Christ before me preached this doctrine, and none other. My father, who is still able to bear his personal testimony for his Lord, knows no other doctrine, neither did his father before him. I am led to remember this by the fact that a somewhat singular
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915

Our Glorious Transforming
"But now in Christ Jesus, ye, who sometimes were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ."--Ephesians 2:13. I DO not want you to feel at this time as if you were listening to a sermon, or to any sort of set discourse, but rather I should like, if it were possible, that you should feel as if you were alone with the Saviour, and were engaged in calm and quiet meditation; and I will try to be the prompter, standing at the elbow of your contemplation, suggesting one thought and then another; and
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
Rom. viii. 1.--"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, &c." All the promises are yea and amen in Christ Jesus; they meet all in him and from him are derived unto us. When man was in integrity, he was with God, and in God, and that immediately, without the intervention of a Mediator. But our falling from God hath made us without God, and the distance is so great, as Abraham speaks to the rich man, that neither can those above go down to him, nor he come up to them.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
Rom. viii. 1.--"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." It is no wonder that we cannot speak any thing to purpose of this subject, and that you do not bear with fruit, because it is indeed a mystery to our judgments, and a great stranger to our practice. There is so little of the Spirit, both in teachers and those that come to be taught, that we can but speak of it as an unknown thing, and cannot make you to conceive it, in the living notion of it as it is. Only we may say in general,--it
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me Free from the Law of Sin and Death. "
Rom. viii. 2.--"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." That whereabout the thoughts and discourses of men now run, is freedom and liberty, or bondage and slavery. All men are afraid to lose their liberties, and be made servants to strangers. And indeed liberty, whether national or personal, even in civil respects, is a great mercy and privilege. But alas! men know not, neither do they consider, what is the ground and reason of such changes,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
John v. 39--"Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me." Eph. ii. 20--"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets." As in darkness there is need of a lantern without and the light of the eyes within--for neither can we see in darkness without some lamp though we have never so good eyes, nor yet see without eyes, though in never so clear a sunshine--so there is absolute need for the guiding of our feet in the dangerous
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the Flesh, God Sending his Own Son in the Likeness of Sinful Flesh,
Rom. viii. 3.--"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh." For what purpose do we meet thus together? I would we knew it,--then it might be to some better purpose. In all other things we are rational, and do nothing of moment without some end and purpose. But, alas! in this matter of greatest moment, our going about divine ordinances, we have scarce any distinct or deliberate
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of the Exceeding Mercy of God in Christ, to his Poor Servant, John Bunyan
In this my relation of the merciful working of God upon my soul, it will not be amiss, if in the first place, I do in a few words give you a hint of my pedigree, and manner of bringing up; that thereby the goodness and bounty of God towards me, may be the more advanced and magnified before the sons of men. 2. For my descent then, it was, as is well known by many, of a low and inconsiderable generation; my father's house being of that rank that is meanest, and most despised of all the families in
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

Sovereign Grace
Sovereign Grace Its Source, Its Nature and Its Effects By D. L. Moody "By Grace are ye saved."--Ephesians ii. 8 With Three Gospel Dialogues Chicago New York Toronto FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY London and Edinburgh Copyrighted 1891 by Fleming H. Revell Company.
Dwight L. Moody—Sovereign Grace

Our Death.
"You who were dead in trespasses and sin."--Ephes. ii. 1. Next in order comes the discussion of death. There is sin, which is deviation from and resistance against the law. There is guilt, which is withholding from God that which, as the Giver and Upholder of that law, is due to Him. But there is also punishment, which is the Lawgiver's act of upholding His law against the lawbreaker. The Sacred Scripture calls this punishment "death." To understand what death is, we must first ask: "What is life?"
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

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