Bible readers would wonder how such an idea, which contradicts so much of the scripture exist? One reason that these verses are misunderstood, and even by some of the translators - is the world's desire to not have to follow ALL of God's Laws? Let's look at these verses:
Ephesians 2:14-15 KJV 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Before we carefully examine these verses it would be appropriate to first look at the clear and overt statements of the Apostle to the gentiles on these issues.
Romans 3:31 KJV 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Romans 6:1-2 KJV 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Paul is blunt in his rejection of the belief that grace or faith voids or ends the need for God's Laws. Further, he condemns those who falsely accused him of such doctrines. Paul does not condemn the law, it's a ridiculous claim!
Romans 3:6-8 KJV 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Paul's dishonest critics were trying to say his preaching of the proper use of grace was telling believers the more you sin the more grace you receive and this is a good outcome. They were slandering Paul's message, and God will condemn them. Further Paul supports the proper use of the law and the entire Old Testament beyond any doubt.
Romans 6:15 NKJV 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
Romans 7:16 NKJV 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law thatit is good.
Acts 24:14 NKJV 14 "But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believingall things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.
We see beyond any doubt that Paul believed in the law and the entire Old Testament. It is obvious what Paul did NOT mean in his epistle to the Ephesians, so what then did he mean to convey to them?
A THOROUGH BREAKDOWN OF EPHESIANS 2:14-15.
What was the middle wall of partition that existed between Jews and Gentiles? It could not be the proper use of the law as we've seen above so what could it have been? It was the ENMITY produced between them by the misguided applications of the laws. The leadership of the Jewish people was misled in these matters. Gentile leadership may have contributed to this enmity by their reaction to the Jewish approach that they were better than unenlightened gentiles. It is not surprising that if you know more than others you would believe that you are superior. It fits human nature. What did Christ's sacrifice accomplish?
- “Jesus Christ is our PEACE “ between Jews and Gentiles, verse 14
- “ who hath made BOTH one” Jew and Gentile believers
- “ having abolished ….the ENMITY” the hatred not the law, verse 15
- The word “EVEN” in verse 15 IS IN ITALICS, having been added by translators for clarity.
- Similarly the word “CONTAINED” is also in italics, and is best rendered, interpreted in ordinances, or Talmudic traditions. Paul is warning against the manner in which laws are being applied by Jewish religious leadership. This kind of over regulation ( mixed with traditions) has created an enmity or wall of separation that Jesus has now ended. 1 Tim.1:8 KJV 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully FAULTY APPLICATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS OF GOD'S LAWS ENSLAVE Christ Himself criticized the leadership of Judea for putting the people into bondage. All of God's Laws are obviously good for people when applied lovingly and with understanding. But they can be interpreted in a harsh manner. One example are the Sabbath laws and extra rules generated by that leadership over the years to enforce Sabbath keeping. Mark 2:24-27 NKJV 24 And the Pharisees said to Him, "Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?" 25 But He said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry, he and those with him: 26 "how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat, except for the priests, and also gave some to those who were with him?" 27 And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, andnot man for the Sabbath. The leaders were forcing the people into restrictive, harsh Sabbath rules which undermined the wonderful feast day, and rest it was meant to be for mankind. The people were unnecessarily burdened by this kind of Sabbath. Matthew 11:29-30 NKJV 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Jesus is telling the Jewish people that His ways are the real true worship of God, and their leadership has created ordinances that are a burden to the people. Matthew 11:28 NKJV 28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy ladened, and I will give you rest. Mark 7:7-9 NKJV 7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men...9 He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. Sometimes their rulings gave them traditions that actually were against God's wishes. They were often misguided. Many of their rules and restriction against gentiles, especially at the Temple were overbearing, and added to the enmity between the two. JESUS TRUE GOAL IS REVEALED TO US BY THE APOSTLE PAUL
What Jesus banned were the specific laws regarding their relationship with gentiles. These Jewish regulations were either misguided or improperly applied leading to hatred and a wall of separation. Note:
