Christ Our Peace
In these verses, Paul continues explaining what Christ has done for both Jews and Gentiles. For centuries there was a division and separation between Jews and Gentiles. Under the Old Testament law, Israel had been set apart from the surrounding nations, and over time that separation became walls of hostility as well.
But now Paul says “For he is [OUR] peace” (v. 14).
That peace isn't just something Christ gives—Christ Himself is our peace. Through His death on the cross, He broke down “the middle wall of partition [division]” that separated people from one another and, more importantly, separated sinners from God.
The phrase “abolished in his flesh the enmity” refers to Christ removing ("abolishing") the hostility ("enmity") that stood against us through His sacrificial death. The ceremonial law that distinguished Jew from Gentile was fulfilled in Him. Now Jews and Gentiles are both brought together into “one new man” by faith in Christ.
That truth still matters deeply today.
The world constantly divides people into categories, tribes, social groups, political sides, and endless forms of “us versus them.” Human hearts naturally build walls. Pride, prejudice, bitterness, and fear separate people quickly.
Yet the gospel moves in the opposite direction. Christ reconciles sinners to God and teaches believers to walk in peace with one another.
Paul says Christ “came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh” (v. 17). Both groups needed the same Savior. Both needed grace.
And the same is true today. No one comes to God through heritage (family line), morality, background, or personal goodness. Peace with God only comes through Jesus Christ.
When believers walk humbly, forgive freely, and pursue peace, others may quietly begin to see something different in them—something this divided world cannot easily explain.
In Closing
Paul closes this section by reminding believers that “through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (v. 18). Jew and Gentile now come to God the same way—through Christ alone. No one stands closer to God by nationality, tradition, or status. Every believer approaches the Father by His grace.
