Ephesians 2:15 – “By setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,”

Extended Explanation

This verse builds on Paul’s message about how Jesus has brought unity between Jews and Gentiles. In Ephesians 2:14, Paul explained that Christ is our peace and has broken down the barriers of hostility. Now, in verse 15, he goes even deeper into how this peace was accomplished.

Paul says that Jesus “set aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations.” This does not mean Jesus abolished God’s moral law (such as the Ten Commandments), but rather that He fulfilled the law in such a way that its ceremonial and ritual requirements no longer separate Jews and Gentiles.

The Old Testament Law contained commands and regulations that set Israel apart from other nations. These included dietary laws, circumcision, Sabbath rules, and sacrifices. These laws created a barrier between Jews and Gentiles because Gentiles did not follow them. But when Jesus came, He fulfilled the law and brought an end to the divisions that these regulations had created.

Paul then explains Jesus’ purpose: “to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace.” Instead of keeping Jews and Gentiles separate, Jesus brought them together to form one new people—the Church. This means that, in Christ, ethnic and cultural differences no longer divide believers. They are united as one family under Him.

Historical Context

In Paul’s time, the Jewish law was a major source of division between Jews and Gentiles. Jews believed that following the Law of Moses was essential for being part of God’s people, while Gentiles did not have the law and were considered outsiders.

Some Jewish Christians believed that Gentiles had to obey the Jewish law to be saved. This became a major issue in the early church (Acts 15:1-11). Paul and the apostles made it clear that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not through obeying the law.

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the law, making it possible for both Jews and Gentiles to be saved by grace. Instead of requiring Gentiles to follow Jewish customs, Christ created a new people where both groups were equal.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths:

1. Jesus fulfilled the law. The Old Testament law pointed to Christ, and He completed its purpose by providing the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
2. Religious rituals do not bring salvation. Many Jews thought following the law made them right with God, but Paul teaches that salvation comes through Christ alone.
3. Christians are part of a new identity. Instead of being separated by race, culture, or religious background, believers are now part of “one new humanity” in Christ.
4. Jesus brings true peace. By removing the barriers created by the law, Christ brings peace between people and with God.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses strong and transformative language in this verse:

• “Setting aside in his flesh” – Jesus’ physical death on the cross was the moment where the old divisions ended.
• “The law with its commands and regulations” – Refers to the ceremonial aspects of the Old Testament law that created separation.
• “To create in himself one new humanity” – Paul does not say Jesus simply united Jews and Gentiles. Instead, He created something entirely new—a people who are united in Him.
• “Thus making peace” – The result of Christ’s work is true reconciliation, not just tolerance or compromise.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Jesus did not cancel the law but completed its purpose.
• Colossians 2:14 – “Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” Jesus’ death removed the requirements of the law that separated people.
• Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The old divisions no longer apply—Christians are one in Him.
• Romans 10:4 – “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” Jesus brought the law to completion and made righteousness available to all.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds believers that Jesus removes barriers between people. In Christ, race, culture, and social status no longer define someone’s standing before God. What matters is faith in Jesus.

It also challenges Christians to live in unity. If Jesus has made all believers part of one new humanity, then there is no room for division, racism, or prejudice in the Church. The Church should reflect the unity and peace that Christ has already created.

Additionally, this verse teaches that Christians do not have to follow religious rules to earn salvation. Some people still think they need to perform rituals, follow traditions, or “be good enough” to be saved. But Paul makes it clear: salvation is through Jesus alone, not through human effort.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He removes division and creates unity. Instead of allowing people to remain separated by culture and race, He made a way for all people to be part of His family.

His love is also seen in how He sent Jesus to fulfill the law on our behalf. Instead of demanding that people earn their way to Him through religious rules, He made salvation a gift of grace.

This verse shows that God’s love is inclusive. He does not exclude people based on their background. Anyone—Jew or Gentile—can come to Him through Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the center of this verse. Without Him, there would still be a dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, and between people and God. But because of His sacrifice, believers are brought together as one.

• John 10:16 – “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” Jesus always intended to unite Jews and Gentiles into one flock.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Christ creates a new people, not just a mixed group of old ones.
• Hebrews 8:6 – “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one.” Jesus brought a new and better covenant that includes all who believe.
• Acts 10:34-35 – “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” Peter understood that Jesus made salvation available to all people.

Through Jesus, the old divisions have ended, and a new family has been created—one where all believers are equal before God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the law instead of abolishing it?
2. How does this verse challenge you to see others differently—especially those from different backgrounds?
3. Why is it important to understand that salvation is through Christ alone, not religious rituals?
4. How can you help bring unity in the Church, following the example of Jesus?
5. What barriers do people still build today that Jesus has already torn down?