Ephesians 2:13-14

2:13

But now – contrast from separated, et al., and also distinct from what was termed “formerly”

in Christ Jesus – All the change has been achieved IN Christ Jesus

you who were once – past tense, at one time, former condition

far away – spiritually distant from the things of God

have been brought – present perfect, event completed in the past which continues to the present

near – contrast to separated, excluded and foreigners

through – agency, by means of

the blood of Christ – He shed His blood to bring me near, to reconcile me to God the Father. In the OT, men placed their hands on a sacrificial animal. By faith they transferred their sins to that sacrifice. As it was slain, the temple worker caught the blood and threw it on the altar. This faith act by the OT man led to the forgiveness of his sins and his reconciliation to God—his being brought near through the blood. The NT continues this imagery with Christ as the sacrificial lamb. With all the words and imagery, I still sometimes struggle to believe that all I have to do is place my hands—by faith—on Jesus Christ and God will bring me near. What amazing grace!

2:14

For – The following provides the reason or basis for the above

he himself – emphatic repetition

is – present tense, ongoing

our peace – right relationships between two groups. This could refer to our right relation with God. But in this context it addresses the relationships between two groups of people with different backgrounds and therefore different world views.

has made – present perfect tense, already accomplished fact established in the past and effective to the present

the two one – Paul is talking about the former division between Gentiles and Jews having been resolved in Christ. But the principle applies to any relational division of people who claim to be in Christ.

and has destroyed [NLT: when...he broke down] – present perfect tense again. It was accomplished in the past and continues today. Demolished, obliterated, exploded, removed

the barrier – For Jews vis-à-vis Gentiles, that barrier was the Law. Today it is “the list” of do’s and don’t’s that contribute to religious people giving an attitude of superiority.

dividing wall – why the repetition? For emphasis?

of hostility – does my religiousness convey superiority? Does that contribute to
hostility from those who were far off from Christ?