Ephesians 2:16
Verse
Context
Sermons
Stewart Ruch
Don Courville
George Fox
T. Austin-Sparks
H.J. VineGeorge FoxSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That he might reconcile both - in one body - That the Jews and Gentiles, believing on the Lord Jesus, might lay aside all their causes of contention, and become one spiritual body, or society of men, influenced by the Spirit, and acting according to the precepts of the Gospel. Having slain the enmity thereby - Having, by his death upon the cross, made reconciliation between God and man, and by his Spirit in their hearts removed the enmity of their fallen, sinful nature. Dr. Macknight thinks that abolishing the enmity is spoken of the removal of the hatred which the Jews and Gentiles mutually bore to each other, because of the difference of their respective religious worship; and that slaying the enmity refers to the removal of evil lusts and affections from the heart of man, by the power of Divine grace. This is nearly the sense given above.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "might altogether reconcile them both in one body (the Church, Col 3:15) unto God through His cross." The Greek for "reconcile" (apocatalaxe), found only here and in Col 1:20, expresses not only a return to favor with one (catallage), but so to lay aside enmity that complete amity follows; to pass from enmity to complete reconciliation [TITTMANN]. slain the enmity--namely, that had been between man and God; and so that between Jew and Gentile which had resulted from it. By His being slain, He slew it (compare Heb 2:14). thereby--Greek, "therein"; "in" or "by the cross," that is, His crucifixion (Col 2:15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that he might reconcile both unto God,.... This is another end of the abrogation of the ceremonial law: the Jews had run up a long score against the ceremonial law, as well as against the moral law; and Christ by fulfilling it for them, and thereby abrogating it, reconciled them; and the Gentiles could not be reconciled together with them, without the abrogation of it: and this reconciliation of them is made to God, who was the person offended; and who yet first set on foot a reconciliation, in which his glory is greatly concerned; and reconciliation with others depends upon reconciliation with him: and this is made in one body by the cross; by which "body" is meant, the human body of Christ, which the Father prepared for him, and he assumed, and that in order to make reconciliation for his people; and is said to be "one" body, because it was in one and the same body, which he reconciled both Jews and Gentiles unto God, and in or by one sacrifice of that body; reconciliation being so effectually made by it that there is no need of a reiteration: or the sense is, he reconciled them into "one body"; into one mystical body, the church, of which he is head; and this he did "by the cross", that is, by his blood shed on the cross, or by his suffering the death of the cross; which shows that reconciliation is made in a way of satisfaction to the law and justice of God, by Christ's bearing the penalty of the law, and suffering the strokes of justice on the cross; and expresses the efficacy of his blood and sacrifice, and the greatness of his condescension and love: having slain the enmity thereby; the ceremonial law, as before; and the slaying it is the same with abolishing it; unless the enmity between God and man is meant, which was slain by removing the cause of it, sin; and which laid a foundation for the slaying of it in the hearts of his people in regeneration, when sin is made odious to them, and they are reconciled to God's way of salvation; hence being slain in both senses, peace with God can never be broken.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:16 Christ’s death on the cross reconciles humans to God, and also Jews and Gentiles to each other.
Ephesians 2:16
One in Christ
15by 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 peace16and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Reading the Bible With the Church
By Stewart Ruch37835:18BibleJHN 14:6EPH 2:16EPH 2:192TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:17In this sermon, Bishop Stuart Ruck discusses the concept of tradition and its relationship to the Bible. He shares a story about his wife teaching developmentally disabled students and emphasizes the importance of discerning between true and false statements. Bishop Ruck simplifies the church's historical views on tradition and the Bible into two categories: tradition as spiritual grandparents and tradition as a vehicle for the gospel. He highlights the need for scholars to help navigate the overwhelming amount of information and misinformation in today's age, and emphasizes the importance of starting our understanding of the Bible with a doctrine of who God is and His desire for us to have access to Him.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 485
By Don Courville28945:23Radio ShowROM 1:16GAL 6:14EPH 2:16PHP 2:8HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of Edith, a missionary who started a small dispensary in the Belgian Congo with a gift of 10 pounds. Over the course of 20 years, her work grew into a medical crusade operating in nine countries. The speaker emphasizes the power of giving one's life to God and the potential for great things to happen. The sermon also references the story of Joseph from the Old Testament, highlighting the importance of surrendering to God's sovereignty and seeking His guidance in our lives.
Of Propitiation, Atonement, and Reconciliation, as Ascribed to Christ.
By John Gill2AtonementReconciliationZEC 13:7JHN 3:16ROM 3:25ROM 5:8ROM 5:102CO 5:18EPH 2:16COL 1:20HEB 2:171JN 2:2John Gill expounds on the concepts of propitiation, atonement, and reconciliation as they relate to Christ, emphasizing that while the term 'satisfaction' is not explicitly used in Scripture, its essence is captured in these terms. He explains that Christ serves as the propitiation for our sins, satisfying God's justice and reconciling humanity to Him through His sacrificial death. Gill highlights that reconciliation is initiated by God and accomplished through Christ, who intercedes on behalf of sinners, transforming them from enemies to friends of God. The sermon underscores the necessity of Christ's sacrifice for the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity, illustrating the profound implications of His atoning work. Ultimately, Gill affirms that reconciliation is not about changing God's love but about addressing the justice that sin demands.
Epistle 216
By George Fox0Faithfulness in TrialsPower Of GodPSA 121:5JHN 1:12JHN 15:1ROM 1:161CO 2:5EPH 2:16PHP 1:5COL 1:202TI 1:10HEB 7:27George Fox emphasizes the power of God and the importance of standing firm in faith amidst persecution and trials. He encourages believers to remain united in the gospel, which brings life and immortality to light, and to spread the truth of Christ to those lost in darkness. Fox highlights the necessity of living in the power of God, which enables believers to overcome sin and maintain fellowship with one another. He calls for a commitment to the cross of Christ, urging the faithful to be valiant in their witness and to cultivate a pure conscience. Ultimately, he reassures that despite earthly oppression, believers possess the eternal power of God, which secures their inheritance in Christ.
The Altar (The Cross) Governs Everything (Galatians 6:14)
By T. Austin-Sparks0The CrossCentrality of ChristMAT 16:24ROM 6:61CO 1:182CO 5:17GAL 6:14EPH 2:16PHP 3:18COL 2:14HEB 10:121PE 2:24T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the centrality of the Cross in the life of believers, illustrating how the altar in Ezekiel's vision represents the Cross as the governing force in all aspects of the Church and individual lives. He explains that when the Cross is placed at the center, everything else falls into order, including ministry, conduct, and the Church's influence in the world. Sparks highlights that the Cross serves as a defense against worldly influences and evil powers, asserting that a truly crucified people are safeguarded from the world. He concludes by stating that the Cross is not merely a doctrine but a transformative experience that governs everything in the believer's life.
Reconciliation
By H.J. Vine0ROM 3:25ROM 5:10ROM 11:132CO 5:17EPH 2:16REV 21:16H.J. Vine preaches on the profound concept of reconciliation as highlighted in Romans 5:10-11; 11:13-15; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. He emphasizes that sin in the flesh and the spirit demons cannot be reconciled to God, but through Christ's death, poor sinners like us who were once enemies are reconciled to God. The joy of reconciliation is experienced through faith in God's grace, leading to a deep satisfaction and a new creation in Christ. Believers are encouraged to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God and to understand the richness of reconciliation in one body before Him.
Epistle 208
By George Fox0ISA 50:6DAN 8:25MAT 26:67LUK 23:34JHN 8:441CO 3:71CO 9:242CO 10:4EPH 2:16EPH 4:1EPH 6:10COL 1:13COL 2:8COL 2:23HEB 12:11PE 3:18REV 11:8REV 17:14George Fox preaches about the importance of patience, love, and meekness in overcoming the challenges and temptations of the world, emphasizing the need to follow the example of Christ in suffering unjustly and forgiving others. He encourages believers to put on courage, loyalty to their King, and faith in the power of God that conquers all things, leading them out of tribulation and into peace. By dwelling in the power of God, living in unity, and being at peace with one another, believers can experience the strength and victory that comes from God's dominion and life.
The Great Sacrificial Work Is to Reconcile
By P.T. Forsyth0ROM 5:11CO 6:1EPH 2:16COL 1:10P.T. Forsyth emphasizes the urgent need for a return to the Bible in the religious world today, highlighting the neglect of personal Bible study and the significant advantages of modern scholarship in understanding the Scriptures. He stresses the importance of expounding the Bible in ministry, encouraging young ministers to delve into long passages for deeper understanding. Forsyth discusses three ways of reading the Bible: focusing on the historic sense, reading for edification, and seeking to understand God's purpose in the text.
The Hope of the Hypocrite
By J.C. Philpot01SA 1:10JOB 27:8PSA 16:8PSA 50:15PSA 107:13JER 15:16ROM 5:5EPH 2:16HEB 6:19J.C. Philpot preaches about the characteristics of a hypocrite as seen in the book of Job, emphasizing the importance of true delight in the Almighty and continual calling upon God as distinguishing marks of a genuine believer. He contrasts the hope, gain, trouble, and cry of a hypocrite with that of a sincere seeker of God, highlighting the necessity of a spiritual nature, reconciliation, and a spirit of grace and supplication in true worship. Philpot challenges listeners to examine their hearts, urging them to seek genuine delight in God and a consistent habit of calling upon Him as evidence of true faith.
Alienation and Reconciliation
By J.C. Philpot0EPH 2:16J.C. Philpot preaches about the journey from alienation to reconciliation with God, emphasizing the need to be firmly grounded in faith and settled in the hope of the gospel. He delves into the painful reality of alienation caused by sin, the divine act of reconciliation through Christ's sacrifice, the presentation of believers as holy and blameless before God, and the importance of continuing in faith to experience the fullness of salvation.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That he might reconcile both - in one body - That the Jews and Gentiles, believing on the Lord Jesus, might lay aside all their causes of contention, and become one spiritual body, or society of men, influenced by the Spirit, and acting according to the precepts of the Gospel. Having slain the enmity thereby - Having, by his death upon the cross, made reconciliation between God and man, and by his Spirit in their hearts removed the enmity of their fallen, sinful nature. Dr. Macknight thinks that abolishing the enmity is spoken of the removal of the hatred which the Jews and Gentiles mutually bore to each other, because of the difference of their respective religious worship; and that slaying the enmity refers to the removal of evil lusts and affections from the heart of man, by the power of Divine grace. This is nearly the sense given above.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Translate, "might altogether reconcile them both in one body (the Church, Col 3:15) unto God through His cross." The Greek for "reconcile" (apocatalaxe), found only here and in Col 1:20, expresses not only a return to favor with one (catallage), but so to lay aside enmity that complete amity follows; to pass from enmity to complete reconciliation [TITTMANN]. slain the enmity--namely, that had been between man and God; and so that between Jew and Gentile which had resulted from it. By His being slain, He slew it (compare Heb 2:14). thereby--Greek, "therein"; "in" or "by the cross," that is, His crucifixion (Col 2:15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that he might reconcile both unto God,.... This is another end of the abrogation of the ceremonial law: the Jews had run up a long score against the ceremonial law, as well as against the moral law; and Christ by fulfilling it for them, and thereby abrogating it, reconciled them; and the Gentiles could not be reconciled together with them, without the abrogation of it: and this reconciliation of them is made to God, who was the person offended; and who yet first set on foot a reconciliation, in which his glory is greatly concerned; and reconciliation with others depends upon reconciliation with him: and this is made in one body by the cross; by which "body" is meant, the human body of Christ, which the Father prepared for him, and he assumed, and that in order to make reconciliation for his people; and is said to be "one" body, because it was in one and the same body, which he reconciled both Jews and Gentiles unto God, and in or by one sacrifice of that body; reconciliation being so effectually made by it that there is no need of a reiteration: or the sense is, he reconciled them into "one body"; into one mystical body, the church, of which he is head; and this he did "by the cross", that is, by his blood shed on the cross, or by his suffering the death of the cross; which shows that reconciliation is made in a way of satisfaction to the law and justice of God, by Christ's bearing the penalty of the law, and suffering the strokes of justice on the cross; and expresses the efficacy of his blood and sacrifice, and the greatness of his condescension and love: having slain the enmity thereby; the ceremonial law, as before; and the slaying it is the same with abolishing it; unless the enmity between God and man is meant, which was slain by removing the cause of it, sin; and which laid a foundation for the slaying of it in the hearts of his people in regeneration, when sin is made odious to them, and they are reconciled to God's way of salvation; hence being slain in both senses, peace with God can never be broken.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:16 Christ’s death on the cross reconciles humans to God, and also Jews and Gentiles to each other.