INTRODUCTION TO EPHESIANS STUDY , Ron Ward
HE IS OUR PEACE
Passage: Ephesians 2:11~18  
Key verse: 14a
Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ
11 Therefore, remember that formerly(A) you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)(B)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners(C) to the covenants of the promise,(D) without hope(E) and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once(F) were far away have been brought near(G) by the blood of Christ.(H)
14 For he himself is our peace,(I) who has made the two groups one(J) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh(K) the law with its commands and regulations.(L) His purpose was to create in himself one(M) new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross,(N) by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace(O) to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.(P) 18 For through him we both have access(Q) to the Father(R) by one Spirit.(S)
Cross references
- Ephesians 2:11 : S ver 2
- Ephesians 2:11 : Col 2:11
- Ephesians 2:12 : Isa 14:1; 65:1
- Ephesians 2:12 : Gal 3:17
- Ephesians 2:12 : 1Th 4:13
- Ephesians 2:13 : S ver 2
- Ephesians 2:13 : ver 17
- Ephesians 2:13 : Col 1:20
- Ephesians 2:14 : ver 15; S Jn 14:27
- Ephesians 2:14 : 1Co 12:13; Eph 3:6
- Ephesians 2:15 : Col 1:21, 22
- Ephesians 2:15 : Col 2:14
- Ephesians 2:15 : Gal 3:28
- Ephesians 2:16 : 2Co 5:18; Col 1:20, 22
- Ephesians 2:17 : S Lk 2:14
- Ephesians 2:17 : ver 13; Ps 148:14; Isa 57:19
- Ephesians 2:18 : Eph 3:12
- Ephesians 2:18 : Col 1:12
- Ephesians 2:18 : 1Co 12:13; Eph 4:4
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Remember what you were (11-12)
The Jews who called themselves 'the circumcision' regarded Gentiles as the objects of God's wrath. But the Gentiles who accepted Jesus became people of God. It is the amazing grace of God that Gentiles could be included among God's people and inherit the promises and covenants of God. Before we met Jesus, we were outsiders, Gentiles without hope and without God in the world.
2. Brought near by the blood of Christ (13-18)
Gentiles were once far away, while Jews were near to God. But being near is not close enough. Jesus came and preached peace to those who were near and to those who were far away. Jesus died on the cross to save us from sin. Everyone is a sinner; everyone needs forgiveness. Everyone needs Jesus. Jesus gives us peace with God. Sinners who stand together at the foot of the cross cannot be enemies. We are reconciled to God and to one another only at the foot of the cross.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your grace that brought me forgiveness and peace.
One Word: He himself is our peace