Ephesians.5

United in Christ: The Power of Reconciliation

Bible Passage: Ephesians 2:11–22

Summary: Ephesians 2:11-22 emphasizes the reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles through Christ, highlighting the breaking down of barriers and the creation of one new body.

1. Remembering Our Former Exclusion

Ephesians 2:11–12 “Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”

The Former Separation and Gentile Alienation

Gentiles were once called “Uncircumcision” by those called “Circumcision,” this marked a fundamental division between these communities. Prior to that time, Gentiles existed without Christ as a group, alienated from Israel’s commonwealth and estranged from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. This passage establishes the historical reality of Jewish-Gentile separation; not merely social and cultural distance but spiritual exclusion from God’s covenant people and redemptive promises.

Paul carries on the conversation from Ephesians 2:1-10, after telling you of the greatness of grace and its benefits, remember you were very very lost. You were separated, alienated, without hope. This great gulf between two people illustrates the distance between the world and redemption; and sets the stage for the discussion of the magnitude of reconciliation.

2. Reaching Peace Through Christ

Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

But Now

“But Now” a variation on, “But God” still a unique thing that only God can do.

Another great “but now” in the Bible can be found in Romans 3:21 “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,” And Romans 6:22 “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” and Colossians 1:21 “21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled” In Greek, νυνί δέ nuni de but now God as done a new thing. He has inaugurated a new dispensation - GRACE.

Access Granted, Brought Near, Through Christ’s Blood

Those who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. The barrier separating Gentiles from God’s people has been demolished through Christ’s sacrificial death, transforming outsiders into insiders. This shift from distance to nearness represents the foundational reversal enabling reconciliation.

Christ’s blood achieved peace by demolishing the Law’s division barrier. This act isn’t merely historical but serves as a reminder for us today; in Christ, peace supersedes division. We should reflect on Christ’s reconciliation in our relationships, pursuing peace and unity. Stop being the victim and be the reconciler.

3. Divine Math: out of 2 > 1 True Peace

Ephesians 2:14–16 “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.”

Christ as Peace—Abolishing Enmity

Peace εἰρήνη eirene - a cessation of struggle. Through faith in Christ, believers receive peace with God (Rom 5:1), a transformation rooted in Christ’s redemptive work. This is a work of removing hostility and restoring harmony based on the atonement, the basis of fellowship.

Jesus is the source of peace

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (Jn 14:27). In Him we have peace, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

Spiritual mindedness produces life and peace (Rom 8:6; Isa 26:3), while God’s peace guards our hearts and minds through Christ (Phil 4:7).

Christ Himself is the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6), having made both Jews and Gentiles one and broken down the middle wall of separation by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, the law of commandments contained in ordinances; so as to create one new man from the two, thus making peace and reconciling them both to God. Rather than requiring Gentiles to become Jewish, Christ creates an entirely new corporate identity (His body) transcending both communities, with the cross serving as the instrument that eliminates hostility between groups and restores both to relationship with God.

New man in Greek, καινός ἄνθρωπος kainos anthropos new here is in contrast to what is old, the new man replaces that which has become useless and obsolete.

Berlin Wall totally taken down replaced by unity.

Civil War Reconstruction, break down old structures and replace them.

4. Reconcile in His Body

Ephesians 2:17–18 “And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.”

Preached Peace

Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Peace is Unified Access to the Father

His message went out to the whole world. The reconciliation extends beyond horizontal peace between Jews and Gentiles to vertical restoration; both groups now approach God through identical means, the Holy Spirit, eliminating any hierarchy of priestly access or privileged nearness.

Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!””

Romans 10:15 “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!””

Our message is one of reconciliation - the gospel of peace. the Great Commission (Mt 28:18-19).

5. Residing in God’s Temple

Ephesians 2:19–22 “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

Corporate Identity as God’s Dwelling

Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Saved Gentiles don’t take over Israel’s blessings. We do not join a Jewish church. Jewish believers don’t loose their heritage, but gain the blessing of being part of the bride of Christ.

Imagine a family that builds their home with love, respect, and understanding. Each family member contributes their unique strengths; cooking, cleaning, and nurturing, just like each believer has a part to play in the Holy Temple of God. In Ephesians 2:19-22, we see that believers are not just individual stones but collectively form a dwelling place for the Spirit. This unity brings strength and purpose, reminding us that our individual faith contributes to the larger body of Christ.

Consider how a symphony operates. Each musician plays a different instrument, yet they must harmonize to create a powerful and cohesive sound. We are reminded that as believers, our collective worship and service form a sacred symphony, where each note contributes to the expression of God’s glory. Together, we are the temple where His presence is magnified.

God has done a new thing, created one new man (Ep 2:14; Gal 3:28). Reconciliation produces not merely peaceful coexistence but earthly unity with heavenly significance, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 3:20).

Always remember, Christ is the cornerstone of this temple, who joins believers into a holy edifice. Our role as God’s temple means our calling is to reflect His glory. We need to live in a manner that builds up this spiritual dwelling, expressing unity and love in the place where God’s presence dwells.