Ja, han døde på korset for oss og tok straffen vår på seg. Ved dette ble Moseloven med alle sine bud og forskrifter ikke lenger veien til frelse. Hans mål var å stifte fred mellom jøder, og de som ikke er jøder, gjennom det å forene dem med seg selv og skape et nytt menneske, en ny kropp, som er menigheten. Når vi nå er lemmer på den samme kroppen, har fiendskapet mellom oss forsvunnet, etter som vi alle er forsonet med Gud og er vennene hans.
What Does This Mean?
This verse says that Jesus ended the conflicts between Jews and Gentiles by doing away with some of the old laws. He made one new group, bringing peace to both groups. The speaker is Paul, who explains how Jesus achieved this.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have two friends who always fight over toys. Then a big brother comes along, takes away the cause of fighting (like the toy), and makes them play as one team instead. That's what Jesus did for Jews and Gentiles – he took away their reasons to fight and made them into one group.
Historical Background
Paul wrote this letter around 60-62 AD to the Ephesians, a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile Christians in Asia Minor. The cultural setting was marked by tensions between these two groups due to old religious laws and customs.
Living It Out Today
In modern scenarios, consider how differences like race or religion can cause conflicts at work or school. This verse reminds us that Jesus' mission is peace, urging us to bridge gaps and unite people across divides.
Topics
peacesalvationunityconflict resolutionnew covenantChristian community
'Abolished the enmity' means that Jesus removed the hostility or conflict between different groups, specifically Jews and Gentiles, by doing away with laws that caused division.
How did Jesus make peace between two groups?
Jesus made peace by removing the dividing walls of hostility through his sacrifice on the cross. This act allowed both Jews and Gentiles to become one unified body in Christ, living in harmony.
What is meant by 'law of commandments'?
'Law of commandments' refers to specific laws from the Old Testament that created divisions between different groups. Jesus abolished these laws so they no longer cause separation or enmity among people.
How can this verse be applied in today's society?
This verse teaches us to seek peace and unity, especially across differences such as race or religion. We can apply it by working towards reconciliation and understanding, mirroring Jesus' mission of bringing harmony among all people.