Eph 2:16-18 | Family | STEP | Both ; both Jews and Gentiles. In one body ; in one spiritual body, namely, the Christian church. By the cross ; by his bloody death on the cross as an expiation for sin. Having slain the enmity ; by annulling the Jewish ceremonial law, which was the ground of the enmity between Jews and Gentiles. Thereby ; literally, in it; that is, by dying upon it.

Ephesians 2:16-18

Both; both Jews and Gentiles.

In one body; in one spiritual body, namely, the Christian church.

By the cross; by his bloody death on the cross as an expiation for sin.

Having slain the enmity; by annulling the Jewish ceremonial law, which was the ground of the enmity between Jews and Gentiles.

Thereby; literally, in it; that is, by dying upon it. To you; you Gentiles, which were afar off; from God. See verse Eph 2:12.

To them that were nigh; to the Jews, who, in their outward relation, were nigh to God. To both he preached peace with God, and thus with one another. Peace with God, peace with conscience, and peace with one another, are the fruit of faith in Christ. By his Spirit he produces in those who believe on him a filial temper, gives them access to God as their Father, and leads them, as his children, from love to him to love one another.