thinking bible.

You asked

how does this 'breaking down' relate to earlier hebrew prophets' visions of inclusion?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Ephesians 2:14

For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in his flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances,

Paul is writing to new believers in Ephesus, a diverse city in Asia Minor, likely around 60-62 CE. He explains how Jesus' work brings together people who were previously separated by deep cultural, religious, and social divisions, specifically between Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles).

what walls of division does this passage challenge you to see differently today?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Isaiah 2:2-4

    Envisions all nations streaming to Jerusalem, learning peace, and ending war, hinting at universal inclusion.

  • Zechariah 8:20-23

    Describes people from many cities coming to seek God and joining with those of Judah.

  • Galatians 3:28

    Affirms that in Christ, traditional social and religious distinctions (like Jew/Gentile) are transcended.

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