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You asked

what current social or economic structures function like 'walls' preventing peace and unity?

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

Ephesians 2:14-16

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, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby.

This letter, written by Paul in the first century, is addressed to believers in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor. In these verses, Paul explains how Jesus's life and death brought together two groups—Jewish and non-Jewish people—who were previously separated by deep cultural, religious, and social barriers.

What steps can we take to dismantle walls of division in our own communities, even when they seem deeply ingrained?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Galatians 3:28

    This passage echoes the theme of unity in Christ, stating that distinctions like 'Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female' are overcome.

  • Isaiah 58:6-7

    This prophet calls for action that breaks 'bonds of wickedness' and frees the oppressed, linking spiritual health to social justice and the tearing down of oppressive structures.

  • Romans 10:12

    Paul reaffirms that there is no distinction between Jew and Greek in terms of salvation, as the same Lord is Lord of all.

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