You asked

what was the common understanding of a 'middle wall' among paul's first readers?

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,”

Paul, writing from prison, is explaining to a diverse group of believers in Ephesus how Jesus has united different groups of people. He uses the imagery of a 'middle wall' to illustrate this profound change.

What divisions in our world today might this ancient imagery challenge us to confront?

Keep thinking

Behind the texthow did the temple's structure reinforce social and religious boundaries for paul's audience?
Across the Biblehow do other biblical texts speak about barriers between groups or individuals?
For todaywhat current societal 'walls' are most urgent to address from this perspective?

Read alongside it

Galatians 3:28
This verse describes how differences like ethnicity, social status, and gender are overcome in Christ.
Acts 10:28
Peter's vision and encounter with Cornelius challenged the traditional separation between Jews and Gentiles.
Isaiah 57:19
Prophesies that God brings peace to both those far away and those near, a theme echoed by Paul.

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