You asked

what were the specific 'laws of commandments' that created division between jews and gentiles at that time?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Ephesians 2:14-15

“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,”

Paul is writing to new believers in Ephesus, a diverse city, likely in the 1st century CE. Many of these believers were Gentiles who had come to faith in Jesus, joining Jewish believers. Paul is explaining how Jesus has united these two groups, who were previously separated by significant social and religious barriers.

what aspects of our shared humanity are we currently allowing to be overshadowed by human-made rules or cultural divides?

Then — the setting

Paul, writing likely in the 60s CE, addresses Gentile believers in Ephesus, a major Roman city. He's speaking to the historical reality of deep social and religious separation between Jews and Gentiles. The 'middle wall of partition' could refer metaphorically to the Temple court barrier that separated Jews from Gentiles, or more broadly to the Mosaic Law itself, which defined Jewish identity and excluded Gentiles. The 'laws of commandments contained in ordinances' refers to the comprehensive legal system given through Moses, which included dietary laws (like kosher), circumcision, Sabbath observance, and purity rituals. These practices, central to Jewish identity and covenant relationship with God, were perceived by many as exclusive and created a distinct social and religious boundary between Jews and non-Jews.

Across the Testaments

This passage is in the New Testament, and it speaks directly to the Old Testament Mosaic Law. The Old Testament established the covenant with Israel, marked by these 'commandments and ordinances,' which set Israel apart from other nations. Here, Paul argues that Jesus, through his death, has brought an end to the *divisive function* of these laws, not necessarily their moral content. He doesn't say the laws are bad, but that they no longer serve as a barrier to God or between peoples. Instead of the Law being the path to belonging, faith in Christ now unites both Jews and Gentiles into one new community, fulfilling the broader Old Testament promise that all nations would be blessed through Abraham's descendants.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Acts 15:19-20
This passage describes the Jerusalem Council's decision on which Mosaic laws Gentiles needed to follow.
Galatians 3:28
Paul emphasizes unity in Christ, transcending traditional social and religious distinctions.
Romans 10:4
Paul states that Christ is the culmination of the law, bringing righteousness to everyone who believes.

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