Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

2:16-18 Peace with God. On the cross, Christ put to death the hostility between Israel and the other nations. In this section the focus shifts to the new, unified group being brought near to God.

2:16-17 reconcile. To bring two parties into peaceful relations, in this case, to satisfy God's wrath against his enemies (see Rom. 5:1-11). They are now friends (John 15:13-15) in one body, the church (see Eph. 4:4-5). Paul describes Christ's reconciliation very vividly as killing the hostility that stood in the way of peace with God. preached peace. Paul refers to Christ's messianic ministry to the whole world both far and near, alluding to Isa. 57:19.

2:18 access. To draw near to God and to enjoy him forever in a new creation is both mankind's greatest good and the ultimate accomplishment of Christ's earthly work of redemption. one Spirit. See note on 4:4.

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