How does Ephesians 2:14 connect with Matthew 5:9 about being peacemakers? Peace Personified “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14) • Peace is not an abstract ideal; it is embodied in Jesus. • Isaiah 9:6 calls Him “Prince of Peace,” and Romans 5:1 affirms that through Him “we have peace with God.” • This peace came at the cost of His own blood (Colossians 1:20), proving its depth and permanence. How Christ Makes Peace in Ephesians 2:14 • He “has made the two one” – uniting Jew and Gentile into a single household (v. 15–19). • He “has torn down the dividing wall of hostility” – removing legal, cultural, and spiritual barriers. • The cross is the decisive act: hostility ends where reconciliation begins (v. 16). • Result: believers now enjoy access to the Father “by one Spirit” (v. 18). Linking Ephesians 2:14 to Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) • Source → Calling – Ephesians shows Christ as the Source of peace. – Matthew summons His followers to reflect that same peace. • Identity → Activity – In Ephesians, Christ establishes our new identity as one reconciled body. – In Matthew, that identity is lived out; peacemakers act like their Father, so they are recognized as His children. • Vertical → Horizontal – Ephesians focuses on vertical reconciliation (God with humanity) that spills over horizontally (Jew with Gentile). – Matthew urges the horizontal work explicitly: cultivate peace wherever conflict exists. Living as Peacemakers Today • Embrace the finished work: remember He “is our peace,” so peacemaking flows from security, not striving. • Guard unity in the local church (Ephesians 4:3). • Practice gospel-driven reconciliation—extend forgiveness just as God forgave you in Christ (Ephesians 4:32). • Carry the “ministry of reconciliation” to the world (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). • Sow peace in everyday relationships; “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness” (James 3:18). Key Takeaways • Christ is peace personified; His cross demolished every barrier. • Because He made us one, we are now equipped and commanded to make peace. • Peacemaking is family resemblance—those who do it are rightly called “sons of God.” |
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