Topical Encyclopedia The term "Middle Wall" is primarily associated with the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, where it is used metaphorically to describe the division between Jews and Gentiles. In Ephesians 2:14, Paul writes, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility." This "dividing wall" or "middle wall" is understood to symbolize the separation that existed between the Jewish people, who were the recipients of God's covenant, and the Gentiles, who were considered outsiders to these promises.Historical Context In the physical sense, the "middle wall" may allude to the barrier in the Herodian Temple in Jerusalem, known as the Soreg. This was a low wall that separated the Court of the Gentiles from the inner courts, which were accessible only to Jews. The Soreg served as a physical representation of the religious and cultural barriers that existed between Jews and Gentiles. Inscriptions on this wall warned Gentiles against crossing under penalty of death, highlighting the severity of the division. Theological Significance Theologically, the "middle wall" represents the Law of Moses, which included ceremonial laws and ordinances that distinguished Jews from Gentiles. These laws served as a boundary, maintaining the distinct identity of the Jewish people as God's chosen nation. However, with the coming of Christ, the purpose of these laws was fulfilled. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus abolished the enmity and division, creating one new humanity. Ephesians 2:15-16 states, "by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility." Spiritual Implications The removal of the "middle wall" signifies the inclusivity of the Gospel message. It underscores the unity of all believers in Christ, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. This unity is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing that salvation is available to all who believe, both Jew and Gentile. Galatians 3:28 echoes this truth: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Practical Application For the early church, the tearing down of the "middle wall" was a call to embrace fellowship and unity among diverse believers. It challenged Jewish and Gentile Christians to overcome historical prejudices and to live as one body in Christ. This message continues to resonate today, encouraging the church to break down barriers of race, culture, and tradition, fostering a community that reflects the reconciliatory work of Christ. In summary, the "middle wall" serves as a powerful metaphor for the division that once existed between Jews and Gentiles, a division that has been overcome through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It calls believers to live in unity and peace, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Middle WallMIDDLE WALL See PARTITION. Greek 3320. mesotoichon -- a middle wall ... a middle wall. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: mesotoichon Phonetic Spelling: (mes-ot'-oy-khon) Short Definition: a middle wall, partition wall ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3320.htm - 6k Library Ephesians ii. 11, 12 The Judges Said: if we Consider that the Light Existed Before the ... The Judges Said: Tell Us, O Manes, who Designated the Boundaries ... The Training of the Twelve The Account Given in the Aforesaid Book of the Place of Our Lord's ... The Description of Jerusalem. The Church of God. Sowing and Reaping. The Good Samaritan The Conversion of Cornelius. Resources The Middle Ages ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Molinism and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is a Third Way church? | GotQuestions.org Middle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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