Big Picture:  This passage contrasts the former godlessness of the Gentiles and our exclusion from the people of God with our new experience of closeness to God and inclusion in his New Covenant people. This change has taken place on the basis of Jesus’ death on the cross, which resulted in the abrogation of the Mosaic Law, thus destroying the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. This new humanity – the redeemed church - enjoys a relationship of peace with God, and peace with one another. In Christ we are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

1. Gentile Christian, know your past (11-12)

• Separate from Christ.
• Excluded from citizenship in Israel.
• Foreigners to the covenants of the promise.
• Without hope.
• Without God in the world.

2. Gentile Christian, know your transforming Saviour (13-18)

• What has Christ has done? He has made the two (Jew and Gentile) one by setting aside in his crucified flesh the Law Covenant with its commands and regulations.

• What has Christ purposed? To create in himself one new humanity (the redeemed church) out of the two, thus making peace.

• What has Christ preached? “Peace” to you who were far away (Gentiles) and “peace” to those who were near (Jews)

3. Gentile Christian, know your covenantal present (19-22)

• We are now fellow citizens and members of God’s household
• We are being built together, in Christ, to become a holy temple in which God lives by his Spirit.