Every four years when a new administration is elected, we hear lots about "reaching across the aisle," "bridging the partisan divide," and "working together." In short, we hear many lofty words about unity. Sadly, we also know all too well how infrequently it actually occurs.
However, our divisions are not confined to the political realm. Churches and families seem to be more divided than ever over political, social, and racial issues. The early church was no different. The chief struggle in the early church was between Jewish Christians -- those who claimed Israel's history and heritage and had embraced Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah -- and Gentile Christians -- those with a pagan or even no religious background but who were also drawn to the hope of new life in Christ. These two groups of people could not have been more different.
Many Jews interpreted the law as forbidding them to intermarry, associate, or even eat with Gentiles. This snobbery was not missed by Gentiles, who in turn regarded Jews with suspicion because of their inhospitable attitudes.
Therefore, Paul's words in Ephesians 2:14 about making the two groups one and "destroying the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" are utterly remarkable. Through the cross, Christ has accomplished the amazing feat of creating "one new person" (Eph. 2:16) out of the two groups. It's as if Christ has created an entirely new race of people, people who are neither Jewish nor Gentile.
Paul is clear here that, contrary to politicians' promises, unity is not something we achieve through human effort and striving, but rather something we receive as a gift when we enter the body of Christ. Later on, he will give his readers (and us!) some practical tips for how to dwell and walk together in unity, but what he wants them to know first is that they already are one.
