One in Christ

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called (A)the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember (B)that you were at that time separated from Christ, (C)alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to (D)the covenants of promise, (E)having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were (F)far off have been brought near (G)by the blood of Christ. 14 For (H)he himself is our peace, (I)who has made us both one and has broken down (J)in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in (K)ordinances, that he might create in himself one (L)new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might (M)reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and (N)preached peace to you who were (O)far off and peace to those who were (P)near. 18 For (Q)through him we both have (R)access in (S)one Spirit to the Father.

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The reconciliation of God’s people

11 So remember that once you were Gentiles by physical descent, who were called “uncircumcised” by Jews who are physically circumcised. 12 At that time you were without Christ. You were aliens rather than citizens of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of God’s promise. In this world you had no hope and no God. 13 But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who once were so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 Christ is our peace. He made both Jews and Gentiles into one group. With his body, he broke down the barrier of hatred that divided us. 15 He canceled the detailed rules of the Law so that he could create one new person out of the two groups, making peace. 16 He reconciled them both as one body to God by the cross, which ended the hostility to God.

17 When he came, he announced the good news of peace to you who were far away from God and to those who were near. 18 We both have access to the Father through Christ by the one Spirit.

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