Ephesians 2:11-14

Turn now to Ephesians 2:11-14. This is right after Paul said, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works." Remember that this book was written to a congregation that was predominately Gentile. However, it did have some Israelites (most notably Jews) within it. The Jews and the Gentiles historically were never able to get along. There were reasons on both sides. What this book does is address the question of, "How can two very diverse people get along with one another?"

The Gentiles were strangers from the God of Israel. The Jews had at least a little bit of advantage there, but it wasn't much of an advantage because they were strangers from the God of the Bible too! They didn't know Him. They thought they did, but we just read a place in John 8 which says very clearly they didn't know God. Here they were, getting ready to kill God's Son, and they were saying they were sons of God through Abraham. Jesus said, "Ridiculous!" and so they picked up stones to try to stone Him. The Jews did not really have a working relationship with God at all. They had a vague understanding of Him.

Ephesians 2:11-12

The Gentiles were strangers from the God of Israel. The Jews had at least a little bit of advantage there, but it wasn't much of an advantage because they were strangers from the God of the Bible too! They didn't know Him. They thought they did, but we just read a place in John 8 which says very clearly they didn't know God. Here they were, getting ready to kill God's Son, and they were saying they were sons of God through Abraham. Jesus said, "Ridiculous!" and so they picked up stones to try to stone Him. The Jews did not really have a working relationship with God at all. They had a vague understanding of Him.