Did Paul Abrogate the Law for Everyone?
(14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [at the Temple of Jerusalem]; (15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (Ephesians 2:14-16, ASV)(bracketed text added by ASV to make flow better)
Most reputable commentators agree that Paul says here that Jesus abrogated the entire Law of Moses. Gill clearly says it is the Law given at Mount Sinai. Gill says Sinai means “hatred” in Hebrew. Thus, Paul is engaging in word-play with its synonym in Greek—enmity. Gill then explains Paul means that from Sinai “descended ‘hatred’ or ‘enmity’ to the nations of the world: now this Christ abolished.” Jamieson likewise says Paul means Jesus abrogated the entire Law of Moses. Jesus supposedly replaced it with the “law of Love.” Henry hedges a bit. He says Paul means the “ceremonial law” was abrogated. Colossians 2:14
Second, Paul rewords Ephesians 2:14-16 in Colossians 2:14. The abrogation of the Law is crystal clear in Colossians. All the Law including the commandment to rest on the Sabbath is abolished: (14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (16) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: (17) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. (Colossians 2:14-17, ASV)
Jesus’ Words Only
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