2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in {o} one body by the cross, having {p} slain the enmity thereby:
(o) He alludes to the sacrifices of the Law, which represented that true and only sacrifice.
(p) For he destroyed death by death, and fastened it as it were to the cross.
2:16 That he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross. First, the cross makes peace between Jew and Gentile; and second, the blood of the cross cleanses both before God, and makes peace between them and God.
Having by it slain the enmity. Not only of Jew for Gentile, but of the sinner for God. When the sinner once fixes his mind on the bleeding Savior, the goodness of God leads him to repentance (Ro 2:4).
2:16 In one body - One church. Having slain - By his own death on the cross. The enmity - Which had been between sinners and God.
2:14-18 Jesus Christ made peace by the sacrifice of himself; in every sense Christ was their Peace, the author, centre, and substance of their being at peace with God, and of their union with the Jewish believers in one church. Through the person, sacrifice, and mediation of Christ, sinners are allowed to draw near to God as a Father, and are brought with acceptance into his presence, with their worship and services, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, as one with the Father and the Son. Christ purchased leave for us to come to God; and the Spirit gives a heart to come, and strength to come, and then grace to serve God acceptably.
