No More Walls!: The Creation of One New Man in Christ Ephesians 2:11-22

A groundbreaking exegetical study of Ephesians 2:11-22 that brings new scholarly clarity to one of the New Testament's most theologically significant and grammatically complex passages.No More Walls! The Creation of One New Man in Christ Ephesians 2:11-22 presents an in-depth exegesis of Paul's proclamation of God's desired unity between Gentile and Jewish believers, offering new light on two of the most debated aorist participial clauses in the New Testament, which are both contained within Ephesians 2:14-15.Drawing on doctoral research completed at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and informed by deep engagement with the historical-cultural context of the first-century Greco-Roman world, Dr. Joseph argues that the metaphorical mesotoichon tou fragmou, "the dividing middle-wall," is best understood through the first-century architectural metaphor of a master builder destroying a shared solid wall between two contiguous residences, enlarging the space for a newly combined family. Dr. Joseph demonstrates that this metaphorical image is central to understanding Paul's proclamation that through Christ's atoning work, which created one new man, the cultural and purity ordinances of the Mosaic Law became optional: removing one of the primary sources of mutual hostility between Gentile and Jewish believers helping to unify God's eternal holy family.Designed for seminary students, graduate scholars, biblical studies faculty, and advanced theological readers, this exegetical academic edition features a rigorous engagement with Greek grammar, interaction with Hebrew, Aramaic, Latin, and German languages, along with a careful look at the literary and historical-cultural context of this passage. In addition, it includes interaction with some of the best twentieth century scholars looking at their thoughts on this passage. This work is an essential contribution to the ongoing scholarly conversation for Ephesians 2:11-22, Christian unity, the place of the Mosaic Law in the Messianic Age, and the resulting theological implications for the Church today. Read more