Jew and Gentile are one in Messiah

Paul's mystery - Jew and Gentile are one in Messiah. This is one of Paul's most profound teachings and central to understanding his mission as an emissary to the nations. 

Ephesians 2-3: Overview of the Mystery

Paul explains how God-fearing Gentiles, who were once alienated from the covenants of promise, have now been brought near through the blood of Messiah, and not just near, but joined together with Israel into one new man. 

Gentiles Were Once Far Off

"Therefore, remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, were at that time separate from Messiah, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Messiah.'' (Ephesians 2:11-13)

Key points:

1. Gentiles were not part of the commonwealth of Israel. 

2. They were strangers to the covenants (notice plural - Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic)

3. But now they've been brought near - not by becoming Jewish (works of the Law), but by trusting in the blood of Yeshua. 

"For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, to create in Himself one new man from the two, so making peace.'' (Ephesians 2:14-16)

Paul's radical point:

1. Messiah has made Jew and Gentile into one new humanity. 

2. The ''dividing wall'' alludes to the literal wall in the Temple that separated Gentiles from Jews, the halakhic boundary that kept them apart.

3. Through the cross, He reconciled both to God in one body. 

"By revelation the mystery was made known to me, that the Gentiles are co-heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Messiah Yeshua through the gospel.'' (Ephesians 3:3-6)

Gentiles are co-heirs with Israel. Members of the same body. Partakers of the promise in Messiah. They are no longer outsiders - they share in the inheritance alongside Jewish believers, without needing to become Jewish. Paul doesn't say Gentiles become Jews, nor that Jews become Gentiles, but that both together form a new unity in Messiah, while retaining their distinctions.