From Strangers to Citizens (2:11-22)

It seems to me that Paul, here, is assuming that his readers understand the floor-plan of the Jewish Temple. There were Gentile Courts, Jewish Courts & the Holy of Holies. He makes the case, in this section, that the wall b/w the Gentile and Jewish courts has been destroyed and that all people are now equal. Furthermore, the wall between all people and the holy of holies is gone so that all people have access to God's presence.

1. What was our former state and why does Paul insist that we ‘remember’ it?

Separate/Far-Away (12-13) --> Connected/Near (13)
Excluded (12) --> Included (13)
Foreigners/Aliens (12, 19) --> Citizens/Members (19)
Without Hope/God (12) --> Built/Access (18, 22)

2. By what means do people move from the left to the right (on the lists above)? How does this work? (13)
- Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial law (breaking wall b/w Gentiles and Jews)
- Jesus fulfilled the moral law (breaking wall b/w people and God)

3. Why was there so much friction b/w Gentiles and Jews? How does the cross resolve this conflict? (11, 14-18)
- Eliminates ceremonial law (Sabbath, Kosher, Circumcision, etc)

4. In what sense did Jesus abolish the law? (15)
- Ceremonial is completed, gone
- Moral is fulfilled, perfected (not removed)

5. Do you see the Trinity in this passage? (18)
By Spirit, through Son, to Father

6. Why so many metaphors?
New Man (15)
Body (16)
Household (19)
Citizens (19)
Building (20)
Temple (21-22)

7. Why are the Apostles/Prophets foundational? (20)