John Calvin Commentary Ephesians 2:16

"and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:" — Ephesians 2:16 (ASV)

And that he might reconcile both. The reconciliation between ourselves that has now been described is not the only advantage we derive from Christ. We have been brought back into favor with God. The Jews are thus led to consider that they have no less need of a Mediator than the Gentiles. Without this, neither the Law, nor ceremonies, nor their descent from Abraham, nor all their dazzling prerogatives, would be of any use. We are all sinners, and forgiveness of sins cannot be obtained except through the grace of Christ. He adds, in one body, to inform the Jews that to cultivate union with the Gentiles will be well-pleasing in the sight of God.

By the cross. The word cross is added to point out the propitiatory sacrifice. Sin is the cause of enmity between God and us; and, until it is removed, we will not be restored to the Divine favor. It has been blotted out by the death of Christ, in which he offered himself to the Father as an expiatory victim. There is another reason, indeed, why the cross is mentioned here, as it is through the cross that all ceremonies have been abolished. Accordingly, he adds, slaying the enmity thereby. These words, which unquestionably relate to the cross, can be understood in two ways: either that Christ, by his death, has turned away from us the Father’s anger, or that, having redeemed both Jews and Gentiles, he has brought them back into one flock. The latter seems to be the more probable interpretation, as it agrees with a former clause, abolishing in his flesh the enmity. (Ephesians 2:15).