Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (Ephesians 2:11-17)
Since this thread involves "Priesthood" I think comments on this verse is excellent for this thread. Think priesthood here.
Who is the Christ in this next verse?
"in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were
without Christ, being
aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:"
Le 4:3 If the priest that is anointed <04899> (Messiah)
Le 4:5 And the priest that is anointed <04899>(Messiah)
Le 4:16 And the priest that is anointed <04899>(Messiah)
Le 6:22 And the priest of his sons that is anointed <04899>(Messiah) in his stead
As the op points out the function of the order of Aaron (as a Levitical priesthood) as representative agency before God. Appearing before God on behalf of Israel.
Whom did they represent?
Ex 28:29 And
Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.
No Gentiles were named there
Ex 39:14 And the stones were according to the
names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name, according to
the twelve tribes.
This is what Ephesians is speaking about. Apart from circumcision a Gentile had no tribal affiliation and therefore no Messiah before God
04899 משׁיח mashiyach maw-shee’-akh
from 04886, Greek 3323 Μεσσιας; n m; [BDB-603b] {See TWOT on 1255 @@ "1255c"}
AV-anointed 37, Messiah 2; 39
1) anointed, anointed one
1a) of the Messiah, Messianic prince
1b) of the king of Israel
1c) of the high priest of Israel
1d) of Cyrus
1e) of the patriarchs as anointed kings
Ephesians is
"distinguishing" between the "Annointed ones".
Above he speaks of the High priest according to the
order of Aaron
Below he speaks of the high priest as specifically
order of Mechizedek in Jesus
13
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
