The Reconciliation of Jesus and Paul: A New Translation of Eph 2:15a

Most English Bible versions render the Greek of Eph 2:15 in a way that seems to contradict Jesus’ words in Matt 5:17 concerning whether by him the law is abolished or fulfilled. This essay examines Eph 2:15a using the idealized cognitive model (ICM). The model provides rigor in determining the meaning of such words as katargevw and novmo" according to context. The linguistic insights gained through this analysis suggest a novel translation that promises to reconcile the apparent inconsistencies.