And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Translate, 'Might completely reconcile again both in one body (the Church, Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 3:15) unto (their original unity with) God through His cross.' The "reconcile" [apokatalaxe], found only here and Colossians 1:20, expresses not only a return to favour with one х katallagee (G2643)], but so to lay aside enmity that complete amity follows; to pass from enmity to complete reconciliation (Tittmarsh).
Having (after He had) slain the enmity - namely, between man and God; and so that between Jew and Gentile, which resulted from it. By His being slain, He slew it (cf. Hebrews 2:14).
Thereby - Greek, 'therein:' 'in virtue of the cross;' i:e., His crucifixion (Colossians 2:15).