Ephesians 2:17
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Ephesians 2:17 (KJV)
Context
Paul writes to believers in Ephesus about the great change Christ accomplished. In the preceding verses, he explains that through the cross, the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down. This verse summarizes the result: Christ came and announced peace to both groups.
Meaning
The phrase “preached peace” means Jesus proclaimed the good news of reconciliation with God. This peace is not a vague feeling but the specific peace made possible by His sacrificial death. Those “afar off” are the Gentiles, who were once outsiders to God’s covenant promises. Those “nigh” are the Jewish people, who were near to God by being His chosen nation. Christ’s message of peace is extended to both, regardless of their previous spiritual standing.
Biblical connections
This verse directly connects to Ephesians 2:13, which says that those who were “far off” have been “made nigh by the blood of Christ.” The preaching of peace is therefore grounded in the atoning work of the cross, not in human effort. The language of “afar off” also echoes Old Testament promises that God would be found by those who were not seeking Him, while “nigh” reflects Israel’s covenant closeness to God.
Application
The inclusive nature of the gospel is clear: salvation and peace are available to all people, whether religious insiders or complete outsiders. Through Jesus, every individual can experience peace with God and with one another, being united in the body of Christ. The church is called to embody and proclaim this same message of peace, demonstrating that old divisions are overcome in Christ.
Reflection
This verse reminds us that peace with God is a gift accomplished by Christ and announced through the gospel. It is not earned but received. As we read the surrounding verses, we see that the preaching of peace is not a one-time event but the ongoing declaration of the good news that defines the Christian community.
