Ephesians 2:17
“And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.”
Context:To understand any verse in the Bible better, it is essential to consider its context. In the preceding verses, Paul, the author of Ephesians, discusses the reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles through faith in Christ Jesus. He emphasizes that through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, the dividing wall of hostility between these two groups has been broken down (Ephesians 2:14).
Preached Peace:In this verse, Paul highlights that Jesus Christ came and “preached peace” to both those who were “afar off” (Gentiles) and those who were “nigh” (Jews). The message of peace refers to the good news of the Gospel, which proclaims reconciliation with God and the restoration of a broken relationship.
Peace for All:The term “you which were afar off” refers to the Gentiles who were once considered outsiders to the covenant promises of God. The phrase “them that were nigh” represents the Jewish people who were already near to God by virtue of being the chosen people. Paul emphasizes that the message of peace through Jesus Christ is extended to all people, regardless of their background or previous spiritual status.
Reconciliation:The primary focus of this verse is on the reconciliation that is made possible through Christ’s work. The Gospel brings about peace, restoring harmony between humanity and God. It is through Jesus that both Jews and Gentiles can find peace with God and with one another, being united in the body of Christ.
Implications:This verse reminds us of the inclusive nature of the Gospel. It proclaims that the message of salvation and peace is not restricted to a particular group but is available to all people. Through Jesus Christ, all individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to experience the peace and reconciliation that comes from a relationship with God.
As you study this verse further, it is also beneficial to read the surrounding verses and explore related passages in the book of Ephesians or other parts of the Bible to gain a deeper understanding of the themes of peace, reconciliation, and the all-encompassing nature of the Gospel.
