“And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.”– Ephesians 2:17
Ephesians 2:17 Meaning
In this passage, the Apostle Paul is emphasizing the peace that Jesus Christ brings to everyone, regardless of their background. The phrase “far off” refers to the Gentiles, who were previously separated from the people of Israel and God’s promises. In contrast, “near” refers to the Jewish people, who had the advantage of being God’s chosen people and had access to His laws and promises. Paul is highlighting that through Jesus, both groups experience a profound reconciliation. This is significant because it publicly affirms that God’s grace is available to everyone, closing the gap between previously divided communities. Peace is not merely the absence of hostility but is also about wholeness, restoration, and right relationships – with God and with one another.
We see throughout the Bible that God’s intention has always been to include everyone in His plan. Passages like Isaiah 57:19 reveal the heart of God to bring peace to those distant from Him. In this way, Ephesians 2:17 serves as a bridge that connects past scriptures to this new reality of unity in Christ. It reassures us that no one is too far gone to receive the gift of peace and relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:17 Commentary and Explanation
This verse holds powerful meaning for us today. The peace that Jesus preached transcends cultural and social barriers. Jesus actively sought out those who were marginalized, broken, or feeling unworthy, showing us that He welcomes all into His arms. It’s a beautiful reminder that His love doesn’t have exclusions based on our past or who we are. For many of us, it brings hope and reassurance that regardless of where we come from or how far we think we are from God, we can approach Him with openness and expectation of peace.
While Paul was addressing the specific cultural context of his time, it resonates with many of our modern-day struggles. People today still face division and conflict based on race, nationality, and social status. The message that Jesus brings peace is not limited to a historical context but is relevant in our lives today. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a reflection of that peace by uniting communities rather than separating them. We have a responsibility to model this message by promoting peace and inclusion in our own lives, churches, and communities.
Paul encourages us to remember that Jesus’ message is one of acceptance and peace. This isn’t just a personal peace but is a communal one that affects how we relate to others. The unity that Jesus brings in Ephesians 2:17 transcends boundaries. As we work to create greater understanding and unity among people, we find ourselves fulfilling the mission that Christ entrusted to His followers.
When we embrace the truth of John 14:27, where Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you,” we anchor ourselves in the truth that peace is not the absence of turbulence but the presence of hope, love, and belonging. This realization helps us to act with compassion and grace towards others, knowing we each have access to this same peace that comes from God.
Context of Ephesians 2:17
To fully understand this verse, we must look at it within the broader context of Ephesians 2. Paul outlines the condition of humanity before Christ, calling attention to how we were separated from His grace because of sin. But the heart of this book is about reconciliation and unity in the body of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13 sets up the groundwork by emphasizing the former separation of Gentiles, and then leading into the beautiful promise that through Jesus, Gentiles and Jews alike become one in Him.
Paul elaborated that before Christ, the Gentiles were without hope and without God. The peace preached in verse 17 follows his description of Christ as our peace in Ephesians 2:14. The entire chapter serves as a reminder that Jesus is the bridge between humankind and our Creator. Because of His sacrifice, we are encouraged to embrace this new identity as those who are welcomed into God’s family.
This context reflects God’s overarching plan of salvation. It wasn’t limited to a particular group, making it accessible for all who believe. The beauty of Christianity is its universality—we are all called to partake in the love and grace of God through Jesus Christ. As His followers, we must share that message, actively working against the divisions that still exist in our society today.
In verses 19-22, Paul continues with the metaphor of the church as a building, where Christ is the cornerstone. Each person has a role in this structure, illustrating the importance of community founded on peace and unity. Here, we are not merely spectators but active participants in the body of Christ, where every person matters and belongs.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ephesians 2:17
The first part of the verse, “And he came,” signifies Jesus’ active role in our lives. He didn’t just remain distant; He came to us, showcasing His love and desire for relationship. This is a powerful statement of presence and intervention. Jesus intentionally arrives where there was once separation and isolation; it represents hope for reconciliation.
The phrase “preached peace” showcases the essence of Jesus’ teaching. Peace is more than a concept; it’s a message we are called to live out. It encourages us to pursue wholeness in our relationships and actions. Jesus’ message wasn’t simply about making peace but rather embodying it in every step He took among people.
When we look at “to you who were far off and peace to those who were near,” we see a beautiful inclusivity. It emphasizes the effectiveness of Christ’s message for every person—reminding us that salvation is not exclusive but is offered to everyone. Regardless of our backgrounds, past mistakes, or social standings, we are all welcomed into His grace.
Finally, we witness how this peace creates a community. Jesus did not come merely to save individuals in isolation but to establish a family unified in Him. This molds us into individuals who live and love through Him, making us instruments of His peace within our families, churches, and communities.
Lessons From Ephesians 2:17
This verse teaches us crucial lessons about God’s love and our roles as His followers. The first lesson is about inclusivity. No matter where we come from or how different we seem to each other, we are welcomed into God’s family through Christ. This idea should inspire us to reject division and foster unity among all people.
We are also reminded of the responsibility we have as peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9) resonates here. We cannot take God’s peace lightly; it is something we actively pursue and strive to extend to others. Every interaction we have is an opportunity to either promote peace or to divide, and as Christians, we should consciously choose the former.
This scripture also urges us to recognize our spiritual identities. Being “in Christ” transforms us and reconnects us with God. Understanding that we are part of a greater narrative invites us to live lovingly, purposefully, and respectfully towards those around us. It helps us appreciate the value of every single person we meet, viewing them as created in God’s image.
Finally, we are called to be ambassadors of peace. We can take this powerful message into our communities. Whether it’s in schools, workplaces, or within our own families, we should strive to reflect this peace of Christ, encouraging others to experience the love available to them through faith in Him.
Final Thoughts
As we meditate on Ephesians 2:17, let’s wish to carry the message of peace into our everyday lives. The peace Jesus extends is one of acceptance, unity, and hope. We are called to share this peace with everyone we encounter, spreading a message of love beyond boundaries.
Let us remember that we are all part of God’s grand family, and through our acknowledgment of this, we can promote unity and peace in a world that desperately needs it. This journey begins with fostering relationships around us. So, let’s encourage each other to be the peacemakers God desires us to be, making Christ known in our communities, just like He preached peace to those who were far off and those who were near. Embrace the call we have to share this transformative message of peace throughout the world.
For those looking to explore further topics that emphasize faith and unity, consider checking out articles on Ephesians 2:16 and how it connects with the broader narrative of reconciliation in Christ.