“And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.”– Ephesians 2:17 (KJV)
“He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near.”– Ephesians 2:17 (NLT)
“He came and preached peace to those of you who were far away and peace to those who were near.”– Ephesians 2:17 (MSG)
What Does Ephesians 2:17 Mean?
In this passage, Paul is explaining a beautiful truth about the message of Jesus Christ. This verse tells us that He came to bring peace. But what does that really mean? When we think about peace, we may think of the absence of conflict or quietness in our hearts. Here, Paul speaks to both the Gentiles and the Jews, emphasizing that Jesus’s message of peace reaches everyone, no matter their background or past. This peace is not just for one group; it is universal.
This peace Jesus preached is described as something that bridges the gap between different groups of people. For many Gentiles, the idea of a loving God was foreign, while the Jewish people had a long history of tradition and law. Through Jesus, those who were feeling distant from God found a way to come near. He accepted them just as they were and brought a message filled with grace.
Ephesians 2:17 Explanation and Commentary
Understanding Ephesians 2:17 requires us to look beyond just the words and examine what they mean for us today. Paul sends an important message that resonates today just as it did then. He highlights how Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecy of bringing peace. This peace is twofold: it reconciles individuals to God and also to one another.
Imagine a time when we may have felt separated from someone we love. Those moments can be tough, but imagine discovering a path back to that relationship. That is what Jesus did on a grander scale. He opened the door for us to live in harmony with God through forgiveness and love, making the distance feel less daunting.
When we reflect on this passage, it should instill hope within us. This hope goes beyond just feeling good about ourselves. It motivates us to connect with others who might feel far away from God. We understand that Jesus did not just come for the “perfect” people but for everyone. This hearkens to the biblical idea that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
Let us encourage one another that no one is too far gone to reach God’s love. We can witness countless stories in the Bible where people, who seemed lost or unworthy, received grace. Just like Paul, our encounters with Jesus can change the trajectory of our lives. It is a reminder that His love is powerful enough to transform hearts.
Context of Ephesians 2:17
To fully grasp the meaning of this verse, we must explore the context around it. The whole chapter of Ephesians 2 discusses themes such as grace, faith, and reconciliation. Paul is writing to the Ephesians to encourage them about their identity in Christ. He reminds them that previously, they were separated from the covenant of God. The arrival of Jesus changes everything.
In prior verses, Paul describes how both Jews and Gentiles were dead in their sins, but through faith in Christ, they are made alive. The way he paints the picture emphasizes that without Jesus, we were apart from God. His role as our Savior introduces us to a relationship where we can thrive qualitatively. This context shines a light on how once we were apart, but because of Christ, we are brought near.
This segment of Ephesians is about more than just individual salvation; it seeks to unify different groups. Apostle Paul had to address the divisions prevalent during that time. By preaching peace, he invited everyone, regardless of their background, to belong in the family of God. Paul’s audience understood the deep divisions between Jews and Gentiles, and through this work of Christ, barriers were being broken down.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ephesians 2:17
The first aspect of Ephesians 2:17 is the word “preached.” This signifies the action that Jesus took to share the good news of peace. Preaching represents not just verbal communication but living out the message through actions. So, in essence, Jesus did not just talk about peace; He embodied it. He showed love to those who felt unworthy and broke cultural norms to share life with the marginalized.
The second part is “peace.” This word in the Greek, “Eirene,” encompasses the idea of wholeness, well-being, and prosperity. Jesus was not just bringing the absence of conflict but a sense of completeness in a relationship with God and others. This peace is what every human heart longs for, yet it can only be fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
Lastly, the description of both Gentiles and Jews highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’s message. No one is left out. We see Paul emphasizing there are no favorites in the family of God. He opens the door for everyone because access to God is not about heritage, but about faith. This challenge reshapes our understanding of community and belonging.
Lessons to Learn From Ephesians 2:17
What can we take away from this verse? First, the message of peace encourages us to share that same peace with those around us. As believers, we have a responsibility to reach out and help connect others to God. It can be through our words, actions, or even through extending kindness. We can be instruments of peace, following the example set forth by Jesus.
Next, it teaches that faith in Christ is the bridge that connects people. Too often, we find ourselves cherishing little divisions, forgetting that we are all part of the same family. As we embrace our roles in a diverse community, we create opportunities for healing and understanding. We each have a story worth sharing and sometimes, sharing those testimonies can help others step closer to God.
Additionally, Ephesians 2:17 reminds us about hope. There is always a way back to God, regardless of our past. Many struggle with feelings of unworthiness and shame, but by proclaiming this message of peace, we can help others know they are never too far removed to receive His love. Our testimony can give hope because it shows that before we encountered Jesus, we too felt distant.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Ephesians 2:17, may we remember that Jesus Christ came to preach peace—a peace meant for everyone, not just a select few. This heartfelt message transcends all divisions and connects us to one another and God. Our mission is to embrace that peace and be ambassadors of it in our own communities. Let us actively seek to connect with those who may feel far away, offering them hope through love and kindness.
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