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Ephesians 2

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

What does Ephesians 2:17 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 2:17 narrates the message of peace delivered by Jesus Christ to two distinct groups: those who were "far off" and those who were "nigh." In a literal sense, this verse suggests that Christ brought a message of peace to different sets of people.

Metaphorically, "those who were afar off" refers to the Gentiles, non-Jewish people who were not part of the covenant God made with Israel.

"Them that were nigh" refers to the Jews, the chosen people of God, who were close to God through their long-standing covenantal relationship.

The peace mentioned is spiritual reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ, ending the enmity caused by sin and establishing a new unity between Jews and Gentiles in the church.

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

The Book of Ephesians is traditionally understood to have been written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison, likely in Rome, around A.D. 60-62.

The letter was addressed to the church in Ephesus, a diverse community composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

At this time, there was a significant divide between these two groups, with centuries of religious and cultural separation.

The message of the Gospel brought a revolutionary understanding that in Christ, all barriers are broken down, and all people are offered salvation, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse is often interpreted as an illustration of God's plan of salvation extending beyond the Jews to encompass the entire world.

The "peace" preached by Jesus is seen as the reconciliation between God and humans and among humans themselves, as part of the new creation in Christ.

The apostle Paul consistently emphasized that salvation and membership in the Body of Christ are not based on ethnic identity or adherence to the Law of Moses but rather on faith in Christ Jesus.

Practical Applications

Practically, Ephesians 2:17 suggests that believers today are to embody the peace of Christ in their relationships, transcending cultural, racial, and social differences.

Christians are encouraged to be agents of peace and reconciliation, demonstrating the unity and love that come from being in Christ. This teaching can inspire acts of service, cross-cultural mission, and a commitment to overcoming divisions within the church and society at large.

Cross-References

Isaiah 57:19: "I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is nigh, saith the LORD; and I will heal him."
Acts 10:36: "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)"
Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "preached peace" is "εὐηγγελίσατο εἰρήνην" (euēngelisato eirēnēn), where "εὐηγγελίσατο" (euēngelisato) is a form of "εὐαγγελίζω" (euangelizō), meaning "to bring good news" or "gospel," and "εἰρήνην" (eirēnēn) is the word for "peace," signifying not just the absence of conflict but also wholeness, well-being, and reconciliation.

This term captures the essence of the Gospel message as one of peace and restoration.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The message of peace in Ephesians 2:17 could be compared to other religious and cultural concepts of peace such as the Jewish "Shalom" or the Islamic "Salaam," both of which mean peace but also refer to a state of completeness and well-being.

These concepts, while similar in the aspiration towards harmony, differ in the methods and theologies of how peace is achieved and the role it plays in the believer's relationship with the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

Ephesians 2:17 does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it speaks to spiritual and theological issues rather than empirical ones.

However, modern psychology and social sciences explore the impact of peace and reconciliation on individual and societal well-being, supporting the idea that the harmony discussed in this verse has tangible benefits for human communities.

commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentators have different takes on Ephesians 2:17.

Some emphasize the historical reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles and the tearing down of the "middle wall of partition" mentioned earlier in Ephesians 2.

Others focus on the spiritual implications: for example, John Stott highlights that the peace Jesus preached is firstly vertical (peace with God) and secondly horizontal (peace with others).

Matthew Henry comments on the universality of the Gospel invitation and the inclusivity of its peace.

Each of these perspectives adds a layer of understanding to the richness of the verse.

Ephesians 2

Ephesians 2

What does Ephesians 2:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Ephesians 2:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Ephesians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?