Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The "blood of Christ" here isn't just a symbol of sacrifice; it signifies the ultimate price paid that fundamentally alters our standing. This act makes us not just accepted but intrinsically part of God's family, moving us from distant outsiders to intimately "near" in His presence.
Paul is contrasting the Ephesians' former state of being excluded from God's promises and alienated from Him with their current reality in Christ. He emphasizes that this profound change—from being "far off" to being "brought near"—isn't a result of their own merit but a direct consequence of Christ's sacrificial death, which broke down the barriers between them and God.
Remember a time when you felt distant? This verse speaks of a profound shift, a radical 'now' that changes everything.
Paul contrasts the Ephesians' past with their present reality. Before, they were 'far off' - alienated from God and His promises. But the pivotal word 'now' signals a total transformation. This isn't just a change in circumstance; it's a new state of being, made possible by God's redemptive work in Christ.
A New Identity
This 'now' means you are no longer defined by your past distance from God. You've been moved from the category of 'outsiders' to 'insiders'. This shift isn't something you achieved; it's something God accomplished for you.
The Turning Point
Think of it like this: before, you were lost in a wilderness, far from home. The 'now' is the moment you are found, brought back to safety and belonging. This transformation is the core message of the gospel.
What does it truly mean to be 'in Christ Jesus'? It's more than just a label; it's the very essence of our new life.
The phrase 'in Christ Jesus' is central to Paul's letter and the entire New Testament. It signifies a deep, intimate, and unbreakable union with Jesus.
More Than Just Association
Being 'in Christ' isn't like being in a club or a geographical location. It's a spiritual reality where your life, your identity, and your destiny are inextricably linked with His. When Christ was raised, you were raised with Him; when He ascended, you ascended with Him.
The Source of Belonging
This union is the reason you, who were once 'far off,' are now 'brought near.' It's the foundation for all the blessings Paul describes – forgiveness, reconciliation, and access to God. Jesus is not just the one who brings us near; we are in Him, and through Him, we find our true home.
Understand the original words
haima · Greek Noun
The death of Jesus Christ on the cross, which serves as the propitiatory sacrifice to satisfy God’s justice and purchase the redemption of His people.
The 'near' and 'far off' language in Ephesians 2:13 draws on ancient understandings of God's covenant people, but redefines it entirely through the sacrificial blood of Jesus, opening access to God for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus and Covenant at Sinai
God establishes a covenant with Israel, making them His chosen people. This event sets up the distinction between 'near' (Israel, within the covenant) and 'far off' (Gentiles, outside the covenant).
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Kingdom
The northern kingdom of Israel is conquered and its people exiled by Assyria, leading to further scattering and loss of identity for many.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Judah
The southern kingdom of Judah is conquered by Babylon, and many are exiled, including the educated and elite. This deepens the sense of separation and longing for restoration.
c. 1st century BC - 1st century AD
Jewish Understanding of 'Near' and 'Far'
During the Second Temple period, Jewish tradition often used 'near' and 'far' to distinguish between Jews who were part of God's covenant and Gentiles who were not, impacting social and religious interactions.
This prophetic passage speaks of bringing peace to those far off and those near, echoing the theme of reconciliation found in Ephesians. It highlights God's desire to heal and draw people to Himself, a concept fulfilled in Christ.
Acts 2:39Peter's sermon directly echoes the idea of 'far off' and 'near' in relation to God's promise, linking salvation through Christ to both Jews and Gentiles. It shows the immediate application of Christ's work to bringing people into God's community.
Colossians 1:20-22This passage explains how Christ's sacrificial death reconciles all things, making those who were once alienated and hostile in mind 'holy and blameless' before God. It emphasizes the 'blood of Christ' as the means of reconciliation and transformation.
Hebrews 9:14This verse speaks of the blood of Christ cleansing consciences from dead works to serve the living God, connecting Christ's sacrifice directly to a purified access to God. It underscores the efficacy of Christ's blood in enabling worship and fellowship.
Matthew 26:28Jesus refers to His impending death as the 'blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.' This passage directly links His blood to the establishment of a new covenant relationship, enabling people to draw near to God.
cambridgeEphesians 2:13: "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
13 . but now ] under the changed conditions of actual and accepted Redemption. in Christ Jesus ] In living union with the true Messiah. Just before, Ephesians 2:12 , we have “without Christ ” merely; here, “in Christ Jesus .” The Messiah of Prophecy is now known as also the Jesus of the Gospel. sometimes ] Once , as R. V. The A. V. uses a word now antiquated in this sense, or appearing…
vincentEphesians 2:13: "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
Now in Christ JesusNow, in contrast with at that time. In Christ Jesus, in contrast with alienated from, etc. Jesus is added because the Christ who was the subject of promise, the Messiah, has come into the world under that personal name. The phrase includes the promised Messiah and the actual Savior.
The "blood of Christ" here isn't just a symbol of sacrifice; it signifies the ultimate price paid that fundamentally alters our standing. This act makes us not just accepted but intrinsically part of God's family, moving us from distant outsiders to intimately "near" in His presence.
Paul is contrasting the Ephesians' former state of being excluded from God's promises and alienated from Him with their current reality in Christ. He emphasizes that this profound change—from being "far off" to being "brought near"—isn't a result of their own merit but a direct consequence of Christ's sacrificial death, which broke down the barriers between them and God.
Paul is contrasting the Ephesians' former state of being excluded from God's promises and alienated from Him with their current reality in Christ. He emphasizes that this profound change—from being "far off" to being "brought near"—isn't a result of their own merit but a direct consequence of Christ's sacrificial death, which broke down the barriers between them and God.
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The cross might seem like an ancient event, but its 'blood' is the very reason we can approach God today.
Paul doesn't just say we are brought near by Christ, but specifically 'by the blood of Christ.' This points directly to the sacrificial death of Jesus.
The Price of Admission
In the Old Testament, blood was essential for atonement and reconciliation. It signified the life given to cover sin. Jesus' blood, therefore, represents the ultimate sacrifice that pays the price for our sins, removing the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity.
Instrumental to Our Access
His blood is the means by which the separation caused by sin is overcome. It's not just a symbolic cleansing, but the powerful, instrumental cause that allows us to move from being 'far off' to being 'brought near.' This blood grants us boldness and confidence to approach the very presence of God.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified, and his blood is shed. This event is understood as the pivotal sacrifice that atones for sin and fulfills the covenant, making access to God possible for all.
c. AD 30s-60s
Early Church Spread to Gentiles
Following Jesus' death and resurrection, the gospel message begins to reach Gentiles, who are then incorporated into the 'new covenant' community. This fulfills the prophetic promises of inclusivity.
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." — The "blood of Christ" here isn't just a symbol of sacrifice; it signifies the ultimate price paid that fundamentally alters our standing. This act makes us not just accepted but intrinsically *part…
