Ephesians 2:13-14
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The phrase "by the blood of Christ" isn't just about the atonement; it highlights how Christ's sacrifice is the actual means by which you, once distant, are brought into intimate relationship with God. It's the sacrificial blood, the very life poured out, that bridges the immense gap between humanity and holiness.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is reminding the Gentile believers in Ephesus that they were once excluded from God’s promises and separated from His people, living without hope and without God in the world. He then powerfully shifts to their new reality, contrasting their former state of alienation with their current, intimate connection to God through Christ. This verse highlights the transformative power of Jesus' sacrificial death, which bridges the chasm that sin created.
Ever felt like you were on the outside looking in? The Bible uses 'near' and 'far' to describe spiritual relationship, and it's a concept that has deep roots.
Who Was 'Far Off'?
The Apostle Paul is talking to Gentile believers, people who were not Jewish. Historically, they were considered 'far off' from God's covenant promises and the community of Israel. This wasn't just about geography; it was about their spiritual standing and access to God's grace.
Brought 'Near' Through Christ
The incredible news is that this distance is not permanent. Through Jesus Christ, those who were 'far off' are now brought 'near.' This signifies a radical shift – no longer excluded, but intimately included in God's family and covenant. It's a complete reorientation of spiritual status.
The verse mentions the 'blood of Christ' as the means by which we are brought near. This isn't a small detail; it's the very core of how the impossible happens.
The Significance of Christ's Blood
In the Old Testament, blood was central to sacrifice, atonement, and reconciliation. It was the means by which the High Priest could approach God on behalf of the people, symbolically cleansing and covering their sins.
The 'Blood of the Covenant'
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Jesus' blood is referred to as the 'blood of the covenant' (referencing Exodus 24:8 and Matthew 26:28). His sacrificial death, symbolized by His shed blood, accomplished what animal sacrifices could not. It's the ultimate price paid, the definitive act that removes the barrier of sin between humanity and God.
More Than Just Sacrifice
The phrase 'by the blood of Christ' implies not just the act of His sacrifice, but our personal connection to it. It's through this blood that our sins are forgiven, we are justified, and reconciliation is achieved, granting us bold access to God.
The phrase 'in Christ Jesus' isn't just a label; it's the new reality, the place where all the transformation happens.
Beyond 'Without Christ'
Paul contrasts being 'without Christ' (verse 12) with being 'in Christ Jesus' (verse 13). This isn't merely about knowing about Jesus; it's about a profound, living union with Him. Before, the readers were alienated and without hope. Now, they are fundamentally re-situated.
A Vital Union
To be 'in Christ Jesus' means we are united with Him in His life, death, and resurrection. This union is the source of our new spiritual standing. It's in this vital connection that we move from being 'far off' to being 'made nigh.' Jesus is not just the one who brings us near; He becomes the very sphere in which we live, loved and accepted by God.
The Person of Jesus Matters
The addition of 'Jesus' to 'Christ' is significant. It points to the promised Messiah who has now personally entered history, the One with the saving name. Our access to God is through this specific, incarnate Savior.
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.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
The concept of reconciliation, harmony, and wholeness, fundamentally established by God through the work of Christ, restoring the broken relationship between God and humanity and between fellow believers.
echthra · Greek Noun
The state of being fundamentally opposed to God and to one another; it is the spiritual and social consequence of sin that Christ overcomes through his sacrifice.
The 'blood of Christ' here echoes the sacrificial system of the Old Testament but elevates it to a singular, perfect atonement. This event, rooted in a specific historical moment, fundamentally redefined who could be 'near' to God, breaking down ancient barriers between Jew and Gentile.
c. 1500 BC - 500 BC
Old Testament Law and Temple Worship
The Old Testament establishes a system of worship centered around the Jerusalem Temple and the Levitical priesthood, with specific rituals involving animal sacrifice. Access to God's presence was mediated through these rituals and limited to certain times and people, creating a sense of 'nearness' for Israel and 'farness' for Gentiles.
c. 500 BC - 1 BC
Development of Rabbinic Concepts of Nearness
Jewish tradition developed concepts of 'nearness' and 'farness' in relation to God and His covenant. Gentiles were considered 'far off' unless they converted and became proselytes, a process often described using the language of being brought 'near'.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Atonement of Christ
Jesus Christ is crucified, and his sacrificial death is understood by his followers as the ultimate atonement for sins. This event is seen as inaugurating a new covenant and making possible a new way of access to God.
c. AD 30 - 60
Early Spread of the Gospel
Following Christ's resurrection and ascension, the apostles and early Christians begin to preach the gospel, including to Gentiles. The inclusion of Gentiles into the community of believers without requiring full adherence to Mosaic Law becomes a key theological and practical issue.
c. AD 62
Writing of Ephesians
The Apostle Paul writes the Epistle to the Ephesians, likely from prison. In it, he addresses the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ, emphasizing their shared access to God's blessings through His sacrifice.
This prophetic passage speaks of peace to the 'far off' and the 'near,' directly paralleling the idea of those alienated being brought into God's favor, which Ephesians 2:13 fulfills.
Exodus 24:8The Old Testament concept of the 'blood of the covenant' used to ratify God's promises and sprinkle the people is echoed in Ephesians 2:13, showing how Christ's blood establishes a new and better covenant.
Matthew 26:28Jesus Himself identifies His shed blood as the 'blood of the new covenant,' highlighting that the very sacrifice that Ephesians 2:13 points to is the means by which believers are brought near.
Romans 5:9This passage explicitly states that believers are 'justified by his blood,' underscoring how Christ's sacrificial death is the instrumental cause for reconciliation and closeness to God, as described in Ephesians 2:13.
Hebrews 9:14The author of Hebrews explains that Christ's blood 'purges our conscience from dead works to serve the living God,' reinforcing that His sacrifice is the essential element that cleanses and allows us to draw near, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:13.
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 phrase "by the blood of Christ" isn't just about the atonement; it highlights how Christ's sacrifice is the actual means by which you, once distant, are brought into intimate relationship with God. It's the sacrificial blood, the very life poured out, that bridges the immense gap between humanity and holiness.
Paul is reminding the Gentile believers in Ephesus that they were once excluded from God’s promises and separated from His people, living without hope and without God in the world. He then powerfully shifts to their new reality, contrasting their former state of alienation with their current, intimate connection to God through Christ. This verse highlights the transformative power of Jesus' sacrificial death, which bridges the chasm that sin created.
Paul is reminding the Gentile believers in Ephesus that they were once excluded from God’s promises and separated from His people, living without hope and without God in the world. He then powerfully shifts to their new reality, contrasting their former state of alienation with their current, intimate connection to God through Christ. This verse highlights the transformative power of Jesus' sacrificial death, which bridges the chasm that sin created.
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility" — The phrase "by the blood of Christ" isn't just about the atonement; it highlights how Christ's sacrifice is the actual means by which you, once distant, are brought into intimate relationship with…
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Last reviewed October 2026
