And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Ephesians 2:17
What does Ephesians 2:17 mean?
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Ephesians 2:17
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While we often think of Jesus preaching peace after his resurrection, this verse emphasizes that He came and personally proclaimed peace to both those far off (Gentiles) and those near (Jews) through His ministry and later, through His apostles. This highlights that His message of reconciliation was intended for everyone from the very beginning, not just an afterthought.
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining how Christ's death on the cross has broken down the hostility between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity in Him. Before this, they were separated, with Gentiles seen as "far off" and Jews as "near" in God's plan. Now, Christ's work brings the message of peace to both groups, uniting them as part of God's household.
When Jesus' disciples first saw Him after His resurrection, what was the first thing He said? It wasn't a command or a reprimand, but a gift: 'Peace be with you.' This verse shows that the preaching of peace flows from Christ's accomplished work.
The verse says Christ 'came and preached peace.' The scholars point out that this 'coming' isn't just His initial birth, but a coming after His sacrifice and resurrection. It's His victory over sin and death that makes true peace possible.
The Source of Peace
The Bible often uses 'near' and 'far off' to describe people. In this verse, it's not just a geographical distance, but a spiritual one that Christ's peace bridges. Who were these groups, and why is it so significant that peace is for both?
The phrases 'you who were far off' and 'those who were near' refer to the Gentiles and the Jews, respectively. Before Christ, these two groups were separated by religious and cultural barriers. The Gentiles were considered 'far off' from God's promises and covenants, while the Jews were 'near.'
Bridging the Divide
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Understand the original words
eirēnē · Greek Noun
A state of harmony, wholeness, or wellbeing, and the cessation of conflict. It is a gift of God rooted in the restoration of a right relationship with Him, which subsequently enables reconciliation among people.
This verse echoes Isaiah's prophecy and highlights how Christ's ministry, particularly His death and resurrection, bridged the divide between Jews and Gentiles, bringing them into a unified peace with God and each other.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, lived and ministered in Roman Judea, preaching peace and reconciliation. His ministry primarily focused on the Jewish people ('those who were near') but also included interactions with Gentiles ('those who were far off').
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection established the basis for peace between God and humanity, and between Jews and Gentiles. This event is the pivotal moment of reconciliation mentioned in the verse.
c. AD 30s - 50s
Apostolic Ministry and Expansion
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, began actively preaching the gospel of peace to both Jews and Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire. This fulfilled Jesus' commission to spread His message far and wide.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul likely wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians during his house arrest in Rome. From this vantage point, he addressed the church in Ephesus, a diverse community including both Jewish and Gentile believers.
This verse directly echoes Isaiah 57:19, 'Peace, peace to the far and to the near, says the LORD.' Paul is showing how Christ's work fulfills this prophetic promise of peace extending to all people.
Acts 10:36Peter proclaims that God sent Jesus to 'declare good news of peace' to Israel and that he is 'Lord of all.' This passage highlights the universal scope of peace that Jesus brings, a theme central to Ephesians 2:17.
Luke 2:14The angels announced 'peace on earth to those of good will' at Jesus' birth. Ephesians 2:17 shows how Jesus, through His finished work, actively preaches and establishes this peace between divided peoples.
Zechariah 9:10This prophecy speaks of Christ ruling 'from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth,' establishing peace. Ephesians 2:17 illustrates the outworking of this reign of peace, breaking down barriers.
Colossians 1:20This passage states that Christ came to 'reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.' Ephesians 2:17 describes the preaching of this very peace that Christ achieved through His sacrificial death.
cambridgeEphesians 2:17: "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh."
17 . and came ] from the work of the Cross, from the Grave. “Peace” was His first word in Resurrection-life to His gathered Church ( John 20:19 ); and that Church was then, and not till then, sent to the world, “far off” as well as “nigh,” to be an “ambassador on behalf of Christ” ( 2 Corinthians 5:20 ), representing Him in His preaching ministry of peace. Thus vicariously, but really, had He “…
bengelEphesians 2:17: "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh."
Ephesians 2:17 . Ἐλθὼν , having come ) from death, from His descent into hell, and from His resurrection, He, Himself a joyful conqueror, spontaneously [34] preached. A remarkable expression; 2 Timothy 1:10 ; John 14:18 .— ΕὐΗΓΓΕΛΊΣΑΤΟ , preached ) The verb for the participle; comp. ποιήσας , Ephesians 2:14 . He announced peace with His own mouth to the apostles, Luke 24:36 ; John 20:19 ; John…
While we often think of Jesus preaching peace after his resurrection, this verse emphasizes that He came and personally proclaimed peace to both those far off (Gentiles) and those near (Jews) through His ministry and later, through His apostles. This highlights that His message of reconciliation was intended for everyone from the very beginning, not just an afterthought.
Paul is explaining how Christ's death on the cross has broken down the hostility between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity in Him. Before this, they were separated, with Gentiles seen as "far off" and Jews as "near" in God's plan. Now, Christ's work brings the message of peace to both groups, uniting them as part of God's household.
Paul is explaining how Christ's death on the cross has broken down the hostility between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity in Him. Before this, they were separated, with Gentiles seen as "far off" and Jews as "near" in God's plan. Now, Christ's work brings the message of peace to both groups, uniting them as part of God's household.
"And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near." — While we often think of Jesus preaching peace after his resurrection, this verse emphasizes that He came and personally proclaimed peace to both those far off (Gentiles) and those near (Jews) t…
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Last reviewed October 2026