He came and preached peace
This phrase highlights the mission of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). His coming fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah 52:7, which speak of the good news of peace. The term "preached" indicates the active proclamation of the Gospel, emphasizing that Jesus Himself was the messenger of reconciliation between God and humanity. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound spiritual peace that reconciles sinners to God (Romans 5:1).

to you who were far away
This refers to the Gentiles, who were historically considered distant from the covenant promises given to Israel. Ephesians 2:12 describes them as "excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise." The phrase underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel, breaking down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14). The "far away" also echoes Isaiah 57:19, which speaks of peace to those far and near, indicating God's intention to extend His grace beyond the boundaries of Israel.

and peace to those who were near
This phrase pertains to the Jewish people, who were "near" because they had the covenants, the law, and the prophets (Romans 9:4-5). Despite their proximity to God's promises, they too needed the peace that comes through Christ, as the law could not bring about true reconciliation with God (Hebrews 10:1). The message of peace to those "near" fulfills the promise of a new covenant, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises to write His law on their hearts.

In summary, this verse encapsulates the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work, bridging the gap between Jew and Gentile, and offering peace to all who believe.

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this verse, who is the bringer of peace. His life, death, and resurrection are the means by which peace is preached to both Jews and Gentiles.

2. Gentiles ("those who were far away")
Non-Jewish people who were historically separated from the covenant promises of God. They represent those who were distant from God's chosen people and His promises.

3. Jews ("those who were near")
The Jewish people who were historically closer to God due to the covenants, the Law, and the prophets. They represent those who had a more immediate access to God's promises.

4. Ephesus
The city where the recipients of this letter lived. It was a major city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse population, including both Jews and Gentiles.

5. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Ephesians, who is explaining the unity and peace brought by Christ to both Jews and Gentiles.The Universal Offer of Peace
Christ's message of peace is for everyone, regardless of their background or previous distance from God. This underscores the inclusivity of the gospel.

Reconciliation Through Christ
True peace comes from reconciliation with God, which is made possible through Jesus. This peace is not just the absence of conflict but a restored relationship with God.

Unity in the Body of Christ
The peace preached by Christ breaks down barriers between different groups, creating unity within the church. Believers are called to live out this unity in their communities.

The Role of the Church in Proclaiming Peace
As followers of Christ, we are called to be ambassadors of His peace, sharing the message of reconciliation with others.

Living in Peace with Others
The peace we receive from Christ should transform our relationships, leading us to pursue peace and reconciliation with others in our daily lives.(17) And came and preached peace.--The word "came" certainly carries back our thoughts to our Lord's own preaching, when, after the Resurrection, He came "and stood in the midst of them, and said, Peace be unto you" (Luke 24:36; John 20:19; John 20:21). But we note that at that very time He repeated the salutation "Peace be unto you," with the expressive addition, "As my Father hath sent Me, even so send I you," and with the charge, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost," for the future mission "to remit or retain sins." In the same connection we have in John 14:25-28, the promise of the Comforter, and the words "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you. . . . I go away and come again to you." Hence we cannot limit His "coming" to the appearance after the Resurrection. At all times through the witness of the Holy Spirit, whether with or without the preaching of His servants (John 15:27), He "stands at the door and knocks" (Revelation 3:20) with the message of peace. For since the "peacemakers" are "called the children of God," He, the Son of God, must be emphatically the Peacemaker. . . . Verse 17. - And having come, he preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to these that were nigh. The coming denoted by ἐλθὼν is subsequent to the transactions of the cross. It cannot denote what Christ did personally, but what he did by sending his Spirit to the apostles and other early preachers. It was only after the cross and after the resurrection that peace could be proclaimed on the footing of faith in a Savior who had died and was alive. And only in the sense of having sent his preachers and given them his Spirit could Jesus be said to have preached to the Ephesians. The repetition of the word "peace" in the R.V. is expressive; if the subject had been merely peace between the two classes of men, we should not have had the repetition; the repetition denotes peace between each of the two classes and a third party, viz. God. It is remarkable that the Gentiles, "those that were far off," are mentioned here before the Jews, "those that were nigh." In point of chronology, the Jews came first; but the order is here transposed, probably to emphasize the offer of the gospel to the Gentiles, and to show that spiritually they were as near as the Jews.

Parallel Commentaries ...


He came
ἐλθὼν (elthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

[and] preached
εὐηγγελίσατο (euēngelisato)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2097: From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.

peace
εἰρήνην (eirēnēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515: Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.

to you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

who [were]
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

far away
μακρὰν (makran)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3112: At a distance, far away, remote, alien. Feminine accusative case singular of makros; at a distance.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

peace
εἰρήνην (eirēnēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515: Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.

to those
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

[who were] near.
ἐγγύς (engys)
Adverb
Strong's 1451: Near. From a primary verb agcho; near.


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NT Letters: Ephesians 2:17 He came and preached peace to you (Ephes. Eph. Ep)