How does Ephesians 2:17 connect with Isaiah's prophecy about the Messiah?

◄ Ephesians 2:17 & Isaiah's Messiah link? ►

“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.”

Isaiah’s prophetic backdrop

• Isaiah 57:19 — “‘Peace, peace to those far and near,’ says the LORD, ‘and I will heal them.’”

• Isaiah 52:7 — “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace…”

• Isaiah 9:6 — “…His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

These prophecies paint the coming Messiah as the One who proclaims and secures peace for all peoples.

Striking word-for-word echoes

• “Peace” — central in both Isaiah and Ephesians.

• “Far” and “near” — identical pairings show Paul is intentionally quoting Isaiah 57:19.

• “Preached/brings” — the Messiah is a herald, not merely a philosopher.

Jesus embodies Isaiah’s peace

• Incarnation: He “came” (Ephesians 2:17) exactly as Isaiah foresaw—God stepping into history.

• Ministry: His sermons, healings, and cross-work declared and delivered peace (cf. Luke 4:18-19; John 14:27).

• Resurrection witness: After rising, His first words to the disciples were “Peace be with you” (John 20:19).

Paul’s point for Jew and Gentile believers

• “Far away” = Gentiles (Ephesians 2:12).

• “Near” = Jews (Romans 9:4-5).

• Through the cross, “He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14), dismantling the wall that once divided them.

• Thus, Isaiah’s promise of universal peace finds its literal, historic fulfillment in the one new body, the Church.

Supporting verses

• Acts 10:36 — “He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ…”

• Romans 5:1 — “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

• Colossians 1:20 — “…making peace through the blood of His cross…”

Key takeaways for today

• The gospel Jesus preaches is not abstract; it is the realized promise of Isaiah.

• Peace with God and with one another is anchored in Christ’s finished work, not in human negotiation.

• Every time we share the gospel, we echo the ancient cry, “Peace, peace to those far and near.”