Book of Ephesians - Chapter 2 - Verse 17

This verse is from the book of Ephesians in the New Testament and is part of a passage that highlights the reconciliation that Jesus Christ brings between different people groups. In this particular verse, the Apostle Paul is emphasizing that Jesus came to preach peace not only to those who were near to him, but also to those who were far off. This can be understood in a literal sense, referring to the Jews who were near to Jesus geographically, and the Gentiles who were far off. However, it can also be interpreted more broadly to mean that Jesus came to bring peace to all people, regardless of their background or proximity to him. This message of reconciliation and peace is central to the teachings of Jesus and is a key theme throughout the Bible. By preaching peace to both those who were near and those who were far off, Jesus demonstrated his universal message of love and acceptance for all.

In this verse, the word "preached" can be further examined to understand its full theological significance. The Greek word used here is "euaggelizō", which means to proclaim good news or to announce glad tidings. This emphasizes that the message being delivered is one of peace and reconciliation. The act of preaching peace to both those who were far off and those who were near highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel message. It signifies that God's offer of peace through Jesus Christ is extended to all - whether they are Gentiles who were once considered far off from God's promises or Jews who were near. This verse underscores the universal scope of God's love and the transformative power of the Gospel in bringing together people from all walks of life. It encourages believers to embrace peace and unity with one another, regardless of their background, as they respond to the good news of salvation.