Meaning of Ephesians 2:17

This verse from Ephesians 2:17 articulates a pivotal aspect of Christ's salvific work: the proclamation of peace, bridging the chasm that separated different groups of people, namely, those who were "far away" and those who were "near." The apostle Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, which comprised both Jewish believers and Gentile converts, emphasizes that Jesus' ministry and death actively brought reconciliation. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound state of wholeness, harmony, and right relationship with God and with one another, a peace that was previously inaccessible to many.

Context and Background

The immediate context of Ephesians 2:17 is Paul's discussion in Ephesians 2:11-22 about the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles through Christ. Prior to Christ, the Gentile nations were considered "far away" from God's covenant promises and the community of Israel, often described as "strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). The Jews, on the other hand, were "near" to God, having received the Law and the covenants. However, even among the Jews, there was a lack of true peace with God due to sin, and a division existed between different religious factions. Jesus' coming, therefore, addressed both the alienation of the Gentiles and the internal divisions and spiritual estrachment of humanity.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Unifying Work of Christ: The central message is that Jesus Christ is the agent of peace, actively breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" (Ephesians 2:14) that separated humanity from God and from each other.
• Proclamation of Peace: Jesus' ministry involved a direct proclamation of this peace. This encompassed both the announcement of God's reconciliation and the impartation of this peace to those who believe.
• Inclusivity of the Gospel: The verse underscores the inclusive nature of the gospel. Christ's peace is extended to all, regardless of their prior spiritual or ethnic standing – both the proximate and the distant are brought into this new reality.
• Salvation as Reconciliation: The peace preached by Christ is intrinsically linked to salvation. It is the peace that comes from being reconciled to God through His atoning sacrifice.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, Ephesians 2:17 calls believers to recognize and embrace the peace that Christ has made. It means understanding that our former alienation from God has been overcome by His grace. For believers, this peace is not just a theological concept but a present reality that transforms our relationship with God, bringing assurance, comfort, and freedom from guilt. Furthermore, this peace is meant to be lived out in our relationships with others. As Christ has made peace between divided groups, believers are called to be peacemakers, extending the same reconciliation and understanding to those around them, fostering unity within the church and in the wider world.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial articulation of the overarching biblical narrative of redemption and restoration. From the disruption of peace in Eden due to sin, the Old Testament progressively points towards a coming Messiah who would bring lasting peace. Isaiah prophesied of the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) who would establish justice and righteousness. Jesus' earthly ministry, culminating in His atoning death and resurrection, fulfills these prophecies by making peace possible between a holy God and sinful humanity. The establishment of the Church, a new community of reconciled people, is a tangible manifestation of this peace, continuing the work of reconciliation until Christ's return.

Analogies

• A Bridge Builder: Imagine a vast chasm separating two peoples. Christ is the ultimate bridge builder, constructing a pathway of peace across the abyss, allowing both those on one side ("near") and those on the other ("far away") to come together.
• A Diplomat: Christ acts as a divine diplomat, negotiating a lasting treaty of peace between God and humanity, and between estranged human groups, dissolving animosity and establishing harmony.
• A Healer: Just as a skilled physician heals deep wounds, Christ heals the spiritual wounds of separation and alienation, bringing wholeness and the peace that accompanies it.

Relation to Other Verses

• Colossians 1:20: "and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." This verse echoes Ephesians 2:17 by emphasizing Christ's atoning work on the cross as the means of reconciliation and peace.
• John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Jesus Himself promised His disciples a unique, divine peace, distinct from worldly peace, which is the fruit of His salvific work.
• Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse explicitly states the outcome of our justification through faith: peace with God, a direct result of Christ's peacemaking efforts.
• Isaiah 9:6: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This Old Testament prophecy directly anticipates Jesus as the "Prince of Peace," whose reign would bring lasting peace and justice.