Ephesians 2:17
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Study Note
Study Note
The risen Christ 'came and preached peace to you who were afar off and peace to those who were near' — language that identifies the Gentile mission itself as Christ's own proclamation. The 'far and near' language draws on Isaiah 57:19 ('peace, peace to the far and the near') and applies it to the Jew-Gentile distinction: Gentiles who were far are brought near through the cross (2:13-16). The subject of 'came and preached' is the exalted Christ, not merely his apostles — making Christian mission a participation in Christ's own ongoing reconciling proclamation. This has profound implications for missiology: preaching the gospel is not human initiative but divine address mediated through human messengers.
Other Translations
and he came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh:
and having come, he did proclaim good news--peace to you--the far-off and the nigh,
And he came preaching peace to you who were far off, and to those who were near;
Cross References
For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is …
Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near …
In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.
In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.
He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye …
He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, …
Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace …
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good …