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
There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is …
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good …
Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace …
And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your …
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I …
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye …
And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.