Ephesians 2:17

“And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, &c.] Which is to be understood not of Christ's coming in the flesh; for when he came in the flesh, he came only to the Jews that were nigh, and preached the Gospel in his own personal ministry to them, and not to the Gentiles, who are the persons afar off; (<490212>Ephesians 2:12,13) but of his coming by his Spirit in the ministry of his apostles, to whom he gave a commission after he had made peace and reconciliation by the blood of his cross, to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles in the furthest parts of the earth; and on whom he bestowed gifts, qualifying them for such service, and succeeded them in it by his…”

“Translate, "He came and announced glad tidings of peace." "He came" of His own free love, and "announced peace" with His own mouth to the apostles (Luk 24:36; Joh 20:19, Joh 20:21, Joh 20:26); and by them to others, through His Spirit present in His Church (Joh 14:18). Act 26:23 is strictly parallel; after His resurrection "He showed light to the people ('them that were nigh') and to the Gentiles ('you that were afar off')," by His Spirit in His ministers (compare Pe1 3:19). and to them--The oldest manuscripts insert "peace" again: "And peace to them." The repetition implies the joy with which both alike would dwell again and again upon the welcome word "peace." So Isa 57:19.”

“And came and preached peace - That is, the system of religion which he proclaimed, was adapted to produce peace with God. This he preached personally to those who “were nigh,” that is, the Jews; to those who were “afar off “ - the Gentiles - he preached it by his apostles. He was the author of the system which proclaimed salvation to both. The word “peace” here refers to reconciliation with God. To you which were afar off, ... - see the notes at Ephesians 2:13; compare the notes at Acts 2:39. return to 'Top of Page'”

“And he came - After his resurrection. And preached peace - By his ministers and his Spirit. To you - Gentiles. That were afar off - At the utmost distance from God. And to them that were nigh - To the Jews, who were comparatively nigh, being his visible church. Ephesians 2:18”

“2:17 far away . . . near: This verse possibly alludes to Isa 57:19. • The Greek text lacks the words Gentiles and Jews, but they are implied (see Eph 2:13; see also study note on 1:12-13).”

“and preached: Psa 85:10; Isa 27:5, Isa 52:7, Isa 57:19-21; Zac 9:10; Mat 10:13; Luk 2:14; Luk 15:5, Luk 15:6; Act 2:39, Act 10:36; Rom 5:1; Co2 5:20 that: Eph 2:13, Eph 2:14; Deu 4:7; Psa 75:1, Psa 76:1, Psa 76:2, Psa 147:19, Psa 147:20, Psa 148:14; Luk 10:9-11 Ephesians 2:18”