Ephesians 2:13

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

But {G1161} now {G3570} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} ye {G5210} who {G3588} sometimes {G4218} were {G5607} far off {G3112} are made {G1096} nigh {G1451} by {G1722} the blood {G129} of Christ {G5547}.

But now, you who were once far off have been brought near through the shedding of the Messiah’s blood.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:13 KJV Commentary

Ephesians 2:13 marks a profound shift in Paul's explanation of God's redemptive work. It highlights the incredible transformation from spiritual alienation to intimate fellowship, all made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This verse is central to understanding the inclusion of all believers, regardless of their background, into God's family.

Context

Before this verse, Paul vividly describes the former state of both Gentiles and Jews. In Ephesians 2:1-3, he speaks of humanity's spiritual death and bondage to sin. Then, in Ephesians 2:11-12, he specifically addresses the Gentiles, reminding them that they were once "without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world." They were, in essence, "far off" from God and His people. Verse 13 introduces the dramatic "but now," signifying the radical change brought about by the Gospel.

Key Themes

  • Reconciliation and Atonement: The core message is that those who were separated from God are now brought near. This reconciliation is achieved through Christ's atoning sacrifice, His "blood," which covers sin and restores relationship.
  • Inclusion of Gentiles: This verse is a powerful declaration of God's plan to include non-Jews (Gentiles) into His covenant people, breaking down the long-standing spiritual and social barriers that existed. It emphasizes that salvation is not exclusive to any single group.
  • Unity in Christ: By bringing both Jews and Gentiles near to God, Christ also brings them near to each other, forming one new humanity. This lays the groundwork for the later discussion in Ephesians about the church as Christ's unified body.
  • Divine Initiative: It is God, through Christ, who initiates this drawing near. Humanity, in its "far off" state, could not achieve this on its own.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "far off" (Greek: makran) denotes a significant distance, both geographical and spiritual, underscoring the deep separation of the Gentiles from God's promises and people. Conversely, "made nigh" (Greek: engys egenēthēte) signifies being brought close, becoming intimate, and entering into fellowship. This radical change is attributed to "the blood of Christ," a powerful biblical metaphor representing His sacrificial death on the cross. The shedding of His blood signifies the complete and perfect payment for sin, making atonement and reconciliation possible. It is through the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice that the impossible became reality.

Practical Application

Ephesians 2:13 holds profound implications for believers today:

  • Personal Salvation: It reminds us that if we were once spiritually "far off" from God due to our sin, we have been "made nigh" by faith in Jesus Christ's atoning work. This should evoke deep gratitude for the immeasurable grace of God.
  • Breaking Down Barriers: Just as Christ broke down the wall between Jew and Gentile, His sacrifice calls believers to overcome divisions of race, social status, nationality, or any other factor that separates people within the church. We are all one new humanity in Christ.
  • Living in Peace: Understanding that we are all brought near by the same blood fosters a spirit of unity and peace among believers, encouraging us to live out the implications of our shared salvation.
  • Sharing the Gospel: This verse underscores the universal reach of the Gospel. No one is too "far off" for Christ's blood to bring them near. This should motivate us to share the message of reconciliation with all people.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 2:39

    For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

  • Colossians 1:20

    And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

  • Colossians 1:22

    In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

  • Colossians 1:13

    Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:

  • Colossians 1:14

    In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

  • Ephesians 2:19

    Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

  • Ephesians 2:22

    In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
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