Eph 2:13, 17 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 13. But now in Christ Jesus . By the coming and atonement of the Lord Jesus, and by the gospel which he preached. Ye who sometimes were far off . Who were formerly --ποτε. Tindal translates it, a whyle agoo . The phrase far off --μακραν--means that they were formerly far off from God and his people. The expression is derived from the custom of speaking among the Hebrews. God was supposed to reside in the temple. It was a privilege to be near the temple. Those who were remote from Jerusalem and the temple were regarded as far off from God, and hence as peculiarly irreligious and wicked. . Are made nigh . Are admitted to the favour of God, and permitted to approach him as his worshippers. By the blood of Christ . The Jews came near to the mercy-seat on which the symbol of the Divine presence rested, , by the blood that was offered in sacrifice; that is, the high priest approached that mercy-seat with blood, and sprinkled it before God. Now we are permitted to approach him with the blood of the atonement. The shedding of that blood has prepared the way by which Gentiles as well as Jews may approach God, and it is by that offering that we are led to seek God. (*) "sometimes" "formerly" (a) "blood of Christ"

Ephesians 2:13

Verse 13. But now in Christ Jesus. By the coming and atonement of the Lord Jesus, and by the gospel which he preached.

Ye who sometimes were far off. Who were formerly--ποτε. Tindal translates it, a whyle agoo. The phrase far off --μακραν--means that they were formerly far off from God and his people. The expression is derived from the custom of speaking among the Hebrews. God was supposed to reside in the temple. It was a privilege to be near the temple. Those who were remote from Jerusalem and the temple were regarded as far off from God, and hence as peculiarly irreligious and wicked. Isa 57:19.

Are made nigh. Are admitted to the favour of God, and permitted to approach him as his worshippers.

By the blood of Christ. The Jews came near to the mercy-seat on which the symbol of the Divine presence rested, Rom 3:25, by the blood that was offered in sacrifice; that is, the high priest approached that mercy-seat with blood, and sprinkled it before God. Now we are permitted to approach him with the blood of the atonement. The shedding of that blood has prepared the way by which Gentiles as well as Jews may approach God, and it is by that offering that we are led to seek God.

(*) "sometimes" "formerly" (a) "blood of Christ" Heb 9:12

Ephesians 2:17

Verse 17. 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, etc. Eph 2:13.

(*) "preached" "proclaimed" (a) "which were afar off" Acts 2:39