Ephesians: Peace to Those Near and Far
Ephesians 2:17-18 - God’s peace comes through access to the Trinity.
“And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.”
Ephesians 2:17-18 NASB1995
Jesus preached peace to both the Jews and the Gentiles (those were who near and those who were far away). Through Him, we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. The AI image, above, shows the equality of access that both groups have to the Son, under a bright noonday sun (AI was doing way too many golden sunset pictures lately). No one has preferential treatment, but all are under His peace.
I like the commentary from Enduring Word:
a. He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near: As they respond to the same gospel, the same peace that is preached to those afar off (Gentiles) and those near (Jews).
b. Through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father: They enjoy the same access to God, access that comes by one Spirit to the Father. Not only are Jews and Gentiles saved by the same gospel, but they also have the same essential walk with God and access to Him. One group does not have a greater access than the other does.
i. “Access is probably the best translation of prosagoge, though it could be ‘introduction.’ In oriental courts there was a prosagoges who brought a person into the presence of the king.” (Foulkes)
ii. When conflict arises among Christian groups of different backgrounds, you can be sure that they forget that they were saved by the same gospel and that they have the same access to God. One or both groups usually feel they have superior access to God.
iii. “This text is a plain proof of the holy Trinity. Jews and Gentiles are to be presented unto God the FATHER; the SPIRIT of God works in their hearts, and prepares them for this presentation; and JESUS CHRIST himself introduces them.” (Clarke)
I’m not going to share my spaghetti chart of Christian denominations again, but it is so true that many forget that they were saved by the same Gospel and have the same access to God. Lutherans are not superior; Catholics are not superior; 2nd Baptists (reformed) are not superior. Speaking of access, let’s do a word study from the Blue Letter Bible:
Our access comes from the Greek noun προσαγωγή or prosagōgḗ (Strong’s G4318), with the following Biblical usages:
the act of bringing to, a moving to
access, approach
to God, i.e. that relationship with God whereby we are acceptable to him and have assurance that he is favourably disposed towards us
I also find the observation by Adam Clarke quoted in this Enduring Word commentary to be revealing: This text in Ephesians is proof of the Trinity, in that we are presented to God the Father, the Spirit of God works through our hearts and prepares us for this presentation or access, and Jesus the Son introduces us.
So what IS the peace of God? I like this answer from Gotquestions.org:
If God is peace, then to know God is to bask in His peace. The closer we draw to Him, the more of His peace we can enjoy (James 4:8). God gives us clear instructions about how to draw near to Him. Psalm 24:3–4 says, “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.” But Scripture is also clear that we cannot make ourselves clean enough or pure enough to earn the presence of the Lord (Romans 3:10, 23). So how do we draw near enough to experience His peace? Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). We come into the presence of the Lord through His Son (John 14:6). When we allow Jesus’ death and resurrection to purchase our forgiveness from God, we are counted as righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). Our sins are forgiven because Jesus already paid the price for them. Only then can we have peace with God (Romans 4:5; 5:1; 1 John 4:10).
The initial peace that comes from having our consciences wiped clean grows as we get to know God better (Hebrews 10:22). Second Peter 1:2 says, “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord” (NLT). When we grow in understanding of the depths and riches of God’s love toward us (Ephesians 3:18–19; Romans 8:38–39), our minds and spirits begin to rest in His power and wisdom. We begin to understand that He really will make all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28). We learn that His purposes will be accomplished (Psalm 33:11; Proverbs 19:21; Isaiah 45:9; 46:9–11).
Certain attitudes can destroy the peace of God. When we equate trust with the assumption that God will give us whatever we want, we set ourselves up for disappointment. The Bible is filled with examples of the opposite happening to God’s people (2 Corinthians 12:7–9; Hebrews 11:13; Psalm 10:1). Trust means we have set our hearts to believe God, whatever may happen. When we insist on being in control, we sabotage God’s desire to let us live in peace. When we choose worry rather than faith, we cannot live in peace. Jesus warned us often about fear and worry (Matthew 6:34; Luke 12:29; Philippians 4:6). Worry is the enemy of peace. God invites us to cast our cares upon Him and then let go of them (1 Peter 5:7).
Living in peace can be compared to the petals of a flower unfolding in the morning sunlight. The petals of peace in our lives unfold as we learn more about God. We discover that His character is always faithful. We experience His continual goodness. We read more of His promises (Psalm 100:5; 115:11; Isaiah 26:4). We learn to bask in His overwhelming love for us (Romans 8:38–39). We refuse to allow ever-changing circumstances to determine our level of contentment, relying instead upon the character of God that never changes (James 1:17; Malachi 3:6).
So comforting!
My next devotional examines Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the foundation.
Heaven on Wheels Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord - When I am anxious or troubled, bring me back to the eternal and glorious peace of Your presence. Amen.
Citations and Credits:
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org.
“G4318 - prosagōgē - Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NASB95).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 12 Apr, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4318/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/>.
Precept Austin was accessed on 04/12/26 to review commentary for Ephesians 2:17-18.
Commentary from Enduring Word is used with written permission and without any alteration. ©1996-present The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – enduringword.com. Within Enduring Word commentary:
Clarke, Adam The New Testament with A Commentary and Critical Notes, Volume II (New York: Eaton & Mains, 1831)
Foulkes, Francis The Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 1988)
Gotquestions.org was accessed on 04/12/2026 to ask the question, What is the peace of God, and how can I experience it? © COPYRIGHT 2002-2026 GOT QUESTIONS MINISTRIES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED