Verse
Context
One in Christ
12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye who sometimes were far off - To be far off, and to be near, are sayings much in use among the Jews; and among them, to be near signifies, 1. To be in the approbation or favor of God; and to be far off signifies to be under his displeasure. So a wicked Jew might be said to be far off from God when he was exposed to his displeasure; and a holy man, or a genuine penitent, might be said to be nigh to God, because such persons are in his favor. 2. Every person who offered a sacrifice to God was considered as having access to him by the blood of that sacrifice: hence the priests, whose office it was to offer sacrifices, were considered as being nigh to God; and all who brought gifts to the altar were considered as approaching the Almighty. 3. Being far off, signified the state of the Gentiles as contradistinguished from the Jews, who were nigh. And these expressions were used in reference to the tabernacle, God's dwelling-place among the Israelites, and the sacrifices there offered. All those who had access to this tabernacle, or were nigh to it or encamped about it, were said to be nigh to God; those who had no access to it were said to be far off. Hence the latter phrase is used to distinguish the Gentiles from the Jewish people; and this appears to be the meaning of the prophet, Isa 57:19 : I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; i.e. I give cause of praise and rejoicing to the Gentile as well as to the Jew. And to this scripture, and to this thing, the apostle seems here to allude. You Gentiles, who were unacquainted with God, and were even without God in the world, are brought to an acquaintance with him; and are now, through Christ Jesus, brought into the favor and fellowship of God. And as the Jews of old approached God by the blood of their sacrifices, so you approach him by the blood of Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
now--in contrast to "at that time" (Eph 2:12). in Christ Jesus--"Jesus" is here added, whereas the expression before (Eph 2:12) had been merely "Christ," to mark that they know Christ as the personal Saviour, "Jesus." sometimes--Greek, "aforetime." far off--the Jewish description of the Gentiles. Far off from God and from the people of God (Eph 2:17; Isa 57:19; Act 2:39). are--Greek, "have been." by--Greek, "in." Thus "the blood of Christ" is made the seal of a covenant IN which their nearness to God consists. In Eph 1:7, where the blood is more directly spoken of as the instrument, it is "through His blood" [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But now in Christ Jesus,.... Being openly and visibly in Christ, created in him, and become believers in him; as they were before secretly in him, as chosen and blessed in him before the foundation of the world: ye who sometimes were far off; who in their state of unregeneracy were afar off from God, and from his law, and from any spiritual knowledge of him and fellowship with him; and from Jesus Christ, and from the knowledge of his righteousness, and the way of salvation by him; and from the Spirit, and any acquaintance with the things of the Spirit, and from minding them, and from walking after him; and from the saints and people of God, and from any love to them, and communion with them; and from any solid hopes of happiness, or real peace and comfort; which distance was owing both to Adam's sin and to their own transgressions: it is an observation of a Jewish writer (a) on Gen 3:9 "where art thou?" he (God) knew where he was, but he said so to show him that he was "afar off from" God by his sin: see Isa 59:2, and yet are made nigh by the blood of Christ: so as to have nearness of access to and communion with God, Father, Son, and Spirit, and the saints, in virtue of the blood of Christ; which gives boldness and speaks peace; by which their persons are justified, the pardon of their sins is procured, reconciliation is made, and their garments are washed, and made white; and so they draw nigh with confidence by the faith of him. (a) R. Abraham Seba, Tzeror Hammor, fol. 7. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 Only by being united with Christ Jesus through trust in him can a person be reconciled to God (see Rom 5:10-12; 2 Cor 5:18-21). The blood of Christ—his sacrificial death—makes this possible (see Eph 1:7; Rom 3:24-25; 5:9; Col 1:20; cp. Heb 9:12-15; 1 Pet 1:19; 1 Jn 1:7; Rev 1:5; 5:9).
One in Christ
12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Local Church 2 - Part 2
By William MacDonald2.6K06:55EPH 2:13COL 1:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing Christ as the head of the Church and the unity of all believers in Christ Jesus, regardless of background or culture. It highlights how through the work of the Lord Jesus, believers are made one in Christ, breaking down barriers and creating a unified body. The imperative to love all believers is stressed, not based on emotions but as a command to give of oneself for others, mirroring God's sacrificial love.
Grace for Knowing God
By Bob Hoekstra1.7K1:02:47JHN 6:57JHN 14:10JHN 17:3GAL 2:20GAL 6:15EPH 1:7EPH 2:13PHP 3:8COL 1:272PE 1:22PE 3:18This sermon focuses on the theme of Grace for Knowing God, emphasizing the importance of developing a deep relationship with God through His grace. It highlights the concept of being in Christ and Christ being in us, leading to a transformative life lived by faith in the Son of God. The sermon encourages believers to seek a multiplied abundance of grace and peace through growing in the knowledge and intimacy of God and Jesus our Lord.
The Day Jesus Was Astonished
By Teresa Conlon1.2K57:29MAT 6:33MAT 7:17MAT 7:24LUK 7:1JHN 8:32ROM 8:32EPH 2:13In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a passage from the Bible about a servant who was dear to a man and was sick and ready to die. The preacher emphasizes that this servant was a slave, highlighting the value that the man placed on individuals, regardless of their social status. The preacher also discusses the importance of having compassion and concern for others, as well as the need to let people into our lives. The sermon concludes with a call to humility and repentance, acknowledging our limitations and surrendering to God's will.
Christian Responsibility to the Jew
By Lance Lambert1.2K57:14JewishMAT 8:10LUK 13:28ROM 11:11EPH 2:11EPH 2:13In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of why the establishment came crashing down upon the people of God. He emphasizes the importance of witnessing and expressing the salvation of God to others, even if they are already considered the people of God. The speaker encourages the audience to pray for Israel and the Jewish people, as well as to dedicate time to learning about them. He also highlights the suffering of the apostles and the need for believers to be witnesses. The sermon references Isaiah 43 and emphasizes the spiritual meaning behind God bringing his redeemed people together.
David Davis - One New Man
By David Davis1.1K28:00EPH 2:13This sermon emphasizes the revival and reconciliation happening in Israel, particularly on Mount Carmel, where Jews and Arabs are turning to the Lord. It highlights the importance of unity between Jews and Gentiles, the restoration of the one new man in Christ, and the significance of God's work in Israel and the nations in the end times. The speaker shares personal experiences of encountering God's love, transformation, and the ministry of reconciliation.
The Building of the Temple Part 1
By Chuck Smith97425:05Temple2CH 4:1PSA 100:4MAT 6:33MAT 18:20EPH 2:13HEB 4:16In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of being aware of the presence of God in our lives. He emphasizes that if we were more conscious of Jesus' presence, we would be more careful about our actions. Pastor Chuck also highlights the breakdown of the family unit in society and the negative impact it has on marriages and children. He encourages listeners to apply biblical principles to their families in order to experience peace, joy, and love. The sermon concludes with a prayer of gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice and a request for God's guidance and protection over the lives of believers.
Uniquely Made to Serve God
By Erlo Stegen73358:02PSA 139:13ISA 49:1JER 1:5MAT 9:37MAT 28:19ACT 2:14EPH 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of winning souls for Christ. They mention statistics that show if every Christian were to win just one person to the Lord each year, the Gospel would conquer the whole world in 33 years. The speaker urges the audience to actively share the gospel and not be spiritually barren. They give examples of individuals like Jeremiah, the blind man, and the Samaritan woman who were chosen by God and used mightily to spread the message of Christ. The sermon also highlights the story of Matthew, who left his wealthy tax collector profession to follow Jesus, emphasizing that wealth or poverty does not determine one's merit for heaven.
Christ's Star
By Tim Conway50159:35MAT 2:1MAT 2:9LUK 2:1LUK 2:10JHN 1:14EPH 2:13PHP 2:9REV 22:20This sermon delves into the historical events surrounding the birth of Christ, emphasizing the significance of the star that led the Magi to Bethlehem. It contrasts the man-made traditions of Christmas with the biblical truth of Christ's birth, highlighting the importance of discerning the deception in the world and focusing on the reality of God's salvation through Jesus. The sermon underscores the supernatural nature of Christ's birth, His role as Savior, and the call to worship Him. It also draws parallels between the Magi following the star and believers following the Gospel light to find salvation in Christ, urging listeners to recognize the historical and eternal impact of Christ's coming.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 318
By Don Courville30632:28Radio ShowPSA 23:5PSA 37:1PSA 37:3ISA 26:3ACT 10:38EPH 2:13In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for revival and acknowledging the need for it in the church and the land. He then talks about the challenges and conflicts that families face on their way to church, where they put on a spiritual facade despite the internal struggles. The preacher shares a personal experience of going through a difficult time and how it was an opportunity for God to work in their lives. He emphasizes the importance of manifesting the presence of God in all circumstances and being a true representation of Jesus to others.
The Blood
By Phil Beach Jr.3752:47Redemption and JustificationThe Power of the BloodBlood Of ChristACT 20:28ROM 3:25ROM 5:9ROM 6:6EPH 1:7EPH 2:13COL 1:20HEB 9:121JN 1:71JN 2:2Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the unparalleled significance of the blood of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith, asserting that it is the only means by which humanity can be reconciled to God. He explains that the blood shed on Calvary serves as the propitiation for our sins, providing redemption and access to God's presence. Beach highlights that this blood is not ordinary but the precious blood of God Himself, which cleanses, justifies, and brings peace to believers. He encourages the congregation to understand the transformative power of the blood and to apply it in their lives for spiritual victory and closeness to God.
The Prodigal's Father
By J. Wilbur Chapman2PSA 103:12ISA 1:19MAT 11:28LUK 15:20JHN 10:28JHN 14:6ACT 2:39ROM 5:8EPH 2:131JN 1:9J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the parable of the prodigal son, emphasizing the father's unconditional love, compassion, and readiness to forgive. He shares a powerful story of a son's return and the father's overwhelming joy, reflecting God's longing for every lost soul to come back to Him. Chapman highlights the importance of accepting God's gift of reconciliation through Jesus Christ, symbolized by the father's actions of embracing, clothing, and providing for his wayward son. He encourages listeners to trust in God's love, mercy, and willingness to forgive, no matter how far they may have strayed.
George Whitefield Quotes
By George Whitefield2JHN 3:161CO 1:232CO 6:2EPH 2:13HEB 10:25George Whitefield preaches about the judgment faced by Jesus as the King and Lord of glory, the importance of believers being brought near to God through the blood of Jesus Christ, the decay of true Christianity due to neglecting to gather in religious societies, the necessity of preaching the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and the urgency of accepting God's mercy and grace while it is offered.
The Dwelling Place of God
By Richard E. Bieber1JHN 9:1JHN 20:191CO 14:20EPH 2:13EPH 2:19Richard E. Bieber preaches on the significance of the temple as a symbol of God's presence among His people. The temple thrived when the people were submissive to God but dried up when they rebelled. Ezekiel's vision of a new temple symbolizes God's dwelling place among His restored nation, with a river of life flowing from it. Jesus fulfills Ezekiel's vision as the dwelling place of God on earth, and through His death and resurrection, believers become part of this temple as living stones. The temple is where the wall of division is broken down, the word of God is distinct, and the work of God is being accomplished through His Spirit.
Reconciliation
By James Challen1LUK 24:46ACT 1:82CO 5:18EPH 2:13COL 1:19James Challen preaches about the ministry of reconciliation, emphasizing that man is alienated from God due to sin, but through Jesus Christ, God offers reconciliation to the world. Challen highlights the role of Jesus as the ultimate Ambassador of God, who came to reconcile humanity to the Father through his life, death, and resurrection. The apostles, chosen by Jesus, served as ambassadors spreading the message of reconciliation to all nations, and their work remains a perpetual obligation for believers today.
Toronto Hebrew Academy.
By Gareth Evans1JHN 1:29ROM 3:25ROM 4:11GAL 3:7EPH 2:13HEB 9:22HEB 10:10HEB 13:121PE 1:181JN 1:7Gareth Evans shares a powerful testimony of his journey from applying for a teaching position at Toronto Hebrew Academy to impacting the lives of students and the school's rabbi with his faith in Jesus Christ. Despite being a born-again Christian, he is offered the Head of Science Department position and later engages in thought-provoking discussions about Christianity and Judaism, leading to a profound revelation for the rabbi and students. Through his obedience and willingness to share his faith, Gareth experiences a mountain-top encounter with God, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love and sacrifice.
(The Full Gospel) 3. Having a Firm Grip on the Christian Life
By Zac Poonen1MAT 4:1LUK 9:23ROM 5:92CO 4:10EPH 2:13COL 1:20HEB 4:12HEB 9:221PE 1:181JN 1:7REV 12:11Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of utilizing the five gifts God has given us to have a firm grip on the Christian life. These gifts include the Blood of Christ for forgiveness, justification, redemption, and cleansing; the Holy Spirit for empowerment, fruitfulness, and spiritual effectiveness; the Word of God for guidance, renewal, and spiritual warfare; the Way of the Cross for self-denial, spiritual progress, and overcoming sin; and the Body of Christ for unity, support, and manifestation of God's glory.
The Nearness of God
By Octavius Winslow0God's PresencePrayer and CommunionPSA 46:1PSA 145:18ISA 55:6JER 23:23JHN 14:9ROM 8:38EPH 2:13HEB 4:16JAS 4:8Octavius Winslow emphasizes the nearness of God, highlighting that through Jesus Christ, God is intimately present in our lives. He reassures believers that the blood of Christ brings them close to God, eliminating the barriers of sin and guilt. Winslow encourages prayer as a means to experience God's immediate presence, reminding us that He is a very present help in times of trouble. He urges the faithful to live in constant communion with God, avoiding anything that creates distance between them and their Creator. Ultimately, he points to the hope of fully experiencing God's presence in eternity.
1 Peter 3:18
By John Gill0RedemptionSufferingISA 53:5JHN 10:18ROM 5:81CO 15:202CO 4:17EPH 2:13PHP 3:10COL 1:22HEB 10:101PE 3:18John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 3:18, emphasizing that Christ suffered not for His own sins, but for the sins of His people, enduring immense pain and sorrow throughout His life and culminating in His death on the cross. He highlights that Christ's singular sacrifice is sufficient for the remission of sins, contrasting it with the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament. Gill encourages believers to endure their own sufferings patiently, as Christ, the just one, suffered for the unjust to bring them to God, offering them reconciliation and access to divine grace. He reassures that while Christ was put to death in the flesh, He was quickened by the Spirit, promising believers the hope of resurrection and eternal life. This profound understanding of Christ's suffering serves as a model for Christians to bear their trials with patience and faith.
Citizenship in Heaven
By George Kulp0PSA 87:5JHN 14:2GAL 3:28EPH 2:13EPH 2:19PHP 3:20HEB 12:221PE 2:9REV 21:2George Kulp preaches about the heavenly citizenship of believers, drawing parallels from historical accounts of citizens being protected and freed due to their citizenship. He emphasizes the eternal citizenship in heaven that believers possess, transcending earthly powers and limitations. Kulp highlights the vast territory and capital of the Commonwealth of God, where saints of all ages are fellow citizens, united in Christ. He underscores the theocratic government of God, governed by divine law and characterized by love, holiness, and unity among believers.
Reconciliation, Atonement, and Judgment
By P.T. Forsyth0PSA 85:10ISA 33:22ISA 43:4JHN 3:16ROM 3:25ROM 5:8ROM 6:23EPH 2:13HEB 9:281JN 1:9P.T. Forsyth preaches about the necessity of objective atonement, emphasizing that God Himself made the offering for reconciliation. He delves into the idea that God's atonement was initially made on behalf of the entire human race, setting the foundation for individual reconciliation. Forsyth highlights the importance of God reconciling Himself rather than being reconciled by a third party, stressing the need for a change in treatment rather than a change in God's affection. He explains that the Cross of Christ was not just an object lesson but a real and decisive act that established holiness and judgment, leading to the reconciliation of the world and individuals.
The Most Precious Gift
By David Wilkerson0The Power of the BloodRedemption and Access to GodACT 20:28EPH 1:7EPH 2:13David Wilkerson emphasizes that the blood of Jesus is the most precious gift from God to His church, yet many Christians fail to grasp its true value and significance. While believers often sing about the power of the blood, they may not fully understand its benefits beyond forgiveness, such as redemption from sin, sanctification, and access to God. Wilkerson encourages Christians to recognize that Jesus' blood not only redeems and sanctifies but also breaks down barriers and empowers believers to overcome evil. He challenges listeners to articulate the worth of Christ's blood and to embrace the boldness it grants in approaching the Father.
Let Him Boast
By H.J. Vine0JER 9:23ACT 15:381CO 1:31EPH 2:131TI 1:17H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of boasting in the Lord rather than in worldly achievements, assemblies, or ourselves. He emphasizes that God chooses the despised of the world to showcase His wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption through Christ, so that no one may boast in His presence. The sermon highlights the transformation brought about by God's grace, leading individuals like Paul, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to boast in the Lord despite their past shortcomings and imperfections.
The Blood of Sprinkling, and the Blood of Abel
By Horatius Bonar0The Blood of ChristRedemption and ForgivenessGEN 4:10LUK 23:34ROM 5:20ROM 8:1EPH 2:13COL 1:20HEB 9:14HEB 12:241PE 1:18REV 6:10Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound contrast between the blood of Abel and the blood of Christ, illustrating how Abel's blood cries out for vengeance while Christ's blood speaks of love, grace, and forgiveness. He explains that the blood of sprinkling signifies a new covenant that brings peace, blessing, and nearness to God, contrasting the curse and separation brought by Abel's blood. Bonar highlights that Christ's blood offers comfort and restoration, purging the conscience and granting eternal life, while also warning against the rejection of this divine testimony. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to embrace the transformative power of Christ's blood, which assures them of their salvation and relationship with God.
An Open Ear
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 19:1PSA 27:14ISA 50:4MAT 13:16LUK 8:18JHN 8:2EPH 2:13HEB 1:1Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of having open ears to hear God's messages, emphasizing that God continues to speak to individuals, groups, and communities in ways that are understandable to all. The sermon highlights the significance of being attentive to God's word, as seen in the examples of prophets and Jesus speaking to humanity. It contrasts those with open ears who yield and obey, like the servant in Isaiah, with those who have closed ears and refuse to listen, as shown in the story of Zechariah. The sermon urges listeners to be like the disciples who actively listen, understand the secrets of the kingdom of God, and act upon Jesus' teachings.
Cult of Mary - Part Two
By Ian Paisley0JHN 10:1JHN 14:6ACT 4:12EPH 2:13PHP 2:91TI 2:51JN 2:1Ian Paisley delivers a sermon critiquing Mariolatry, focusing on the Roman Catholic Church's elevation of Mary to a position above Christ, including titles like 'Mother of God' and doctrines like the Immaculate Conception and Bodily Assumption of Mary. Paisley contrasts Roman and Protestant teachings, highlighting the dangers of giving Mary powers and glory that belong to Christ alone. He exposes the secret purpose of Mariolatry as a means for the Roman Catholic Church to maintain control over its followers, emphasizing the need for bold witnessing against such practices.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye who sometimes were far off - To be far off, and to be near, are sayings much in use among the Jews; and among them, to be near signifies, 1. To be in the approbation or favor of God; and to be far off signifies to be under his displeasure. So a wicked Jew might be said to be far off from God when he was exposed to his displeasure; and a holy man, or a genuine penitent, might be said to be nigh to God, because such persons are in his favor. 2. Every person who offered a sacrifice to God was considered as having access to him by the blood of that sacrifice: hence the priests, whose office it was to offer sacrifices, were considered as being nigh to God; and all who brought gifts to the altar were considered as approaching the Almighty. 3. Being far off, signified the state of the Gentiles as contradistinguished from the Jews, who were nigh. And these expressions were used in reference to the tabernacle, God's dwelling-place among the Israelites, and the sacrifices there offered. All those who had access to this tabernacle, or were nigh to it or encamped about it, were said to be nigh to God; those who had no access to it were said to be far off. Hence the latter phrase is used to distinguish the Gentiles from the Jewish people; and this appears to be the meaning of the prophet, Isa 57:19 : I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; i.e. I give cause of praise and rejoicing to the Gentile as well as to the Jew. And to this scripture, and to this thing, the apostle seems here to allude. You Gentiles, who were unacquainted with God, and were even without God in the world, are brought to an acquaintance with him; and are now, through Christ Jesus, brought into the favor and fellowship of God. And as the Jews of old approached God by the blood of their sacrifices, so you approach him by the blood of Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
now--in contrast to "at that time" (Eph 2:12). in Christ Jesus--"Jesus" is here added, whereas the expression before (Eph 2:12) had been merely "Christ," to mark that they know Christ as the personal Saviour, "Jesus." sometimes--Greek, "aforetime." far off--the Jewish description of the Gentiles. Far off from God and from the people of God (Eph 2:17; Isa 57:19; Act 2:39). are--Greek, "have been." by--Greek, "in." Thus "the blood of Christ" is made the seal of a covenant IN which their nearness to God consists. In Eph 1:7, where the blood is more directly spoken of as the instrument, it is "through His blood" [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But now in Christ Jesus,.... Being openly and visibly in Christ, created in him, and become believers in him; as they were before secretly in him, as chosen and blessed in him before the foundation of the world: ye who sometimes were far off; who in their state of unregeneracy were afar off from God, and from his law, and from any spiritual knowledge of him and fellowship with him; and from Jesus Christ, and from the knowledge of his righteousness, and the way of salvation by him; and from the Spirit, and any acquaintance with the things of the Spirit, and from minding them, and from walking after him; and from the saints and people of God, and from any love to them, and communion with them; and from any solid hopes of happiness, or real peace and comfort; which distance was owing both to Adam's sin and to their own transgressions: it is an observation of a Jewish writer (a) on Gen 3:9 "where art thou?" he (God) knew where he was, but he said so to show him that he was "afar off from" God by his sin: see Isa 59:2, and yet are made nigh by the blood of Christ: so as to have nearness of access to and communion with God, Father, Son, and Spirit, and the saints, in virtue of the blood of Christ; which gives boldness and speaks peace; by which their persons are justified, the pardon of their sins is procured, reconciliation is made, and their garments are washed, and made white; and so they draw nigh with confidence by the faith of him. (a) R. Abraham Seba, Tzeror Hammor, fol. 7. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 Only by being united with Christ Jesus through trust in him can a person be reconciled to God (see Rom 5:10-12; 2 Cor 5:18-21). The blood of Christ—his sacrificial death—makes this possible (see Eph 1:7; Rom 3:24-25; 5:9; Col 1:20; cp. Heb 9:12-15; 1 Pet 1:19; 1 Jn 1:7; Rev 1:5; 5:9).