Ephesians 2:17 (NKJV)
And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.
Bible Commentary
Ephesians 2:17 is a Bible verse from the New Testament where the Apostle Paul is reminding us about the message of peace that Jesus Christ preached.
Not only did Jesus Christ preach peace while He was on the earth, Jesus is our peace.
Ephesians 2:14 ”For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation”
The middle wall of separation has had great power in separating people from one another. It is a barrier that erects itself between husband and wife, sons and daughters, friends and relatives alike.
Our human flesh, combined with the devil’s tools of deception, form a strong and mighty confinement as we fall into the trap of lies planted along our path. As we listen to the sounds of turmoil and strife in the world, we are snared by judgments, suspicions and resentments.
Our fleshly emotions of fear, anger, jealousy and envy are stirred up, which only perpetuates more of the same. It seems like an endless and vicious cycle…
but for Jesus.
Jesus came to break down the middle wall of separation and abolish the enemy (Ephesians 2:14). He did that on the cross. It is us who keeps the power of the enemy alive.
We must seek Christ to know the truth and be set free, and then we must hold firm in our position of truth when the winds try to sway us one way or another. It is so easy to get swept away with it all.
Unlocking the Truth – Choose Peace!
It seems we are surrounded by violence and turmoil at every turn. Remember Jesus. Remember His victory over the enemy on the cross. Remember the empty tomb. He arose!
After Jesus had risen, He made several appearances. One such appearance is described in John 20. The disciples were surrounded by turmoil. They were in fear, not knowing if they were next to be condemned and crucified.
John 20:19-22 (NASB) “So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and *said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus appeared to them and spoke peace over them. And not only that, He breathed the life of the Holy Spirit upon them.
We have the same privilege right now. Because we are children of God and have accepted the gift of Jesus Christ, He has already breathed the Holy Spirit upon us.
Let’s look up and see Jesus.
Let’s look past the turmoil, past the giants of the land and see Him! He is our peace.
But we must choose to access Him and not the world. We must reach for Him and not social media. We must listen for His still small voice and tune out the negativity.
We have a choice! What will you choose today?
Study the Bible verse of Ephesians 2:17 and grab hold of the peace of God, which is Jesus Christ our Lord.
