Ephesians 2:13 – “In Christ Jesus”

Yet now, in Christ Jesus, you who once are far off, are become near by the blood of Christ.

In some sketches, Paul had painted the situation of the nations, viewed from the exclusive privileges that were assigned to Israel. But now, that was a thing of the past. The position “far off” was changed to “close”. Not because they were joined to Israel as proselytes through circumcision or another ritual. No, by faith in the Good News as Paul proclaimed it among the nations.

The believers from the nations were also not incorporated into Israel but “in Christ Jesus”! One body with Him! They were now part of “the Christ”. The Christ that the people of Israel were looking for. But whom was also officially rejected and crucified by the people. “the blood of the Christ” speaks of this. But the Christ is raised form the dead and glorified! And now believers form the nations are included in him, “in Christ Jesus”!

The contrast cannot be bigger. Israel as a people shed the blood of Christ an now people from the nations, “once far off” are identified with Christ Jesus, the exalted one at God’s right hand!

Delen: