[[Ephes-02]] Prev: [[Prophecies in Ephes-01]] | Next: [[Prophecies in Ephes-03]] --- ### But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ... He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near. *Type*: fulfillment *Summary*: Paul identifies the inclusion of the Gentiles into God's covenant and the message of peace as the fulfillment of God's promise to heal and bring peace to both those far and near. *Historical context*: Theologians link this directly to [[Isa-57#v19|Isaiah 57:19]], where God promises "Peace, peace, to the far and to the near." This was historically understood by the early church as the spiritual reconciliation of Gentiles (the far) and Jews (the near) through the Gospel. *Related to*: [[Isa-57#v19|Isaiah 57:19]] ### being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; *Type*: fulfillment *Summary*: Christ is described as the chief cornerstone of a new spiritual temple, fulfilling Old Testament messianic architecture metaphors. *Historical context*: This refers to [[Ps-118#v22|Psalm 118:22]] ("The stone the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner") and [[Isa-28#v16|Isaiah 28:16]] ("See, I lay a stone in Zion... a precious cornerstone"). These are widely recognized Messianic prophecies fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ as the foundation of the Church. *Related to*: [[Ps-118#v22|Psalm 118:22]], [[Isa-28#v16|Isaiah 28:16]] ### that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: A prediction that God's grace and kindness will be perpetually demonstrated and displayed throughout all future ages and eternity. *Historical context*: Commentators interpret "the ages to come" as referring to both the church age and the eternal state following Christ's return, where the redeemed serve as eternal monuments to God's mercy throughout all future dispensations. *Related to*: --- #ai_prophecy