Ephesians 2:13

13. But now O yes, now! What a glorious contrast between those times past and this now! With what pity from this now may these Christian Ephesians look back upon the heathen Ephesians they were in times past! And with what pity should all Christians look upon the hapless heathens who are still in those sad and hopeless times past! Being in Christ, these Ephesians have every point of contrast to their former miseries. They are not afar, but nigh, unified with the holy Israel, Ephesians 2:14-18. They are, with Israel, builded into one edifice, Ephesians 2:19-20; nay, into a temple, where the Holy Spirit resides, Ephesians 2:21-22.

In Christ Jesus As identified with him, (note, Romans 6:3,) and incorporated with his mystical person; reverse of without Christ above.

Far off… nigh In soul and nature. These were habitual terms with the Jews to designate those who were residents near the temple and the holy of holies, and those who resided at a distance from the temple and the grand altar, and especially pagans of foreign blood. And these terms were in accordance with Isaiah’s magnificent words: “Listen, O isles… from far,” Isaiah 49:1; and “Peace, peace, to him that is afar off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord,” Isaiah 57:19. By the blood of Christ, which had fulfilled, and so dismissed, the sacrificial rites of the Old Covenant.