NT Text: Ephesians 2:17
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Promise-Fulfillment + Longitudinal Theme
Anchor Text: Isa 52:7 — Beautiful Feet Bringing Good News
Significance: Paul declares that Christ "came and preached peace" (eirēnēn euēngelisato) to those far and near, echoing Isaiah 52:7 where the herald's "beautiful feet" announce peace (shalom) and good news (mebasher) to Zion. Isaiah's herald proclaims Yahweh's return to Zion after the Babylonian exile, announcing salvation and the reign of God. Paul applies this to Christ's reconciling work on the cross, which brings peace not merely to exiled Israel but to both Jews ("those who were near") and Gentiles ("those who were far away"), collapsing the dividing wall of hostility. The verbal parallel between Isaiah's "proclaims peace" and Paul's "preached peace" is deliberate, casting Christ as the ultimate herald whose message surpasses geographic restoration to accomplish cosmic reconciliation. This connection also draws on the broader Isaianic theme of the gospel (euangelion) as the announcement of God's saving reign inaugurated through Christ.