Albert Barnes Commentary Ephesians 2:17

"and he came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh:" — Ephesians 2:17 (ASV)

And came and preached peace. That is, the system of religion which he proclaimed was adapted to produce peace with God. This he preached personally to those who "were nigh," that is, the Jews; to those who were "afar off"—the Gentiles—he preached it by his apostles. He was the Author of the system which proclaimed salvation to both. The word peace here refers to reconciliation with God.

To you which were afar off, etc. See Barnes on Ephesians 2:13.

The term "preached" is used here in the sense of "proclaimed." The phrase which were afar off is also found in Acts 2:39.