Peace
“Wholeness, soundness, health, prosperity, wellbeing, peace”
Summary
Peace (Hebrew shalom, Greek eirene) denotes not merely the absence of conflict but a positive state of wholeness, wellbeing, and right relationship—especially the condition of reconciliation with God through Christ that brings both objective standing and subjective tranquility to the believer.
☩Hebrew Background
The Hebrew word shalom has far richer meaning than mere cessation of hostilities. The root shalm covers 'wholeness,' 'integrity,' 'soundness,' 'health,' and 'prosperity' in the widest sense. It applies to unhewn stones, completed labor, full wages, and upright disposition. Peace is the common greeting (salam in Arabic), used in asking after health and in farewells. From this broad foundation, peace as a religious good encompasses blessings of nature as well as politics, and the positive benefits consequent upon favorable conditions—not merely the absence of strife.
☩Peace with God
The New Testament reveals peace as primarily describing the reconciled relationship between God and believers. Paul correlates 'enmity,' 'reconciliation,' and 'peace' with doctrinal precision: as warfare existed between God and sinners, so peace is the objectively established footing on which God and believers now associate. 'Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' This peace is not merely a figure for changed disposition but an actual state of justification. Christ made peace through the blood of His cross, and to Christians God is 'the God of peace' and Jesus is 'the Lord of peace.'
☩Peace of Heart
Scripture also speaks of peace as the state of heart in which believers are kept regarding circumstances. 'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.' The Christian makes requests known to God, and 'the peace of God which passeth all understanding' keeps hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. This peace is perfect, inexpressible, permanent, and eternal. It is quite different from the Stoic apathy that suppresses feeling; rather, it subordinates present troubles to the joy of fellowship with God and assurance of His fatherly care.
☩Christ and Peace
The Messiah's coming was to inaugurate a reign of peace, and He Himself is called 'Prince of Peace.' Angels announced 'on earth peace' at His birth, and His earthly ministry proclaimed peace. 'Peace' was the salutation the disciples were to use when sent forth; it was spoken by Jesus to those He healed and to His disciples after resurrection. Yet Jesus said He came 'not to send peace but a sword,' because His uncompromising call inevitably brings division in a world of falsehood and sin—yet ultimate peace through the victory of righteousness remains His purpose.
☩Social and Mutual Peace
Peace between believers is a social conception including harmony and organic cooperation. Jesus exhorted His disciples to 'have peace one with another,' and peacemakers shall be called sons of God. Paul urges believers to 'live in peace' and follow peace with all people. In Christ, the barrier between Jew and Gentile has been broken down—He 'is our peace.' This peace should be cherished as an essential element of God's kingdom, pursued alongside righteousness and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Related Verses433 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Peace," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Peace," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Peace," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 4.George Morrish, "Peace," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 5.James Hastings (ed.), "Peace," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).