Peace to the brothers and sisters …
Summary: When Paul says “Peace to the brothers and sisters …” he means more than just a sixties vintage hippy dippy nice saying. He is transmitting the peace of God.
Peace.
Paul uses a word that means many things.* It is a word that means:
- A state of “national tranquility.”
- The absence of war and the terror and chaos that goes with it.
- Harmony and unity among people.
- The security, safety, and prosperity are the natural result of peace and harmony.
- The “Messiah’s peace” that leads to salvation.
- Rest for your soul because of knowing Christ the Messiah.
- The absence of fear, either of God or men.
- Not fearing death.
This kind of peace can only come from God. As God’s ambassador (Ephesians 6:20), Paul is authorized to assure believers of this gift from God.
Think about this for a moment. Meditate on the meaning of this gift. The world has nothing comparable to offer.
Now, before you start picking apart this list and pointing at things saying, “Paul can’t give people that!,” let’s look at this list more closely.
At first glance, national tranquility and an absence of war seem beyond something even God can promise without first destroying the armies and nations that wage war. Is it possible to experience “national tranquility” while living in a nation torn by political and social strife?
As Paul writes his closing words to the church in Ephesus, he is a prisoner of the State. He was falsely accused by Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 21-22) and then subjected to a long string of court cases and imprisonments (Acts 23-28). From the world’s point of view, Paul is clearly not enjoying any of the first four definitions of “peace” we’ve listed above. Yet, Paul himself, referring to the division between Jew and Gentile, writes:
“ For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility …” (Ephesians 2:14)
How is this possible?
First, Jesus teaches us that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Second, Paul himself writes to the Philippians, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
The peace Paul refers to doesn’t come from the world around us. Paul is offering us the peace of God, a peace that comes within us and changes the world around us.
Application: Be intentional about receiving God’s peace.
Food for Thought: How does the world’s peace differ from God’s peace?
*Source for biblical usage of the word, eirēnē:
“G1515 – eirēnē – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 21 Nov, 2023. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1515/niv/mgnt/0-1/.
I think in a lot of ways the concept of peace means “the absence of conflict or being conflicted.” The world tries to achieve this through laws and “proof of something beyond.” Both speak to mankind trying to control peace, that it is something we can create and maintain for ourselves by ourselves. The peace that God gives comes from Him. That even in times of conflict around us, there is not conflict within us, if we do His will. He is in control and promises us justice in His time. He promises us eternal communion with His Spirit if we give our will to Him. The peace God gives comes from our faith in Him. He created us for a purpose, to love us and so that we could love Him. Despite our rebellion, He gave His only Son, and His only Son willing gave Himself, so that we could be redeemed back to that purpose. He gives us grace and time to return to Him. God is good, His will is good, and when we do His will, we find that the goodness of His will brings us peace.
Thank you, Chris!
Well said! I like your description of God’s love and the peace he offers.
Unfortunately, there are many in the world who want nothing to do with peace, even the worldly kind, and they work against it. What they want is submission.
How does the world’s peace differ from God’s peace?
The world’s peace is only a sliver of peace. God’s peace is more….. more than a pie. It’s a piecaken.
LOL!
Thanks Tim!! I wish you and yours a boatloaden of piecaken for Thanksgiving this year! 🙂
11-22-2023, How does the world’s peace differ from God’s peace?
World peace is fleeting, ignores the root of the problem, changes with circumstances and is built on the weak foundation of compromise.
God’s peace has power, is founded in truth, is eternal, freely given to those who trust our Lord in all circumstances as we fully accept His Sovereignty in all circumstances.
Ephesians 1:11, In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
Romans 8:28, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.
Our life in peace with God begins when we accept Christ, and continues as submission to God’s will over our own becomes a way of life. We must learn to let go, stop trying to control circumstances beyond our control and allow accept God’s Sovereignty Full time rather than Part time. The great, true peace being enjoyed by Paul as he sat in prison waiting to be sentenced to death, is the result of His living in God’s peace. Accepting His Sovereign will over his own.
Ron,
Excellent descriptions of God’s peace and the world’s peace.
Thank you!
I appreciate the comment, that God’s peace has “power.” So true!