"I give you peace.."Jesus used the word "peace"; at some points in a confronting way. Today we celebrate the condition of "peace" in various ways.
Many coins are issued to mark the anniversary of the end of war. Peace must be the antithesis of war.
The coins all came my way in ordinary circulation. (Perhaps some of our coinage was issued in close proximity to the actual withdrawal or demobilisation of military personnel.)
The ancient Mediterranean world also preferred the benefit of the end of war (as long as their side had "won"), or to avoid a conflict they were unable to win. (Caesar Valerian excepted, the ruling individuals did not put themselves in the way of danger.)
We find the equivalent word and expression, "peace", in many places in the Old Testament (OT); words which were familiar to Jesus and his compatriots. They would have heard the same word in the Greek OT and the "shalom" שָׁלוֹם of the Hebrew Bible.
Consider some examples of: strategic advice; promise of a peace for all of God's kingdom; inner strength...
When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace (Deuteronomy 20:10, NIV). I wonder, did the Deuteronomist mean "peace with honour"; cessation of hostility without the regular rape, murder, theft, and destruction?
His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David’s kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The Lord All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done (Isaiah 9:7, CEV).
Those who love your teachings will find true peace. Nothing will defeat them (Psalm 119:165, CSB).
New Testament authors wrote of peace εἰρήνη, of the calming of inner distress over personal falling short and of the making of good relations with God Almighty. For example:
Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel (Philippians 4:7, CEV). That is a strong kind of peace! A peace beyond comprehension.
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us (Romans 5:1, NLT). The ultimate peace arising from the mercy and justice of God.
Like those who came before him, and those who came after, Jesus spoke directly of peace.
Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you (Luke 10:5-6, ESV). There can be a close connection between those who belong to Jesus and own themselves under his rule. The notion of "peace" being taken back again is difficult, but I think it implies a settled or confident mind accepting the attitude of the antagonist, even if regretting it.
In the course of his teaching against rash or superficial attachment to himself, Jesus made use of the sound sense of a strategic decision to seek peace and limit loss: Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions (Luke 14:31-33, NRSV). Just plain sense - seems like the "make peace, not war" idea. Bear the cost but avoid destruction. (Even though he is not giving military strategic advice, I would expect Jesus to mean "peace with honour". But - is such an idea even possible with military and political males?)
One time a woman made a surreptitious approach to Jesus, with little confidence of her right to do so. This needy person acted against a taboo. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over” (Mark 5:34, NLT). She had her trust in Jesus vindicated and could leave with assurance, as well as physical healing. She had probably come in turbulence but could leave assured by Jesus' welcome.
The most confronting thing Jesus said about peace concerned the loss of peace for individuals and those close to them. It is sadly all too evident today that people who chose to follow the Christ can find themselves outcasts, if not worse. “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:34, NIV). That strife was seen from the beginning - people accepting Jesus had reason to anticipate rejection. Where Jesus is rejected, so will be Jesus' follower.
However, that was not how it was to be among those who belong to Jesus: Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other” (Mark 9:50, NLT). His followers were to be marked out as different! Not wracked by dissensions and squabbles. They are to be active in "peace-ing".
In circumstances of worry and fear, of unwarranted antagonism, the follower of the Christ could call to mind, and depend on, his promise. When his hour of crucifixion was near Jesus said to his band of disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me (John 14:1, NRSV). Even in that situation, his peace was not going to be destroyed: I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid (John 14:27, CEV). There is no promise for them of a happy issue out of all their afflictions but they could ask God for just that, and that their inner lives be marked by trust in God. The word is the same, but the peace Jesus gives is (supposed to be) durable. A little further on in the text we read: I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33, NRSV). Soon they would understand. The peace Jesus gives is tied up with his own ongoing presence in and within his people, even if others do their worst to obliterate them.
Jesus said his peace is not like this world's peace. So also, not much later, Paul had put it: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, ESV). The peace from Jesus is beyond human understanding. This peace is for the individual to take in.
Jesus knowingly made his final journey to Jerusalem. As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes (Luke 19:41-42, NIV). Surely he was disturbed by the future created by those who rejected him. Referring this to the 70 CE (AD) Roman destruction of Jerusalem can hardly be avoided.
The fraught and confused hours following the discovery that Jesus' body was no longer in the tomb were rearranged by his appearing to the group: And as they were saying these things, He Himself stood among them. He said to them, “Peace to you!” (Luke 24:36, CSB). Everything was made right! They must have needed his reassurance that day! (The greeting from Jesus is recorded several times.)
As the days after the death of the Christ stretched out the message of peace was shared. Acts chapter 10 recounts an occasion with Peter in unexpected proximity to non-Jews. Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him. He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ - He is Lord of all (Acts 10:34-36, HCSB). They, those from "outside", could be at one with God Almighty through incorporation in Jesus. Just like for us. He is the peace-maker.
It would seem reasonable to expect a "Christian Church" (under whatever label) to be clear on salvation and peace within. It may be so in a particular instance but unfortunately today I can not say it is universally true. Regardless of obscurity added by adherents of "churchism", the Bible tells us very clearly that peace at heart is possible and is directly available to the seeker. This peace comes from God.
By faith we have been made acceptable to God. And now, because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we live at peace with God - so wrote the Apostle Paul (Romans 5:1, CEV).
This peace is not fragile. It depends on trust in the saving work of the risen Christ and is to be life's guiding principle for his believers.
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| So many, civilian and military, lost so much |
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| These are connected and do tell a story... Make peace, not war |
The ancient Mediterranean world also preferred the benefit of the end of war (as long as their side had "won"), or to avoid a conflict they were unable to win. (Caesar Valerian excepted, the ruling individuals did not put themselves in the way of danger.)
We find the equivalent word and expression, "peace", in many places in the Old Testament (OT); words which were familiar to Jesus and his compatriots. They would have heard the same word in the Greek OT and the "shalom" שָׁלוֹם of the Hebrew Bible.
Consider some examples of: strategic advice; promise of a peace for all of God's kingdom; inner strength...
When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace (Deuteronomy 20:10, NIV). I wonder, did the Deuteronomist mean "peace with honour"; cessation of hostility without the regular rape, murder, theft, and destruction?
His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David’s kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The Lord All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done (Isaiah 9:7, CEV).
Those who love your teachings will find true peace. Nothing will defeat them (Psalm 119:165, CSB).
New Testament authors wrote of peace εἰρήνη, of the calming of inner distress over personal falling short and of the making of good relations with God Almighty. For example:
Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel (Philippians 4:7, CEV). That is a strong kind of peace! A peace beyond comprehension.
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us (Romans 5:1, NLT). The ultimate peace arising from the mercy and justice of God.
Like those who came before him, and those who came after, Jesus spoke directly of peace.
Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you (Luke 10:5-6, ESV). There can be a close connection between those who belong to Jesus and own themselves under his rule. The notion of "peace" being taken back again is difficult, but I think it implies a settled or confident mind accepting the attitude of the antagonist, even if regretting it.
In the course of his teaching against rash or superficial attachment to himself, Jesus made use of the sound sense of a strategic decision to seek peace and limit loss: Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions (Luke 14:31-33, NRSV). Just plain sense - seems like the "make peace, not war" idea. Bear the cost but avoid destruction. (Even though he is not giving military strategic advice, I would expect Jesus to mean "peace with honour". But - is such an idea even possible with military and political males?)
One time a woman made a surreptitious approach to Jesus, with little confidence of her right to do so. This needy person acted against a taboo. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over” (Mark 5:34, NLT). She had her trust in Jesus vindicated and could leave with assurance, as well as physical healing. She had probably come in turbulence but could leave assured by Jesus' welcome.
The most confronting thing Jesus said about peace concerned the loss of peace for individuals and those close to them. It is sadly all too evident today that people who chose to follow the Christ can find themselves outcasts, if not worse. “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:34, NIV). That strife was seen from the beginning - people accepting Jesus had reason to anticipate rejection. Where Jesus is rejected, so will be Jesus' follower.
However, that was not how it was to be among those who belong to Jesus: Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other” (Mark 9:50, NLT). His followers were to be marked out as different! Not wracked by dissensions and squabbles. They are to be active in "peace-ing".
In circumstances of worry and fear, of unwarranted antagonism, the follower of the Christ could call to mind, and depend on, his promise. When his hour of crucifixion was near Jesus said to his band of disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me (John 14:1, NRSV). Even in that situation, his peace was not going to be destroyed: I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid (John 14:27, CEV). There is no promise for them of a happy issue out of all their afflictions but they could ask God for just that, and that their inner lives be marked by trust in God. The word is the same, but the peace Jesus gives is (supposed to be) durable. A little further on in the text we read: I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33, NRSV). Soon they would understand. The peace Jesus gives is tied up with his own ongoing presence in and within his people, even if others do their worst to obliterate them.
Jesus said his peace is not like this world's peace. So also, not much later, Paul had put it: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, ESV). The peace from Jesus is beyond human understanding. This peace is for the individual to take in.
Jesus knowingly made his final journey to Jerusalem. As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes (Luke 19:41-42, NIV). Surely he was disturbed by the future created by those who rejected him. Referring this to the 70 CE (AD) Roman destruction of Jerusalem can hardly be avoided.
The fraught and confused hours following the discovery that Jesus' body was no longer in the tomb were rearranged by his appearing to the group: And as they were saying these things, He Himself stood among them. He said to them, “Peace to you!” (Luke 24:36, CSB). Everything was made right! They must have needed his reassurance that day! (The greeting from Jesus is recorded several times.)
As the days after the death of the Christ stretched out the message of peace was shared. Acts chapter 10 recounts an occasion with Peter in unexpected proximity to non-Jews. Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him. He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ - He is Lord of all (Acts 10:34-36, HCSB). They, those from "outside", could be at one with God Almighty through incorporation in Jesus. Just like for us. He is the peace-maker.
It would seem reasonable to expect a "Christian Church" (under whatever label) to be clear on salvation and peace within. It may be so in a particular instance but unfortunately today I can not say it is universally true. Regardless of obscurity added by adherents of "churchism", the Bible tells us very clearly that peace at heart is possible and is directly available to the seeker. This peace comes from God.
This peace is not fragile. It depends on trust in the saving work of the risen Christ and is to be life's guiding principle for his believers.
Scripture quotations marked (CEV) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
Scripture quotations marked (CSB) are from the Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission.
All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Note: I retain in the publishers' text where they occur the references to footnotes, but usually not the notes. You can check footnotes out by viewing the text on-line. Often they are replicated in different translations.
Bible passages accessed via BibleGateway.com and Blueletterbible.org
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission.
All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Note: I retain in the publishers' text where they occur the references to footnotes, but usually not the notes. You can check footnotes out by viewing the text on-line. Often they are replicated in different translations.
Bible passages accessed via BibleGateway.com and Blueletterbible.org
AL
01/10/24
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