Jude 1:2 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.
Peace or εἰρήνη/eiréné in the original Greek…
Strong’s Concordance defines the word as: a state of national tranquility; exemption from the rage and havoc of war.
peace between individuals, that is harmony, concord, security, safety, prosperity, felicity.
of the Messiah’s peace; the way that leads to peace through salvation; of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot; the blessed state of devout and upright men after death.
The term εἰρήνη/eiréné is used 92 times in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul frequently introduced readers of his epistles with a greeting of peace. Below are a couple of examples.
Romans 1:7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The same greeting of peace is noted in the letters of 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, twice to the Thessalonians, Titus, Philemon, and both books ofTimothy. Paul makes this point repeatedly as an introduction in his epistles. God (Father, Son, and Spirit) is the source of our peace.
As believers in Christ, we are called to be at peace with others. Seek peace with your fellow man. Do your part. There is nothing one can do about another’s attitudes, beliefs, lifestyle, words, and actions. We are not going to get along with everyone. But as for the individual believer, pursue peace in relationships.
Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Jewish people will use “peace” as a greeting or farewell to others. The term is “shalom” in the Hebrew.
Per Strong’s, shalom is defined as: completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, safety, welfare, health, prosperity, quiet, tranquility, contentment, friendship; of human relationships and with God especially in covenant relationship.
Shalom is used 237 times in the Old Testament.
The first time “peace” or “shalom” is used in the Bible is in Genesis 15:15. God was revealing His covenant to Abram regarding his descendants and their future. Part of God’s promise is peace. Abram was in a deep slumber. God was communicating to him in what many might consider a nightmare. The specific reference to Abram was with his future death and burial. God, the author of peace, revealed the concept to humanity in darkness, slavery, oppression, terror, death, and fear. This is how God chose to introduce “peace”.
Genesis 15:15 As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age.
Peace is like a military guard. Peace crushes rebellions and it protects hearts and minds. Jesus is the answer, embodiment, and fulfillment of peace. In the end, peace wins.
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Compelled to donate? Be a cheerful giver…
