Peace is not only the absence of conflict. Peace also encompasses the concepts of completeness and wholeness. As Christians, we can find peace in three ways: peace with God, the peace of God, and peace with others. Join me in exploring this word study on “peace” using The Bible Project as a resource.

[0:00] Intro

[1:50] The Bible Project word study on “peace”

[5:18] Practical application of “peace” in our lives

[15:50] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Colossians 3:15

Proverbs 16:7

Romans 5:1

Philippians 4:6-8

Romans 12:16-18

Romans 14:19

Proclaim Ministries Advent series

The Bible Project

The Bible Project Advent series

We can have peace with God, the peace of God, and peace with others. Join me in exploring this word study on “peace” using The Bible Project as a resource.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” - Colossians 3:15

Biblical Concepts of Peace: Shalom and Eirene

From the Bible Project Advent series

Peace is the absence of conflict, but it also points to the presence of something better in its place.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "shalom," means complete or whole. In the New Testament, the Greek word for peace is "eirene.” This state of completeness and wholeness represents restoration through reconciliation and repair.

For example, Job's tents are in a state of shalom, “You will know your tents are Shalom…when nothing is missing.” (Job 5:24) Or when referencing a stone without any cracks, “Make an altar of Shalom stone” (Joshua 8:31), and David asking about his brothers' shalom, or their well-being, on the battlefield.

The prophets of the Old Testament discuss the anticipation of a future king of shalom or Prince of Peace. We now know this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

“He will be called prince of Shalom…and there will be no end of Shalom.” - Isaiah 9:5-6

Jesus's birth is the arrival of eirene. His role was to restore the broken relationship between humans and God.

“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus.” - Romans 5:1

The Apostle Paul's teachings on peace, include the need for humility, patience, and unity among believers through the power of Jesus Christ. Biblical peace is an active restoration of wholeness to God.

“Jesus himself is our Eirene.” - Ephesians 2:14-15

“(Jesus) Reconciled all things in heaven and earth, making peace through the blood of his cross.” - Colossians 1:19-20

Personal Reflections on Peace and Practical Applications

It’s important to understand peace beyond the absence of conflict.

The main aspect of peace, is having peace WITH God. It is being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. God desires completeness and wholeness with himself for all humanity. You must trust Jesus Christ as your Savior to experience true peace.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Romans 5:1

To experience the peace OF God, bring all your concerns to him. Rejoice in the Lord, do not be anxious about anything, and bring all your concerns to Him through prayer and supplication. The peace of God surpasses all understanding and guards the heart and mind. (Philippians 4:6-8) Focusing on God brings consistent peace.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-8

Having peace with God and the peace of God gives us the ability to have peace with others. Pursue what makes for peace and mutual edification. As far as it depends on you, live peaceably with others.

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” - Romans 12:16-18

“When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” - Proverbs 16:7

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” - Romans 14:19

Trust Jesus Christ as your Savior to experience peace with God. Bring your concerns to God to experience the peace of God and share peace with others, especially during the holiday season.

Peace!