Blessed are the peacemakers. But who / what are peacemakers? Some of you will think of a Colt handgun. Or a strategic bomber. Or maybe even an MX Missile. If you're Christian, or think you're Christian, hopefully those aren't the first things that come to mind. Why not? Because Blessed are the peacemakers is something Jesus said. It's one of the Beatitudes, from the Sermon on the Mount.
Blessed are the peacemakers is article #10 in the series: Beatitudes. Click button to view titles for entire series
For an interesting look at just how much we've deviated from what Jesus meant when He spoke of Peacemakers, just take a look at Wikipedia. I don't normally like to use them for research, but the site is a good way to see what popular thinking is. After all, it's stuff that can be put up there by anybody. And various somebody's have put up some stuff that's really far from what Jesus meant.
Oh yeah. Jesus didn't mean that smiley-faced guy in the image either. Sure - that guy's the symbol for peace and love from the 60's. But we're talking about a whole different kind of peace and love when Jesus speaks.
Mt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Summary
The article begins by questioning the common associations with the term “peacemakers,” such as weapons or military equipment, and emphasizes that Jesus’ definition from the Beatitudes is vastly different.
Biblical Context: It discusses the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus introduces the concept of peacemakers in Matthew 5:9, highlighting that it refers to people, not objects, and involves active involvement in creating peace.
Greek Analysis: The Greek word for peacemaker, εἰρηνοποιός (eirenopoios), is examined, revealing that it implies action and creation of peace, rather than merely loving peace.
Wisdom and Action: The article connects the idea of being a peacemaker with having wisdom from God and being actively engaged in sowing peace, as opposed to the world’s view of peace through power or dominance.
Salt and Light: Emphasizes the importance of Christians being like salt and light in the world, as per Matthew 5:13-16, to influence others positively.
Great Commission: Stresses the need for Christians to fulfill the Great Commission by not only baptizing but also teaching others about faith and living through the Holy Spirit.
Fruit of the Spirit: Highlights the contrast between the acts of the sinful nature and the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:16-26, encouraging a life led by the Spirit.
Repentance and Judgment: Reflects on the necessity of repentance, aligning with Luke 6:37-42, and the idea of not judging others but focusing on one’s own spiritual growth.
The web page concludes by emphasizing the profound difference between the common understanding of “peace” and the biblical concept of “shalom” as presented by Jesus. It highlights that true peacemakers, according to Jesus, are those actively involved in fostering peace and embodying wisdom from God. The article calls readers to reflect on their role as peacemakers, aligning with the divine perspective of peace, which is holistic and extends beyond mere absence of conflict to include well-being, harmony, and restoration. Ultimately, it challenges individuals to become agents of God’s peace in a world that often misconstrues the term.
What is a peacemaker?
First off, a peacemaker, to Jesus, is a "who" and not a "what". If we look at the Greek word used in Matthew's Gospel, it's not all that revealing.
1518 εἰρηνοποιός [eirenopoios /i·ray·nop·oy·os/] adj. From 1518 and 4160; TDNT 2:419; TDNTA 207; GK 1648; AV translates as “peacemakers” once. 1 a peacemaker. 2 pacific, loving peace. 1Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
See what I mean? It's like something out of a modern dictionary. Quite circular. Even the root from which it comes is circular. It's from 1518 and 4160. In other words, it's from itself and 4160. Well, the only thing left is to look at 4160.
Footnotes
- 1Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
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