Peacemaking Is...

Key Text: Matthew 5:9 (NKJV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Context: This statement is part of the Beatitudes—radical kingdom principles given by Jesus on a mountain (Matthew 5–7). These are not suggestions but spiritual values of kingdom citizens. The term “peacemakers” (eirēnopoioi) appears only here in the New Testament and denotes not merely lovers of peace but active agents of reconciliation.

I. Peacemaking Is Not Apathy

A. Seeking peace is not the same as being apathetic

Apathy, from the Greek , means “without feeling” or “indifferent.” It characterizes Stoic philosophy, which sought detachment from emotion.apatheia

In contrast, biblical peacemakers are emotionally engaged. The God of the Bible is not a Stoic god—He is moved by grief, wrath, love, and compassion (cf. Hosea 11:8; John 11:35).

B. Revelation 3:16 – The lukewarm church

The Laodiceans were neither hot (healing like the waters of Hierapolis) nor cold (refreshing like the springs of Colossae), but tepid and useless. Christ threatened to "vomit" them out—graphic language for divine rejection.

Peacemakers are not passive fence-sitters. They confront sin and intercede when there is strife.

C. 1 Corinthians 5 – Tolerance of sin isn’t peace

Corinth boasted in their “tolerance” of gross immorality. Paul uses the word (boasting) sarcastically.kauchēma

Instead of confrontation, they celebrated “peace” through inaction. Paul’s command: “Purge out the old leaven” (v.7)—a direct allusion to Passover purity (Exodus 12).

D. God hates sowing discord (Proverbs 6:16–19)

Hebrew poetic device: a list of "six, yes seven" emphasizes the final item—“one who sows discord.”

The wise man uses this chiastic construction to spotlight God's wrath against internal conflict. Apathy toward such discord allows it to grow.

E. We care because of the seriousness of the problem (Romans 6:23)

Sin brings “thanatos” (death). This isn’t physical death alone but spiritual separation from God (cf. Isaiah 59:2).

Indifference to spiritual death is cruel. Peacemakers intervene with urgency because souls hang in the balance.

Application: Like Nehemiah, who wept when he heard of Jerusalem’s disgrace (Neh. 1:4), we must let godly sorrow move us to action.

II. Peacemaking Is Not People Pleasing

A. People pleasing is a common problem in our world (Galatians 1:10)

Paul uses a rhetorical question: “Am I trying to win the approval of men?”

The word (“servant” or “slave”) emphasizes total allegiance. A peacemaker cannot serve two masters (cf. Matthew 6:24).doulos

B. We seek to please God more than men (Acts 5:29)

This statement was made under high stakes—Peter and the apostles faced prison or death.

They chose fidelity to God over popularity or safety. Peacemakers today must have similar resolve in the face of cultural pressure.

C. We do not change the word of God to match the comfort of men (Revelation 22:18–19)

This solemn curse is modeled on ancient treaty language (cf. Deut. 4:2).

Peacemakers must not dilute truth to keep peace externally. Godly peace comes only from truth (cf. John 17:17).

Application: Peace and truth are sisters, not strangers. Isaiah 59 shows how peace is absent when truth “falls in the street” (v.14).

III. What is Peace?

A. Peace is being confident in our state (2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 6:17–18)

Paul contrasts (cowardice) with , , and (self-discipline, soundness of mind).deiliadynamisagapēsōphronismos

Confidence comes from being made free from sin and “enslaved” to righteousness ().doulōthentes tē dikaiosynē

The Roman Christians had “obeyed from the heart”—emphasizing sincerity and active transformation.

B. Peace is being in harmony with others (Galatians 6:10)

Peace is not just internal or vertical; it is social and relational.

in Greco-Roman society meant “order” under Caesar; in Christianity, it reflects unity in the Spirit (Eph. 4:3).Eirēnē

Romans 12:18 suggests that peace is sometimes impossible—but always our responsibility.

C. Peace is being reconciled with God (Isaiah 53:11; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Romans 5:1)

Isaiah’s Servant “justifies many” because He bears their iniquities—pointing to penal substitution.

Paul says God “reconciled us to Himself through Christ”— is the word for bringing enemies into relationship.katallassō

Peace is impossible apart from justification (Romans 5:1).

Word Study:

Hebrew: – wholeness, well-being, completeness. Not merely the absence of conflict.Shalom

Greek: – from , “to join” – a state where all parts fit together harmoniously.Eirēnēeiro

IV. What Does It Mean to Make Peace?

A. Evangelism is seeking peace (Romans 10:15)

This echoes Isaiah 52:7, part of a prophecy of comfort to exiles.

“Gospel of peace” (εὐαγγέλιον τῆς εἰρήνης) implies reconciliation with God is the core of evangelism.

A peacemaker carries the cross—not platitudes.

B. Peace is not the job of the go-between but also the job of a participant in a fight (1 Timothy 3:3)

Elders are to be “peaceable” ( – not quarrelsome, uncontentious).amachos

This character is to be imitated (Hebrews 13:7).

Peacemakers must enter their own conflicts with humility and a desire for godly resolution.

C. We seek peace by ending unnecessary conflict (Proverbs 26; 1 Corinthians 8:13; Romans 12:10)

Proverbs 26:20 – “Where no wood is, the fire goes out.” The image is of gossip or drama as fuel for division.

1 Corinthians 8:13 – Paul uses (to cause offense/stumbling) and is willing to self-limit.skandalizō

Romans 12:10 – Honor, kindness, and deference are keys to peacemaking within the church.

Historical Note: In 1st-century Greco-Roman culture, honor and shame governed relationships. Christianity reversed this by exalting the lowly (cf. Philippians 2:3–4).

Conclusion: “They Shall Be Called Sons of God” (Matthew 5:9)

The reward of the peacemaker is divine recognition: “sons of God” (), implying resemblance, inheritance, and relationship.huioi Theou

Theologically, to be a son of God is to act in harmony with the character of the Father who makes peace (Colossians 1:20).