Peacemaker
Jump to: ISBEWebster'sConcordanceThesaurusGreekLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "peacemaker" holds significant spiritual and moral weight, reflecting a divine attribute and a calling for believers. The concept is most prominently highlighted in the Beatitudes, where Jesus Christ extols the virtues of peacemakers.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 5:9 · "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus outlines the characteristics of those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. Peacemakers are uniquely blessed, as they emulate God's reconciling nature and are thus identified as His children.

2. James 3:18 · "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness." This passage underscores the principle that peacemaking is not only a divine calling but also a path to righteousness. The act of making peace is intrinsically linked to the cultivation of a righteous life.

Theological Significance:

Peacemaking is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is often described as the "God of peace" (Romans 15:33, Philippians 4:9). The mission of Jesus Christ, as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), was to reconcile humanity to God, breaking down the barriers of sin and enmity. Thus, peacemakers are seen as participants in God's redemptive work, reflecting His desire for harmony and reconciliation in the world.

Practical Implications:

For Christians, being a peacemaker involves actively seeking to resolve conflicts, promote understanding, and foster unity among individuals and communities. This calling extends beyond mere conflict avoidance; it requires courage, humility, and a commitment to truth and justice. Peacemakers are called to embody the love and grace of Christ, serving as agents of reconciliation in a fractured world.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, peace (shalom in Hebrew) was a comprehensive term encompassing wholeness, well-being, and harmony. The biblical mandate for peacemaking transcends personal tranquility, advocating for societal and relational peace. This holistic understanding of peace challenges believers to address systemic injustices and to work towards the restoration of broken relationships.

Role in the Church:

The early church viewed peacemaking as an essential aspect of Christian discipleship. The Apostle Paul frequently exhorted believers to live in peace with one another (Romans 12:18, 2 Corinthians 13:11). The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a community of peace, modeling the reconciling love of God to the world.

Challenges and Rewards:

Peacemaking is often fraught with challenges, as it may involve confronting sin, addressing grievances, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. However, the rewards are profound, as peacemakers experience the joy of participating in God's redemptive work and the promise of being recognized as His children.

In summary, the biblical concept of a peacemaker is deeply intertwined with the character of God and the mission of Jesus Christ. It is a calling that requires active engagement in the pursuit of peace and reconciliation, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of believers and the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) One who makes peace by reconciling parties that are at variance.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PEACEMAKER

pes'-mak-er: Occurs only in the plural (Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers (eirenopoioi): for they shall be called sons of God" (who is "the God of peace")). We have also what seems to be a reflection of this saying in James 3:18, "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for (the Revised Version margin "by") them that make peace" (tois poiousin eirenen). In classical Greek a "peacemaker" was an ambassador sent to treat of peace. The word in Matthew 5:9 would, perhaps, be better rendered "peace-workers," implying not merely making peace between those who are at variance, but working peace as that which is the will of the God of peace for men.

W. L. Walker

Greek
1518. eirenopoios -- peacemaking, a peacemaker
... peacemaking, a peacemaker. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: eirenopoios
Phonetic Spelling: (i-ray-nop-oy-os') Short Definition: pacific, loving peace ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1518.htm - 7k
Library

From the Second Book of the Commentary on the Gospel According to ...
... Book II. [5153] The Unity and Harmony of Scripture. "Blessed are the peacemakers...."
5154] To the man who is a peacemaker in either sense there is in the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/from the second book of.htm

The God of Peace
... "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are the children of God." God is the
great Peacemaker; and thus he is indeed the God of peace. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the god of peace.htm

How Should we Make Use of Christ, in Going to the Father, in ...
... 2. There should be an eyeing of Christ as the great peacemaker, through his death
and merits having satisfied justice and reconciled sinners unto God; that so ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxix how should we.htm

Psalm CXXVII.
... We are thereby taught, that no hope must be placed in any among men....The name
of Solomon is interpreted to mean peacemaker: now Christ is the True Peacemaker ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxvii.htm

The Seventh Beatitude
... So, I think, if we give a due depth of significance to that name 'peacemaker,' we
shall find that this grace worthily completes the whole linked series, and is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the seventh beatitude.htm

Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ...
... You see me poor, meek, a peacemaker, pure in heart, mourning, hungering, thirsting,
bearing persecutions and enmity for righteousness' sake; and do you doubt ...
/.../faustus claims that the manichaeans.htm

Concerning Peaceableness
... Abraham was a peacemaker (Genesis 13:8). Moses was a peacemaker (Exodus 2:13), and
that ever-to-be-honoured emperor Constantine, when he called the bishops ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm

St. Malachy Becomes Bishop of Connor; He Builds the Monastery of ...
... 337] how often he was faint with hunger, how often afflicted with cold and
nakedness?[338] Yet with them that hated peace he was a peacemaker,[339] instant ...
/.../chapter iii st malachy becomes.htm

The Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch.
... brought before us; here also the nature of His kingdom is more distinctly pointed
out by His being represented as the peaceful one, and the peacemaker who will ...
/.../christology of the old testament/the messianic prophecies in the.htm

On Examining Candidates for the Episcopal Office.
... 2590] Let him also be merciful; for again it is said: "Blessed are the merciful:
for they shall obtain mercy." [2591] Let him also be a peacemaker; for again ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on examining candidates for.htm

Thesaurus
Peacemaker (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PEACEMAKER. pes ... eirenen). In classical Greek
a "peacemaker" was an ambassador sent to treat of peace. ...
/p/peacemaker.htm - 7k

Peace-loving (2 Occurrences)
Peace-loving. Peacefully, Peace-loving. Peacemaker . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Peacefully, Peace-loving. Peacemaker . Reference Bible.
/p/peace-loving.htm - 7k

Peacemakers (1 Occurrence)

/p/peacemakers.htm - 6k

Resources
What does “blessed are the peacemakers” mean? | GotQuestions.org

Does the Enneagram of Personality contradict the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How should conflict in the church be handled? | GotQuestions.org

Peacemaker: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Peace-loving
Top of Page
Top of Page