Blessed are the peacemakers?

[Van]

Matthew 5:9 is among the well know list of the "beatitudes."

Who do you think are the "peacemakers?" The word (Greek G1518) is a compound word comprised of a word meaning "peace" and the word translated as "makers." This second word refers to someone who is working or making an effort to bring forth peace.

Our first question is peace between which parties. Peace between human factions? Or peace between humans and God? Could we understand this verse to being saying blessed are the Ambassadors of Christ, who effectively engage in the ministry of reconciliation? I think so.

Of course this view is precluded if you believe there is no opportunity to bring forth peace with those not supposedly chosen before creation. Their view seems to be blessed are those who engage in the illusion of making peace, as peace is totally brought forth by supernatural means, i.e. irresistible grace.

 

[jardows]

There is a general emphasis in Matthew on kingdom living. With the other beatitudes there is the "way of life" characteristics, so it would be odd to make the peacemakers be a more specific act of reconciliation than a demeanor that seeks peace rather than conflict. Anyone who wants to make the beatitudes about the doctrines of election (for good or for bad) are looking at scripture through some heavily tinted lenses.

 

[37818]

There is a general emphasis in Matthew on kingdom living. With the other beatitudes there is the "way of life" characteristics, so it would be odd to make the peacemakers be a more specific act of reconciliation than a demeanor that seeks peace rather than conflict. Anyone who wants to make the beatitudes about the doctrines of election (for good or for bad) are looking at scripture through some heavily tinted lenses.

Romans 2:1, Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

 

[jardows]

Romans 2:1, Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

I'm trying to wrap my head around how this passage applies to the beatitudes, or the identity of the peacemakers. Since the context of the passage you quoted is dealing with those who judge the actions of individuals described in 1:24-32, and 2:3 makes it clear that the judges of vs. 1 are doing the same things. Could you provide some explanation on what you are thinking?

 

[37818]

.

I'm trying to wrap my head around how this passage applies to the beatitudes, or the identity of the peacemakers. Since the context of the passage you quoted is dealing with those who judge the actions of individuals described in 1:24-32, and 2:3 makes it clear that the judges of vs. 1 are doing the same things. Could you provide some explanation on what you are thinking?

The accusation of "through some heavily tinted lenses." Was at issue.

 

[37818]

We all should, as in Ephesians 6:15, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; . . . .

 

[jardows]

.
The accusation of "through some heavily tinted lenses." Was at issue.

I would think Matthew 7:1 might be a bit more appropriate in this case, especially as it is part of the same sermon, and my opinion (that reading the doctrines of election into the beatitudes comes only from reading scripture through tinted lenses) has nothing to do with the subject at hand in Romans 2.

To focus more on the topic at hand - scripture abounds with passages about peace relating to the gospel. Our God is The God of Peace, so reconciliation to Him would be bringing peace. Significant to the question is 2nd Corinthians 5:18 and the surrounding verses, where we are told we have been given the ministry of reconciliation as ambassadors.

The truth that we have the ministry of reconciliation as ambassadors which will bring peace with God does not necessitate this particular action being in view in Matthew 5. A few questions should be answered to help. Is the sermon on the mount exclusive forward-looking to post-resurrection followers of Christ, or is it more present-focused (at the time given) with a more universal application for all followers of God both before and after the resurrection? I feel it would be difficult to split the sermon into part one and part the other, and the entirety should be taken as a whole. With the bulk of the sermon on its face dealing with a more present/universal application, I am going to fall in line more with the beatitudes themselves being the same, and thus being a peacemaker describes a disposition rather than specific actions.

 

[Van]

There is a general emphasis in Matthew on kingdom living. With the other beatitudes there is the "way of life" characteristics, so it would be odd to make the peacemakers be a more specific act of reconciliation than a demeanor that seeks peace rather than conflict. Anyone who wants to make the beatitudes about the doctrines of election (for good or for bad) are looking at scripture through some heavily tinted lenses.

It is not the act of reconciliation, done by God, that is in view, but the "way of life" as ardent ambassadors, engaged in the effort to bring the peace of God to the lost.

 

[Van]

“And if a man of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him; but if not, it will return to you. Luke 10:6, NASB.

Here, I believe the "man (or son) of peace" refers to someone willing to learn, like a pupil open to God's provision of peace. If on the other hand, the mind or minds are closed, the message will not rest upon him, but like a returned package, becomes available for subsequent distribution.

 

[Van]

Romans 3:17 tells us that the lost do not know the way of peace, the means of reconciliation with God. They do not know that while they were enemies of God, God died for them to provide the means of reconciliation. Blessed are the peacemakers, who bring His gospel.