THE FRUIT OF The Spirit
Article III
by
Tim Smith
1272 Enon Rd.
Webb, AL 36376
(334) 899-8131
Email to: gradowith@yahoo.com
Web Site: www.geocities.com/fp5699/
In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul lists for us some things that will be present in our lives if we are living as we should before God. The third in his list is "peace", from the Greek word EIRANA. It is a word which occurs in each of the New Testament books save I John, and means, basically, "at one again". It does not mean that we will have no conflicts in the course of our lives here on earth, but that we will in the midst of our conflicts be "one with God". It points to a unity between the faithful and the Lord.
The word indicates harmonious relationships in general, such as those enjoyed between men in the normal course of life. It was in this sense that the word was employed by the Lord in Matthew 10:34, indicating that the result of his message would not be to bring about this harmonious relationship between men: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." The point here was that when men followed the teachings of Christ they would necessarily be at odds with those who oppose Him. Paul encourages us to pursue the things which make for peace with God and man: "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" (Rom. 14:19). It should be our desire to be "at one" with all men, but this is accomplished by converting them to Christ!
This same word rendered "peace" here is used to describe friendliness elsewhere in the scriptures: "And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles" (Acts 15:33). Concerning Timothy Paul said: "Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren" (I Cor. 16:11). His desire was that Timothy be treated with friendliness. Was not Rahab friendly in her treatment of the spies? It was this word which was selected by the Holy Spirit to describe her actions toward them: "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace" (Heb. 11:31).
This word translated "peace" was sometimes employed to indicate freedom from molestation: "Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied" (Acts 9:31). It indicated order in the State: "And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence..." (Acts 24:2). It indicated order in the churches as well: "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints" (I Cor. 14:33).
Peace points to the relationships between God and man that have been brought together through the Gospel: "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ..." (Acts 10:36). Again, "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh" (Eph. 2:17). This word indicates the sense of rest and contentment which comes from being at peace with God: "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Rom. 8:6). It is not the absence of conflict, but rather the sense of comfort and assurance that belongs to the faithful through all of the conflict. It grows out of obedience to the gospel, and it cannot exist in the full and eternal sense apart from the God of peace and compliance with the precepts of His will. Are you at peace with God?
Are you a Christian? Have you heard and believed the truth (Rom. 10:17), repented of sins (Luke 13:3), confessed Christ (Acts 8:37), and been properly baptized (Acts 22:16)? Are you being faithful in all things (Rev. 2:10)? If not, call on us at the Enon church of Christ, we are looking forward to studying with you.
Tim Smith
1272 Enon Rd.
Webb, AL 36376
(334) 899-8131
Email to: gradowith@yahoo.com
Web Site: www.geocities.com/fp5699/