Expert: J.M.J. West - 6/8/2011

Question
This question is about the meaning of the word "peace," as used in the verse, "Peace, I leave with you, ..."  Does he mean peace with God (forgiveness of sins) instead of peace with regard to enemies?  The U. S., for example, has the several current wars.

Answer
The word translated here as "peace" is the Greek word "eirēnē."  (It's the root if the name Irene).  It's used repeatedly in scripture, and the general sense is a lasting internal peace.  (CF: http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1515&t=KJV )

Jesus said that, while we are to sew peace where we go, yet that his coming would not bring peace but "a sword," (cf. Matt 10:34).  Thus also the beatitude regarding being persecuted for the sake of Christ.  No, and end to war Christ did not come to bring -- not in this age, at any rate, though the seed for the end of all war has been sewn.

Rather, Christ came to give us the Love of the Father, to give us what we need to have lasting peace - first between us and God which is the most important thing, and then between each other.  But the latter part is a consequence of the former.  Thus we are called to suffer and endure patiently, to go 2 miles when pressed into service for one, to give our cloak when asked, and to turn the other cheek.  

If you read the writings of the early church fathers, most of whom were martyred, there is an amazing and peaceful resolve they faced such gruesome deaths.  This is the peace which frees us from the concerns of the world, even the concerns of facing torture and death.  That is the Peace Christ left, primarily.

I hope that helps!

-J.M.J. West