The tranquility and harmony offered by God, surpassing all understanding.
1. The Biblical Definition of Peace
The Bible’s concept of peace is far richer than mere emotional calm or the absence of conflict.
Hebrew: Shalom (שָׁלוֹם)
In the Old Testament, the primary word is shalom. It means:
Wholeness, completeness
Soundness, welfare, health
Safety, prosperity, tranquility
Harmony in relationships (with God and people)
Being “intact,” nothing missing, nothing broken
So when God speaks peace, He is not just saying, “Relax.” He is declaring wholeness over every dimension of life—spirit, soul, body, relationships, and circumstances.
Greek: Eirēnē (εἰρήνη)
In the New Testament, the main word is eirēnē, which carries the sense of:
Peace, harmony, concord
Order instead of chaos
Rest, quietness
Reconciliation (especially with God)
It often translates the Hebrew shalom in the Septuagint (Greek OT), so it carries that same fullness. When Paul opens his letters with “Grace to you and peace” (e.g., Romans 1:7), he is not offering a polite greeting, but invoking the active, covenantal peace of God upon believers.
A Peace That Surpasses Understanding
Philippians 4:7 describes “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding”. This peace:
Is from God, not self-generated.
Surpasses understanding—it is not based on circumstances or human logic.
Guards (Greek: phroureō – to garrison, protect with a military guard) our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Biblical peace is supernatural, covenantal, and protective. It is not fragile; it is militant. It stands guard over the inner life of the believer.
2. Old Testament Foundation of Peace
2.1 Peace as God’s Covenant Blessing
From the beginning, peace is tied to God’s covenant with His people.
In the Aaronic blessing, God commands the priests to speak peace:
“The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” (Numbers 6:26)
This is not a wish; it is a priestly impartation of God’s own shalom. The result of God’s face shining on His people is peace.
In Leviticus 26:6, as part of the covenant blessings for obedience, God promises:
“I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid…”
Peace is both internal security and external safety, rooted in right relationship with God.
2.2 Peace in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature
The Psalms reveal peace as the fruit of trusting God:
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).
“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psalm 119:165).
Peace is connected to:
Trust (Psalm 4:8)
Love for God’s Word (Psalm 119:165)
Fear of the Lord and wisdom (Proverbs 3:1–2, 17)
Proverbs 3:17 says of wisdom: “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.”
2.3 God as the Source and Giver of Peace
The prophets repeatedly present God as the One who creates and establishes peace:
“LORD, You will establish peace for us” (Isaiah 26:12).
“I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near” (Isaiah 57:19).
Peace is not human achievement; it is divine creation and gift.
2.4 The Messianic Promise of Peace
The Old Testament anticipates a coming Prince of Peace:
“For unto us a Child is born… and His name will be called… Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6–7).
The Messiah will:
Rule in peace
Establish endless peace
Bring shalom not only to Israel but to the nations (Isaiah 2:2–4; Micah 4:3–4).
Peace in the OT is ultimately Christ-centered, pointing forward to the One who would embody and impart God’s peace.
3. The Fulfillment of Peace in Christ
3.1 Jesus: The Prince of Peace
Jesus does not merely give peace; He is our peace.
“For He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14).
He fulfills every aspect of OT shalom:
Reconciliation with God – ending enmity (Romans 5:1).
Reconciliation between Jew and Gentile – breaking down the dividing wall (Ephesians 2:14–16).
Inner rest – “You will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
3.2 Peace Through the Blood of His Cross
Colossians 1:20:
“…and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself… having made peace through the blood of His cross…”
The cross is the legal basis of our peace:
Our sins, which separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2), are dealt with.
God’s wrath against sin is satisfied.
The devil’s accusations lose their power (Revelation 12:10–11).
Isaiah foresaw this:
“The chastisement for our peace was upon Him” (Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus bore the punishment that secured our shalom. Peace is not cheap sentiment; it is blood-bought reality.
3.3 Jesus’ Ministry of Peace on Earth
Jesus demonstrated peace in multiple ways:
He slept in the boat during the storm (Mark 4:37–40). His internal peace overruled the external chaos.
He spoke peace to the storm: “Peace, be still!” (Mark 4:39). The same peace within Him was released in authority over nature.
He repeatedly said to troubled hearts, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 8:50; John 14:27).
In John 14:27, He promises:
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you…”
He bequeaths His own peace—the very peace of the Son in perfect fellowship with the Father.
3.4 The Resurrected Christ Imparting Peace
After His resurrection, Jesus’ first words to the fearful disciples were:
“Peace be with you” (John 20:19, 21, 26).
This is more than a greeting. The resurrected Lord is imparting the fruit of His victory over sin, death, and hell. His peace now rests on a new covenant foundation.
4. The Power of Peace for Today (By the Holy Spirit)
This is where continuationist theology is vital: the peace of God is not a doctrine to admire; it is a present, supernatural reality to experience and minister by the Holy Spirit.
4.1 Peace as the Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22–23:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
Peace is not primarily a personality trait; it is the character of Christ formed in us by the indwelling Holy Spirit. As we yield to the Spirit, He produces peace within us.
This means:
You are not at the mercy of your temperament or past trauma.
The Holy Spirit can establish a deep, stable peace that circumstances cannot overthrow.
4.2 Peace as a Ruling Force in the Heart
Colossians 3:15:
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts…”
“Rule” (Greek: brabeuō) means to act as an umpire, arbiter, or referee. The peace of God is to govern our inner decisions.
Practically:
When you face choices, you look for the witness of peace in your spirit.
If you lose peace, it may be the Spirit’s warning.
If peace deepens, it often confirms His leading.
This is a supernatural guidance system by the Holy Spirit.
4.3 Peace as a Guard Against Anxiety and Demonic Torment
Philippians 4:6–7 links prayer, thanksgiving, and peace:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds…”
As we pray in faith, cast our cares (1 Peter 5:7), and thank God, the Holy Spirit releases a protective peace. This peace:
Stands guard against anxiety, fear, and mental torment.
Resists the enemy’s fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16).
Breaks the power of oppressive spirits (2 Timothy 1:7).
Many believers fight anxiety purely on a psychological level. Scripture invites us into a spiritual transaction: we exchange anxiety for peace through Spirit-led prayer and thanksgiving.
4.4 Peace as a Weapon in Spiritual Warfare
Romans 16:20:
“And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.”
Notice: the God of peace crushes Satan. Peace is not passive; it is aggressive against the kingdom of darkness.
Ephesians 6:15 speaks of:
“…having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”
Our spiritual shoes are the gospel of peace. Wherever we walk in obedience, we carry and enforce the peace of God:
In homes filled with strife, we bring the atmosphere of heaven.
In workplaces of anxiety, we stand as carriers of divine calm.
In deliverance ministry, peace often manifests as a tangible presence that dislodges tormenting spirits.
Peace is part of your spiritual armor and kingdom authority.
4.5 Peace as a Corporate Anointing in the Church
The Holy Spirit also establishes peace among believers:
“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
The Spirit’s presence in a local church should produce:
Unity instead of division
Rest instead of striving
A tangible sense of God’s shalom in gatherings
When we honor the Spirit and submit to His leading, peace becomes a corporate atmosphere where miracles, prophetic ministry, and deliverance can flow freely.
5. Practical Steps to Walk in God’s Peace
Here are concrete, Spirit-empowered steps to cultivate and enforce God’s peace in daily life.
5.1 Step 1: Establish Peace with God Through the Gospel
Before you can walk in the peace of God, you must receive peace with God.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
Action:
Repent of sin and self-rule.
Put your faith in the finished work of Jesus—His death and resurrection.
Confess Him as Lord (Romans 10:9–10).
Thank Him specifically that you now have peace with God based on His Word.
This is the foundation. Without it, all other attempts at peace are unstable.
5.2 Step 2: Guard Your Mind Through Prayer and the Word
Philippians 4:6–8 gives a pattern:
Pray instead of worrying – bring every concern to God.
Thank Him – even before you see the answer.
Receive His peace by faith.
Discipline your thoughts – think on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy.
Action:
Make a daily practice of casting your cares onto the Lord (1 Peter 5:7).
When anxiety rises, stop and pray immediately.
Speak Scriptures of peace out loud (e.g., Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27).
Refuse to meditate on fear, worst-case scenarios, or lies of the enemy.
The Holy Spirit will anoint this discipline, transforming your mental atmosphere.
5.3 Step 3: Yield to the Holy Spirit’s Rule in Your Heart
Colossians 3:15 commands us to let the peace of God rule. That implies cooperation.
Action:
When making decisions, pause and ask: “Holy Spirit, what are You saying?”
Pay attention: Do you sense peace or unrest in your spirit?
If you lose peace, do not bulldoze ahead. Re-examine your course.
Practice praying in the Spirit (tongues) to quiet your soul and tune your heart (Jude 20; 1 Corinthians 14:4).
Over time, you will become more sensitive to the inner witness of peace as guidance.
5.4 Step 4: Actively Reject Fear and Torment
2 Timothy 1:7:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Fear is often spiritual in nature. You have authority in Christ to resist it.
Action:
When fear or torment rises, speak directly to it:
“In the name of Jesus, I reject this spirit of fear. I receive the Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.”
Declare Scriptures of authority and peace (Luke 10:19; Romans 16:20; John 14:27).
If necessary, renounce any agreements you’ve made with fear (“I break agreement with the lie that…”).
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill every area where fear was operating with His peace.
This is not mere self-talk; it is spiritual warfare in the authority of Jesus.
5.5 Step 5: Become a Peacemaker in Relationships
Jesus said:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Peace is not only personal; it is relational and missional.
Action:
Forgive those who have wronged you (Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:14–15).
Seek reconciliation where possible (Romans 12:18).
Refuse to participate in gossip, strife, or division.
Ask the Holy Spirit to make you an agent of peace in your home, church, and workplace.
As you sow peace, you will reap peace (James 3:18).
6. Key Scriptures on Peace (With Brief Commentary)
1. Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
“Perfect peace” is literally “shalom, shalom”—emphatic completeness. The condition: a mind fixed on God in trust. Peace is maintained by focus and faith.
2. Isaiah 53:5
“The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
Peace is part of the atonement. Jesus bore the punishment that secured our shalom—spiritual, emotional, and even physical wholeness.
3. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you…”
Jesus gives His own peace, not a worldly imitation. It is given, not earned; received by faith, not by self-effort.
4. Romans 5:1
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Justification by faith results in peace with God—the end of enmity and the beginning of secure relationship. This is the legal and relational foundation of all other peace.
5. Philippians 4:6–7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
A clear exchange principle: anxiety for prayer and thanksgiving, resulting in a supernatural guard of peace over heart and mind.
6. Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Peace is to umpire our hearts, guiding decisions and relationships in the body of Christ. Thankfulness is again linked with peace.
7. Ephesians 2:14
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation…”
Jesus is our peace, reconciling us to God and to one another. Peace is not only internal; it is corporate and reconciling, demolishing walls of hostility.
Final Exhortation
Peace is not a distant ideal; it is your covenant inheritance in Christ and a present work of the Holy Spirit. You are called to:
Receive peace by faith,
Guard it through prayer and the Word,
Follow it as guidance,
Enforce it in spiritual warfare,
And minister it as a peacemaker in a troubled world.
“The Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).