Acts 9:1-2
9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
Galatians 1:13
For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.
Nero had just taken over as Emperor, and would begin MASS persecution of the church:
Romans 1:7
I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
The Corinthians had no unity, completely divided as a church:
1 Corinthians 1:3
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
2 Corinthians 1:2
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
The Galatians had Christians trying to merge Judaism and Christianity, creating confusion:
Galatians 1:3
May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
To a people who knew of God, but not of who they were:
Ephesians 1:2
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
While in prison, Paul writes about joy and calls the Philippians to peace:
Philippians 1:2
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
A church plagued with issues he calls them to peace:
Colossians 1:2
We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.
May God our Father give you grace and peace.
To a church faced with persecution and hardship, Paul writes:
1 Thessalonians 1:1
This letter is from Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
We are writing to the church in Thessalonica, to you who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
May God give you grace and peace.
To a church struggling with false teaching, Paul writes:
2 Thessalonians 1:2
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
To a young pastor needing encouragement and insight, Paul writes:
1 Timothy 1:2
I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
2 Timothy 1:2
I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
To a missionary Paul sent to Crete to sort out a confused church, in unwelcomed territory Paul writes:
Titus 1:4
I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.
Trying to restore Onesimus to Christian fellowship, Paul writes to Philemon:
Philemon 3
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Rabbi Robert I. Kahn of HTX: “Roman” peace and “Hebrew” shalom:
One can dictate a peace; shalom is a mutual agreement.
Peace is a temporary pact; shalom is a permanent agreement.
One can make a peace treaty; shalom is the condition of peace.
Peace can be negative, the absence of commotion. Shalom is positive, the presence of serenity.
Peace can be partial; shalom is whole.
Peace can be piecemeal; shalom is complete.
Peace: The Hebrew is Shalom, Gr., Eirene
The word itself means complete, or whole.
Prophecy of Shalom
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Shalom).
Jesus
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace (Shalom). In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 14:27
Peace (shalom) I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Restoration of Shalom on earth (New Covenant Shabbat Shalom)
Revelation 21:4-7
4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
Peace with God
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 1:20
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Peace with Others
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Hebrews 12:14
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Ephesians 4:3
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Peace within Myself
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:6
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.