The Apostle combines Grace and Peace to create a unique expression. This ingenious tweaking makes the greeting rich in spiritual meaning and significance.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ – Philippians 1: 2
Paul’s letters offer theological nuggets, moral guidance, and spiritual illumination. Sadly, we are singularly focused on devotional insights that we miss out on theological and ethical understanding.
Theological ideas such as Grace, Peace, Hope etc., are often ignored. We choose to build our lives/churches on events and/or experiences rather than solid exposition.
" We must ‘name’ and ‘claim’ our inheritance – Grace and Peace! We must declare this blessing to each other. Our Churches will never be the same again! "
Take note of Paul’s greeting ‘grace and peace’ to the Church at Philippi. ‘Grace’ and ‘Peace’ are two significant and yet, understudied themes in Paul’s letters.
The Apostle combines the two in greeting the churches to create a unique expression. This ingenious tweaking makes the greeting rich in spiritual meaning and significance.
Interestingly, we find the phrase ‘grace and peace’ (or its variation) in all of Paul’s letters. If Paul used ‘Grace and Peace’ to greet churches, it must have had special significance. Today, we explore Paul’s greeting ‘Grace and Peace’, to draw insights into Christian life and practice.
" We find the phrase ‘grace and peace’ (or its variation) in all of Paul’s letters. If Paul used ‘Grace and Peace’ to greet churches, it must have had special significance. "
Paul begins with grace. This is no surprise because the Christian faith is based on God’s grace, His loving-kindness and undeserved favour. Interestingly, Paul adds the Hebrew greeting Shalom (peace) to Grace.
In the Hebrew understanding, Peace does not merely mean “the absence of conflict.” It is a broad concept that covers wholeness, harmony, and well-being.
Moreover, peace (Pax Romana) was a popular term in the Roman Empire. The promise of establishing a peaceful rule was a significant aspect of Roman dominance.
Remember, Paul was Jewish by birth and Roman by citizenship. It is quite possible that Paul had the popular ‘Pax Romana’ idea in mind. Thus, Paul’s use of this phrase has deep theological and cultural roots.
" We must ‘name’ and ‘claim’ our inheritance – Grace and Peace! We must declare this blessing to each other. Our Churches will never be the same again! "
Paul sees a fascinating connection between Grace and Peace. We are made right with God by His incredible grace (Eph 2:8). When we stand in the spotlight of God’s grace, we have peace with God (Rom 5:1).
Peace with God naturally flows from the saving grace of God. This peace is – not of this world (Jn 14:27) and is one that grants clarity for thought and action (Phil 4:7).
Peace with (and from) God is made possible by God’s grace. We feel a sense of completeness, happiness, and harmony. We are inheritors of God’s grace and peace—because of what Jesus did on the Cross.
God is the (re)source for Grace and Peace. Jesus is the fullness of Grace and our peace (Eph 2:18). Grace and Peace are our inheritance.
" Paul’s letters offer theological nuggets, moral guidance, and spiritual illumination. Sadly, we are singularly focused on devotional insights that we miss out on theological and ethical understanding."
Paul knew the power of Grace and Peace to flourish our Christian life, faith and witness. Paul greets the Church at Philippi with the blessing of God’s Grace and Peace.
We must ‘name’ and ‘claim’ our inheritance – Grace and Peace! We must declare this blessing to each other. Our Churches will never be the same again!
Questions for Aha Moments!
1. What do I know about the Grace of God and Peace from God?
2. How do I connect with Jesus, the (re)source of Grace and Peace?
3. How do I realize the power of Grace and Peace to flourish my Christian life, faith and witness?
Photo by Osman Rana on Unsplash
