Biblical theme · Human experience

Peace in the Bible

Peace with God, the peace of God that guards the heart, and the call to make peace with others, with the difference between true peace and avoiding conflict.

Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition

Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.

Introduction

Peace in Scripture is more than the absence of conflict. It includes peace with God, an inner peace that guards the heart, and peace between people. Romans 5:1 Philippians 4:7 Romans 12:18

Jesus gives his followers a peace unlike the world’s, and calls peacemakers blessed. The prophets warn against those who announce peace where there is none. John 14:27 Matthew 5:9 Jeremiah 6:14

Central passages

Numbers 6:24–26
“The LORD lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.”
Isaiah 26:3–4
You will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is fixed on you, because he trusts in you.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives.”
John 16:33
“In me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 5:1
Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:6–7
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
Romans 12:17–21
If possible, as much as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.
Ephesians 2:14–18
Christ is our peace, who has broken down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile.

Across Scripture

Each passage is labelled with why it belongs: central teaching, narrative example, supporting passage, comparison, contrast or interpretive connection.

The LORD gives peace

Israel’s priestly blessing ends with peace, and the prophets and psalms speak of peace for those who trust God.

Numbers 6:24–26 Central teaching
“The LORD lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.”
Isaiah 26:3–4 Central teaching
You will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is fixed on you, because he trusts in you.
Psalm 4:8 Supporting passage
“In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.”

Peace through Christ

The New Testament speaks of Jesus giving peace and of peace with God through him.

John 14:27 Central teaching
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives.”
John 16:33 Central teaching
“In me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 5:1 Central teaching
Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 9:6–7 Interpretive connection (an interpretation, not a statement of the text)
The child called “Prince of Peace”. Christians read this as fulfilled in Jesus; the New Testament quotes the verses just before it (Isaiah 9:1-2 in Matthew 4:15-16).

Peace that guards the heart

Paul connects prayer with the peace of God.

Philippians 4:6–7 Central teaching
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds.
Colossians 3:15 Supporting passage
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body.

Making peace

Peace is something believers are called to make, not only to receive.

Matthew 5:9 Central teaching
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
Romans 12:17–21 Central teaching
If possible, as much as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.
Ephesians 2:14–18 Central teaching
Christ is our peace, who has broken down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile.
James 3:17–18 Supporting passage
The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Distinctions and questions of interpretation

Peace and avoiding conflict: Jeremiah condemns those who say “Peace, peace!” when there is no peace, and Jesus warns that following him can bring division. Real peace may require facing conflict honestly. Jeremiah 6:14 Matthew 10:34–36
Peace and circumstances: Jesus promises peace and trouble in the same sentence. John 16:33

Related themes

Reconciliation
Peace between people often needs reconciliation. Ephesians 2:14–16
Hope
Hope and peace are prayed for together. Romans 15:13
Joy
Joy and peace are both fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22

Life situations

Worry and Anxiety
Philippians 4:7 promises God’s peace guarding the heart. Philippians 4:7
Anger
Making peace instead of escalating conflict. Romans 12:18
Family Conflict
Living at peace “as much as it depends on you”. Romans 12:18

Questions for reflection

Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.

How is the peace Jesus gives different from the world’s (John 14:27)?
What comes before the promise of peace in Philippians 4:6-7?
What does “as much as it depends on you” in Romans 12:18 allow for?
Where could you be a peacemaker this week?

Study guides

The Sermon on the Mount
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9