I Did Not Come to Bring Peace,
but pursue it anyway
Matthew 10:34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”
- Almost every letter begins with a salutation for peace, such as “peace be multiplied to you.”
- The gospel of peace (Ephesians 2:15, 2:17, 6:15; Romans 10:15)
- The God of peace (Romans 16:20, Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Hebrews 13:20)
- The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:17 – 18)
- Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
- Pursue peace with those who call on the Lord (2 Timothy 2:22)
- Be at peace among yourselves (1 Thessalonians 5:13)
- May the peace of God rule in your hearts (Colossians 3:5)
- The peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7) Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3)
- The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22)
- Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Corinthians 13:11)
- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing (Romans 15:13)
- Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another (Romans 14:19)
- To be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6)
Jesus’ point was that the gospel of peace will not bring peace with unbelievers. Christians are expected to be at peace with one another. Further, Christians are to pursue peace with all. But, believers cannot control the unpeaceful nature of unbelievers. The gospel will create division between believers and unbelievers.