The Sermon On the Mount
Matthew, Chapter 5
Part VI
Matthew 5:9) Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
In regards to “peacemakers,”
“This does not describe those who live in peace, but those who actually bring about peace, overcoming evil with good” [Guzik].
“A peace-maker is a man who, being endowed with a generous public spirit, labors for the public good, and feels his own interest promoted in promoting that of others: therefore, instead of fanning the fire of strife, he uses his influence and wisdom to reconcile the contending parties, adjust their differences, and restore them to a state of unity” [Clarke].
“One way we accomplish this is through spreading the gospel, because God has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18)” [Guzik].
“Should be held to its literal meaning, peace-makers; not as Wyc., peaceable men. The founders and promoters of peace are meant; who not only keep the peace, but seek to bring men into harmony with each other. Tynd. renders, the maintainers of peace” [Vincent].
“the men who, in the name of the Prince of Peace, go forth to proclaim peace and good will among men. Christ is the great Peacemaker” [PNT].
“noun from eirenopoiéo (G1517), to make peace. Peacemaker. The one who, having received the peace of God in his own heart, brings peace to others (only in Mat_5:9). He is not simply one who makes peace between two parties, but one who spreads the good news of the peace of God which he has experienced” [Word Study].
Concerning “they shall be called the children of God,”
“Peacemakers are called sons of God. This is not how they become sons of God—that can only happen by receiving Jesus Christ as Savior (John_1:12). By making peace, believers manifest themselves as sons of God, and God will one day acknowledge them as people who bear the family likeness” [BBC].
“Those who resemble God, or who manifest a spirit like his” [Barnes].
2Corinthians 5:17-21) Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18) And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21) For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
“The character traits described in the Beatitudes are not valued by our modern culture. We don’t recognize or give awards to the ‘Most Pure in Heart’ or ‘Most Poor in Spirit.’ Though our culture doesn’t think much of these character traits, they do described the character of the citizens of God’s kingdom” [Guzik].
Life Application:
God has charged us all with the ministry of bringing others into a relationship of peace with God.
Life Application:
God has charged us all with the ministry of promoting peace in the relationship of others, whenever possible. WE ARE NOT TO PROMOTE STRIFE!!!