Ephesians 1:2 – grace to you and peace

… Grace to you and peace from God, our Father…

All Paul’s letters, without exception, begin with this notification. Grace and peace are a summary of all what we receive from GOD. Also in that subsequence. Peace is the result of knowledge of grace.

It’s remarkable that the words ‘grace’ and ‘peace’ were used as greeting in respectively the Greek and Jewish world. In Greek language one said ‘chaire!’ (Luke 1: 28), that is ‘rejoice!’. It is directly related to the word ‘charis’, which is used by Paul. Grace means: free joy. Grace is every reason to be happy about what you receive for free. Unconditionally.

Peace is the well-known Hebrew greeting (John 20: 19): shalom! Peace speaks of harmony and stands in contrast with conflict, war and disorder. It can be felt in the heart, but also among people. Above all peace speaks of the harmony GOD establishes with and in his creation.

Grace and peace come from GOD. From GOD who is a Father and who, because of that, takes care of and guarantees the positive outcome. That knowledge is the base of ‘free joy’ and peace!

Delen: