The Apostle Paul states plainly that “He Himself is our peace” in Ephesians 2:14, establishing this concept as a foundational truth of Christian theology. The biblical understanding of peace, or shalom in Hebrew, is far richer than simply the absence of conflict; it signifies wholeness, harmony, well-being, and a restored relationship. This comprehensive peace is presented as a gift that flows from the person and work of Jesus Christ.
The Primary Scripture Ephesians 2:14
The immediate context of the statement “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:14) refers to a radical, relational peace between two previously hostile human groups: Jews and Gentiles. Historically, the Jewish people were separated from the Gentile nations by the Law of Moses, which created a distinct cultural and religious boundary. This separation was so profound that the Jerusalem Temple even featured a literal dividing wall, beyond which Gentiles were forbidden to pass.
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross abolished this “dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14, 15). By setting aside the Law’s commands and regulations, Jesus created “one new humanity” out of the two groups, thereby establishing peace between them (Ephesians 2:15). This act unified disparate peoples into a single body, the Church. The peace Jesus brought was first and foremost a horizontal reconciliation, demonstrating that all people are made one through their shared access to God.
Reconciliation with God
The peace Jesus provides extends beyond the relational harmony between people groups to address the vertical separation between humanity and God. Before Christ, humanity was in a state of spiritual “enmity” with God due to sin, which created a profound alienation (Romans 5:10). The Bible describes this condition as one of hostility, separating people from their Creator.
Jesus’ death served as the means to end this spiritual conflict, establishing a state of harmony and acceptance. The prophet Isaiah foretold this event, stating that “the punishment that brought us peace was on him” (Isaiah 53:5). This means that Jesus took the consequences of human sin upon himself, satisfying the requirements of divine justice. The result is that those who believe are declared righteous by faith, leading to the declaration, “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). This theological peace is the restored relationship, moving the individual from an enemy of God to an accepted child.
The Practical Experience of Inner Peace
The peace established through Christ’s work is not only a theological reality but also a personal experience available in daily life. This is often referred to as the “peace of God,” which is distinct from the peace with God. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to present their requests to God, promising that the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
This internal peace acts as a spiritual garrison, protecting the heart and mind from the anxieties and fears of the world. Jesus himself spoke of this gift, telling his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives” (John 14:27). The peace the world offers is conditional, dependent on favorable circumstances, but Christ’s peace is internal and remains even amidst external trouble (John 16:33).
Jesus as the Prince of Peace
The New Testament understanding of Jesus as the source of peace is rooted in an ancient prophetic title found in the Old Testament. The prophet Isaiah, writing centuries before Christ’s birth, gave the Messiah the title “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This title is not merely a descriptive name but a declaration of his ultimate identity and mission.
The title signifies that Jesus is the sovereign ruler who will ultimately establish a final, perfect, and universal kingdom of peace and justice. His reign will bring an end to all conflict and disorder, fulfilling the deepest meaning of shalom across the entire earth. This prophetic identity connects the specific peace he brought to individuals and groups with the broader narrative of his future reign. The Prince of Peace is the one who initiates peace in the present and guarantees its complete realization in the future.