The Pursuit of Peace

Bear with me, please. I'm just dumping my study notes in here and you can check back as often as you like to see my progress. I don't like to post unfinished heart/mind business, but if it would build you up to read along as I work -- God be praised.

Primary Texts

Psalm 34:14

Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Context: Psalm 34:13-15

Romans 14:19

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Context: Romans 14:18-20

2 Timothy 2:22

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Context: 2 Timothy 2:21-23

Hebrews 12:14

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Context: Hebrews 12:13-15

1 Peter 3:11

Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.

Context: 1 Peter 3:10-12

Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Context: Romans 12:18-21

I Thessalonians 5:13
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Context: Relationship between shepherd and flock.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Context: Matthew 5:9-12

Primary Hebrew and Greek Definitions

Original Word: רָדַף
Transliteration: radaph
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-daf')
Short Definition: pursued

Original Word: διώκω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: diókó
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-o'-ko)
Short Definition: I pursue, persecute
Definition: I pursue, hence: I persecute.

Companion Texts on "Harmony"

Psalm 133:1-3
Romans 12:16
I Peter 3:8
Romans 15:5
Philippians 2:2
Colossians 3:14
I Corinthians 1:10
Philippians 4:2 (He called names!)
Ephesians 4:3
II Corinthians 13:11
I Corinthians 12:25

My observations:

1. Note the proximity of many of the "harmony" verses to those mentioning the pursuit of peace.
2. While there appears to be, in many of these verses, an assumption that the individuals called to peace and harmony are believers, the phrase "all men" is used among them as well.
3. Still thinking and searching...

Commentaries on the Texts

That religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the heart and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must study to be useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek peace and pursue it; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal for peace' sake.
~Matthew Henry on Psalm 34:14

If it be possible - If it can be done. This expression implies that it could not always be done. Still it should be an object of desire; and we should endeavor to obtain it.
~Barnes on Romans 12:18

To live in a state of peace with one's neighbors, friends, and even family, is often very difficult. But the man who loves God must labor after this, for it is indispensably necessary even for his own sake. A man cannot have broils and misunderstandings with others, without having his own peace very materially disturbed: he must, to be happy, be at peace with all men, whether they will be at peace with him or not. The apostle knew that it would be difficult to get into and maintain such a state of peace, and this his own words amply prove: And if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably. Though it be but barely possible, labor after it.
~Clark on Romans 12:18

Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while quarreling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are hurt, by willful offense given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offense to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a wrong use of it.
~Matthew Henry on Romans 14:19-23

See how often the apostle cautions against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion consists more in believing and practicing what God requires, than in subtle disputes. Those are unapt to teach, who are apt to strive, and are fierce and froward. Teaching, not persecution, is the Scripture method of dealing with those in error.
~Matthew Henry on II Timothy 2:22

A burden of affliction is apt to make the Christian's hands hang down, and his knees grow feeble, to dispirit him and discourage him; but against this he must strive, that he may better run his spiritual race and course. Faith and patience enable believers to follow peace and holiness, as a man follows his calling constantly, diligently, and with pleasure. Peace with men, of all sects and parties, will be favorable to our pursuit of holiness. But peace and holiness go together; there can be not right peace without holiness. Where persons fail of having the true grace of God, corruption will prevail and break forth . . .
~Matthew Henry on Hebrews 12:12-14

The ministers of the gospel are described by the work of their office, which is to serve and honour the Lord. It is their duty not only to give good counsel, but also to warn the flock of dangers, and reprove for whatever may be amiss. The people should honour and love their ministers, because their business is the welfare of men's souls. And the people should be at peace among themselves, doing all they can to guard against any differences. But love of peace must not make us wink at sin. The fearful and sorrowful spirits, should be encouraged, and a kind word may do much good. We must bear and forbear. We must be long-suffering, and keep down anger, and this to all men. Whatever man do to us, we must do good to others.
~Matthew Henry on I Thessalonians 5:12-15 (additional motivation for the flock to live in peace)


~not End Quote

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