What does Ephesians 6:23 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 6:23, "Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.", is a benediction, a form of blessing or well-wishing found often at the end of New Testament letters.

It encapsulates the Apostle Paul's wishes for the recipients of his letter, the Ephesian Christians.

The "peace" in this context can be understood as both an inner tranquility and the cessation of hostility, which is a gift from God and is tied to reconciliation with Him through Jesus Christ.

Similarly, the coupling of "love with faith" suggests that love should be intertwined with the belief in God and the teachings of Jesus Christ, manifesting in a faithful, communal life.

The phrase "from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" serves to underscore the divine source of peace and love with faith, acknowledging the Christian understanding of Jesus as both divine and integral to God's plan of salvation.

Historical Context

Ephesians is one of the several letters of Paul, known as epistles, in the New Testament.

While there has been debate over whether Paul himself authored the letter or a disciple of his, for the sake of traditional interpretation, it is assumed Pauline.

The book is thought to have been written around A.D. 60–62 while Paul was under house arrest in Rome.

Ephesians addresses a non-Jewish audience and aims to strengthen the faith of the Ephesian Christians, establishing doctrinal truths about the nature of the Church as the body of Christ, and encouraging unity and moral living.

Theological Insights

The verse provides various theological insights. The mention of "peace" echoes Jewish greetings (shalom) but in a Christian context, symbolizing a state of wholeness and right relationship with God.

"Love with faith" reflects the Pauline emphasis on faith working through love, a cornerstone of Christian ethics.

The divine source mentioned represents the Christian belief in the Trinity; even though the Holy Spirit isn't directly mentioned, its implication is present since the Spirit is often associated with the love and peace bestowed upon believers.

The verse, therefore, is a concise theological encapsulation of the blessings bestowed by God to those who are in Christ.

Practical Applications

This verse offers various practical applications for daily life.

It can be invoked as a guiding principle for interpersonal relationships within the Christian community, suggesting that dealings with others should be conducted with a spirit of peace and love.

The faith element implies that such relationships should also reflect a shared belief in Christ.

Moreover, it serves as a reminder for individual believers to seek and embody peace and love in their personal walk with God, reflecting on these attributes to overcome strife and discord in their lives.

Cross-References

• Romans 15:33 , "Now the God of peace be with you all.

Amen."

• Galatians 5:6 , "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
• Philippians 4:7 , "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
• 2 Thessalonians 3:16 , "Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.

The Lord be with you all."

• 1 Peter 5:14 , "Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity.

Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus.

Amen."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of Ephesians 6:23 are:

• "Peace" (εἰρήνη, eirēnē): Often used in the New Testament to connote a state of harmony, tranquility, and the absence of strife.
• "Brethren" (ἀδελφοί, adelphoi): A term denoting a fellow believer or member of the Christian community, emphasizing spiritual kinship.
• "Love with faith" (ἀγάπη μετὰ πίστεως, agapē meta pisteōs): A phrase unique to Paul's letters, signifying the inseparable bond between Christian love and faith.
• "From" (ἀπό, apo): A preposition indicating the source or origin of the bestowed blessings , in this case, God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse is comparable to benedictions found in other ancient religious texts and cultural practices, where blessings and well-wishes are extended to others.

However, the uniquely Christian elements, such as the direct attribution of peace and love with faith to the divine figures of God the Father and Jesus Christ, reflect the distinctive Judeo-Christian understanding of a benevolent and personal deity who is actively involved in the lives of believers.

Scientific Perspectives

The concepts of peace and love in the verse relate indirectly to scientific fields that study human behavior and well-being, such as psychology and sociology.

These disciplines explore the effects of peace and love on mental health and social cohesion.

Studies in neurotheology also consider how religious faith and practices influence the brain and human consciousness.

However, the supernatural aspects of the blessings outlined in the verse, being that they originate from a divine source, lie outside the empirical scope of science.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Ephesians 6:23.

Many emphasize the comprehensive nature of the blessing and the unity it prescribes for the body of believers.

It is often discussed in terms of both its ecclesiastical implications (the well-being of the church) and personal spirituality (the individual's relationship with God).

Commentators might note the thoroughness of Paul's letter as he concludes with this holistic benediction, tying together the themes of peace, love, and faith that permeate the entire epistle.