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Ther substantive εἰρηνοποιοί only occurs here in the NT, although the verb occurs once in Col. 1:20 (¹⁹ For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, ²⁰ and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.)

 This beatitude almost seems like a back handed slap to the zealots, and those in the crowd seeking a military leader in messiah.

 
The meaning of peace

1.  Peace is more than the absence of conflict, mere absence may only be a truce condition. Peace sometimes requires the sword. Jesus stated that He came bringing a sword, not peace; and provides a sword for believers (Matt. 10:34, Eph.6:17)
2. Peace is the presence and result of righteous living.
   1. Comes from wisdom within God’s law (James 3:16-18)
   2. Comes from the pursuit of sanctification/holy living (Heb. 12:14)
3. Peace is in conflict with the natural character of man and the character of this world, so there will be opposition to peace. The sinful state of man and this world prevent peace (Isa. 48:22).

The source of peace

1. Peace is found in God alone. Scripture contains over 400 direct references to peace, many of these are descriptions of God’s character (Lev.26:6, 1 Kings 2:33; Ps. 29:11; Isa. 9:6; Exek. 34:25; Rom. 15:33; 1 Cor. 14:33; 2 Thess. 3:16).
2. The Father is the source of peace, the son is the manifestation of peace (Col.1:20)  and the Holy Spirit is the agent of peace, giving peace to those in whom he resides (Gal. 5:22). “The God of Peace sent the Prince of Peace who sends the Spirit of Peace to give the Fruit of Peace.”

The makers of peace

1. Peace can only come through those who belong to the source of peace, and have been reconciled to peace through the blood of Jesus Christ (Col. 1:20).
2. Peacemakers pursue peace
   1. Passively – in that he is peaceable in character, not quarrelsome.
   2. Actively – he “makes” peace, seeking that condition, not satisfied with the status quo
3. Peace creates four characteristics in a Peacemaker
   1. One who has made peace with God.
      1. Has a proper view of himself;
      2. and, is not overly concerned with the effects of things upon himself (Jn. 12:25)
   2. One who leads others to make peace with God
   3. One who helps others to make peace with others
   4. Endeavors to find a point of truthful* agreement (*Does not compromise the truth of scripture for the sake of appeasement, but seeks to build a relationship based upon agreement before seeking to point out fault or failure.)

    The result of peacemaking

   1. Peace’s result is the eternal blessing as a child of God.
   2. Children versus Sons
      1. τέκνον – is a term of tender affection and endearment as well as of relationship
      2. υἱός – is a term of dignity and honor of the relationship of a child to his parents
   3. κληθήσονται – 3P PI – They will definitely and continually be called in the future.  To call literally means to “own.” So the Children of God are owned by God. They are like him in every way; therefore, they will necessarily be peacemakers.

    The Practice of Peacemaking

   1. Is capable of controlling his tongue – (Js. 3)
   2. Views every situation in light of the gospel.
   3. Goes out of the way to find methods and means of reconciliation
   4. Diffuses peace through character (selflessness, love, humility, and glorifying God.)

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