Jihad and Jesus

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Romans 15:33  The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Introduction

We live in interesting times! Man, I thought the 70's were great, but this is even better! And there are few things today that people are talking about more than Peace. We know how to talk peace and we know how to have peace talks. We have peace accords, and peace concords. We have peace treaties, peace negotiations, and even the oxymorons peace protest and peace force!

And in the middle of it all, I can't help but notice that something is missing: Peace!

In fact, just before coming over I received a CNN newsflash email announcing, "Gunshots heard in Jerusalem." So where's the news in that? It sounds like just another day in the middle east to me.

But here we are as followers of the "Prince of Peace" and the "King of Peace." But what does that mean?

So let me say it again. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and the King of Peace. Nobody does it better. If you want to know what Peace is, look at the way Jesus lived his life.

But have you noticed that it is not until it is gone that we really appreciate peace? 

I have a very early memory of being with my brothers and sisters as we visited a home. I cannot tell you how young I was, but I was very young. The details are all lost to time, but I do remember that at this house we were all standing and looking at a brand new set of puppies that had just been born and were all crowding around big black Mama Dog. Of course, you know how kids are. Baby animals have a magnetic affect. So we were crowding closer and closer as we looked at those puppies. The sun was shining, the puppies were cute, and we were all at peace with the world. And then I suddenly noticed something. Something about the eyes of Mama Dog which today due to my extensive theological training I recognize to have been demonic possession. I come from a big family. There were six of us kids and we were all looking at the puppies. But suddenly Mama Dog's eyes caught mine. I'll never know why she picked me, but she picked ME. And then she started to move. And in that instant, I knew, I knew that my peaceful world had just come to an end. There was an eternal moment there where I was only conscious of two things: the teeth and the noise--like nothing I had ever seen or heard before and they were both coming for me. It'll come as no surprise to you that a dog can move faster than a little boy--even if he is a very athletic young fellow. But by the time she got to me I was back peddling as hard as my children's size 4 shoes would move. I felt her teeth as she snapped at my stomach and it is only because I have always maintained such a trim physique that there was not more there for her to grab. As it was, she just barely nipped me, but caught a good hold on my t-shirt. Now folks, I had no desire to get to know that dog any better and to quote the eloquent Elsie DeWelt, "I was out of there like a bat out of . . . a very hot place." I left a great deal of my shirt there that day and no small amount of naiveté. I've never really liked any animal since that event. And I came away impressed that you never really appreciate peace until it is gone.

Well, as you know, since 9-11 it's gone. But we still talk quite a bit about it. And some of the things we say are kind of funny. 

     I.        Jihad

                 A.        Islam: Religion of Peace?

                                  1.        Less than one week after the September 11 attacks, (17 September 2001) our president delivered a speech in which he emphasized, "Islam is peace" and on another occasion actually said, "Islam means peace." I have to admit that I was a bit surprised by this
http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/islam/s091701b.htm

                                  2.        Two months after the attack, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar issued a statement saying " Islam is (a) religion of peace, justice, tolerance" 11/13/2001
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/011113/2001111346.html

                                  3.        Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak only a few days ago stressed that Islam condemns terrorism and deplores all forms of violence. He added that Islam calls for security, peaceful coexistence and cooperation among all nations.
Http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/011212/2001121244.html

                                  4.        Some of you probably saw that interfaith ceremony at Yankee Stadium on September 23, Imam Izak-El M. Pasha pleaded, "Do not allow the ignorance of people to have you attack your good neighbors. We are Muslims, but we are Americans. We Muslims, Americans, stand today with a heavy weight on our shoulders that those who would dare do such dastardly acts claim our faith. They are no believers in God at all."
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/001/1.32.html 

                                  5.        Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid inaugurated the 9th International Holy Quran Competition a few days ago, stressing the importance of spreading the correct understanding of Islam as a religion of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/011203/2001120335.html

                 B.        Islam's History

                                  1.        When I heard all this I must admit I panicked a bit. After all, I've been teaching about the rise of Islam for years. And I have always told my students that the word "Islam" means "submission." Furthermore, I really did see how peace could possibly be used to describe Islam. So I had to find out whether I had taught a generation of students a complete falsehood.

I have looked into it and I must admit that I believe an error has been made here. While I am not an expert in Islamic history, I do know some Islamic history. At the risk of being labeled Islamaphobic, let me share some of what I know.

                                  2.        Don Walker ( http://www.chalcedon.edu/articles/walker011011.html ) says we need to

begin with the word "Islam." It is an Arabic word that is etymologically related to the Hebrew word "Shalom," which is translated as "peace." In the Western world, our understanding of "peace" differs to a great extent from that of the Middle Easterner. To the Middle Easterner, "peace" connotes the idea of "having your foot on your enemies neck" i.e.; "surrender" or "submission." To the Muslim, peace can only come when there is a surrender and submission to Allah. I dare say, this is a far cry from what most Westerners mean by "peace." The noted historian Paul Johnson, writing in National Review, makes this comment, "The word Islam does not mean peace but submission."

Indeed, look at any standard explanation of Islam and you will find the word consistently defined as "submission."

                                  3.        Walker goes on to give a little history lesson,

Muhammad, whose name means, "highly praised," was born approximately 570 A.D. in Mecca. He lived a rather unremarkable life until, according to Islamic tradition, the angel Gabriel visited him at 40 years of age and called him into the service of Allah. Judaism and Christianity probably influenced Muhammad, along with the folk religions of the region.

As he sought to propagate his new religion, he was met with opposition. Town after town rejected Muhammad, as he sought to establish himself as Allah's messenger. Finally, the little town of Yathrib invited him and his small band of followers to take up residence. The town later changed its name to Medina ("the prophet's city") to honor him. Muhammad's move to Medina is called "the Hegira," meaning the "breaking off of one's own tribe." Today this marks the beginning of the Muslim era: September 622 A.D.

With the Hegira began a period of Muslim expansion. The people of Mecca who had rejected him became Muhammad's enemies; and in the name of Allah he began to prepare a "holy war" (Jihad) against them. Arming his followers, Muhammad conquered one village after another, building strength for an assault on Mecca. In 630 A.D. he entered Mecca as a conqueror and ordered the over 350 idols worshipped in the chief shrine, Kaaba, be destroyed. He declared that no unbeliever should enter Mecca again.

Two years later, having returned to Medina, Muhammad became ill and died at the age of 61 on June 8, 632 A.D. By this time he had conquered most of Arabia.

As I trust you can see, from its very beginning Islam was spread by the edge of a sword. The history of Islam is replete with violence and warfare, from its birth to the present day.

Now can you imagine Jesus or the early church behaving like this? Can you imagine Jesus taking up a sword and stealing, killing and plundering? Of course not! It's inconceivable. That's not the Jesus of the Bible and it's not the Jesus we follow.

                                  4.        Jay Smith ( http://answering-islam.org/Terrorism/assessment.html ) points out that the Koran, the Muslim scriptures,  contains many encouragements to violence.

Sura 9:5 says:

But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay those who join other gods with Allah wherever you find them; besiege them, seize them, lay in wait for them with every kind of ambush...

Similarly, referring to Christians, sura 9:29 states:

...Make war upon such of those to whom the scriptures have been given as believe not in Allah, or in the last day, and who forbid not what Allah and his apostle have forbidden...until they pay tribute...

Concerning the unbelievers we can refer to sura 47:4 which says:

When you encounter the unbelievers, strike off their heads, until ye have made a great slaughter among them...

In sura 8:39 we find a similar admonition:

And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression.

There are "a total of 34 ‘sword verses’ (Jihad Qital) can be found which propose the use of violence."

                                  5.        But today when these verses are mentioned, the tendency among Islamic apologists is to object. After all, Muhammad and Islam were only violent when it was necessary for self-defense.

Jay Smith again asks, " What was Muhammad defending when he attacked without provocation the Meccans travelling north during the month of peace, at the battle of Badr in AD 624? What was he defending when he threw out of Medina two of the Jewish . . . families? What was he defending by executing all 800 of the men belonging to the last remaining Jewish . . . clan, taking their wives, and children as possessions, so that within five years of his movement to Medina, no Jewish families remained within that once proud city? There is no documentation that any of these Jewish families ever attacked him, or were ever at war with him, though there is ample evidence that they did not accept his authority, nor his claim to prophethood.

Now compare Muhammed to the Prince of Peace! Is this the way Jesus treated the Jews? Is this the way he treated anyone? Friends, there is no comparison!

And Smith says, It wasn’t only the Jews he attacked. What was Muhammad defending when he ordered a blind disciple named Umair to stab and kill a woman named Asma while she slept suckling her baby? Her crime: she had criticized Muhammad in poetic verse. And Muhammad’s response upon hearing of her death: Behold a man that hath assisted the Lord and His prophet. Call him not blind, call him rather Umair, the seeing (Nehls 1987:122).

Can you imagine Jesus murdering or having murdered a nursing mother in cold blood because she had criticized him? That's not Jesus, but it is Muhammed.

The most recent issue of Christianity Today has as its cover story, "Islam a religion of peace?
( http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2002/001/1.32.html ). In it James Beverley points out,

The prophet himself engaged in many military battles and could be merciless to his enemies, even those who simply attacked him verbally. His original sympathies with Jews and Christians as "Peoples of the Book" gave way to a harsher treatment when they did not follow Islam. In one infamous episode, Muhammad cut the heads off hundreds of Jewish males of the Beni Quraiza tribe who did not side with him in battle. The prophet is quoted as saying, "The sword is the key of heaven and hell; a drop of blood shed in the cause of Allah, a night spent in arms, is of more avail than two months of fasting or prayer: whosoever falls in battle, his sins are forgiven, and at the day of judgment his limbs shall be supplied by the wings of angels and cherubim."

                                  6.        Now, when I think of Islam's history, these are the kinds of things I think of.

No matter how hard I try, I still see the teeth and hear the sound of an attacking animal.

And we haven't even gotten to the concept of Jihad. Today, Islamic apologists like to define "Jihad" as simply "struggle." And they apply it to the individual's struggle to follow Allah and submit himself. But historically the word has been applied more broadly. Historically it was also applied to the struggle between Islam and all else. Says Beverley,

The Qur'an also uses jihad to mean "holy war," and the language can be extreme. Surah 5:33 reads, "The punishment of those who wage war against God and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter."

                                  7.        It becomes very hard to make the history of Jihad a defensive history!

Smith again,

What were the Muslims defending during the conquests of North Africa, or Spain, France, India, Persia, Syria, and Anatolia up until the middle of the 8th century, or of Constantinople in 1453, or the Balkans, Hungary and Vienna in 1526-1529 and 1683? These countries all had previous civilizations, many of which were more sophisticated than that of the Arabs, yet they all (outside of France) fell during the conquests of the Arabs in the first hundred years and later, with their cultures soon eradicated by that of Islam.

(For many historical examples of Christian martyrdom by Muslims, see http://answering-islam.org/Books/Zwemer/Apostasy/ )

                                  8.        Now friends, you know that I very much like President Bush. Not only that, but I agree with the way he has proceeded in leading our nation. But in light of all that we have seen, I have to agree with James Chancellor, the W.O. Carver Professor of World Religion and World Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chancellor said that while President Bush's

intentions were well-motivated . . .(his)  statement that Islam means peace "is just goofy."

                                  9.        Certainly Muslims today, particularly those in America, affirm their commitment to peace. And I am sure that many are heart-felt in that commitment. However, I must note that it takes more that the present modern commitment to peace to make Islam a religion of peace. History is simply too overwhelming on this matter.

                 C.        Christian Jihad?

A. Now, some of you who are quick have probably been twisting in your seats the last few minutes because you remember some of that church history stuff.

B. "More people have been killed in the name of Jesus Christ than any other name in the history of the world" said Gore Vidal (Carroll & Shiflett, Christianity on Trial, p. 86.). And whether that is actually true or not, does not matter because it leaves a distinct impression upon the mind and you can count on people remembering it. 

C. It is true, of course, that beginning particularly with the barbarian invasions and Charlemagne, the church took up the sword.  As the great church historian Roland Bainton points out,

"The Barbarians militarized Christianity" (Christian Attitudes toward War, 103) It was the barbarians who really embraced and established the idea that the church should forward its purpose through the use of the sword.

D. By the time you get to the infamous crusades, you find Raymond of Agiles describing the capture of Jerusalem by the Crusaders in 1099 in these words:

Some of our men cut off the heads of their enemies; others shot them with arrows, so that they fell from the towers; others tortured them longer by casting them into the flames. Piles of heads, hands and feet were to be seen in the streets of the city. It was necessary to pick one's way over the bodies of men and horses. But these were small matters compared to what happened at the temple of Solomon, a place where religious services ware ordinarily chanted. What happened there? If I tell the truth, it will exceed your powers of belief. So let it suffice to say this much at least, that in the temple and portico of Solomon, men rode in blood up to their knees and bridle reins. ''

Now that is truly embarrassing! It is not only horrific, it's embarrassing! To think that anyone claiming to follow the Prince of Peace would rejoice in such blood-shed is embarrassing!

E.  Harvard law professor and Clinton associate Alan Dershowitz says, Christians still owe the world a full accounting for the Crusades. He says,

"Entire undefended communities -- babies, pregnant mothers and the aged -- were all slaughtered in the name of religious cleansing." (Carroll & Shiflett, p. 87)

F.  At the risk of alienating everyone in this building and in the Republican party, I have to admit that I agree with him.

We do owe the world an explanation. So here it is.

I recall a famous debate in which Alexander Campbell made clear that he was not there to defend the history Christianity--heaven forbid! On the contrary he was there to defend the gospel of Christ.

Unfortunately, the history of Christianity has not always corresponded to the gospel. Christian history is full of nominalism and violence!

I do not need to defend the crusades in order to defend Christianity.

Indeed, I once again would echo Smith,

I am the first to condemn them, for one very obvious reason because my authority, and my paradigm, the Lord Jesus Christ, would have done so. He, who was violated . . . , unjustifiably, to the point of death, categorically condemned the use of violence throughout his life and ministry. In Matthew 26:52, he demands that Peter put away his sword, and stated emphatically that He who lives by the sword must die by the sword, and exemplified it in his own life, by neither advocating it nor practicing it (even to the point of refusing to save his imprisoned cousin, John), and then provided us with our best model concerning how we are to act towards our enemies in Matthew 5:38-44.

Is it any wonder that we know him as the prince of peace?

We are told by people like Robert Douglas that

Between 1989 and 1998 the Islamic population in Europe grew by over 100 percent, to 14 million (approximately 2 percent of the population), according to United Nations statistics. During the same period, the Muslim population in the United States grew by 25 percent. Islam is the second-largest religious group in the world, with more than a billion members worldwide (some estimates put it closer to two billion). An estimated 4 to 6 million Muslims live in the U.S. today, and that number is growing. Islam could be the second-largest religion in America by 2015, surpassing Judaism, according to some estimates. By other estimates, Islam has achieved that rank already.

 

Islam is gaining most of its U.S. converts in prisons and on university campuses. The majority of American converts to Islam—85 to 90 percent—are black. Of the estimated 6 million Muslims in the U.S., 2.6 million are black. "One out of every 15 blacks identifies him or herself as Muslim," notes Carl Ellis. Anglo women make up an another demographic with a surprisingly high conversion rate in the U.S.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/004/1.40.html

 

I really do not believe there will be any real peace between us and them . . .

. . . . until we show them that we who follow Jesus are  people of peace

. . . . until we show them that we follow the  Prince of Peace

. . . . until we show them a better God, a God who is not just wrath  and war, but a God of peace--not just vengeance and violence, but PEACE.

And you know the thought suddenly strikes me. . . None of that . . . will happen . . . until we get to know a few Muslims.

 

My, my, what a world we live in. And have you ever noticed that you never really appreciate peace until it is gone.

Matthew 5:9 Matthew 5 Matthew 5:8-10 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 10:13 Matthew 10 Matthew 10:12-14 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.

Matthew 10:34 Matthew 10 Matthew 10:33-35 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Mark 5:34 Mark 5 Mark 5:33-35 He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

Mark 9:50 Mark 9 Mark 9:49-51 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."

Luke 1:79 Luke 1 Luke 1:78-80 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

Luke 2:14 Luke 2 Luke 2:13-15 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2:29 Luke 2 Luke 2:28-30 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.

Luke 7:50 Luke 7 Luke 7:49-51 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Luke 8:48 Luke 8 Luke 8:47-49 Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

Luke 10:5 Luke 10 Luke 10:4-6 "When you enter a house, first say, `Peace to this house.'

Luke 10:6 Luke 10 Luke 10:5-7 If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.

Luke 12:51 Luke 12 Luke 12:50-52 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.

Luke 14:32 Luke 14 Luke 14:31-33 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.

Luke 19:38 Luke 19 Luke 19:37-39 "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

Luke 19:42 Luke 19 Luke 19:41-43 and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes.

Luke 24:36 Luke 24 Luke 24:35-37 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

John 14:27 John 14 John 14:26-28 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 16:33 John 16 John 16:32-34 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

John 20:19 John 20 John 20:18-20 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

John 20:21 John 20 John 20:20-22 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

John 20:26 John 20 John 20:25-27 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

Acts 9:31 Acts 9 Acts 9:30-32 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

Acts 10:36 Acts 10 Acts 10:35-37 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

Acts 12:20 Acts 12 Acts 12:19-21 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. Having secured the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king's country for their food supply.

Acts 15:33 Acts 15 Acts 15:32-34 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them.

Acts 16:36 Acts 16 Acts 16:35-37 The jailer told Paul, "The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace."

Acts 24:2 Acts 24 Acts 24:1-3 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: "We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation.

Romans 1:7 Romans 1 Romans 1:6-8 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 2:10 Romans 2 Romans 2:9-11 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 3:17 Romans 3 Romans 3:16-18 and the way of peace they do not know."

Romans 5:1 Romans 5 Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Romans 8:6 Romans 8 Romans 8:5-7 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;

Romans 12:18 Romans 12 Romans 12:17-19 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 14:17 Romans 14 Romans 14:16-18 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Romans 14:19 Romans 14 Romans 14:18-20 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Romans 15:13 Romans 15 Romans 15:12-14 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:33 Romans 15 Romans 15:32-34 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Romans 16:20 Romans 16 Romans 16:19-21 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

1 Corinthians 1:3 1 Corinthians 1 1 Corinthians 1:2-4 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 7:15 1 Corinthians 7 1 Corinthians 7:14-16 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.

1 Corinthians 14:33 1 Corinthians 14 1 Corinthians 14:32-34 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints,

1 Corinthians 16:11 1 Corinthians 16 1 Corinthians 16:10-12 No one, then, should refuse to accept him. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

2 Corinthians 1:2 2 Corinthians 1 2 Corinthians 1:1-3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:13 2 Corinthians 2 2 Corinthians 2:12-14 I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-by to them and went on to Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 13:11 2 Corinthians 13 2 Corinthians 13:10-12 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Galatians 1:3 Galatians 1 Galatians 1:2-4 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

Galatians 5:22 Galatians 5 Galatians 5:21-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 6:16 Galatians 6 Galatians 6:15-17 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.

Ephesians 1:2 Ephesians 1 Ephesians 1:1-3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:14 Ephesians 2 Ephesians 2:13-15 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,

Ephesians 2:15 Ephesians 2 Ephesians 2:14-16 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,

Ephesians 2:17 Ephesians 2 Ephesians 2:16-18 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

Ephesians 4:3 Ephesians 4 Ephesians 4:2-4 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Ephesians 6:15 Ephesians 6 Ephesians 6:14-16 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:23 Ephesians 6 Ephesians 6:22-24 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:2 Philippians 1 Philippians 1:1-3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:7 Philippians 4 Philippians 4:6-8 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:9 Philippians 4 Philippians 4:8-10 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Colossians 1:2 Colossians 1 Colossians 1:1-3 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Colossians 1:20 Colossians 1 Colossians 1:19-21 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 3:15 Colossians 3 Colossians 3:14-16 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

1 Thessalonians 1:1 1 Thessalonians 1 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 1 Thessalonians 5 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

1 Thessalonians 5:13 1 Thessalonians 5 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 1 Thessalonians 5 1 Thessalonians 5:22-24 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:2 2 Thessalonians 1 2 Thessalonians 1:1-3 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 2 Thessalonians 3 2 Thessalonians 3:15-17 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1 1 Timothy 1:1-3 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Timothy 2:2 1 Timothy 2 1 Timothy 2:1-3 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

2 Timothy 1:2 2 Timothy 1 2 Timothy 1:1-3 To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timothy 2:22 2 Timothy 2 2 Timothy 2:21-23 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Titus 1:4 Titus 1 Titus 1:3-5 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Titus 3:2 Titus 3 Titus 3:1-3 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

Philemon 1:3 Philemon 1 Philemon 1:2-4 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 7:2 Hebrews 7 Hebrews 7:1-3 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace."

Hebrews 12:11 Hebrews 12 Hebrews 12:10-12 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:14 Hebrews 12 Hebrews 12:13-15 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Hebrews 13:20 Hebrews 13 Hebrews 13:19-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

James 3:17 James 3 James 3:16-18 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 3:18 James 3 James 3:17-19 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

1 Peter 1:2 1 Peter 1 1 Peter 1:1-3 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

1 Peter 3:11 1 Peter 3 1 Peter 3:10-12 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

1 Peter 5:14 1 Peter 5 1 Peter 5:13-15 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

2 Peter 1:2 2 Peter 1 2 Peter 1:1-3 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

2 Peter 3:14 2 Peter 3 2 Peter 3:13-15 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

2 John 1:3 2 John 1 2 John 1:2-4 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.

3 John 1:14 3 John 1 3 John 1:13-15 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.

Jude 1:2 Jude 1 Jude 1:1-3 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

Revelation 1:4 Revelation 1 Revelation 1:3-5 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne,

Revelation 6:4 Revelation 6 Revelation 6:3-5 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.