Grace and Peace

Ephesians 1:1-2 (NIV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I believe the word of God is the word of God. Written by God through men so it is His truth but often in their form, style and wording. It’s a combination I can’t explain. It’s a supernatural thing that is thrilling to consider but potentially troublesome to force into human terms and logic.

I have a friend who believes one aspect of timing in history that God used was the Greek language. That God’s plan used the form and maturity of the language at that time to be used to write His Word. It’s a particularly articulate language.

In my (fairly brief) study of the language, I found our English translations are impressive. What I mean is the words and their order are in line with what the Greek version says. It’s that intentional. Some Bibles are translations (word for word) and others are interpretations (focused on the message as opposed to the structure and technicality).

Given the above, I believe it’s important to consider each word when studying the Bible. Sometimes I study for "big picture" aspects and read more/faster. Other times I try to pick apart each word.

When focusing on the words, I notice things like in the above opening of Ephesians. Paul introduces himself as an apostle. The word apostle comes from the word meaning to set apart as in Paul was singled out for Jesus by God’s will. It wasn’t his decision or choice. If you know Paul’s story, you know his choice was quite the opposite. But who is going to resist God’s will?

He’s writing to the Ephsians – a church he’s credited as founding. He calls them "holy" which is another word related to set apart – separate – distinct – they are God’s and not of the world. He calls them faithful. Clearly Paul has a heart for these people.

The terms that stand out to me today are "grace and peace." A pastor pointed something out to me one time that I’m reminded of each time I read Paul’s greetings like this. Grace always comes before peace. Grace leads to peace. We can’t have the peace "from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" without first having His grace.

Our peace with Him depends on grace from Him. Both are His – given to us "from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

We were not seeking peace…

Romans 5:10a (NIV)
"For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son"

Peace starts and is completed from Him and by Him with His grace. Grace and peace.