Deus Pacis | The God of peace

And the God of peace will be crushing Satan under your feet before long. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you – Romans 16:20

 

Photo by Pexels.com

Romans 16:17-27 are the apostle Paul’s final words of this epistle. A person’s final words often reveal what is really important to that person. The apostle Paul’s closing words in the epistle to the Romans emphasize things of vital importance.

His conclusion begins with a word of warning, as he warns of those who would seek to twist the truths he has taught in this epistle (verses 17-20). He then includes greetings of those with him in Corinth (verses 21-23). Finally, in verses 25-27, Paul closes with that we should glorify God. "God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen."

The apostle Paul reminds us that our God is a "God of peace" (Romans 16:20). No matter what happens currently in the world, we should always remember that. The term "God of peace" is used in the Scriptures, mainly by the apostle Paul. He uses it in several of his letters, including Romans 15:33, 16:20, and 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

As we hear about wars every day, we also read about wars in the Scriptures. Revelation 12:17: ‘’And the dragon was angry with the woman and went away to make war on the rest of her seed, who keep the orders of God, and the witness of Jesus”.  Although the dragon is trying to destroy Israel and those who keep the orders of God, this is an encouragement for us as believers, to remain strong in our faith. As we read in Revelation 17:14 “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."

The apostle Paul also refers to God as the "Lord of peace" in 2 Thessalonians 3:16: “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all”.

Reflection on Romans 16:17 – 27 by Hanne

(Listen to podcast here)