NOTES for Co2 5:18-19
How does the biblical meaning of the word "peace" differ from the common one? In our everyday language we understand it rather flatly, as the opposite of war or the absence of conflict. In the Bible this word is much fuller: shalom is a state of harmony and balance, order and beauty. Such is the state of relationship within the Trinity; such is the state of the universe on the seventh day of Creation; such do our relationships with God become through Jesus Christ, "for He is our peace" (Eph. 2:14). Moreover, we are able to extend these relationships to other people, because we have been given the word and ministry of reconciliation.