Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Tonight’s Study, Session 26: Prince of Peace
Introduction: Who hasn’t longed for peace, living in a world that is so often full of strife? The Hebrew word for peace, however, means much more than the absence of conflict or the end of turmoil. The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, it conveys not only a sense of tranquility but also of wholeness and completion. To enjoy shalom is to enjoy health, satisfaction, success, safety, well-being, and prosperity. Though the New Testament does not directly call Jesus the Prince of Peace, this title from Isaiah has traditionally been associated with Him as the one who brings peace to the world.
The key Scripture where the name Prince of Peace is found is Isaiah 9:6.
Scriptural Context Where the Name Prince of Peace is Found
Nevertheless, the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian. For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this (Isaiah 9:1-7).
Understanding The Name
Though the Hebrew title Sar Shalom (SAR sha-LOME) does not appear in the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews refers to He who God brought of Himself, the God of peace.
Hebrews 13:20-21 – Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 13:20-21).
Isaiah 9:1-7 and Hebrews 13:20-21 both speak of a people being redeemed and saved by the One God sends in peace. In the Greek, the word eirene means “unity and accord.” Like the Hebrew concept of Shalom, the New Testament portrays peace as much more than an absence of conflict. The New Testament further develops our understanding of peace by Jesus as the source of all peace. Though we were alienated from God because of our sins, Jesus reconciled us, making peace through His blood.* Peace with God produces peace with others and peace within ourselves.
*Colossians 1:19-20 – For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself on the cross provides more for us than eternal peace, it also allows us to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, the Helper who promises to guide us (John 16:7,13).* Further, the Holy Spirit will manifest Himself in us by having us live in ways we couldn’t possibly live on our own. He fills us with His fruit.*
*John 16:7,13 – Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
*Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
This love, joy, and peace are all results of the Holy Spirit working in the life of a believer. They are reflections of His presence in us. And, although their deepest, most vital result is to have us live in love, joy, and peace with God, they can’t help but to spill over into our relationships with people.
And we desperately need it – especially since God calls us to live with singleness of purpose with other believers, with humility, gentleness, and patience, “Being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). This unity in purpose and gentleness would be impossible without the work of the Holy Spirit in us and the peace we have with God, thanks to the sacrifice of His Son.
Ironically, the lightest definition of peace, that of the appearance of tranquility in a person, can be the most difficult to grasp and maintain. We do nothing to acquire or maintain our spiritual peace with God. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). And, while living in unity with other believers can be extremely difficult, living in peace in our own lives can very often feel impossible.
Note that peaceful doesn’t mean “easy.” Jesus never promised easy; He only promised help. In fact, He told us to expect tribulation (John 16:33) and trials (James 1:2-5). But He also said that, if we call on Him, He would give us the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:6-7). No matter what hardships we are faced with, we can ask for a peace that comes from the powerful love of God that is not dependent on our own strength or the situation around us.
Promises of God from the Word of God
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
James 1:2-5 – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Conclusion: All around us are threats to peace. Thank God for sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Prince of Peace. He offers inner peace to those who trust in Him, even amidst difficult circumstances. This peace is not the absence of trouble, but rather a deep sense of calm and security that comes from knowing God’s presence and love. As we live out our lives, walking by faith, not by sight, we have the peace of God because we have peace with God. We know that no matter what happens in this world, our Prince of Peace, Jesus, abides with us forever, giving us His unending peace and love.
Next Week, Session 27: King of Kings