NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES: A CONFLICT IN PEACE
- Matt Rowell
- May 20
- 4 min read
One of the most celebrated achievements of the Roman Empire was the Pax Romana, which is Latin for “Roman Peace.” Thie ideology was established approximately 27 BC and lasted until approximately 180 AD. For around 200 years Rome began to expand, and its roads, laws, and commerce became more centralized. This “peace” provided Rome with a form of stability and control needed to sustain itself and its citizens.
However, this form of “peace” was not as one might imagine. The Pax Romana did not spring from the roots of compassion or justice; It was secured by force and the sword. If there was no conflict, there was “peace.” If conflict and rebellion began to rear its head, the opposition was swiftly, and even violently, crushed. At times, this “peace” was inflicted through the means of oppression and colonization. Therefore, it was enforced by fear, and those who challenged it were met with incredible wrath.
On the night before his death, Jesus was gathered with his disciples in in the upper room. That night he made a very bold statement in what he was leaving with them:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” — John 14:27 (NRSV)
At this moment, Jesus was referring to a people who were very acquainted with this certain kind of “peace.” They were well informed in the history of their ancestors, and their interactions and oppositions with the Roman Empire. They were also familiar with what happens when this “peace” was challenged. Therefore, Jesus offering a peace that contrasts with that of Rome, and that it would not be “as the world gives, which meant it is not forged by violence and brute force, but it would be a peace that flows from the throne of God.
The Illusion of Peace
Jews living in the first-century, under the Roman occupation were often faced with high taxes, with Roman legionaries patrolling the streets. The Jewish religion was merely tolerated, but if there was any known revolutionaries or liberation movements speaking of a “new kingdom” or “freedom,” it was almost always immediately met by the vast and destructive forces of Rome, as it was considered a threat to Rome’s control.
Though the Pax Romana was enforced through the dominating forces of Rome, the ideologies claimed to offer security, prosperity, and peace. And if any individual or movement dared to disturb the peace provided by Rome, they would retaliate through one of the most heinous, yet effective means of punishment—known as the crucifixion.
Jesus speaking the words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” was directed to those who understood the fragility of peace in their world; to a people who lived in a state of fear and anxiety. The threat of danger was a living reality, yet the Christ spoke a gentle, yet powerful statement that provided a peace that was indifferent to their daily experiences. It was not a peace validated by the absence of trouble, but one that would reign in their hearts amid the trouble.
An Incomprehensible Peace
It seems hard to understand how Jesus could offer such a peace when faced with the severity of threat and conflict which he did. With being faced with constant criticism and judgment, along with betrayal and the foreknowing of what awaiting him, he promises his disciples that he would provide for them “my peace.”
This peace was not one that determined by the surrounding circumstances; it was not a peace that was dependent on there being no conflict or chaos. It was a peace that derived from the very heart and goodness of God. Jesus told his disciples that they would experience persecution, but he also encouraged them by letting them know that he has conquered to world! [1]
It is a peace that surpassed their own ability to understand it, because it was so indifferent to what the empire offered. It was also a peace that could not be earned—it was a gracious gift that could only be given by the very Prince of Peace himself.
A Conflict of peace
In a world that would maintain peace by eliminating those who threatened to challenge the empire, Jesus dared confront it by providing a peace by embracing suffering. As the empire crucified Jesus, he forgave them. Through shedding the blood of others, Rome established their peace, but through the shedding of his own blood, Jesus provided his. Rome’s means of peace was confronted and conquered.
In his book, Unholy Allegiances: Heeding Revelation’s Warning, Dr. David A. DeSilva gives a proper understanding as to how the Pax Romana was exposed for the false “peace” that it was. In it he writes:
“John exposes Pax Romana and Pax Augusta to be bald-faced lies. He does not allow his hearers to ignore the fact that a great deal of violence has gone into creating and sustaining empire, for example, in the brutal suppression of the Jewish Revolt. How is it truly a matter of “peace” if you use overwhelming force to subdue a country that never wished to be a part of your empire in the first place?” [2]
The Apostle Paul also provides a concise statement regarding the peace provided by Jesus. In Colossians 1:20 he says, “Through [Christ] God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.” Therefore, Jesus did not simply offer a better peace, he completely redefined what peace is.
Living in Peace Today
Even today we live in a world that often gives remarks about pursuing peace, but it remains to be a peace that is pursued through the means of power and force. We continue to see it various avenues, especially when it comes to politics, in the name of national (or global) defense.
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers, not peace-enforcers. We are called to love, to reconcile, and to restore—embodying the very purpose and presence of Jesus Christ. We are also commissioned to mirror the very ethos of God’s kingdom by bringing healing and peace to the world, while allowing his peace to reign in our hearts and lives. And we can be assured that he is with us, even to the end.[3]
[1] John 16:33
[2] deSilva, David A., Unholy Allegiances: Heeding Revelation’s Warning, pg. 82.
[3] Matthew 28:20
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