Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 5:9

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God." — Matthew 5:9 (ASV)

Jesus’ concern in this beatitude is not with the peaceful but with the “peacemakers.” “Peace” (GK 1645) is of constant concern in both OT and NT (e.g., Isaiah 52:7; Ephesians 2:11–22; Hebrews 12:14). The making of peace itself has messianic overtones (cf. “Prince of Peace” in Isa 9:6-7). Jesus does not limit the peacemaking to only one kind, and neither will his disciples. In the light of the Gospel, Jesus himself is the supreme peacemaker, making peace between God and us (Ephesians 2:15–17; Colossians 1:20) and among human beings. Our peacemaking will include the promulgation of that Gospel. It must also extend to seeking all kinds of reconciliation. Those who undertake this work are acknowledged as God’s “sons” (GK 5626). In the OT, Israel has the title “sons” (Hosea 1:10). Now it belongs to the heirs of the kingdom who are especially equipped for peacemaking and so reflect something of the character of their heavenly Father.