Grace To You, And Peace

Paul addressed this epistle to Philemon who was a “fellowlabourer” (v. 1), and also to Apphia, and Archippus, a “fellowsoldier” (v. 2). As fellow believers, we are to be “of one accord, of one mind.” (Php 2:2), having a unity of our plans and purpose in Christ (Jn 17:21). We are to proclaim (Acts 1:8), and propagate “the gospel in the regions beyond” (2 Cor 10:16). We are also expected to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim 2:3), because of the nature of the service in which we are engaged.

 We face the unseen and uncertain spiritual battles in our daily lives (1 Pet 5:8), that test our faith! We have powerful enemies to overcome (Eph 6:12). But “we are more than conquerors” (Rom 8:37), through our Lord Jesus, Who is the commander in chief of our salvation. He alone can give “us the victory” (1 Cor 15:57)! Paul greeted them by first saying, “grace to you.” The word “grace” simply means unmerited favor. We often use it in reference to the Lord’s work of salvation (Eph 2:8), and justification (Rom 3:24). As sinners, we are not deserving of God’s love and favor. But by His grace, He changes our lives (1 Cor 15:10), and keeps us by His power (1 Pet 1:5).

 Nowadays, we would often greet others with ‘hello’ or ‘hi,’ which doesn’t really mean much. But in Paul’s day, people would commonly greet each other by saying “charis;” a Greek word that means graciousness of manner or action. What they are actually saying is, ‘I am praying for you the best that God can provide!’ Then Paul said, “and peace” – this literally means that after “being justified by His grace” (Titus 3:7), we can now “have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). It is God’s grace that brought us to Him. And when we respond to His invitation (Mt 11:28), His grace results in an abundant peace “which passeth all understanding” (Php 4:7)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera