What does "son of peace" mean in the context of Luke 10:6? Setting of Luke 10:6 Luke 10 records Jesus sending out seventy-two disciples “into every town and place He Himself was about to go” (v. 1). He instructs them to enter homes with the greeting, “Peace to this house” (v. 5). Verse 6 then adds: “If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.” The Phrase “Son of…” in Hebrew Thought • “Son of” (Hebrew/Aramaic idiom ben/bār) means “one characterized by” or “belonging to the nature of.” – 1 Samuel 25:17, “a son of Belial” = worthless fellow. – Acts 4:36, “Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement).” • Thus “son of peace” identifies a person whose character and disposition align with peace. Defining “Peace” (Shalom) • More than absence of conflict; shalom conveys wholeness, well-being, harmony with God and others (Numbers 6:24-26). • Jesus embodies and brings this peace (John 14:27; Isaiah 9:6; Colossians 1:20). Putting It Together: Who Is a “Son of Peace”? A “son of peace” is: • Someone God has prepared to welcome the gospel and its messengers. • A household head (or key person) whose receptive heart opens the door for the whole home (see Acts 16:15, 34). • A man or woman marked by a conciliatory spirit, hospitality, and readiness to receive God’s kingdom (Matthew 10:11-13 parallels). How Messengers Recognize a “Son of Peace” Look for: 1. Immediate, sincere welcome—open door, open table (Luke 10:7-8). 2. Eagerness to listen, ask, and learn rather than argue (Proverbs 15:1). 3. Signs of God’s prior work—conviction, humility, spiritual hunger (John 6:44). 4. Ripple effect—others in the home or community begin listening because of this person’s influence. Why Jesus Instructed Peace to Return • Peace is not wasted; it rests only where it is received (Psalm 35:13). • The returning of peace assures disciples they have not failed; rejection lies with the hearer, not the messenger (Ezekiel 3:18-19). • It underscores divine sovereignty: God appoints those who will respond (Acts 13:48). Implications for Ministry Today • Start every encounter with Christ’s peace; let your tone and attitude match your words (Romans 12:18). • Pray to discern “sons of peace” in workplaces, neighborhoods, campuses. • Invest time where the gospel is welcomed; move on peaceably when it is not (2 Timothy 2:24-26). • Trust that God’s peace, once given, accomplishes His purposes—either resting on receptive hearts or returning to guide you to the next assignment (Philippians 4:7). |
    |