Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, salutations were more than mere greetings; they were expressions of blessing, peace, and goodwill. One of the most significant salutations found in the Scriptures is "Peace be to this house," a phrase that encapsulates the desire for divine peace and blessing upon a dwelling and its inhabitants.Biblical Context and Usage The phrase "Peace be to this house" is prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Jesus sending out His disciples. In Luke 10:5, Jesus instructs the seventy-two disciples, saying, "Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’" . This salutation was not merely a polite greeting but a pronouncement of God's peace, which the disciples were empowered to bestow upon the homes they visited. The concept of peace, or "shalom" in Hebrew, is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and carries a rich meaning that extends beyond the absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, prosperity, and well-being. When Jesus instructed His disciples to offer peace to a house, it was an invitation for God's comprehensive blessing to rest upon that household. Theological Significance The salutation "Peace be to this house" reflects the mission of Jesus and His followers to bring the peace of God into the world. It signifies the presence of the Kingdom of God, which is characterized by peace and reconciliation. In Ephesians 2:17, Paul writes, "He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near." . This peace is a central theme of the Gospel, representing the restoration of relationships between God and humanity, as well as among individuals. Cultural and Historical Insights In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, hospitality was a highly valued virtue. Offering peace to a house was a way of extending hospitality and goodwill. It was customary for travelers and guests to be greeted with blessings, and the salutation "Peace be to this house" would have been understood as a sincere wish for the host's well-being and prosperity. The practice of offering peace as a greeting is also seen in the Old Testament. In 1 Samuel 25:6, David instructs his men to greet Nabal with the words, "Long life to you, and peace to you, and peace to your house, and peace to all that is yours." . This reflects the continuity of the tradition of blessing others with peace throughout the biblical narrative. Practical Application For Christians today, the salutation "Peace be to this house" serves as a reminder of the call to be bearers of God's peace in the world. It encourages believers to extend hospitality, kindness, and the message of the Gospel to others. By offering peace, Christians participate in the ministry of reconciliation and embody the peace of Christ in their interactions with others. In contemporary practice, this salutation can be used in various settings, such as when entering a home, beginning a meeting, or in personal prayers for others. It serves as a powerful reminder of the peace that surpasses all understanding, which is available through Christ Jesus. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 10:5And into whatever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 2, "The Harvest Truly is ... Colossians i. 15-18 The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency Life in Persia. Appendix. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Nile and Egypt The Reaction against Egypt Another Wonderful Record of 25. Resources What is the Hail Mary that Catholics say so often? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 2 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from what the Bible says about Paul and Timothy? | GotQuestions.org Salutations: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salutations were Given by all Passers-By Salutations were Given by Brethren to Each Other Salutations were Given by Inferiors to Their Superiors Salutations were Given by Superiors to Inferiors Salutations were Given: On Entering a House Salutations: "Are You Well, My Brother?" Salutations: "May God be Gracious to You" Salutations: "Peace (Hebrew: Shalom) to This House" Salutations: "Peace to You" (Hebrew: Shalomleka) Salutations: "Peace" (Hebrew: Shalom) Salutations: Denied to Persons of Bad Character Salutations: Expressions Used as all Hail Salutations: Expressions Used as Art Thou in Health? Salutations: Expressions Used as Blessed be Thou of the Lord Salutations: Expressions Used as God be Gracious to Thee Salutations: Expressions Used as Hail Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace be to This House Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace be With Thee Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace to Thee, and Peace to Thine House, and Peace to All Salutations: Expressions Used as The Blessing of the Lord be Upon You, we Bless You in The Salutations: Expressions Used as The Lord be With You Salutations: Expressions Used as The Lord Bless Thee Salutations: from a Master to his Servants, "May the Lord be With You" Salutations: Given to Christ in Derision Salutations: Often Accompanied by Bowing Frequently to the Ground Salutations: Often Accompanied by Embracing and Kissing the Feet Salutations: Often Accompanied by Falling on the Neck and Kissing Salutations: Often Accompanied by Falling Prostrate on the Ground Salutations: Often Accompanied by Kissing the Dust Salutations: Often Accompanied by Laying Hold of the Bear With the Right Hand Salutations: Often Accompanied by Touching the Hem of the Garment Salutations: Often Sent by Letter Salutations: Often Sent Through Messengers Salutations: Persons in Haste Excused from Giving or Receiving Salutations: Servants to Their Masters, "May the Lord Bless You" Salutations: The Jews Condemned for Giving, Only to Their Countrymen Salutations: The Pharisees Condemned for Seeking, in Public Related Terms |
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