Ministry of Grace Church

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Paul prays for God to show His grace to us and grant us peace.

Behind the Words

The word translated “Grace” is charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

“Peace” is translated from eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

“Lord” is from the Greek word kurios, which is derived from the noun kuros, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to the one possessing might or power; that is, it refers to “one who is supreme in authority” or “one’s owner.”

Meaning Explained

This verse, which expresses the Apostle Paul’s natural tenderness toward those whom he loves, is sort of like the calm before the storm. Whereas the first few verses in this letter seem like drinking from a peaceful babbling brook, what comes, beginning in verse ten, may seem like trying to drink from a fire hose.

Although it is part of the salutation of the letter, this verse actually expresses a prayer from the apostle. Since Paul spent more than a year and a half with the Christians in Corinth, he developed a close relationship with, and fondness for, them. His first expression of fondness is that he prays for grace for them. Christians often think of grace as “unmerited favor,” which it surely is when used in reference to the grace that God has shown to us in granting us the righteousness of Christ and eternal life through Him. But, since Paul is addressing this letter to Christians who already know the grace of God with regard to salvation, this is a different flavor of grace. This is living grace, the favor and good will from God that brings gratification and joy to the everyday lives of Christians.

In addition to grace, Paul prays for peace to be bestowed on all who read this letter. Throughout the years, from the first century until now, faithful Christians have enjoyed periods of peace as well as periods of persecution. Paul is well aware of the trials and troubles that we will encounter throughout our journey on this earth and expresses this prayer for peace even when we are in the midst of such troubles.

He recognizes and tells us not only the source of grace and peace, but the mediator through whom these are passed on to us. Though there are three persons in the Godhead who are each one completely God, there is a hierarchy that the three persons have agreed on. The Father is the first person of the three. The Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) is the second person of the three and is voluntarily submitted to the authority of the Father. And the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead who is voluntarily submitted to the authority of both the Father and the Son. Paul tells us here that grace and peace are from our Father and from (or through) our Lord Jesus Christ.

Application

Do you know the peace of God that surpasses all our understanding (Philippians 4:7)? Are you experiencing His grace in your life? Are you fully submitted to His will?