Ephesians 6:23

KJV

Peace [be] to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

Peace {G1515} be to the brethren {G80}, and {G2532} love {G26} with {G3326} faith {G4102}, from {G575} God {G2316} the Father {G3962} and {G2532} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shalom to the brothers. May God the Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah give you love and trust.

Berean Standard Bible

Peace to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 6:23 concludes Paul's epistle with a profound benediction, extending a threefold blessing of peace, love, and faith to the Christian community in Ephesus. This verse serves as a powerful summary of the spiritual graces essential for believers, explicitly tracing their origin to the divine source: God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It underscores the foundational virtues that enable harmonious fellowship and a steadfast walk with God, emphasizing that these are not human achievements but gracious provisions from the triune God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 6:23 marks the beginning of Paul's final salutation and benediction in his letter to the Ephesians. It follows his extensive practical exhortations in chapters 4-6, which cover Christian conduct in the church, family, and workplace, culminating in the detailed description of the spiritual armor of God in [Ephesians 6:10-20](/ephesians/6-10-20 "Ephesians 6:10-20 - The Full Armor of God"). Having equipped the believers for spiritual warfare, Paul now pronounces a blessing that encapsulates the very essence of the Christian life—peace, love, and faith—which are indispensable for navigating both daily life and spiritual conflict. This benediction sets the tone for the closing remarks, transitioning from instruction and command to a heartfelt expression of pastoral care and divine favor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The letter to the Ephesians was likely written by Paul during his imprisonment in Rome (circa A.D. 60-62). The church in Ephesus was a significant and diverse community, situated in a major Roman provincial capital known for its temple of Artemis and pervasive paganism. Paul had spent a considerable time ministering there, as recounted in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"). Benedictions were a common feature in ancient Greco-Roman letters, but Paul transforms this convention into a rich theological statement. The concept of "peace" (Hebrew _shalom_, Greek _eirēnē_) would have resonated deeply with both Jewish and Gentile converts, signifying not merely the absence of conflict but holistic well-being, reconciliation, and divine favor. The emphasis on "God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" as the source was a distinctive Christian affirmation in a polytheistic environment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ephesians. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **divine grace and spiritual blessings**, which is prominent from the very opening of the letter in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing"). The peace, love, and faith are presented as gifts "from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," highlighting God's initiative and generosity. Secondly, it underscores the importance of **Christian virtues** for both individual believers and the corporate body. Paul has consistently called believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, emphasizing virtues like humility, gentleness, patience, and love (e.g., [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling")). Finally, the blessing "to the brethren" reinforces the theme of **unity and fellowship within the church**, a central concern for Paul throughout Ephesians, particularly in [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - Christ Our Peace") and [Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - One Body, One Spirit"). These virtues are essential for maintaining the "unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** This term, derived from a verb meaning "to join," signifies a state of holistic well-being, harmony, and reconciliation. It is far more than merely the absence of conflict; it encompasses spiritual tranquility, a right relationship with God, and a sense of completeness. In the New Testament, it often refers to the peace with God that comes through Christ and the peace of God that guards the believer's heart.
* **Love (Greek, _agápē'_):** This is the distinctive New Testament word for divine, unconditional, and self-sacrificial love. It is the benevolent affection that God demonstrates towards humanity and the love that believers are called to manifest towards God and one another. Unlike mere human affection or desire, _agápē_ seeks the highest good of the other, often at personal cost.
* **Faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This multifaceted term encompasses persuasion, credence, moral conviction, and reliance upon God or Christ for salvation. It implies both belief in the truthfulness of God's revelation and active trust in His promises and person. In this context, "love with faith" suggests that this divine love is not a mere emotion but is rooted in and expressed through genuine, active trust in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Peace [be] to the brethren":** This opening phrase functions as a benediction, a pronouncement of blessing. "Peace" (eirḗnē) here signifies not just an absence of strife but a comprehensive well-being, wholeness, and spiritual tranquility that flows from a right relationship with God. It is extended "to the brethren," referring to the collective body of believers in Ephesus and, by extension, to all Christians, emphasizing the communal aspect of this divine gift.
* **"and love with faith":** This phrase adds two more essential virtues to the blessing. "Love" (agápē) is the self-sacrificial, divine love that characterizes God and is to characterize His people. The preposition "with" (metá) indicates accompaniment or association, suggesting that this love is not isolated but intimately connected with "faith" (pístis). This implies that genuine Christian love is rooted in and empowered by faith in Christ, and conversely, true faith expresses itself through love. It is a love that is enabled by and consistent with one's trust in God.
* **"from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ":** This final clause unequivocally identifies the divine source of these profound blessings. Peace, love, and faith are not human achievements or self-generated virtues but are gracious gifts that originate directly "from" (apó) the ultimate divine authorities: "God the Father" and "the Lord Jesus Christ." This highlights the Trinitarian nature of Christian blessing and emphasizes the complete dependence of believers on God's sovereign provision for their spiritual well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 6:23 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Benediction**, a formal prayer or pronouncement of blessing, which sets a tone of divine favor and pastoral care at the close of the letter. The verse also utilizes **Triad**, grouping "peace," "love," and "faith" together, highlighting their essential and interconnected nature in the Christian life. This grouping emphasizes their foundational importance, echoing other Pauline triads (e.g., faith, hope, and love). The phrase "love with faith" demonstrates **Syntactic Juxtaposition**, linking these two virtues in a way that suggests their mutual dependence and complementary roles. Furthermore, the explicit naming of "God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" as the source functions as a powerful **Attribution of Source**, underscoring the divine origin and gracious nature of these spiritual gifts, reinforcing the theological truth that all true blessings flow from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 6:23 profoundly articulates the divine origin of the core virtues of Christian life, emphasizing that peace, love, and faith are not merely human aspirations but supernatural gifts bestowed by God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This highlights the absolute necessity of divine grace for spiritual flourishing. The verse underscores that our capacity for genuine peace (both internal and relational), self-sacrificial love (agápē), and unwavering faith (pístis) is entirely dependent on God's initiative and ongoing provision. It is a theological statement affirming God's active involvement in the spiritual well-being of His children, establishing these virtues as hallmarks of a life reconciled to God and lived in fellowship with Him and other believers.

* [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - God of Hope")
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")
* [Colossians 3:14-15](/colossians/3-14-15 "Colossians 3:14-15 - Love Binds All Together")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 6:23 serves as a timeless reminder that the most precious spiritual commodities—peace, love, and faith—are not earned but are freely given by God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. For the individual believer, this calls for a posture of humble dependence and gratitude, recognizing that our ability to experience and manifest these virtues flows directly from our relationship with our divine source. It challenges us to actively cultivate these qualities in our lives, not through self-effort, but by continually drawing upon the grace and power available through Christ. For the community of believers, this verse underscores the essential ingredients for healthy, vibrant fellowship. A church where peace reigns, love abounds, and faith is steadfast is a powerful witness to the world. It encourages us to pray for these blessings for one another, to extend peace and love to our "brethren," and to live out our faith in tangible ways that strengthen the bonds of unity and reflect the character of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need God's peace, love, or faith right now?**
* **How does understanding that these virtues come "from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" change your approach to cultivating them?**
* **How can you more intentionally extend peace and love to your fellow "brethren" in your church or community?**
* **What does "love with faith" look like in practical terms in your daily interactions?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "peace, love, and faith" being grouped together in this benediction?**

Answer: The grouping of "peace, love, and faith" is highly significant, representing a foundational triad of Christian virtues that are deeply interconnected and essential for a thriving spiritual life. "Peace" (eirḗnē) provides the internal and relational harmony necessary for a right relationship with God and others. "Love" (agápē) is the ultimate expression of God's character and the supreme command for believers, enabling self-sacrificial service and unity. "Faith" (pístis) is the means by which we receive God's grace and the conviction that empowers our love and sustains our peace. Paul often links these virtues, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 13:13](/1_corinthians/13-13 "1 Corinthians 13:13 - Faith, Hope, and Love Remain") where faith, hope, and love are highlighted, or [Colossians 1:4-5](/colossians/1-4-5 "Colossians 1:4-5 - Faith, Love, and Hope"). Here, "love with faith" suggests that genuine Christian love is not merely emotional but is rooted in and expressed through active trust in God, and this faith is what enables us to experience and extend God's peace.

**Why does Paul specify "from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" as the source?**

Answer: Paul's explicit naming of "God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" as the source of these blessings underscores a critical theological truth: these spiritual graces are not human achievements but divine gifts. This highlights the **divine initiative** in salvation and sanctification. It emphasizes that peace with God (e.g., [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")), the capacity for agape love (e.g., [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out")), and saving faith (e.g., [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")) all originate from the Godhead. It also affirms the co-equality and co-operation of the Father and the Son in bestowing these essential spiritual provisions upon believers, reinforcing the core Christian doctrine of the Trinity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 6:23 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment and source of the peace, love, and faith it blesses. Christ Himself is our [peace](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"), having broken down the dividing wall of hostility and reconciled us to God through His cross, offering a peace that surpasses all understanding, as promised in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God"). The divine love (agápē) mentioned is supremely demonstrated in Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, for "[God so loved the world that he gave his only Son](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")" to redeem humanity. This love, poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (e.g., [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "God's Love Poured Out")), empowers believers to love God and one another. Furthermore, the faith spoken of is faith _in_ Jesus Christ, who is the [author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author and Perfecter of Faith"). Through His finished work, Christ makes it possible for believers to receive these gifts from "God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," ensuring that all spiritual blessings are mediated through Him and find their complete reality in His redemptive plan.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 6:16

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace [be] on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

1 Peter 5:14

Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Galatians 5:6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Psalms 122:6

¶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Psalms 122:9

Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.

1 Timothy 1:14

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;