Matthew 5:9

Commentary on Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.”

Context within the Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5 inaugurates Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount,” a foundational exposition of the ethics of God’s kingdom. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12) reverse worldly values, defining “blessedness” not by power or wealth but by the character shaped in those who belong to Christ’s reign. Verse 9, placed midway through these sayings, shifts focus from personal poverty of spirit and mourning (Matthew 5:3–4) to our relational calling: making peace. By this point Jesus has shown that entrance into His kingdom rests on a righteousness deeper than mere law-keeping—it flows from hearts transformed by grace.

Exegetical note on “peacemakers” and “sons of God”
“Peacemakers” translates the Greek eirenopoioi—a compound of eirḗnē (peace) and poieō (to make). Unlike “peaceable” (eirḗnēphoros), which suggests a passive disposition, Jesus commends those who take initiative to establish and restore peace in fractured relationships. The promise, “they shall be called sons of God,” invokes both present identity and future vindication. In ancient Jewish thought, divine filiation belonged to Israel (Exodus 4:22) but here is extended to those who imitate God’s reconciling work. They not only reflect the Father’s character but will be publicly recognised as His children on the last day.

Christ as the ultimate Peacemaker
True peace precedes any human effort at reconciliation. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Paul locates the origin of peacemaking in Christ’s cross: “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them…He has committed to us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Likewise, Colossians 1:20 declares, “through Him to reconcile all things…making peace by the blood of His cross.” Believers, having experienced peace with God, are then sent as ambassadors to embody that same peace between estranged parties.

Perspective on sanctification and witness
Justification by faith alone secures our standing before God; sanctification follows as evidence of new life. Peacemaking is a fruit of the Spirit’s work (Galatians 5:22–23) and a mark of true conversion. Christian’s peace-making “springs from the bowels of mercy…not for applause, but for the honour of God’s name.” Genuine peacemakers refuse to settle for superficial harmony; they confront sin with loving honesty, seek restitution where wrong has been done, and pursue unity in doctrinal truth. In doing so, they serve both the church’s internal health and its external credibility.

Application to modern Christian living
a) Within the church: Pastoral care, mediation of conflicts, and graciously upholding church discipline all flow from the mandate to make peace “in the bond of unity” (Ephesians 4:3).
b) Within families: spouses and parents model Christ-like humility and forgiveness, restoring relationships marred by misunderstanding or offence.
c) In society: Christians engage public discourse with clarity and charity—advocating justice and reconciliation, whether in the workplace, schools or civic institutions.
In every sphere, peacemakers embody the gospel: they “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2) and commit themselves to active works of mercy and truth, showing the world that the children of God bear His image.