Pax (Latin) – Peace, compact, agreement, treaty of peace, tranquility, absence of hostility, harmony
Shalom (Hebrew) – safety, security, prosperity, well-being, satisfaction, contentment, intactness, wholeness, kindness, considerate, respectful, just, tolerant of others
Shalom from a “community” perspective
Shalom from an “individual” perspective
The Book of Daniel:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 New International Version (NIV)
Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Daniel 3:24-25 (NIV)
What about you?
eirene (Greek) = shalom (Hebrew)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
True peace only comes through Jesus.