Dive into Luke 2:14—“Peace on Earth to Everyone Who Pleases God” with this comprehensive analysis. Understanding the historical context, grammatical structure, and theological insights of this passage, learn how the birth of Christ brings a unique peace to those aligned with God’s will. Explore the glory of God, the role of Christ as the mediator of peace, and the path to a life that pleases God. Join us in reflecting on this cornerstone of Christian faith.

Luke 2:14 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

The passage of Luke 2:14 in the Updated American Standard Version (UASV) is an important piece of the Scriptural account describing the birth of Jesus Christ, and it provides valuable insight into God’s intentions and purpose for humanity. In order to understand the significance of this verse, we must analyze it within its historical, grammatical, and theological context. But first, let’s give an overview.

The words “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” are spoken by angels to shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem just after the birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:13-14). These words are a declaration of praise to God for the fulfillment of his promises to send a Savior to the world. They also express the hope that the coming of Jesus will bring peace to the earth.

The phrase “Glory to God in the highest” is a common expression of praise in the Bible. It is used to express the greatness and majesty of God. The phrase “on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” expresses hope more specifically. It is a hope that the coming of Jesus will bring peace to those who are in a right relationship with God.

The phrase “those with whom he is pleased” refers to those who have faith in Jesus Christ and obey his commandments. These are the people who are pleasing to God. They are the ones who will experience the peace that Jesus brings.

Jesus brings peace not simply the absence of war or conflict. It is a deeper, more spiritual peace. The peace comes from knowing that God is in control and that everything is working out according to his plan. The peace comes from being forgiven of our sins and having a relationship with God.

The coming of Jesus Christ brought hope to a world that was divided by sin and conflict. It brought the promise of peace for individuals and the world. This promise is still valid today. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we can experience the peace that he brings.

Historical Context: The historical backdrop of Luke 2 is the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. The shepherds, out in the fields, were visited by an angel who announced the birth of the Savior. Then, a multitude of heavenly hosts appeared, praising God with the words of Luke 2:14. This event is significant as it reveals the divine purpose and joy surrounding the coming of Christ into the world.

Grammatical Analysis: The verse is structured as a doxology, an expression of praise to God. It consists of two main clauses:

1. “Glory to God in the highest”: This phrase acknowledges the supreme nature and majesty of God.
2. “And on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased”: This part indicates that peace will be given to those who are pleasing to God.

Theological Insights:

1. Glory to God in the Highest: The first part of the verse establishes the supremacy and majesty of God. The glory is given to God “in the highest,” signifying His exalted and unparalleled nature. This acknowledgment of God’s glory is a fundamental aspect of Christian worship and serves as a recognition of God’s sovereign rule over all creation.

2. Peace on Earth: The second part of the verse focuses on the gift of peace. This peace is not merely an absence of conflict but a deep and abiding sense of wholeness, well-being, and harmony that surpasses human understanding. It’s connected to the arrival of Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), whose coming initiates a new relationship between God and mankind.

3. Those with Whom He is Pleased: The promise of peace is not universal, as this particular translation makes clear. The peace is among those “with whom he is pleased.” This indicates that there are conditions to this peace. The peace offered through Christ is available to those who seek to please God, who have faith in Him, and who align themselves with His will and purpose.

Christ as the Mediator of Peace: The birth of Christ brings a new opportunity for reconciliation between humanity and God. Christ’s mission is to create peace through His death and resurrection, thus providing a way for sinful humans to be reconciled with a holy God. Those who accept Christ and seek to please God through obedience and faith become recipients of this divine peace.

Here are some additional thoughts on the meaning of Luke 2:14:

• The angels’ words are a declaration of the good news of salvation. They are proclaiming that the Messiah has come and that he will bring peace to the earth.
• The peace that Jesus brings is not just the absence of war but also the absence of sin and its consequences. It is the peace that comes from being forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God.
• The peace that Jesus brings is not just for individuals but also for the world. He will one day return to earth and establish his kingdom, and at that time, there will be peace on earth for all people.

In addition to the above, I would like to add the following thoughts:

• The peace that Jesus brings is not something that we can earn or deserve. It is a gift from God, and it is received by faith.
• The peace that Jesus brings is not something that we can always feel. There will be times when we experience conflict and turmoil in our lives. But even in those times, we can still experience the peace of God if we trust in him.
• The peace that Jesus brings is not something that we can keep to ourselves. It is a peace that we are called to share with others. When we share the peace of Jesus with others, we are helping to bring his kingdom to earth.

The words “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” are a message of hope for all people. They proclaim that the Messiah has come and that he will bring peace to the earth. This is a message that we can all rejoice in and that we can share with others.

Conclusion: Luke 2:14 is a profound verse that encapsulates the joy, praise, and divine purpose associated with the birth of Christ. It speaks of the glory of God and His plan to bring peace to those who seek to align themselves with His will. This peace is not a general or universal peace; it is specific to those with whom God is pleased.

The verse prompts reflection on what it means to please God and how to align oneself with His purposes. The path to peace involves recognizing the glory of God, understanding the gift of peace through Christ, and embracing the faith and obedience that lead to a life pleasing to God. In this way, Luke 2:14 continues to resonate as a call to glorify God and seek His peace, and it serves as a reminder of the divine love and mercy demonstrated through the gift of Christ, the Prince of Peace.

About the Author

SCROLL THROUGH THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES BELOW

BIBLE TRANSLATION AND TEXTUAL CRITICISM

BIBLE TRANSLATION AND TEXTUAL CRITICISM

BIBLICAL STUDIES / BIBLE BACKGROUND / HISTORY OF THE BIBLE/ INTERPRETATION

EARLY CHRISTIANITY

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY

CHRISTIAN APOLOGETIC EVANGELISM

TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHRISTIAN

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONALS

CHRISTIAN FICTION