The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 249

Ver. 27.-The special legacy of Jesus to his disciples. Notice- I. THIS LEGACY IN ITS RICH CONTENTS. 11 Peace l leave," etc. 1. The great system of reconciliation. The gospel is pre-eminently the gospel of peace. It is peace on earth, and good will to men. This gospel Christ committed to his apfJstles as its special ambassadors, and to them was given "the ministry of reconciliation, to wit," etc. 2. This great system in its ble~sed effects on them. Our Lord sums up these effects in one word, 11 peace," and it is most significant and expressive. It involves: (1) The peace of the soul with God. By sin it is at enmity with him, out of harmony altogether with his character and will, but by acceptance of the Divine system of reconciliation, peace with God is effected. This the disciples enjoyed. They could say, "Being justified by faith, we have," etc. (2) The peace of the soul viith itself. By sin it is at war with itself; there are painful discords, unrest and guilt throughout its empire. But peace with God brings peace within. Then there is order, good govern- ment, and harmony in the soul. They enjoyed inward peace. (3) Their peace with each other, and a peaceful disposition towards all. '!'here is nothing more remarkable in the history of the disc_iples than the almost perfect unity and peace which reigned among them, which was_ the wonderful resnlt of the Divine system of reconciliation, and the personal tuition and influence of their Master. This he leaves with them. 3. This legacy of Ghrist has the peculiarity of being absolutely his own. "My peace." (1) He is its Auther. Think of it as a work, he made it; or e.s a scheme, he wrought it out; or as a purchase, he paid the price ; or as a gracious interference between offensive man and offended Deity, he is the Mediator; or as a Divine principle, he imparts and inspires it. He is the Peace-maker and the Peace Offering. It is his so thorou~hly, that with pro- priety the apostle says, "He is our Peace, who hath made both one," etc. (2) He is its absolute Proprietor and Dispenser. Being its absolute Author, he is also its absolute proprietor, and has an absolute right to withhold it from or give it to whomsoever he pleases. (3) It is such as he himself enjoyed. "My peace "~the peace which is mine; the peace of his own soul, rcsul ting from perfect obedience, self-sacrificing love, serene confidence in and fellowship with the God of peace; the peace which reigned in his own heart, which was exem(Jlified in his own life, which was its strength and happiness. This he gave, and the gift was absolutely and practically his own. 4. This legacy is very precious. (1) It is precious in itself. What is more precious than peace in families, in neighbourhoods, in Churches, and empires? Take it away, society would soon become a Bedlam, and the world a hell. But higher in its nature, more extensive and lasting in its influence still, is spiritual peace-peace of heart, mind, and conscience. "The peace of God, which passeth," etc. (2) It is precious as it is the most netdful blessing. It is ever so, and it was so now with regard to the disciples. Jesus was about to. leave them, and they were surrounded with dangerous elements, and were to live in a hostile world. With regard to their personal and official wants, peace was an essential blessing. Nothing is.more precious than what we absolutely need, and cannot do without. The disciples could do without many.things, but not without this. How could they be the heralds of peace without the message; and how could they give it to others wi;hout its being given to them first? '!'bis Jesus gave them. (3) It is very precious as coming from ~im. A gift derives value from the giver; and peace coming JOBN.-11, B  258 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. [cu. uv. 1-31,