Peace: Wholeness, Completion, and Flourishing
In the second week of Advent, we’re reflecting on peace. The word most often translated as “peace” in the Hebrew Bible is shalom, but its meaning goes far beyond the absence of conflict. Shalom is about wholeness, completeness, and everything being as it should be. It describes uncut stones at an altar, honest weights in the marketplace, integrity of the heart, flourishing relationships, and life lived in harmony with God’s purposes. In this episode, Jon and Tim trace the deep biblical meaning of peace and show how Advent points to the arrival of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who reconciles divided people and makes them one.
Episode Chapters
Show Notes
Reflection Questions
How does the biblical vision of peace (shalom) go beyond the absence of conflict?
What do examples of whole stones, wholehearted devotion, repayment, a finished temple, justice, and flourishing teach us about shalom?
What does a “whole heart” look like before God look like?
How does God bring shalom by keeping his promises?
What does it mean to ask about another person’s shalom? How does this show what peace means in daily life?
What is surprising about the way Jesus makes peace? How does the cross reconcile divided humanity?
Chapter 1: Shalom In Stones, Weights, And Hearts—and Also Fulfillment
Shalom and its root word shalem are pictured through uncut stones (Deuteronomy 27:4-6), fair weights (Deuteronomy 25:13-15), and a whole heart (2 Kings 20:1-3), showing that shalom means wholeness and integrity in daily life, worship, and inner devotion to God. These words also connect to Solomon completing the temple (1 Kings 9:25), God fulfilling his word (Isaiah 44:26), and neighbors repaying what was lost (Exodus 22:6).
Chapter 2: Shalom As Well-being And The Prince Of Shalom
Biblical peace is about more than the absence of conflict; shalom describes safety, well-being, flourishing, and life lived in harmony with God’s purposes (Genesis 37:12-14; Exodus 18:6-7; Leviticus 26:3-9; Isaiah 32:17–18). Isaiah promises a coming messianic ruler called the “Prince of Shalom,” whose reign will establish endless peace marked by wisdom, justice, righteousness, provision, and God’s presence (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Chapter 3: Jesus, Our Peace
The Apostle Paul declares that Jesus himself is our peace, reconciling divided peoples into one new humanity through his death and resurrection (Ephesians 2:14–16; John 14:27; John 16:33).
Chapter 4: Reflections On Peace With Allison
Our podcast editor Tyler talks with Allison, a member of our Global team, about what gives her hope. At the end, she shares the priestly prayer of blessing (Numbers 6:24-26), which she sings over her daughter every night.
Scripture References
Referenced Resources
- Shalom / Peace: Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical word, shalom.
Interested in learning more? Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.
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Show Music
- “Silver N Gold” by Lofi Sunday & Yoni Charis
- “Snow Fall” by Lofi Sunday & TBabz
- “Snowflakes” by Aves
- BibleProject theme song by TENTS
Show Credits
Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Special thanks to our guest Allison Steyn.
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