„Man of Peace” (Ps 37:37) in the Exegesis of the pre-Constantinian Church Fathers
Antoni Żurek
Abstract
The issue of peace was mentioned by patristic authors in various contexts. One of them is an interpretation of the expression "man of peace" (Ps 37:37) and, strictly connected to this expression, the blessing upon "peacemakers" (Matt 5:9). The textual analysis of the Pre-Constantinian Church Fathers proves that the above terms had a mainly moral meaning. Peace, conceived as internal order and harmony, had to be an element of the Christian personality, an attribute of every follower of Christ. Every Christian should radiate this internal peace. In this conception, peace did not refer to the political realm, and that can be explained by the situation and status of Christian believers in the pre-Constantinian period. Once that situation was changed, the Christian authors’ approach to peace was changed as well, with St. Augustine being a good example and proof of that altered viewpoint.
Keywords:
Clement of Rome, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, peace, calm, orderReferences
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