Paul tells the disciples at Ephesus not once, but twice, to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11,13). These words are part of a larger call to battle in what (by anyone’s point of view) is an extremely militaristic text. We’re to understand in no uncertain terms that there’s a war going on and we’re part of it.
Then there’s Philippians 4:2-9. There Paul tells us not once, but twice, to rejoice (v. 4). We’re also comforted by hearing about “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” and guards our hearts and minds (v. 7). Finally, we read about “the God of peace” being with us (v. 9).
Well, Paul—which one is it? Are we at war or at peace?
The answer is yes. We have peace (and joy) even though we’re in the midst of war.
What kind of sense does that make? Perhaps this is why, for some, the Bible appears to be nothing more than a collection of contradictory teachings. But things are not always what they appear to be. If we can learn to give the Scriptures a patient hearing, we’ll find they have much to say to us.
Both these passages were written by the same person—the apostle Paul. Although he was accused of not being all there (see Acts 26:14), if you take the time to read his letters, it’s clear that he was. So, what are we to make of these seemingly contradictory texts?
To begin with, it should be noted that not only were they written by the same person, but they were also written at approximately the same time. Paul’s situation was that he was imprisoned. Being imprisoned should make it easy for us to understand how he could speak of being in a war—but how can Paul speak of joy and peace when he’s not even certain whether he will get out of his imprisonment alive (Philippians 1:20)?
The answer might surprise you.
The war Paul speaks of is unlike any other conflict. It is being waged not against other people, but against “the spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12). More to the point, Paul knows how the war will end—the people of God will be victorious. Jesus said as much when He spoke of the prince of this world (Satan), being condemned (John 16:11). That’s also why He told His disciples that He had overcome the world and that though they would have trouble in the world, in Him they had peace (v. 33).
Disciples fight in a spiritual war while being anchored in the joy and peace of God. Unlike happiness, which is dependent upon the right happenings of life, joy is independent of circumstances and based on a relationship with Jesus. Joy will get you through hardships long after happiness has left the building. The same thing is true for peace. Because it is the very peace of God, it is transcendent and it “guards our hearts and minds” (Philippians 4:7)—just what you need in a war!
War and Peace. What initially looked like a contradiction is a paradox. We must not forget we’re in a war, but we must always remember the joy and peace that is ours because of the triumph that belongs to those who belong to Jesus.
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 