What Is a Person of Peace - and Why Does It Matter?

Jesus almost never gave His disciples step-by-step instructions for how to do something. However, when it came to evangelism, He went all-in!

Luke 10:1-12, with a parallel version in Matthew 10:5-15, is where we find out His strategy for how we are to bear witness. Here, He gives a clear framework for sharing the good news. Central to the approach is a focus on finding a Person of Peace.

Jesus puts it like this, “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you.” (Luke 10:5-6, NKJV).

(The term ‘son of peace’ was a commonly understood expression in the spoken Greek of that time, where the ‘son of’ part referred to everyone - women and men, girls and boys. So we say ‘person of’ to help make the meaning clear today.)

Looking for a Person of Peace is an organic and relational process, which enables us to spot where there are open doorways for the gospel. Jesus put it like this, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35, NKJV).

The idea of the Person of Peace is used all over the world! It works in every culture because it’s less about chasing every possible contact and more about recognizing where God is already at work. Jesus wants even our evangelism to be grace-filled!

So, how do we define a Person of Peace?

A Person of Peace is someone who is not yet a Christian and who:

1. Welcomes you
2. Responds positively to the Jesus they see in you
3. Serves you
4. Lets you invest in them
5. Acts as a gatekeeper into their network of relationships

An example of the Person of Peace principle in action in the New Testament is Lydia in Acts 16. She became the first convert in Europe, before opening up her whole household to the message of Jesus. “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home” (Acts 16:14-15, NIV).

This way of living requires attentiveness. You’re not starting from scratch, but joining in where the Spirit is already moving. When you live this way, you’ll often be surprised by who God highlights! And you’ll realize afresh that evangelism is more usually an authentic journey of friendship.

So start with these questions: Who among my lost friends and connections seems spiritually open? Who asks thoughtful, honest questions? Who responds positively when I mention my life with Jesus?

Your Next Steps

1. Think about your current relationships. Who shows warmth toward you and curiosity about your faith?
2. Are there any conversations lately where you sensed openness, even if subtle? How might you follow up?
3. Take time right now to ask God to reveal a Person of Peace in your life.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You that You are already working in the hearts of people around me. Give me eyes to see where You’re moving. Help me to recognize the people who are open and responsive, and help me to walk intentionally with them. Please show me who are my People of Peace at this time. Amen.

More Resources for You!

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