and the way of peaceThis phrase highlights the absence of peace in the lives of those who are unrighteous. Biblically, "peace" often refers to more than just the absence of conflict; it encompasses a sense of wholeness and well-being. In the Hebrew context, this is akin to "shalom," which signifies completeness and harmony with God, others, and oneself. The "way of peace" suggests a path or lifestyle that leads to this holistic peace. In the broader biblical narrative, peace is a key theme, with Jesus Christ being referred to as the "Prince of Peace" (
Isaiah 9:6). The absence of peace here indicates a life lived apart from God's intended order and blessing.
they have not known.
This part of the verse underscores ignorance or rejection of God's path to peace. The use of "known" implies more than intellectual understanding; it suggests experiential knowledge. In biblical terms, to "know" something often means to have a deep, personal, and relational understanding. The unrighteous have not experienced or embraced the peace that comes from a relationship with God. This ignorance is not merely accidental but is often willful, as seen in the broader context ofRomans 1-3, where humanity's rejection of God leads to a lack of peace. This connects to the prophetic warnings in the Old Testament, such as inIsaiah 59:8, which Paul is likely referencing, where the absence of peace is a result of turning away from God's ways.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological writings. Romans is one of his epistles, written to the believers in Rome to explain the core tenets of the Christian faith.
2.
The Church in RomeThe recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire. Paul wrote to them to address theological issues and to unify them in their faith.
3.
The LawIn Romans, Paul often refers to the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites. He discusses its purpose and limitations in bringing about righteousness.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Absence of PeaceRomans 3:17 states, "and the way of peace they have not known." This highlights the reality that those who live in sin are estranged from true peace. True peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of righteousness and harmony with God.
The Role of Sin in Disrupting PeaceSin inherently disrupts peace, both internally and externally. It creates a barrier between individuals and God, leading to unrest and turmoil. Recognizing this can help believers understand the importance of repentance and seeking God's peace.
Christ as the Source of PeaceWhile the world may offer temporary solutions, true and lasting peace is found only in Jesus Christ. Believers are called to seek Him and His righteousness to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Living as PeacemakersAs followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, reflecting the peace we have received from God in our relationships with others. This involves actively pursuing reconciliation and harmony in our communities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 3:17?
2.How does Romans 3:17 highlight humanity's need for God's peace?
3.What does "the way of peace" mean in Romans 3:17?
4.How can we apply Romans 3:17 to promote peace in our communities?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of peace in a believer's life?
6.How can understanding Romans 3:17 transform our daily interactions with others?
7.What does Romans 3:17 mean by "the way of peace"?
8.How does Romans 3:17 challenge our understanding of human nature?
9.Why is the absence of peace significant in Romans 3:17?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 3?
11.What are Cesar Chavez's key achievements and beliefs?
12.What does 'No Peace for the Wicked' mean?
13.What is the Third Way church?
14.What does "No Peace for the Wicked" mean?What Does Romans 3:17 Mean
and- The little conjunction tiesRomans 3:17 to the string of earlier quotations (Romans 3:10-16), underscoring that every charge Paul has just listed is part of one unified indictment of the human race.
- It links this final statement to verses likeRomans 3:12—“There is no one who does good, not even one”—showing that the absence of peace is not an isolated flaw but a symptom of universal sinfulness (cf.Psalm 14:3;Isaiah 53:6).
the way- Scripture often pictures life as a roadway with two possible routes (Psalm 1:6;Proverbs 4:18-19;Matthew 7:13-14). “The way” describes an ongoing walk, habit, or lifestyle rather than a single action.
- Paul is saying people naturally choose a path marked by rebellion instead of God’s path of righteousness, echoingIsaiah 59:7-8 where “their paths are ruin and misery.”
of peace- Peace in the Bible is more than the absence of conflict; it is wholeness, well-being, and reconciliation with God (Numbers 6:24-26;John 14:27).
- Because sin separates us from the Lord (Isaiah 59:2) we cannot manufacture true peace on our own (Jeremiah 6:14). Only Christ “Himself is our peace” who reconciles us through the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16;Colossians 1:20).
- Without that reconciliation, every human strategy for harmony proves temporary and shallow (James 4:1-2).
they have not known- “Known” in biblical usage often points to personal experience (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Paul states that people outside of Christ have never tasted genuine peace, no matter how much they talk about it (Isaiah 48:22).
- The ignorance is willful, not innocent.Romans 1:21-22 says humanity “knew God” through creation yet chose darkness. By rejecting God’s revelation, they forfeit understanding of His peace (John 3:19-20).
- This explains why societies, families, and hearts remain restless until they turn to the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6;Matthew 11:28-29).
summaryRomans 3:17 caps Paul’s portrait of universal sin: every person, left to self, walks a road utterly unfamiliar with God’s peace. The phrase exposes a lifestyle opposed to God, a rejection of the only path that brings wholeness. Scripture insists that true peace is found exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ, who reconciles sinners to God and teaches us to walk a new way marked by righteousness and rest for our souls.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[the] wayὁδὸν(hodon)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3598:A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.of peaceεἰρήνης(eirēnēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515:Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.they have not known.ἔγνωσαν(egnōsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1097:A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.
Links
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NT Letters: Romans 3:17 The way of peace they haven't known (Rom. Ro)