The word “peace” is a well-known one among 1st century Jews. The Old Testament context for this kind of language runs deep and wide across the revelation given to our fathers by the prophets. The Hebrew “Shalom” is a word of blessing. The supreme blessing is reconciliation with the LORD. This is seen clearly in the famous Aaronic blessing.

Num. 6:24 The LORD bless you and keep you;

25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;

26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

There is no greater blessing than to be at peace with God. The people of Israel longed for the day that this great benediction would be fulfilled in their coming Messiah. The covenant of peace the Messiah brings shall endure forever (Isa. 54:10). Peter taught Cornelius that God sent this word to Israel, “preaching the good news of peace through Jesus Christ” ( Acts 10:36). Paul taught that through faith in Christ “we have peace with God” (Rom. 5:1). A “son of peace” is a reference to someone to whom the “peace” of the Lord Jesus belongs (Luke 10:6). The phrase “son of peace” is a description of someone who, upon hearing the gospel preached, receives the gospel, and thus “peace” belongs to them and they are reconciled back to God. They are no longer “at war” with their Creator, but are at peace with Him through the precious blood of Jesus Christ.