And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Peace of God. From Philippians 4:7. So C. But A B Delta G f g, Vulgate, read 'the peace of (coming from) CHRIST.' Therefore Christ is God. Peace was His legacy (John 14:27). Peace is peculiarly His to give: following love (Colossians 3:14; Ephesians 4:2-3).
Rule - `as umpire' х brabeuetoo (G1018)]: the same Greek verb simple as appears compounded, Colossians 2:18. The false teacher, as a self-constituted umpire, defrauds you of your prize; but if the peace of Christ, as umpire, rule in your hearts, your reward is sure. Let it act as umpire when wrong passions arise, and restrain them. Let not them rule, so that you should lose your prize.
In your hearts. Many have a peaceful look and mouth, while war is in their hearts (Psalms 28:3; Psalms 55:21).
To the which - i:e., with a view to which state of Christian peace (Isaiah 26:3; 1 Corinthians 7:15).
Ye, are called, х kai (G2532) ekleetheete (G2564)] - 'ye were also called:' besides Paul's exhortation, they have also, as a motive to "peace," their having been once for all called. (So as to remain)
In one body (Ephesians 4:4). Its unity supposes "peace" among the members.
Be (become) ye thankful - for your 'calling.' Thanksgiving is prominent in Paul: forty-one times he uses the word. Not to have 'peace ruling in your hearts' would be inconsistent with the 'calling in one body,' and would be practical unthankfulness to God who called us (Ephesians 5:4; Ephesians 5:19-20).