We Have Peace? or Let Us Have Peace?

The following is a short write-up on whether Romans 5.1 should say “we have peace,” with the indicative verb ἔχομεν, or whether it should read “Let us have peace,” with the subjunctive ἔχωμεν:

The issue of whether Paul included ἔχωμεν or ἔχομεν in his original letter to the Romans is not easily decided. In terms of external and internal evidence, it seems that we are pulled in opposite directions. The external evidence seems to favor the subjunctive ἔχωμεν, because the majority of early witnesses include it, such as those from the 4th-6th century (א*, A, B*, C, D). The indicative ἔχομεν is not without it’s own witness, though in smaller numbers. The indicative is found in a corrected א and B, around the 4th and 6th century respectively. Much more in favor of the indicative is the fact that it is found in the earliest known extant witness to the verse, 0220, which is dated to the third century. Also, the indicative is found in a wider dispersion of text families than is the subjunctive. Both are found in the same families, but the indicative has a more robust representation across the board. It would seem that the external evidence gives support to the subjunctive, but not as overwhelmingly as some allow for.

The internal evidence paints a different picture. The verb is contained within an inference (οὖν), which is drawn from the proceeding four chapters. In these chapters, Paul has given us a stark picture of the human condition apart from God. The verb is also linked to the participle δικαιωθέντες, which I take to be causal. “Because we have been justified…” However, neither the inference, nor the participle forces a decision. The result that follows could be either an exhortation (the hortatory subjunctive) or a result of justification (the indicative). Further context is necessary. The best evidence given in the immediate context is found in verse 10 and 11, where Paul seems to believe that reconciliation has already occurred. This would make sense if we assume the indicative use of ἔχομεν. This reading also makes sense of Paul’s theology in other places, such as Romans 8.1 and Ephesians 2. The surrounding context and fuller Pauline theology seems to assume that the indicative is in view here, that we have peace now as a result of justification. This is opposed to the subjunctive, which seems to be saying that since we are justified, we should also strive to have peace- a notion that is nowhere supported by Paul, and actually seems to be denied by Him.

Although a decision is hard, I think that the most likely reading of Romans 5.1 includes the indicative ἔχομεν. This variant has the support of early texts, though not as many as the subjunctive reading, and has a widespread witness. Furthermore, the indicative seems to best fit the immediate context (in light of verse 10 and11), as well as Pauline thought on the effects of justification in the lives of believers.