This teaching likely addressed zealots. These were Jewish revolutionaries who wanted to overthrow Roman rule with violence. The Messiah’s kingdom would come through different methods.
the peacemakers: Jesus was not calling for complete pacifism. Instead, he called for a new kind of action.
Peace means no hostility and the presence of God’s salvation (Leviticus 26:6; 1 Samuel 16:4–5; Isaiah 9:5–6; Zechariah 8:16; Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 1:20). Those who follow Jesus should work for justice, righteousness, reconciliation, and mercy. These should be the effects of God’s salvation through Christ (Matthew 5:43–47; Luke 10:5–6).