It had not occurred to me, because I have read the accounts of Jesus's appearance to his disciples so often, how extraordinary it was that HIS first words to them, post crucifixion, were "Peace be with you".
If I had been abandoned by my closest friends at an hour of great need would I say to them, when I next saw them , peace be with you? I suspect my comments would be far less biblical and more good, old-fashioned "Anglo-Saxon!
I owe this insight to Kenneth E. Bailey, from his book "The Good Shepherd", 2015, p.190.
