Author: Will

1 Peter 1:5 – Guardian of Salvation

Posted on by Will

who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.

Truth to Learn

God is guarding our salvation and will not allow it to be lost.

 

Behind the Words

“Kept” is translated from the Greek word phroureō, which is a compound of pro, meaning “in front of or before” and horao, meaning “to stare at or to attend to.” Hence, this word means “to be a watcher in front of,” that is “to guard something” like a soldier keeps guard as a protector. This verb is expressed in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, which indicates current, ongoing action.

The word translated “power” is dunamis, from which we get our English word dynamite. It refers to “the ability to do something,” or “power.”

“Ready” is from the Greek word hetoimos, which refers to “a state of readiness or preparedness.”

Apokaluptō is the word translated “revealed.” It is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and kaluptō, meaning “to cover.” Thus, apokaluptō, literally means “to remove a covering” or “to reveal what was hidden,”

The word “last” is translated from eschatos, meaning “the farthest, most remote, or final.” This is a reference to the end of time as we know it when eternity will be ushered in.

 

Meaning Explained

The first thing we have to do with this verse is determine who Peter is talking about. The “who” of this verse is a reference to the ones identified in verse three where he said:

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Thus, we see that the “who” refers to we who are saved and “begotten” of God. This verse is an extension of the previous verse and serves to corroborate and reinforce what was said there. What Peter is telling us is that through our faith, God guards us with the end result being our salvation which will be revealed at the end of time. Since there is no one stronger than God, he will not lose us. Even we are not able to escape his guardianship ourselves. We could not walk away even if we wanted to because He is guarding us (we cannot lose or give-up this salvation which He has given us and which He is guarding.)

Compare this with what is said in the following verses:

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. (2 Timothy 1:12)

And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! (2 Timothy 4:18)

So we see that the first 5 verses of 1 Peter are a strong treatise on the doctrines of election and eternal security. It seems amazing to me that there are so many Christians who refuse to believe the message God has clearly given us regarding these two doctrines. We want to believe in eternal security though we don’t feel like we deserve it because we’re so sinful; and we don’t want to believe in election because we feel like it isn’t fair! The truth of the matter is that it isn’t fair and we don’t deserve it. We deserve eternal punishment in Hell. But, as Paul teaches us in the book of Ephesians:

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7)

 

Application

Instead of getting hung-up about the doctrines of election and eternal security, we simply need to accept these teachings by faith and humbly praise God continually for His mercy and grace!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 1:4 – Eternal Inheritance

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to an inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

Truth to Learn

Our inheritance, as born again children of God, is guaranteed for us, and it will never be taken away from us.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “inheritance” is klēronomia, which is made up of klēros, referring to “a lot” or “a share” and a form of nemō, meaning “to hold” or “to have in one’s power.” It is a reference to being in possession of a share of someone’s estate (in this case, God’s estate).

“Incorruptible” is from the Greek word aphthartos, which is a compound word of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of phtheirō, meaning “to corrupt” or “to destroy” or “to cause to waste away.” Hence, aphthartos refers to “something that does not waste away and cannot be destroyed.”

The word translated “undefiled” is amiantos, made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of miainō, which means “to stain, to pollute, or to defile.” Hence, amiantos refers to “that which is pure, clean, and unpolluted.”

The expression “that does not fade away” is translated from amarantos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of marainō, meaning “to extinguish, to go out, to dry up, or to fade away.” Hence it refers to “something that is perpetual and does not diminish at all with time.”

Tēreō is the Greek word translated “reserved.” It is the word used of a guard keeping a prisoner in jail or of someone who keeps the commandments of the Law. So we could translate it as “keep.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect. Thus, we use the word “reserved” indicating the current, ongoing effect of being kept securely.

 

Meaning Explained

According to Ephesians 1:5 our predestination results in our adoption by Jesus Christ himself:

having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

And, in Ephesians 1:11 Paul says that we’ve received an inheritance from that predestination:

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

Now Peter says that the inheritance which results from our being born again cannot be destroyed, is unpolluted, and does not diminish with time. Like Paul told us in Ephesians 1:14:

who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

We have the Holy Spirit as the guarantee of our inheritance, so Peter now tells us that the inheritance that we already have rights to cannot fade away or diminish. It is being securely guarded and cannot be taken away. If that’s not a description of eternal security, then I don’t know what is.

 

Application

Here in the first 4 verses of 1 Peter we are instructed that not only were we chosen by God to obtain this salvation, but that it is irrevocable and will never disappear (in other words, we can never lose our salvation!)

No wonder Peter is so full of praise to God. We should be as well!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 1:3 – Spiritual Birth

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Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Truth to Learn

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we have spiritual life.

 

Behind the Words

“Blessed” is translated from eulogētos, which is an adjective form of the verb eulogeō, meaning “to say good words.” It is the word from which we get our English word eulogy, which is a message of good words, or praise about someone. Hence, eulogētos means “well spoken of” or “honored.” In the New Testament this word is only used of God.

The expression “has begotten us again” is translated from the Greek word anagennaō. This a compound word made up of ana, meaning “again” and gennaō, meaning “to give birth.” Hence it means “to give birth again.” The verb is expressed here in the aorist tense, implying action that was performed at a point in time in the past.

“Living” is translated from dzaō, meaning “to live” or “to have life.” It is expressed here as a participle describing “hope.” Hence it refers to “a living hope” or “a hope that is alive.”

 

Meaning Explained

Peter starts this verse with an expression of praise to God, declaring His blessedness. The reason for his praise of the Father is that He “gave birth to us again.” This is essentially the same as the expression that Christ used when He said to Nicodemus in John 3:3:

"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Peter is clearly giving praise to God the Father for His mercy through which He has born us again. As Jesus described to Nicodemus, this is not a physical rebirth, but a spiritual rebirth. Peter is clearly connecting our election by God the Father with our spiritual birth. His point is clearly that our spiritual birth is not something we did any more than our physical birth was. God chose us and God gave us spiritual life.

The result of our being born again is a hope that is alive. It is not mere speculation or hopeful anticipation that we have, but a living assurance. The Pharisees believed in the hope of a resurrection, but their hope was a dead hope. They lived under the condemnation of the law and were held under the law without mercy. But, because of God’s mercy, we are freed from the condemnation of the law.

Just as Christ was raised from the dead and is living today, God’s promise is that we shall also be raised from the dead physically and we have already been given life spiritually. So, not only do we have the hope of eternal life, but we have spiritual life and fellowship with the Father right now!

 

Application

Peter is proclaiming in this one verse what should be the proclamation of every Christian today: though I am deserving of hell fire, God in his mercy has chosen me and has given me spiritual life, and assurance of life for all eternity.

Praise God!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 1:2 – God Selected

Posted on by Will

chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Truth to Learn

God chose us to be saved.

 

Behind the Words

“Chosen” is translated from the Greek word eklectos, meaning “one who is selected or chosen.” It is from the verb eklegō, which means “to select or chose through thoughtful and deliberate consideration.” This word actually occurs in verse one but is included here for continuity and clarity.

The word translated “foreknowledge” is translated from prognōsis, a compound word made up of pro, meaning “before” and a form of ginōskō, which means “to know.” Hence, it means “to have knowledge or recognition of something before it occurs.”

 

Meaning Explained

I’m going to take a risky walk across some thorny ground on today’s verse. Not because I believe this verse is unclear or not corroborated by the rest of scripture (which it most certainly is), but because the whole doctrine of election, of God’s choosing us to be saved, is much argued. The Biblical Scholar Albert Barnes once said the following in reference to the Apostle Paul’s teaching on election:

There is no doctrine that is usually so unpopular; none that is so much reproached; none that is so much abused. There is none that people desire so much to disbelieve or avoid; none that they are so unwilling to have preached; and none that they are so reluctant to find in the Scriptures. Even many Christians turn away from it with dread; or if they “tolerate” it, they yet feel that there is something about it that is especially dark and forbidding. Not so felt Paul. He felt that it laid the foundation for eternal praise; that it presented glorious views of God; that it was the ground of confidence and hope; and that it was desirable that Christians should dwell upon it and praise God for it.

Peter, here, makes no excuse for God’s actions but states very simply that we are, “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God …” He does not state what it was that God foreknew about us. Some have speculated that he foreknew who would accept his offer of salvation and, therefore, chose them, but if that were true then it would no longer be God’s choice, would it? We don’t know what it was about us that God foreknew which caused him to choose us. What we do know is that it isn’t fair! If God were fair we would get what we deserve, eternity in the lake of fire.

God the Father is only one part of the Godhead who was involved in our salvation, however. The other two members of the Godhead were involved as well. The Father chose, the Spirit sanctified, that is, He made us holy and pure, He set us apart and baptized (placed) us into the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13) resulting in obedience, and Jesus, the Son, sprinkled us with His blood, marking us as His own and ceremonially cleansing us of our sin. All this, and much more, occurred when we were saved.

 

Application

Nothing is so humbling and so motivating to service than the realization that God chose me to be His child, not because I deserved it, but simply because He decided to. Thank you most holy and righteous God for choosing me, an undeserving sinner, to be your child.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 1:1 – From Peter, To All Christians

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Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen sojourners of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

Truth to Learn

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins then this letter, written by the Apostle Peter, is for you.

 

Behind the Words

The word “chosen” is translated from eklektois, meaning “chosen ones” or “the elect”. This word is derived from eklego, which means “to choose for oneself after thoughtful and deliberate consideration.

The word translated “sojourners” is parepidēmois, which is a double compound word made up of para, meaning “beside, near, or close to,” epi, meaning “over, upon, or among,” and dēmos, meaning “a people.” This word literally refers to someone who has become integrated among a nation of people. Hence, its full meaning is a foreigner who has settled down, however briefly, next to or among the native people.

“Dispersion” is translated from the Greek word diasporas, which literally refers to “the dispersion.” This is the same term used by James in the opening of his letter. It is a specific reference to Jews as they were dispersed throughout the world since the Babylonian captivity.

 

Meaning Explained

Peter opens this letter with a typical salutation indicating, first off, who the letter is from. Historically, there never has been any doubt as to who this letter was from. The unvarying testimony of history, and the uniform belief of the church, both ascribe this Epistle to Peter. Indeed, there is likely no ancient writing whatever of which there is more certainty in regard to its authorship.

Having identified who the letter is from, Peter now identifies who the letter is to. Since the expression “sojourners of the dispersion” refers specifically to Jews, we have to ask ourselves, “Was this letter written to Jews or to Christians?” As you will discover from reading the book of Acts, most early converts to Christianity were Jews. Because of this, many people in the first century, especially Jews, considered Christianity simply a sect of Judaism. 1 Peter 1:3 makes it clear, however, that he is writing to Jews of the dispersion who are also believers in the resurrection of Christ (who … has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead).

Although it appears from this verse that Peter is writing to Jews who had converted to Christianity, it becomes apparent as one reads this letter that he recognized that the Christians he was writing to also included Gentiles (pagans) who had converted to Christianity. Gentile readers would have noted Peter’s exhortation to holy living in light of their background of complete ignorance of God’s Word (1Peter 1:14). Gentile Christians also would have been greatly encouraged by the fact that though they were in ignorance, they were now considered “the people of God” (1Peter 2:10). Clearly Peter carefully included both Jewish and Gentile Christians in his letter of encouragement to the churches of Asia Minor.

The specific Christians Peter is writing to were those who lived in the areas of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. These were all provinces of Asia Minor which are in present day Turkey, the area of the world first evangelized by the Apostle Paul and his associates.

 

Application

Even though this letter was written nearly two thousand years ago to Jews and Gentiles who had become Christians living in Asia Minor, the truths that Peter teaches in this letter apply to all Christians throughout history, in all parts of the world. This letter is to you, my sister or brother in Christ!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter – Introduction (part 2)

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When Was this Letter Written?

This letter was apparently written just before or shortly after the beginning of the systematic persecution of Christians in the later years of Nero (around AD 64). The acquaintance that Peter had with Paul’s letters, even those written during Paul’s imprisonment at Rome (ending in AD 63), would indicate that this letter was written after Paul’s prison letters.

Since Peter referred to the government as still functioning (an institution which commends those who do right and punishes those who do wrong; 1Peter 2:13, 14), some believe that the church was not yet facing an organized Roman persecution. Evidently repressive laws had not yet been enacted specifically against Christians. It was still possible for Peter’s readers to “honor the king” (1Peter 2:17).

Peter speaks of the end of all things being at hand, and of the fiery trial just coming on them, and of judgment beginning at the house of God, (1Peter 4:7). However, Peter seemed to indicate that greater persecution was imminent. He assured his readers (1Peter 1:6) that they could rejoice though they “may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” Peter exhorted them to prepare, to be self-controlled (1Peter 1:13), possibly to suffer as Christians according to God’s will (1Peter 4:19). So it is possible that Nero’s severe persecution had already begun in Rome and was spreading to the provinces to which Peter was writing. This would place the date of the letter in late AD 64 or early AD 65.

 

From Where Was this Letter Written?

Peter states that he is in Babylon (1Peter 5:13), apparently with his wife (1Corinthians 9:5). It is not certain whether he means actual Babylon, where Jews had been numerous, or mystical Babylon (Rome) as in the Apocalypse. We do not know when Rome began to be called Babylon. It may have started as a result of Nero’s persecution of the Christians after the burning of Rome. The Christians were called “evil-doers” (1Peter 2:12) in the time of Nero. So some scholars think of Rome as the place of writing and that Peter uses “Babylon” to hide his actual location from Nero. Whether Peter came to Rome while Paul was still there we do not know, though John Mark was there with Paul (Colossians 4:10).

However, there is sufficient evidence that points to the place of writing as Babylon on the Euphrates (1Peter 5:13). It is unlikely that in the midst of writing matter-of-fact communications and salutations in a remarkably plain Epistle, the symbolical language of prophecy (namely, “Babylon” for Rome) should be used. Josephus states that there was a great multitude of Jews in the Chaldean Babylon; it is therefore likely that “the apostle of the circumcision” (Galatians 2:7, Galatians 2:8) would at some time or other visit them. Moreover, the order in which the countries are enumerated, from northeast to south and west, is such as would be adopted by one writing from the Oriental Babylon on the Euphrates, not from Rome.

It is the most natural and obvious interpretation. It is that which would occur to the great mass of the readers of the New Testament now, and is that which would have been naturally adopted by those to whom the Epistle was sent. The word Babylon, without something to give it a different application, would have been understood anywhere to denote the well-known place on the Euphrates.

 

To Whom Was this Letter Written?

First Peter is addressed to Christians scattered throughout five Roman provinces of the peninsula of Asia Minor (the area that is northern Turkey today). These five Roman provinces are listed from the standpoint of Babylon. (See section above “From Where Was This Letter Written.) The Apostle Paul had already been in Galatia and Asia, though not all over these provinces.

The churches in these provinces were made up of both Jews and Gentiles who had been converted to the Christian faith. This epistle is rich in references to and quotations from the Old Testament. Jewish Christians would have found special significance in the term diasporas, translated “scattered,” used in the salutation (1Peter 1:1). Jews who lived outside of Jerusalem were referred to as living in the diaspora.

Gentile readers would have noted Peter’s exhortation to holy living in light of their background of complete ignorance of God’s Word (1Peter 1:14). Gentile Christians also would have been greatly encouraged by the fact that though they were in ignorance, they were now considered “the people of God” (1Peter 2:10). Clearly Peter carefully included both Jewish and Gentile Christians in his letter of encouragement to the churches of Asia Minor.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter – Indroduction (part 1)

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We are now beginning the book of 1 Peter. Today and tomorrow we will cover the introductory information.

Who Wrote this Letter?

Because of his unique prominence, there was no shortage in the early church of documents falsely claiming to be written by Peter. However, there is considerable evidence, both external and internal, that testifies to the Apostle Peter’s authorship of this letter.

The external evidence

Evidence that Peter wrote this Letter occurs early and is virtually universal. Eusebius says that it had been confessed by all and received without controversy; and that the ancients, without any concern as to its authenticity, had made use of it in their writings. This letter exerted a wide influence on early Christian writings. The letters of Polycarp, Clement, and Irenaeus show that the early church unquestionably accepted the authenticity of 1 Peter.

The internal evidence

1 Peter 1:1 clearly identifies the author as “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.” His given name was Simon, but Jesus, on meeting him, said he would be called Cephas (John 1:42). The Greek translation of the Aramaic word Cephas is “petros,” and the word in both languages means “stone” or “rock.” It is interesting to note that he is the only man in the New Testament called Peter.

Until relatively recent times the authenticity of the letter’s claim to apostolic authorship went unchallenged. Then some modern scholars noted that Peter was considered by Jewish religious leaders as “unschooled” and “ordinary” (Acts 4:13). The superb literary style and sophisticated use of vocabulary in 1 Peter seem to indicate that its author must have been a master of the Greek language. Those who deny Peter’s authorship say that such an artistic piece of Greek literature could not possibly have flowed from the pen of a Galilean fisherman. However, we must consider this: the fact that Peter was "unschooled " does not mean that he was illiterate, but only that he was without formal, rabbinical training in the Scriptures. In addition, though Aramaic may have been Peter's primary language, Greek was a widely spoken second language in the Jewish homeland.

Beyond these evidences of Peter's ability in Greek, Peter also explained (1Peter 5:12) that he wrote this letter "by Silvanus," also known as Silas. Silvanus was likely the messenger designated to take this letter to its intended readers. But more is implied by this statement, in that Peter is acknowledging that Silvanus served as his secretary, or amanuensis. Dictation was common in the ancient Roman world (compare the relationship of Paul and Tertius in Romans_16:22), and secretaries often could aid with syntax and grammar. So Peter, under the superintendence of the Spirit of God, dictated the letter to Silvanus, while Silvanus, who also was a prophet (Acts 15:32), may have aided in some of the composition of the more classical Greek. But whether or not Silas aided Peter with the grammatical Greek nuances, the letter’s content still remains Peter’s personal message, stamped with his personal authority.

The parallels between this letter and Peter’s sermons recorded in Acts are significant (compare 1Peter 1:20 with Acts 2:23 and compare 1Peter 4:5 with Acts 10:42). One of the more striking examples is the similarity between 1Peter 2:7, 8 and Acts 4:10, 11. In each passage Psalms 118:22 is quoted and applied to Christ. It is interesting that Peter was present when Christ Himself used Psalms 118:22 to refer to His rejection by the Jewish leaders (Matthew 21:42).

Another allusion to Jesus’ ministry that strongly supports Peter’s authorship is the command to elders in 1Peter 5:2 to “be shepherds.” The only other place in the New Testament where this word is used as a command is in John 21:16, where Jesus gave Peter the same charge. In several other passages the author referred to being an eyewitness of Christ’s earthly ministry (1Peter 1:8; 1Peter 2:23; 1Peter 5:1).

Conclusion

The letter’s content and the witness of church history support beyond any reasonable doubt the simple affirmation made in 1Peter 1:1. The letter indeed comes from “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.”

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:18 – Our Master’s Grace

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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ is our gracious Lord and Master. He owns us.

 

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, we see that charis is “that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, or acceptance as a result of a kindness granted.” It is often translated as grace, thanks, or gratitude.

The word “Lord” is from kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

Christos is the word transliterated “Christ,” which is based on the verb chriō, meaning “to anoint.” Thus, christos literally means “the anointed one.” It is equivalent to the Hebrew word mashiach, or Messiah.

The word “amen” is transliterated from the Hebrew word ‘āmēn, meaning “to be trustworthy, steady, or firm.” It is often translated as “truth,” “verily,” or “it is so.” It is usually appended to the end of a prayer or a hymn. There is some evidence that this word was not included in Paul’s original letter. Some manuscripts have it and others don’t.

Also, some manuscripts have the following appended to the end of this letter, “To the Thessalonians, a second letter written from Athens.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul closes this letter with his typical salutation of grace. Probably more than any other characteristic of God, Paul is ever mindful of God’s grace toward us. Every single letter of Paul’s ends with a reminder of God’s grace In fact, the only other writings of the New Testament that end with a mention of God’s grace are Hebrews (which some people believe was written by Paul), 2 Peter, and Revelation. For this reason, it is possible that the “sign” that Paul referred to in the previous verse may be this closing benediction. It appears to be a signature or “sign” of the authenticity of this letter from the Apostle Paul.

God’s grace, as shown in our salvation and the many blessings that result from it, should serve as a constant reminder to us that without it we are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1) and destined to receive the wrath of God. It is only by God’s grace that we who deserve eternity in hell being separated from the love of God, should receive His merciful and priceless salvation. With this comes fellowship with Him while on this earth and the promise of eternity in His presence bathed in His love. A thorough understanding of God’s grace should cause every Christian to humbly fall before our Lord with gratitude and thanksgiving.

But, Paul tells us something else here about God’s grace. It is “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This could also be translated as “the grace from our Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace comes, not simply from the godhead (all three persons), but specifically from the second person of the godhead, our Lord Jesus Christ. And Paul tells us that Jesus Christ is not just our God, but our Lord. Jesus Christ has purchased us with his blood (Revelation 5:9). We do not own ourselves, we were bought by, and now are owned by, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). He is our owner, our Lord, and our Master.

 

Application

By the grace of God, we will not get what we deserve (eternity in hell); instead, we will get what we don’t deserve (eternal salvation). Let us all fall on our faces with humble thanksgiving and gratitude, and let us strive to do the will of Him who owns us – our Lord Jesus Christ.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:17 – Read Your Bible

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The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every letter; so I write.

Truth to Learn

We must read the Bible to learn God’s message to us.

 

Behind the Words

Aspasmos is the Greek word translated as “salutation.” It is based on aspodzomai, which means “to salute.” Thus, aspasmos refers to “a salutation or greeting.”

The expression “with my own hand” is from tē emē cheiri, which literally means “by me the hand.” The word order in Greek indicates that Paul is emphasizing the fact that it was done with his own hand.

The word “sign” is sēmion, which refers to “a sign, a mark, or a miracle with a spiritual end and purpose.” It is commonly used to indicate a signature or mark of a person’s identity. In the gospels and other places in the New Testament, this word is also used to indicate a miraculous occurrence that is given as a sign of God’s mighty power.

 

Meaning Explained

Most of the Apostle Paul’s letters were written by an amanuensis (a scribe), who did the physical writing of what Paul dictated. We see distinct evidence of this in his letter to the church at Rome:

I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. (Romans 16:22)

One possible reason for him using a scribe is that Paul may have had a problem with his vision. In Galatians 6:11 he said,

See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!

Note that the word translated “letters” (the Greek word gramma), could also refer to an entire epistle, but since we know of only one letter that he wrote to the Galatians, it is reasonable to assume that he was referring to the size of his lettering, not the size of the epistle. If Paul did, in fact, have a problem with his vision, it would explain why he used a scribe.

Paul put a similar statement of a salutation from his own hand in his letters to other churches (1 Corinthians 16: 21).

But, why would Paul indicate that this letter was from him and not a forgery? You may recall, back in 2 Thessalonians 2:2 he said the following:

not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us …

It was not uncommon during the early years of the Church for letters to be written to other believers in which the writer claimed to be Paul, Peter, John, or another of the apostles. For this reason, and because the subject matter of this letter is so vital in correcting false teaching, Paul gave irrefutable proof that this was a genuine letter from him.

 

Application

What we have in the Bible today is God’s word, revealing Himself to us. He used many different human authors, but they were all controlled by the Holy Spirit so that their writing is inspired (God breathed). What we do with God’s Word is up to us. We cannot live a fruitful Christian life is we don’t read it regularly and put into practice what He tells us. Read your Bible, my friend. Read your Bible. Read your Bible!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – No Worries, Mate

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And may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Truth to Learn

There is no cause for worry when the Lord of peace is our God.

 

Behind the Words

“Lord” is from the Greek noun kurios, which is based on kuros, meaning “might, power, or control.” Kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority or control over someone else.

The word translated “peace” is eirēnē. It can refer to an absence of war and dissention, that is, harmony among individuals. However, it can also refer to peace of mind and mental tranquility. It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

Autos is the Greek word translated “Himself.” This word literally means “self” and is used for emphasis, setting apart “the Lord” from everyone and everything else. In Greek, word order is very important and in the Greek text of this verse, the word autos is the first word, making it emphatic that it is the Lord and no one else who gives us peace.

“Always” and “every” are both translated from forms of the word pas, which contains the idea of oneness and a totality of the whole.

The word “way” is from the Greek word tropō, which literally means “a turn” as one would turn from one path to another. It is used symbolically to refer to “a general manner of life.”

 

 

Meaning Explained

Having finished his teaching in this letter, Paul now closes with a benediction, as is his custom. The expression “the Lord of peace Himself” is found nowhere else in the New Testament, although Paul uses the expression “the God of peace Himself” in his first letter to the Christian believers in the church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Why is it so important for him to refer to the God of peace or the master of peace? You will recall that the purpose of both of these letters was to correct some false teaching regarding the Day of the Lord. Because of this false teaching, the believers in Thessalonica were confused and concerned that they had missed the rapture and were living during the time of God’s great wrath. Now having corrected this teaching, Paul wanted the Thessalonians to stop worrying and, instead, experience peace in their lives. As the God of peace and the master of peace, only He can provide us with this “peace that surpasses all understanding,” as Paul called it in Philippians 4:7.

Notice that God can give us this peace at all times no matter what is occurring in our lives. “But I don’t feel at peace right now,” you may say. If we believe that Jesus Christ is a loving God, the God of peace, and He is our Lord, the one who has supreme authority over every aspect of our lives, then we don’t have to worry. He will provide for us. He will watch over us. He will protect us. He will guide us. And, He will keep all His promises. What is there to worry about?

 

Application

Worry is nothing more that lack of trust. No matter what your circumstances, God is there beside you and will take care of you. Work hard and trust in Him. If you do, there’s nothing to worry about, is there?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved