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Ephesians 1:4 – God’s Choice

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Ephesians 1:4 – God’s Choice

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

Truth to Learn

God chose those who would accept Christ as Savior.

Behind the Words

“Chose” is translated from the verb eklegō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” and legō, meaning “to choose.” Hence, we see that eklegō means “to choose out” or “to select.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense (past completed action) and the middle voice (action done by the subject to himself), so it could be interpreted as “He chose for Himself.”

The word “foundation” is from the Greek word katabolē. This is another compound word; it is made up of kata, meaning “down” and a form of ballō, meaning “to throw.” Hence, it literally means “to throw down.” It is the word used of deposited seed or of a building’s foundation.

The expression “that we should be” appears to be a translation of the Greek subjunctive mood (the mood of probability or possibility), but it is not. It is the verb eimi, the verb of being (I am, you are, etc.), but it is written as an infinitive. In other words, it could literally be translated as “for us to be …”

“Without blame” is the translation of amōmos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not,” and mōmos, which refers to “a blot, a flaw, or a blemish.” Thus amōmos means “without blemish.”

“Before Him” is katenōpion, which means “directly in front of” or “in His very presence.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that God the Father blessed (past tense, completed action) us with all spiritual blessings. In the same way, before the foundation of the world, God the Father chose us for Himself. Paul also tells us that God’s purpose in choosing us was so that in Jesus Christ, we will be Holy and flawless in His presence. Let’s look at this a piece at a time.

God chose us. Paul makes it very clear that God selected us (all who are saved). The fact that this verb is in the middle voice indicates that God chose for Himself, for His own reasons. Paul doesn’t tell us that God chose those of us whom He knew would one day accept Christ as Savior. In fact, we are not told what God’s criteria were for selecting us. However, he states very clearly that God chose us. It was His choice, not ours.

When did this choosing (election) occur? Paul says that it was before “the throwing-down of the world,” in other words, before time began. And what was the purpose for choosing us? It was not so that we could avoid the punishment of Hell. It was so that we will be able to stand in His presence, set-apart from the rest of humanity, with righteousness as spotless as the Lamb. God wants perfect fellowship with us!

Application

Does this mean that we are relieved of any responsibility in believing God’s truth and accepting the blood of Christ as payment of our sins? Absolutely not! God’s election and our responsibility are two opposites that are both taught in the Bible. How can this be? We don’t know, but God does! And, the fact that God chose us should at once drive us to our knees and put thanks and praise in our hearts and on our lips!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 1:3 – Spiritual Blessings

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Ephesians 1:3 – Spiritual Blessings

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Truth to Learn

God has blessed us with spiritual blessings.

Behind the Words

There are two Greek words translated “blessed” in the New Testament. The first is makarios, meaning “fortunate, well off, or happy.” The other one is eulogētos, from which we get our English word eulogy. It is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of logos, meaning “a word.” Hence, eulogētos means “good words” or “well spoken of.” When used as God blessing a person, eulogētos means “to look on with favor, to act in a person’s life and accomplish His purposes instead of allowing the person to have his or her own way.” In the current verse, both words translated “blessed” and the word translated “blessing” are all forms of eulogētos.

“Spiritual” is translated from pneumatikos, which is derived from pneuma, meaning “spirit.” Thus, pneumatikos means “that which pertains to the spiritual realm as opposed to the earthly physical realm.”

The words “heavenly places” are translated from epouranios, which is made up of epi, meaning “above, over, or on” and a form of ouranos which refers to “heaven.” Epouranios means “that which pertains to heaven” or “the heavenly realm.”

Meaning Explained

Paul starts out this verse by giving praise to God the Father. He states very clearly here that, although Jesus Christ is God and part of the trinity, He is subservient to the Father since he refers to Him as “the God and Father” of Jesus Christ. Since all Christians are “in Christ” (Romans 12:3, 2Corinthians 5:17), then He is also our God and Father.

There is some discussion among Biblical scholars as to the exact meaning of Paul’s expression “spiritual blessing.” Some claim that he is referring to “every blessing of the Holy Spirit,” especially since that would make mention of all three persons of the Godhead in this verse. Others (with whom I would agree) see this as an expression of spiritual blessing as opposed to worldly or material blessing. This makes more sense since the realm of the blessing is “in the heavenlies.” Notice that in the Old Testament, from Abraham onward, God’s promise of blessing was focused on material, earthly things. Not so, in the New Testament. The blessings He promises us are not fame and fortune; they are spiritual riches like eternal life, adoption as sons by God, and reigning with Him. Keep in mind that our citizenship is in heaven, not this world (Philippians 3:20).

Finally, Paul tells us that these spiritual blessings, which we have already been blessed with, are in Christ. Our blessings are not in religion, good works, or obedience, they are in Christ Jesus our Lord and are acquired by faith.

Application

We live in a physical world and we are surrounded by the world system, characterized by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. But we are commanded not to love the things of this world (1John 2:15). Instead, Paul will describe a number of those spiritual blessings because he wants us to focus on our spiritual blessings, not the material ones.

Where are you looking for your blessings, my Christian friend, in the things of this world or in the things of God?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 1:2 – Grace and Peace

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Ephesians 1:2  – Grace and Peace

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Paul prays for God to show His grace to us and grant us peace.

Behind the Words

The word translated “Grace” is charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

“Peace” is translated from eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

“Lord” is from the Greek word kurios, which is derived from the noun kuron, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to the one possessing might or power; that is, it refers to “one who is supreme in authority” or “one’s owner.”

Meaning Explained

This verse, which expresses the Apostle Paul’s natural tenderness toward those whom he loves, is sort of like the calm before the storm. Whereas the first two or three verses in this chapter seem like drinking from a peaceful babbling brook, what comes after these verses may seem like trying to drink from a fire hose.

Though part of the salutation of the letter, this verse actually expresses a prayer from the apostle. Since Paul spent three years with the Christians in Ephesus, he developed a close relationship with, and fondness for, them. His first expression of fondness is that he prays for grace for them. Christians often think of grace as “unmerited favor,” which it surely is when used in reference to the grace that God has shown to us in granting us the righteousness of Christ and eternal life through Him. But, since Paul is addressing this letter to Christians who already know the grace of God with regard to salvation, this is a different flavor of grace. This is living grace, the favor and good will from God that brings gratification and joy to the everyday lives of Christians.

In addition to grace, Paul prays for peace to be bestowed on all who read this letter. Throughout the years, from the first century until now, faithful Christians have enjoyed periods of peace as well as periods of persecution. Paul is well aware of the trials and troubles that we will encounter throughout our journey on this earth and expresses this prayer for peace even when we are in the midst of such troubles.

He recognizes and tells us not only the source of grace and peace, but the mediator through whom these are passed on to us. Though there are three persons in the Godhead who are each one completely God, there is a hierarchy that the three persons have agreed on. The Father is the first person of the three. The Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) is the second person of the three and is voluntarily submitted to the authority of the Father. And, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead who is voluntarily submitted to the authority of both the Father and the Son. Paul tells us here that grace and peace are from our Father and from (or through) our Lord Jesus Christ.

Application

Do you know the peace of God that surpasses all our understanding (Philippians 4:7)? Are you experiencing His grace in your life? Are you fully submitted to His will?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians 1:1 – Paul’s Letter to You

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Ephesians 1:1 – Paul’s Letter to You

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:

Truth to Learn

If you are a Christian, this letter was written to you!

Behind the Words

“Apostle” is transliterated from the Greek word apostolos, made up of apo, meaning “from or away from” and a form of the verb stellō, meaning “to withdraw from” or “to send forth.” Thus, apostolos, as it is used here, means “one who is sent out by Christ.”

The word translated “will” is thelēma, which indicates “a determination or decision.” The verbs thelō and boulomai are both translated “to will” but boulomai expresses a desirous will (wish) whereas thelō expresses a determined will (decision).

“Saints” is from hagios, which literally refers to something which causes awe. Its root meaning is “that which has been set apart from common use to Godly use.” As we will learn from Paul in this letter, all Christians have been set-apart by God; that is, all Christians are saints.

Meaning Explained

Paul begins this letter with a typical salutation identifying himself (Paul the apostle) as the writer. He immediately sets the tone for this letter by indicating that his apostleship is a result of God’s determination (it was God’s decision). One of the key underlying themes of this letter is the complete sovereignty of God in choosing whom He determines. This doctrine of “election” has been hotly debated since the time of the Reformation in the sixteenth century; however, writings of the early church fathers indicate that the early church readily accepted it. Throughout this letter we will see that Paul clearly teaches that God chose us, not because we decided to get saved, but because He decided to save us.

The next phrase in this opening verse, “To the saints who are in Ephesus,” has been questioned by some. The reason for this is because the words “who are in Ephesus” are omitted in two key Greek manuscripts. Some scholars believe that the letter was written with these two words intentionally omitted, allowing copyists to insert the name of a particular church to make it more personal. An overwhelming number of the manuscripts, however, contain the words “who are in Ephesus;” therefore, it is reasonable for us to conclude that this letter was specifically addressed to the church in Ephesus.

The final phrase of this verse indicates that Paul intended that is should be read by more than just the Ephesians. He addresses this letter to all the “faithful in Christ Jesus.” This is not a reference to those who have a sense of fidelity and perseverance, but to those who are “of the faith.” In other words, this letter was sent to the Christians who lived in Ephesus and to anyone else who has professed faith in Jesus Christ. If you have accepted the blood of Jesus Christ as payment for your sins and have declared Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, then this letter was written specifically to you.

Application

The God of all creation, the great I AM who lead Moses and the Israelites through the wilderness, wants you to know Him completely. It’s not very often that we recognize that God had the Bible written for you and me individually. This letter called Ephesians was written to you, Christian!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Ephesians – Introduction

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Ephesians – Introduction

The City of Ephesus

The city of Ephesus was located on the eastern coast of Asia Minor (present day Turkey). It was nearly 200 miles due east from Athens across the Aegean Sea. This very large metropolis, located on the Cayster river, was the capital of the Roman province called Asia. It’s primary claim to fame was the presence of the magnificent temple to the goddess Dianna (the Greek goddess Artemis). This temple was one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Today, only half buried ruins occupy the site of this once great commercial city.

Who Wrote This Letter?

According to Ephesians 1:1 and 3:1, this letter was written by the Apostle Paul. The genuine Pauline authorship is attested to by many of the early church fathers including, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Valentinus, Hippolytus, Polycarp, Tertullian, and Ignatius.

Toward the end of his second missionary trip, Paul visited Ephesus for a short while where he disputed with the Jews in the synagogue of the city (Acts 18:19-21). After Paul left Ephesus the work was carried on by Apollos (Acts 18:24-26) and Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:26). On his second visit to Ephesus, Paul remained there more than two years (Acts 19:10), in fact for three years according to Acts 20:31. During this time, he preached the gospel with such success that it affected the entire city and province (Acts 19:17-20). The conversion rate of Ephesians was so significant that it stirred up the fears of the local silversmiths who profited from the worship of Diana. They raised such a commotion that Paul was forced to leave the city.

On his last journey to Jerusalem, he sailed by Ephesus and summoned the elders of the Ephesian Church to meet him at Miletus, where he delivered a stirring farewell address to the people he loved so (Acts 20:18-35).

When Was This Letter Written?

This letter is believed to have been written by Paul after his arrest in Jerusalem during his subsequent imprisonment in Rome. The most likely date of writing is AD 62 or 63.

From Where Was This Letter Written?

We know that this letter was written while Paul was a prisoner (Ephesians 6:20), and hence must have been written either at Cæsarea or at Rome. Some scholars relegate it to the first place, but the general consensus is that it belongs to the group of letters which were sent from his Roman prison. This letter was written to the Ephesians most likely during the early part of his imprisonment at Rome immediately after the letter to the Colossians, to which it bears a close resemblance in many passages. Tychicus was the messenger to whom, on the same journey, were entrusted both this (Ephesians 6:21) and the letter to Colosse (Colossians 4:7).

Why Was This Letter Written?

Paul’s reason for writing this letter is based on his foresight that false teachers would spring up in the church after his death. He was concerned that their false doctrines would draw away disciples after them and do great harm in the church. Therefore, the design of this letter was to establish the believers in the doctrines of the Gospel so they might not be carried away with the errors of the deceivers.

Paul puts great care into establishing the doctrines of grace, predestination, election, eternal security, redemption by Christ, and salvation by the free grace of God completely apart from works. He also deals with the nature and usefulness of the Gospel ministry, of gifts necessary for it, and of the several duties of religion incumbent on Christians. He speaks to the Ephesians as a “type” or example of the Church universal. Hence, “the Church” throughout the Epistle is spoken of in the singular, not in the plural.

Outline of Ephesians

Section 1 – Doctrine

Ephesians 1:1, 2 —  Introduction

Ephesians 1:3-14 – Blessings to God for His work of mercy in saving us.

Ephesians 1:15-23 —  A prayer that we might fully avail ourselves of the advantages of God’s eternal mercy.

Ephesians 2:1-3 —  Our former unsaved state, dead in sin

Ephesians 2:4-7 —  Regeneration through God’s mercy

Ephesians 2:8-10 —  Salvation by faith apart from works.

Ephesians 2:11-22 —  The reconciliation of both Jews and Gentiles

Ephesians 3:1-12 —  The revelation of the mystery that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs of God with the Jews.

Ephesians 3:13-21 – Paul’s prayer that we might grow to know God better.

Section 2 – Practical Application

Ephesians 4:1-16 —  An exhortation to keep the unity of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:17-24 —  A challenge to quit our former manner of life and to develop a new way of living in righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:25-5:20 —  Specific actions & attitudes to cease, with a challenge to be kind, tender hearted, and forgiving, giving thanks to God.

Ephesians 5:21-33 —  The responsibilities of husbands and wives.

Ephesians 6:1-3 —  The responsibilities of parents and children

Ephesians 6:4-9 —  The responsibilities of masters and servants

Ephesians 6:10-20 —  Conducting Christian warfare.

Ephesians 6:21-24 —  Closing remarks.

 

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 16:27 – To God Be The Glory!

Posted on by Will

Romans 16:27 – To God Be The Glory!

to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

Truth to Learn

God deserves all the glory and all of our praise.

Behind the Words

“God” is from the Greek noun theos. This is probably derived from the Greek theteres (a placer of things) because the Greeks believed that their gods were the placers and disposers of things (thus, they had a god of fire, a god of wind, etc.) In the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint) the title of God (elohim) is always translated as theos, even though elohim is plural and theos is singular.

“Alone” is translated from monos, meaning “unaccompanied, alone, only, or single.”

The word translated “wise” is sophos, meaning “the ability to skillfully apply the knowledge that one posesses.” The meaning of sophos in the New Testament, like its Hebrew equivalent chōkmah, differs from the classical meaning in at least two ways. First of all, the biblical concept of wisdom is God-centered rather than man-centered. It refers to a fear of God and an understanding of His ways. Secondly, Biblical wisdom implies the possession of a certain adeptness or practical ability in applying knowledge.

“Glory” is from the word doxa, which is derived from the verb dokeō, meaning “to think or suppose.” Doxa primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable opinion.” In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, or splendor.”

Meaning Explained

Paul’s closing benediction to his letter to the Christians in the church at Rome is the longest benediction contained in any of his letters.

In this final verse, he is proclaiming, first of all, the fact that only God is wise. In Greek, word order is significant, with the most important word being first. The Greek text for this verse reads, “only wise God.” Thus, his emphasis is on the fact that only God is truly wise. To our singularly wise God belongs “great reputation, honor, and splendor” because of the fact that He alone is wise.

This honor that God so richly deserves is earned in and through the person of Jesus Christ. Only a God of infinite wisdom could have developed a plan whereby we, God’s created race made filthy by the stain of our sin, could be so perfectly cleansed by the sacrificial blood of the Lamb of God.

Because of this salvation plan which reconciles God’s moral righteousness with the brilliance of His wondrous mercy, He will receive all the glory from all of creation for all of eternity. Truly, He is worthy!

Application

Throughout eternity we will give God the glorious expression of our praise. In order to be fully prepared for that experience, we should be practicing every day by proclaiming His glory and declaring His praise. To God be the glory!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 16:26 – Gospel Proclamation

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Romans 16:26 – Gospel Proclamation

but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith—

Truth to Learn

We all need to be preaching the gospel message.

Behind the Words

The words “made manifest” are translated from the verb phaneroō, which is based on phainō, meaning “to shine a light on” or “to illuminate.” Phaneroō means “to make visible,” “to make known,” or “to show openly.”

“Prophetic” is from the Greek word prophētikos. This is based on the noun prophētēs, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in location or time” and a form of phēmi, meaning “to tell.” Hence, prophētēs refers to someone who “tells truth before its time” (fortells) or someone who “tells God’s truth in front of others” (forthtells).

The word translated “Scriptures” is graphē, which is from the verb graphō, meaning “to inscribe” or “to write.” So, literally, graphē refers to something that has been written. The English word “Scripture” is based on the Latin scriptura, also meaning “that which has been written.” However, by tradition, the English word Scripture refers to sacred writing and specifically refers to the contents of the Bible.

“Obedience” is from the hupakoē, meaning ”to hear under,” that is, to listen attentively as to a teacher. It implies more than just hearing, it means to believe and put into practice.

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is the second part of the closing benediction of Paul’s letter to the Roman church. As we pointed out in the previous verse, this benediction is basically a summary of Paul’s entire ministry. He proclaims it to the One who is able to set us firmly in place, that is to make our eternal life secure. And he says that this secure standing is effected through the preaching of the gospel, the good news about the payment for our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. He also told us that this gospel message is a mystery that was kept secret since the world began.

But, this mystery is now shown openly to all nations. This revelation (uncovering of the truth) is now made known to all nations through the writings of the prophets. Until the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, these Holy Scriptures were entrusted only to the Jews and they did not proclaim them to the world because they didn’t understand the message of salvation through the death of the Messiah themselves. Now that Jesus the Messiah has come, has died, and has arisen from the grave, the message of salvation through His blood is being understood and proclaimed throughout the world.

The preaching of this eternal life-giving gospel message is not an option for Christians, it is a commandment given to the entire church by Christ just before He ascended. The result of this preaching is that many will believe by attentive listening.

Application

Paul knew without a doubt what his ministry was: to preach the Gospel message to the Gentiles throughout the known world. We, too, are commanded to preach this message of salvation from the penalty of our sins. Are you being as obedient as Paul? When was the last time you proclaimed the gospel?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 16:25 – Stabilizing Power

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Romans 16:25 – Stabilizing Power

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began

Truth to Learn

The power of God is revealed in the gospel message.

Behind the Words

“Him who is able” is from the word dunamai, from which we get the word dynamite. It refers to “one who has the power, ability, or authority to do something.”

The word translated “establish” is stēridzō, which means “to set firmly in place.”

“Revelation” is from the Greek word apokalupsis. This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “away from” and a form of kaluptō, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” Therefore, we can see that this word means “to have the cover taken away,” that is “an uncovering” or “a revealing.”

“Mystery” is translated from musterion, which refers to “a sacred mystery, something that was previously hidden but which is now made known.”

The word “secret” is translated from the Greek verb sigaō, meaning “to keep silent.”

Meaning Explained

In the past there has been much debate among Greek scholars as to whether this and the following two verses belong here or at the end of chapter fourteen. A number of reliable manuscripts have it at the end of fourteen, but a number of others have it placed here. Nearly all English translations present it here at the end of the epistle.

This benediction (a formal proclamation of blessing and praise) to God is basically a summary of Paul’s entire ministry. Paul gives this praise to “Him who is able to set us firmly in place.” That is, God is the only one who has the power and authority to make our salvation and subsequent walk with Him firm and secure. This secure salvation is the result of the gospel message. Paul refers to it as his gospel because it is the message that was given to him to deliver to the Gentiles.

This gospel (good news of salvation from our sins) is communicated by the preaching of Jesus Christ. That is, salvation comes from hearing about and believing that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. As proof of His sinless life and the acceptance of His blood as payment for our sins he rose from the dead and is alive today.

Paul refers to this gospel message as “the mystery which was kept silent since the world began.” He calls it this because even though it is alluded to throughout the Old Testament (from Genesis through Malachi), it was hidden from the Jews and hidden from the rest of mankind until revealed to the world by Jesus Christ, Himself.

Paul will continue with this benediction in the next two verses.

Application

Every Christian should get a tingle of excitement when talking about the gospel message. Through it the power of God to save sinners from the just penalty of their sins is communicated. The proclamation of the gospel opens up hearts and transfers the citizenship of lost souls from the family of doom to a firm place in the family of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 16:24 – Precious, Sacred, and True

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Romans 16:24– Precious, Sacred, and True

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

Truth to Learn

We have the genuine Word of God.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is translated from charis. This is the noun form of the verb chairō, meaning “to be full of cheer” or “to rejoice.” The noun form, charis, means “joy, pleasure, or gratification as a result of an undeserved kindness granted.” In other words, it refers to “an undeserved or unmerited favor done without expectation of anything done in return.” It is sometimes described as “unmerited favor.”

The word “Lord” is from the Greek noun kurios, which is derived from the noun kuron, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to the one possessing might or power; that is, it refers to “a master or owner.”

“Jesus” is transliterated (spelling a word of one language with the letters of another language) from the Greek Iēsous, which is in turn transliterated from the Hebrew Yēshū’a, or Joshua, meaning “Jehovah is help” or “Jehovah saves.”

“Christ” is the transliteration of the Greek word christos, which is derived from the verb chriō, meaning “to anoint.” Therefore, christos means “anointed one.” This is the equivalent of the Hebrew word Māshīach, or Messiah.

The word “amen” is transliterated from the Greek word amēn, which in turn is transliterated from the Hebrew ‘āmēn. It literally means “to be firm, steady, or trustworthy.” The Greek word is sometimes translated as “verily” or “truly.” Because we almost always end a prayer with amen, we tend to think of it as meaning “the end” but this is not the proper meaning of the word. At the end of a prayer, it is more appropriately equated to “it is truth” or “it is so.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is almost exactly the same as the second half of verse twenty, except that the word “all” has been inserted. Some of the major Greek manuscripts do not include this verse, so it is omitted in some translations. However, it is included in this translation so let’s look at it briefly.

According to his second letter to the Thessalonians, this is an expression that Paul uses to mark the genuineness of his letter:

The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (2Thssalonians 3:17-18)

In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul alludes to a forged letter from him (2Thessalonians 2:2), so he may have used this valediction to assure them that it was truly from him. Thus, we see this expression in various forms in 1Corinthians 16:23, 2Corinthians 8:9, Galatians 6:18, Philippians 4:23, 1Thessalonians 5:28, 2Thessalonians 3:18, 1Timothy 1:14, and Philemon 1:25.

As to why it is included in both verses twenty and twenty-four we can only speculate. Perhaps the first was written by his penman and this one was written by Paul himself.

Application

We are so privileged to have God’s truth presented to us in a single book, a book that we know to be genuine. We should treat it as precious, honor it as sacred, and follow it as God’s Holy Word. Amen.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 16:23 – Give Your All

Posted on by Will

Romans 16:23 – Give Your All

Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother.

Truth to Learn

God wants us all to give liberally.

Behind the Words

“Host” is from the Greek word xenos, which literally means “a foreigner” or “a stranger.” It is often used to refer to “a friend who is not a family member.” By implication, it refers to “a guest” or “a host.” It is this latter sense in which it is used in today’s verse.

The word translated “treasurer” is oikonomos, made up of oikos, meaning “house” and nomos, derived from the verb nemō, meaning “to parcel out” or “to distribute.” It is, therefore, a reference to the one who distributes duties and wages within a household (see Luke 12:42 for an example given by Jesus). In other words, it refers to a house steward or a house manager. The fact that Gaius is said to be the oikonomos of the city implies that he is the steward, manager, or treasurer of the city of Corinth.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been including greetings from people with him in Corinth to the Christians in Rome. Today’s verse contains the final three people who send their greeting. The first of these three is Gaius. There are at least two people by that name mentioned in the New Testament. One of these was a Macedonian man who was with Paul at Ephesus (Acts 19:29) and another was a man from Derbe, in Asia Minor who accompanied Paul in his travels there (Acts 20:4). We are also told that Paul personally baptized a man by the name of Gaius. There is one more mention of a man named Gaius in the New Testament. He is the one to whom the Apostle John wrote a personal letter (3John 1:1).

What we do know about Gaius is that he was a very benevolent person. We know this because Paul refers to him as his host, implying that he provided lodging and food for the apostle while he was in Corinth. It is very likely that this is the Macedonian mentioned in Acts 19:29 and the one who Paul baptized. Paul tells us that Gaius also hosted the entire Corinthian church, probably providing a meeting place and financial support for the church there.

The next person that Paul mentions is Erastus. Here we are told that Erastus was the city manager or the city treasurer of Corinth. This implies that he, like Gaius, was a fairly wealthy person. In Acts 19:22 we are told that Paul sent Erastus and Timothy ahead into Macedonia while he finished business in Ephesus. Paul also told Timothy that he left Erastus in Corinth (2Timothy 4:20), so it is likely that all three of these references are of the same person named Erastus.

The final greeting included here is from a man names Quartus (Latin for “fourth”). All we know about him is that he was a brother in the faith.

Application

We know from Matthew 19:23 that it is difficult for a rich person to get saved. Here we see how two men used their wealth to strengthen the church, but God expects the rest of us to give just as liberally of our time, talents, and financial resources. If the widow of Mark 12:42-44 was willing to give all she had, how can we desire to do anything less?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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