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Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11 – Kings at the Manger?

Posted on December 26, 2008 by admin

Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11

¹Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ²saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

⁹When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. ¹⁰When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. ¹¹And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Behind the Words

The words “wise men” are translated from the Greek magos, which refers to a priest or wise man among the Medes, Persians and Babylonians. In Daniel 2:48 you will find that Daniel was made the leader of the magi. It is believed by some that these magi were following a prophesy of Daniel which predicted the birth of the king of the Jews.

The expression “rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” loses its effect in English, because we tend to read it as “they were glad.” However, it is much more than that. It is translated from the Greek echarēsan charan megalēn sphodra. Echarēsan is the verb form of charis, which means “delight or joy.” The verb form means to express that joy, hence, “rejoice.” The next word, charan is a form of charis. When Greek repeats a word in both verb and noun form it implies intensity. In English we would say, they joyfully rejoiced. The next word, megalēn is a form of megas, meaning “large” or “great.” Here it is describing charis, so it is saying “they joyfully rejoiced greatly.” Finally, the word sphodra, means “to a high degree.” Putting this all together we see that the text says, “they joyfully rejoiced exceedingly greatly.” It expresses the utmost in joyful exuberance!

Meaning Explained

Most nativity scenes show three kings offering gifts to the Christ child who is lying in a manger surrounded by the stable animals. However, a careful examination of the text along with Luke 2:21, 22 and Leviticus 12:1-8, reveals that Mary and Joseph remained in Bethlehem for at least 40 days after Jesus’ birth in order to fulfill the law. If Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt with the Christ child immediately after the Magi departed, there wouldn’t have been time for the purification, if the Magi came to the stable.

Also, note that verse eleven says “when they (the Magi) had come into the house …” The word translated “house” is oikos, which refers to the family dwelling place and is never used in reference to a stable. Finally, the word translated young Child in verse eleven is not the word that means “new born infant,” it simply means “baby.”

Application

Many of the things we think we know about these magi are, in fact, either speculation or downright untrue. We don’t know if they were kings (they probably weren’t). We don’t know how many of them there were. We don’t know their names! And, they didn’t come to the stable! But we do know that they were seeking a prophetically foretold king of the Jews and that they got incredibly excited when they knew they were about to come into His presence.

Is this how you view the Child who came into this world to die for your sins? Is this how you view God?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

Luke 2:12, 15-17, 20 – Impossible, Improbable, but True

Posted on December 23, 2008 by admin

Luke 2:12, 15-17, 20

¹²And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.

¹⁵So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.

²⁰Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Seasonal Blessing

‘Tis the season to simply believe God and give Him the glory.

Behind the Words

The words “wrapped in swaddling cloths” are translated from a single verb, sparganoō, meaning “to swath” or “to swaddle.” Now, that wasn’t much help, was it? Sparganoō, is from the noun sparganon which refers to “a swath, or strip, of cloth.” Long strips of cloth were used in those days to snugly wrap a new born child to keep the infant warm and to provide security. So this part of the verse could have been translated, “You will find the infant swaddled, lying in a manger.”

The word translated “manger” is phatnē, from pateomai, meaning “to eat.” It refers to the crib, or manger that hay was placed in for animals to eat, thus keeping it clean and dry. Not the place we would think of putting a newborn baby, and certainly not the Son of God!

Meaning Explained

As mentioned in the explanation of the previous verses, the annunciation of the birth of the Messiah was made to shepherds, not to the rich, the religious leaders, or the civil rulers. It was made to shepherds. And, after receiving the message from the angels, the shepherds did not waste any time finding Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. One has to wonder how many stables they had to look in before they found one with people in it. There they found the One proclaimed by the angels to be the Messiah, the Savior, the King of the Jews.

To most Jews, who were expecting the arrival of their Messiah, the notion of Him being laid in a feeding trough would have convinced then that the angels didn’t know what they were talking about. That just wouldn’t have made sense. God doesn’t work that way. So, they probably would have reasoned away the angelic message because it didn’t fit their own image of God. The shepherds, on the other hand, simply took the message at face value and assumed that it must be true.

And once they had acted in faith and had searched to see whether these things were true, they found Him. Then they proclaimed the message widely; they told everyone who would listen, they praised God, and gave Him the glory.

Application

Some messages in the Bible seem impossible or at least improbable, yet we must accept them on faith. How can God possibly be one God, but be three persons? It’s impossible, but it’s what the Bible proclaims. How can salvation be all God’s doing and none of our own. That’s improbable, but it’s what the Word proclaims. Instead of questioning the truth, let’s praise God for it as the shepherds did, and give Him the glory. Someday we’ll understand!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

Luke 2:8-14 – Promised Peace

Posted on December 22, 2008 by admin

Luke 2:8-14

⁸Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹²And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” ¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Seasonal Blessing

May God’s favor rest upon you and bring you peace through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord.

Behind the Words

The words “stood before” in verse nine are translated from the Greek word epestē, from epi meaning “on, above, or over” and a form of histēmi meaning “to stand.” Hence, rather than standing before the shepherds, this angel stood above or over them. That is why the glory of the Lord shone around them – because the angel was in the air over them.

In verse thirteen the word “multitude” is the Greek word plēthos, which is from the noun plēthō meaning fullness. The implication is that the sky was full of them.

“Peace, goodwill toward men” is translated from, eirēnē en anthropois eudokias. Literally this says “peace to men of favor.” It can be interpreted as peace to men whom God favors.

Meaning Explained

It is amazing that the Creator of everything would become a man. And He emptied Himself of His glory, as Paul says in

Philippians 2:7 ⁷but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

Almighty God incarnate as a little baby! But this was a necessary act on the part of God if He was going to pay the penalty for the sins of the whole world.

It was not to the rulers, to the rich, to the learned, or to the mighty that this incarnation was announced. It was announced to shepherds, the lowest of all society.

Throughout the Bible we see angels appearing in two forms; either as normal looking people or as the glorious spiritual beings they are. The angel making the announcement to the shepherds was definitely the latter. When the angel first appeared over them, they were afraid. Well, duh! How would you feel if you were sitting in the middle of a field at night and a bright, glorious angelic being suddenly appeared above you?

And once the announcement was made, the night sky was suddenly filled with angels. But, contrary to popular belief these angels were not singing. They were saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, to men whom God favors!“

Application

Let us celebrate this event as the angels did that night so long ago. Let us praise God and proclaim His message of peace.

What greater gift could you give anyone than the plain, simple, gospel message of forgiveness of sins!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 1:21 – Exemplary Suffering

Posted on December 18, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:21

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

Truth to Learn

We have been called by God to follow Christ’s example.

Behind the Words

The word “called” is translated from kaleō, which means “to call out an invitation or a command” or “to give a person a name.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense implying past action completed at a point in time. It is also expressed in the passive voice indicating action done to the subject.

Meaning Explained

Continuing on from the previous verse, the reason we are to remain patiently enduring when we suffer wrongfully is because to this very end we were called.

So, what does it mean that we were called? There are many Scripture passages that deal with our calling. Let’s look at just two of them:

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; (1Cointhians 1:26, 27)

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, (2Timothy 1:9)

From these verses we see that our calling from God is associated with God’s choosing us and God’s saving us. The other thing we see is that the choosing, the saving, and the calling are based wholly of God’s work and none of our own. God chose us to be saved, doing all the work of salvation for us. He purchased us as His own possession, and He adopted us as his children. He also called us to serve Him as his servants.

We were not called to be Christians so we could be rich and famous and enjoy all the blessings of this world. Instead, we were called to be Christ-like. This should be our constant overriding desire, as Paul stated:

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; (Phillippians 3:10)

Christ didn’t simply die for us, He suffered! Not only did he suffer physically, but He suffered emotionally in the worst way. He felt deserted! He even felt deserted by God the Father with whom He had enjoyed constant fellowship from eternity past. Yet for three hours on the cross, He suffered the agony of complete isolation, and He did it patiently for you and me.

Application

Are you saved? If so, then you have been called by God to be Christ-like in every way. Are you willing to suffer the same way for Him as He did for you? Are you desirous of following His example? Do you want to really know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering?! Let us all examine how committed we are to God today. Is our Christianity simply a free ticket into heaven? Are we only looking for the blessings of being Christ-like? Or do we want to really be like Him… even to the point of suffering for Him and enduring it patiently like He did for us?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:20 – Patient Suffering

Posted on December 17, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:20

For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.

Truth to Learn

When we patiently endure unjust punishment for having done good deeds, God is pleased.

Behind the Words

The word translated “credit” is kleos, which is derived from a shortened form of kaleō, meaning “to call.” Kleos refers to “calling out the goodness” of someone. Hence, it is often translated as “renown,” “glory,” or “credit.”

“Beaten” is translated from kolaphidzō, which means “to strike with the fist.” The word “faults” is hamartanō, meaning “to miss the mark.” It is often translated as “transgress” or “sin.” Both of these words are expressed as present participles indicating current ongoing activity. Hence, the phrase “if when you are beaten for your faults …” is literally, “if sinning and being beaten …”

The expression “you take it patiently” is translated from hupomenō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” and menō, meaning “to remain.” It literally means “to remain under.” It is a picture of a beast of burden remaining under a heavy load and is often translated as “persevere” or “endure.”

“Do good” is from agathopoiōn, a word we looked at back in verse fourteen. It refers to doing good deeds.

The word “suffer” is from the Greek word paschō, which refers to an intense emotion, usually suffering.

As pointed out in the previous verse, the word translated “commendable” refers to gladness and joy.

Meaning Explained

Peter is making a very profound statement that should be taken to heart by all who call themselves Christian. If you do wrong, are punished for it, and take it with patience, there is no glory or recognition given to you except that you got what you deserved. If, on the other hand, you have done good deeds, are falsely punished for it, and you take it patiently, this is joyous, or well-pleasing, with God.

When we suffer wrongfully, our Heavenly Father is aware of it. If our attitude is right, He is pleased with us. Peter says nothing of God’s attitude toward our actions when we complain and raise a ruckus because we have been falsely accused or punished unjustly. But he says that God is pleased when we endure it patiently. Peter is clearly thinking back on the unjust beating and suffering endured by Jesus Christ when he paid for our sins. In the following verses Peter will refer to Christ’s wrongful suffering as a perfect example of how we should act. He was innocent and was supremely punished by men and accepted it patiently. We, on the other hand, are guilty before God and do not receive the just punishment for our offenses.

Application

Every Christian has experienced situations where we did what was good and ended up suffering for it in one way or another. Can you remember such a time? How did you handle it? Did you endure it quietly and patiently, or did you fuss and complain to God about how unfair it was? How will you react the next time this happens to you? Quietly and patiently, I hope!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:19 – Joyful Suffering

Posted on December 16, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:19

For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

Truth to Learn

We should rejoice when we suffer for doing what is good.

Behind the Words

“Commendable” is translated from the Greek word charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice” or “to be glad.” Hence, charis refers to the joy or gratification one feels for a kindness or a favor granted. It is often used to refer to that kindness or favor, especially when it is undeserved (as the grace which God showed to us in forgiving our sins). In the current verse, however, it refers to the joy that we should feel.

The word translated “conscience” is suneidēsis, a form of suneido which is made up of sun, meaning “together” and eidō, meaning “to perceive” or “to know.” Hence, suneidēsis literally refers to joint knowledge or joint perception. In this verse it refers to the joint knowledge of what is right and what is wrong, hence the translation “conscience.”

“Endures” is from hypopherō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” and pherō, meaning “to bear.” So it literally means “to bear under” or “to endure.”

The expression “if … one endures grief” is an expression of the first class condition, which in Greek means that it is assumed to be true. Hence, Peter is assuming that each one of us does occasionally endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

The word translated “wrongfully” is adikōs, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of dikē, meaning “justice.” Hence, it means “unjustly” or “wrongfully.”

Meaning Explained

Peter is telling us in this verse that if we do what is right because it is what God has told us to do and we end up patiently suffering for it, then it is a joyful thing. James told us a similar thing in his letter:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (James 1:2)

The word James used for “joy” is chara, which is also from the verb chairō, meaning “to be glad.” God does not promise us that obeying Him will always result in blessing and happiness; quite the contrary, in fact. Christ told the disciples:

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation … (John 16:33)

We are not told that we may suffer for Christ but that we will suffer for Him. But Peter is telling us that if we endure it, even though we may be suffering unjustly, we can be glad.

Application

The ruler of this world (Satan) is the enemy of God. If we are ambassadors of our Heavenly Father in this world, obeying Him and representing him by our conduct and actions, His enemy will not like it. Let us not be surprised, therefore, when we suffer for doing good.

Are you suffering for your testimony and obedience to Christ? Be glad! Rejoice! And give God the praise!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:18 – Submit to Bosses

Posted on December 14, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:18

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

Truth to Learn

Submission to others is necessary, but not always easy.

Behind the Words

The word translated “servants” is the Greek word oiketēs, which means “one of the household” but not necessarily a member of the family. The Greek word for a member of the family is oikogenes. The Greek word that refers to a slave owned by his or her master is doulos. Hence, the word oiketēs is most commonly a reference to a household worker who does so by choice and gets paid for it. The fact that Peter uses this word indicates that this message is to all of us who have a boss. It means that we cannot conveniently side-step this command, claiming that it does not pertain to us.

“Be submissive to” is the translation of hupotassō, which is a compound of hupo or hypo, meaning “under” and tasso, meaning “to arrange in an orderly manner” or “to rank.” It is a military term meaning to place in rank under someone else’s authority. It is expressed in this verse in the passive voice indicating action done to the subject (servants).

The word translated “masters” is despotēs (from which we get our English word despot), meaning “one who possesses authority” or “a master.”

The word “harsh” is translated from the Greek word skolios, which literally means “crooked.” In reference to a person, it means “unjust” or “wicked.”

Meaning Explained

The words “be subject to” are also translated as “submit to” in the following verses:

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22)

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

In these verses wives are told to place themselves in rank under their husbands’ authority and we are all commanded to place ourselves in rank under God’s authority. Here in 1 Peter we are told to place ourselves in rank under the authority of our boss and, therefore, do as he or she directs us.

Our God has established order in the world for the purpose of peace:

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace … (1Corinthians 14:33a)

For the sake of peace, He has established that we should all voluntarily place ourselves under the authority of others. And, we are commanded to do so, not only to a good and gentle boss, but also to one who is unreasonable or unjust. This is a difficult task for anyone who has an unreasonable boss, but it is what Peter instructs us to do.

Application

Placing ourselves under the authority of someone who doesn’t deserve it is a difficult task at best. Anyone who has had a corrupt or incompetent boss knows how difficult it can be. Nonetheless, that’s exactly what God instructs us to do.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:17 – Christ-like Behavior

Posted on December 11, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:17

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Truth to Learn

Treating others respectfully is not an option for Christians; we are commanded to do it! Jesus Christ is our example.

Behind the Words

The word translated “honor” is timaō, which means “to place a value on” or “to revere.” The first use of this verb in the current verse is in the aorist tense and imperative mood, implying the command, “in every case render the honor due.” The other three verbs in this verse (Love, Fear, and Honor) are all in the present tense, imperative mood, indicating continual and habitual action that we are commanded to do.

“Love,” from the Greek word agapaō, refers to the self-sacrificing, God-type love that is more focused on the good of the loved one than on self.

The word “brotherhood” is adelphotēs, a form of adelphos (brother) that refers to a collective of brothers, hence a fraternity or brotherhood. This word is rarely found in Greek writings other than religious texts. It is used as a specific reference to fellow Christians.

The word translated “fear” is phobeō (from which we get the English word “phobia”). It literally means “to frighten.” In the passive voice, as it is here, it means either “to be afraid of” or “to be in awe of.” Peter probably means both.

Meaning Explained

Peter here continues the discourse that he started in verse eleven. This is how we should conduct our lives while here on this earth. We are not to be contrarians, against everything everyone else stands for, rather we are to live as obedient servants representing well the One who has called us and to Whom we belong.

We are to honor each person with the specific honor due him or her. We are to continually demonstrate self-sacrificing love to other Christians, being more concerned for their welfare than we are for our own. This characteristic has distinguished Christians from all other people throughout the centuries since the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

We are also to continually fear God (both in the sense of being in awe of Him and fearing His position and power). And we are to continually honor those in civil authority over us. The apostle Paul said a very similar thing in his letter to the Christians in Rome:

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. … Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1, 7)

Challenge

Let me challenge each of you to stop right now and take stock of how you behave toward others. Do you treat all people with respect, independent of their appearance? Do you demonstrate that special self-sacrificing love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you have a holy fear of our God? And do you show respect to civil authorities? Hmmmm!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:16 – Free to Submit

Posted on December 10, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:16

as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.

Truth to Learn

We are free from the penalty of sin, but we are God’s servants.

Behind the Words

The word translated “free” is eleutheros, meaning “unrestrained” or “able to move about freely.” It is used primarily in reference to a person who is not a slave (not owned by anyone) but free to go where he pleases. It is expressed here in the nominative case, which ties it back to the word translated “submit” is verse 13.

“Using” is translated from a form of echō, meaning “to possess” or “to hold.”

The word “cloak” is translated from epikaluma, which is made up of epi, meaning “on” or “over” and a form of kaluptō, meaning “to cover.” Hence, it means “that which covers over.”

“Vice” is translated from kakia, which means “badness” or “that which is evil.”

The word “bondservants” is translated from doulos, which refers to “a slave, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another.”

Meaning Explained

Peter now touches briefly on a subject that was the root of one of the earliest heresies of the church and which is still misunderstood today. That heresy was called antinomianism, which literally means “no law-ism.” Some in the early church believed that since we have been set free from the penalty of sin, we can live however we want, since all of our sins have been forgiven. Because of the sacrifice of Christ, we are free from the law of commandments contained in ordinances and free from sin, this is true. Being free from sin does not mean that we are free from all laws (as Peter just pointed out) nor does it mean that we are free to sin.

To be a free man and not a slave (or servant) in the first century was a very privileged position. It meant, as the word eleotheros implies, that one was free to come and go as one pleased. Peter’s use of this word, however, is in reference to the bondage of the Law of Moses. Many of the early converts to Christianity were former Jews who were bound heavily by the Law and who have now been set free from that as well. Peter is warning that this freedom is not to be used as an excuse to do evil things.

According to Greek grammar, the word “free” (literally, free ones) is tied back to the word “submit” in verse thirteen. So, what Peter is telling his readers is that Christians are to voluntarily submit to the civil authorities even though we have freedom in Christ. We are not to use that freedom to resist authority or to do evil deeds. Instead, we are to do good deeds in submission to the authorities over us, because our freedom from the penalty of sin also means that we are permanent slaves of God.

Application

Our Christian lives are not to be characterized by “being free to live like the Devil,” rather they are to be characterized by voluntarily subjecting (submitting) ourselves and our will to the one who purchased this freedom for us.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog

1 Peter 2:15 – Good Works = God’s Glory

Posted on December 9, 2008 by admin

1 Peter 2:15

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

Truth to Learn

God will use our good works to bring glory to Himself.

Behind the Words

The word translated “will” is thelēma, meaning “a desire or disposition toward something,” but it also implies action taken based on that desire. This is derived from the verb thelō, meaning “to wish, to will, implying volition and purpose with a determination or execution of that which is desired.” Hence, it is sometimes referred to as “determined will.” This is different from the Greek word boulomai, meaning “to desire something, not necessarily implying the execution of that desire,” which is sometimes referred to as “desirous will.”

The expression “doing good” comes from the Greek agathopoieō, which, as we learned from a similar word in the previous verse, means “to do good things.”

“Put to silence” comes from the Greek word phimoō, which means “to muzzle” or “to silence.”

“Ignorance” is translated from the Greek word agnōsia. This is compound word made up of a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of gnōsis, meaning “knowledge.”

The word “foolish” is translated from aphropon, made up of a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of phren, meaning “understanding.” Hence, it literally means “mindless” or “stupid.”

Meaning Explained

“For this is the will of God…” What is Peter referring to? The punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do well? That’s what he said in the previous verse. The grammatical rule of immediate antecedence would seem to dictate that’s what he meant. However, it is not what was said before, but what is said after that defines what Peter means. He says that “putting to silence the ignorance of foolish men” is the will of God (what God has determined). And he does that through our good works. Now, let me remind you what he said in verse twelve:

having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:12)

Do you see it? Do you see who Peter is talking about? As you will recall, in verse twelve we learned that the “Gentiles” are non-Christians. They are unsaved. They are unbelievers. They are the foolish ones who are “without understanding.” And since they don’t understand the truth of the gospel message, they speak out of ignorance. They speak out against Christians, calling us evil doers when they are the real doers of evil.

Not only will God silence (muzzle) their evil speaking about us, as Peter tells us in this verse, but they will glorify God on that fateful day when they stand before Him as their judge, as Peter told us in verse twelve.

Application

When all your efforts to do good make you feel like a salmon swimming upstream, remember that we are doing it for His glory! And though we may not see the fruit of our labors on this earth, someday we will see our Savior, and He is worthy!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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All of our daily verse studies are available on the Ministry of Grace Church blog at http://www.ministryofgrace.org/blog