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Tag: doxa

Luke 2:9 – Full of Fear

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Will

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Truth to Learn

The shepherds were afraid when the angel appeared to them.

Behind the Words

The words “stood before” are translated from the Greek word ephistēmi, from epi meaning “on, above, over, or against” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” The most common translation of this word in the New Testament is “stand upon.” In this occurrence, however, most translators give it the meaning of “stand against” or “stand before.” However, given the content of this verse, I believe a more literal translation of “stand over” is reasonable. Hence, rather than standing before the shepherds, this angel was probably above them or over them. That is why the glory of the Lord shone around them – because the angel was in the air over them and his magnificent glory shone all around them.

“Glory” is translated from doxa, a form of dokeō. The root meaning of this word is “to think” or “to suppose.” Therefore, the root meaning of doxa is “thought” or “opinion.” There are a number of secondary uses of this word including, reputation, praise, honor, perfection, light, or splendor. In this verse it is used to indicate “bright visual splendor.”

“Shone around” is from the Greek verb perilampō, which is made up of peri, meaning “around” and lampō, meaning “to give light” or “to shine.” Literally, this word means “to illuminate all around.” Thus, perilampō refers to a light which is shining all around.

The expression “they were greatly afraid” is from the words ephobēthēsan phobon megan. This literally means “they feared great fear.” In Greek, repetition of words indicates emphasis, so saying “they feared fear” would indicate that they were very afraid. In addition, the inclusion of the word megan (mega, meaning “great”) indicates that their fear was extremely great.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that shepherds (probably those responsible for the sheep to be used for the Temple sacrifices) were camping out among the sheep. They were “watching watches,” that is, they were taking turns during the night looking around in order to detect any possible dangers to the animals. Shepherds in those days were fully responsible for the protection of their flocks. In fact, they cared so greatly for the animals under their protection that they experienced mourning over the death of even a single lamb.

While these particular shepherds were protecting their flock in the middle of the dark night, a bright and glorious angelic being appeared to them. This angel seems to have suddenly appeared out of nowhere, suspended in mid-air with his glorious brightness lighting up everything around them.

The sudden appearance of this glorious angelic being caused these normally unflappably courageous shepherds to become extremely afraid. They were used to fighting off lions or bears, but they were not prepared for the presence of this angel.

It’s interesting that the announcement of the birth of the Messiah should start out with fear, because the whole purpose of His incarnation was to bring peace. Just as the fear that Adam and Eve experienced after sinning was taken away by the sacrifice of animals, so the fear of all sinners can be removed by faith in the blood of the Lamb of God.

Application

There are many who are afraid even in this season of celebration of the birth of our Savior. It may be fear caused by sickness, financial worries, or fear of physical harm. Look around! Perhaps there is someone around you who is fearful even in the midst of this season of celebration. Is it possible that you can be God’s angel of peace for them? What can you do to relieve their fear?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 3:21 – Praise God!

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Will

to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Truth to Learn

God deserves all our praise!

Behind the Words

The word “glory” is translated from doxa, from which we get our English word doxology. It is derived from the verb dokeō, meaning “thought or opinion, especially favorable human opinion.” The word doxa refers to “honor, praise, glory, splendor, excellence, or renown.”

“Church” is from the Greek word ekklēsia, a compound word made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and a form of kaleō, meaning “to call someone.” Therefore, ekklēsia refers to “a called out group of people.” In the first century, it was a common term referring to a church congregation or to “citizens who were called out to assemble for a public meeting.”

The word “generations” is translated from genea, which is derived from the verb ginomai, meaning “to come into being.” Initially this word simply meant “a generation,” but later it came to refer to “a space of time” or “a circle of time.” As it is used in this verse, it clearly refers to “generations.”

“Forever and ever” is an interesting expression. The Greek words are tou aiōnos tōn aiōnōn, which literally translate to “of the age of the ages.” So technically, “forever and ever” is a paraphrase, but it is probably the closest English expression to expressing the idea of the Greek words.

Meaning Explained

Paul is now closing the prayer for the members of the church in Ephesus (and by extension for all Christians). This prayer, which began in verse fourteen, contains four petitions:

That the Father would strengthen us internally by the Holy Spirit
That Christ would settle in and dwell in our hearts through faith
That we might experientially know the love of Christ
That we would be filled with all the fullness of God

Take a minute to recognize how effective Paul’s prayer is. All of us who are committed Christians experience all four of those things that Paul prayed for. Thank you, Paul!

In closing his prayer, the Apostle first proclaimed that God has more than enough power to do far more than we could ever ask or think, indicating how mighty He is. Now he proclaims a statement of the recognition that God deserves.

Notice that Paul proclaims the renown, the honor, and the praise that God is due (and which He receives) within the church. Outside the church, however, we see that God receives very little recognition for who He is or for what He has done. Outside the church, God is. Outside the church God’s name is not glorified, it is used as a curse word. For the most part, those outside the church simply want to ignore God and pretend that He doesn’t exist. Like ostriches, they think that if they hide their head in the sand by denying their own sinfulness or God’s sovereignty, they won’t have to face the consequences of their sins. How wrong they are, and how horrified they will be when they finally discover the truth and their fate. However, by then it will be too late!

Application

Like Paul, let us give God the recognition, honor, and praise that He is due. He deserves it all, and we owe Him all that we can possibly give to Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 1:12 – Hopeful Expectation

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Will

that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

Truth to Learn

The hope of all Christians is Jesus the Christ, the Messiah.

Behind the Words

“Christ” is transliterated from the Greek word christos, which is based on the verb chriō, meaning “to anoint.” So, christos refers to “an anointed one.” It is written here with the definite article (the), so it could be translated as “the Christ.” This word is the Greek translation of the Hebrew mashiach, or Messiah.

The words “first trusted” are translated from the Greek verb proelpidzō. This is made up of pro, meaning “before in time or position” and elpidzō which means “to hope.” This hope, however, is not simply wishful desire. It carries the meaning of hoping for something with full expectation of having it come to pass. A better translation of the opening part of this verse would be “that we who hoped in Christ before.”

As we saw back in verse six, “the praise of His glory” is a Hebrew expression that, in this case, focuses on the magnificence of His glory. “Glory” is the word doxa, which refers to “recognition, honor, or splendor.”

Meaning Explained

Throughout the centuries there has been much debate about what Paul means by “we who first trusted in Christ.” Some claim that Paul is referring to Jewish believers in Christ (including the apostles) who believed before the gospel message was delivered to the Gentiles. If we accept the translation “first trusted,” then this might make sense.

Others claim that this is a reference to the Jewish people who had placed their hope in the coming Messiah. It is this sense of the phrase that Paul claimed when he stated his case before King Agrippa:

And now for the hope of the promise having been made by God to the fathers, I stand being judged; to which our twelve tribes, intently night and day worshiping, do hope to come, concerning which hope I am accused, king Agrippa, by the Jews. (Acts 26:6-7)

From the time God told Abraham that the Messiah would be one of his descendants, the Jews have looked forward with hope to the day that their Redeemer, The Messiah, would come.

Another reason for believing this to be Paul’s meaning is that he later talks about Christ uniting Jews and Gentiles:

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might in Himself create the two into one new man, making peace, (Ephesians 2:13-15)

As we pointed out above, the word proelpidzō is best translated as “hoped … before” and the first part of this verse is best translated as “that we who hoped in Christ before.” Thus, it appears that Paul is referring to the Jewish people who placed their hope in the coming Messiah.

Application

Where is your hope today? Is it in the things of this world, or is it in the blood of the spotless Lamb of God? Is your life vision focused on the here and now, of is it focused on eternity?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 1:6 – Amazing Grace

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Will

to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He favored us in the Beloved One.

Truth to Learn

Because of His grace, God loves us with the same love He has for Jesus Christ.

Behind the Words

The word “praise” is translated from epainos, composed of epi, meaning “upon” or “on” and ainos, meaning “praise given for benefits received.” Epainos refers to applause or commendation given in recognition of something that was done.

“Glory” is from 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.”

“Grace” is from charis which we looked at back in verse two. It refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

The expression “favored us” is from charitoō, which is a verb form of charis. It means “to endue with special honor” or “to greatly favor.”

“Beloved” is translated from agapaō, meaning “to love with a perfect, self-sacrificing love.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis in on the effect. That is, God perfectly loved the Second Person of the Godhead (His Son) in the past, and the result is that He is His beloved Son.

Meaning Explained

The opening phrase of this verse, “to the praise of the glory of His grace” is a Hebraism, that is, a method of thought of the Hebrew people. The meaning they would ascribe to this phrase is “to His glorious grace!” In other words, by His choosing us and determining beforehand that we will be adopted as His children, God is shining the spotlight fully on His amazing grace. God did not have to choose us and He did not have to legally make us His children. We do not deserve to be chosen by Him, and we certainly do not deserve to be adopted into His family. And, He did not do these things for our benefit; He did them to show to all of creation how magnificent His grace is.

Were it not for God’s holiness and righteousness, we wouldn’t need His grace. Because He is holy, he is completely separated from all sin and sinfulness. Therefore, but for His grace, He could not fellowship with us. Because He is righteous, He always does what is right, and He must judge (condemn) every sin and every sinner. Therefore, but for His grace, we are condemned as sinners and destined for Hell.

In the second chapter of this letter, Paul will get into a deeper explanation of this marvelous grace of His. For now, he tells us that by this grace, “He graced us in the beloved.” In other words, He showed great favor and bestowed great honor on us by placing us in His beloved Son. In Him we possess all that the Father loves in His Son. Thus, we are perfectly loved!

Application

What a blessing to know that God sees His beloved Son every time He looks at a Christian. The Father loves you and me with the same love with which He has always loved the Son. By His grace, He does not see us in our sin and sinfulness. Instead, He loves us with the love of Christ! How great is that?!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:14 – Let Your Light Shine!

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Will

to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

In heaven we will shine with the brilliant glory of God.

Behind the Words

The word “called” is translated from kaleō, which means “to invite someone to come or to go somewhere or do something.”

“Gospel” is from euangellion, which is a compound word made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of angello, meaning “to proclaim” or “to tell.” Thus, euangellion means “good news.”

Peripoiēsis is the Greek word translated “obtaining.” This word is composed of peri, meaning “around,” indicating acquisition, and poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.” Thus, peripoiēsis literally means, “gathering things around oneself.” It is a picture of someone gathering possessions all around himself or herself. It is most often translated as “gather, acquire, or purchase.”

The word “glory” is from the Greek noun doxa, which primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable human opinion.” In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, or splendor.” Doxa is often used to refer to the splendid appearance or brightness of God’s Shekinah glory. This seems to be the sense in which it is used here.

Meaning Explained

Once again we have a verse that is linked to a previous thought, so we have to look back at a previous verse to see what the connection is. The words “to which” are a reference to “salvation” in the previous verse. Not only were we chosen by God for salvation, as we learned in yesterday’s verse, but He then called us to this salvation by the gospel message.

This is a good verse for those who claim that if God chose who would be saved, then we don’t have to worry about witnessing to others. After all, if God chose them, then they’ll get saved without us having to do anything. However, according to Paul in this verse, it is through the proclamation of the gospel message that we are called to salvation. This should be very familiar to those who have carefully read the eighth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome. There he said,

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

Also notice that both in Romans 8:30 and in today’s verse, the ultimate consummation of our salvation will be that we will have the same magnificent glory as God. I believe that the reason Adam and Eve suddenly knew that they were naked after eating the forbidden fruit is because they lost this glory. In the future, when we are completely justified (without sin) we will have the same Shekinah glory as God. When Adam and Eve sinned, they were no longer justified and lost that glory. And, the prophet Daniel alluded to this glory when he said,

Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)

Application

Some day we will shine as brightly as the stars. Until that day, let your gospel light shine and share the good news with everyone you meet.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:20 – A Joyful Coming

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Will

For you are our glory and joy.

Truth to Learn

There will be rejoicing for Christians when Christ returns.

Behind the Words

The word “glory” is translated from the Greek word doxa. This word primarily means “thought” or “opinion,” especially a favorable opinion. In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, splendor, or light.” Thus, the word doxa, as Paul uses it here, probably refers to the glory we receive as a result of God’s favorable opinion about our faithfulness in serving Him.

“Joy” is from chara, which is based on the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Chara refers to rejoicing or joy.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we were introduced to the idea of the “coming” of the Lord. This is not to be seen simply as a singular event, but as a period of time. This “coming” is one of the major themes of this letter to the Thessalonians. It really has several aspects with respect to Christians and to the unbelieving world.

The first aspect of Christ’s “coming” applies only to the church. It is referenced in 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; and 1 John 2:28. This is Christ’s coming at the rapture, when Christians who “sleep in Jesus” will be resurrected and those of us who are alive and remain will be “caught up together” to eternally be with the Lord. Once we have been raptured, we will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ where we will receive our rewards (in the form of crowns) for the works we have done in His name. The crown mentioned in the previous verse is sometimes referred to as the “soul winner’s crown,” since Paul seems to imply that he anticipates this reward for the gospel work he did in Thessalonica. This aspect of the “coming” is probably what Paul is describing in this verse and the previous one. It is a time when there will be glory and joy for all who have faithfully served God, even in the midst of persecution.

The second aspect of Christ’s “coming” applies to His coming to the earth in judgment of the unbelieving world. This “coming” will occur at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. References to this “coming” include Matthew 24:3, 27; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; and 2 Thessalonians 2:8. At this event Christ, as the conquering King, will come mounted on a white horse to defeat the armies who have mounted one final attack against Israel. This victorious coming is described in Revelation 19:11-15. This passage indicates that His armies are clothed in fine linen, white and clean, riding on white horses. Also, 1 Thessalonians 3:13 indicates that He will be accompanied by “all His saints.” So, the army referenced in Revelation 19:14 probably includes all who have believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (both Christians and Jews).

The final aspect of Christ’s “coming” includes our eternal presence with the Lord. This aspect of His “coming” is referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

Application

For Christians, the “coming” of our Lord is repeatedly portrayed as a time of joyful rejoicing, of victory over sin and death, and eternally being in the physical presence of our Lord. Keep these things in mind when you suffer in this life for being a Christian and for proclaiming His word.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:12 – Walking Worthy

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Will

that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

Truth to Learn

Encouragement and instruction help us to become more godly.

Behind the Words

The word “that” is translated from a form of idiom that Paul uses frequently. It consists of eis to and the infinitive of the following verb. A literal translation would be “unto this thing.” The effect of this idiom is to tie what was just said to what is about to be said. In effect, Paul is saying, “the reason I exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you is so that you might …”

“Walk” is from the Greek verb peripateō. This is made up of peri, meaning “around” or “about” and pateō, meaning “to walk.” So you can see that this verb literally means “to walk around” or “to walk about.” Figuratively, it refers to the manner in which a person lives his or her life.

The word “worthy” is from axiōs, which is derived from agō, meaning “to weigh.” It is a picture of an item being put on a scale to determine its worth or worthiness.

“Calls” is translated from the verb kaleō, which means “to call or to hail someone.” In its primary sense this verb refers to calling someone so that he or she might come or go somewhere. It is expressed here as a present participle, indicating current continuous action.

“Glory” is translated from doxa, which is derived from the verb dokeō, meaning “to think” or “to recognize.” Doxa refers to favorable thought or opinion. In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, glory, or splendor.”

Meaning Explained

Paul says that he performed the functions of a father figure to the Thessalonians so that their lives might measure up to what one would expect from a child of God. In performing the fatherly function, he sometimes had to do the difficult things. Things like scolding and correcting wrong actions and attitudes have to be done if a child is to learn proper behavior. Back in verse eight he informed the Thessalonian believers that they had become dear to him. We noted that the word translated “dear” in that verse is agapētos, indicating a strong motherly or fatherly love for the people. So, like a loving father, Paul did what was necessary to raise them up spiritually.

We find out now that Paul’s motives were not selfish. He was not seeking his own glory. He fathered the Thessalonian church so that these Christians would be able to live their lives in a manner that is worthy of a child of God. We also learn something here regarding how God is treating all of his dear children. There are numerous verses in the New Testament indicating the fact that we have been called to salvation and service by God. Here we learn that he is continually calling us. This is like a father at a soccer game giving a son or daughter instructions and encouragement from the sidelines. Why does God do this? Because He wants us in His kingdom, and He wants us to experience His glory.

Application

Do you have a “father in the Lord,” someone who teaches you, comforts you, and challenges you? When was the last time you thanked him for being a godly example to you? Why not send him a note. It might just be the encouragement he needs today.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:6 – It’s Not About Us

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Will

Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

Truth to Learn

Paul didn’t make personal demands, even when he could have.

Behind the Words

The words “did we seek” are from the Greek verb dzēteō, which means “to seek after” or “to try to find.”

The first occurrence of the word “from” is translated from ex, meaning “out of.” What Paul is saying is that he and his associates did not try to extract praise out of others; they did not manipulate the thoughts of others to receive recognition.

The words “when we might have” are translated from dunamai, meaning “to have the ability or power."

“Made demands” is the translation of baros, which refers to “a weight, a load, or a burden.” So, a literal translation of this portion of the current verse would be, “having the ability to be burdensome.”

Meaning Explained

This is now a third defense given against the accusations that apparently had been leveled against Paul and his co-workers. The first two were that they didn’t minister to the Thessalonians simply to make people feel good, and they didn’t use flattering words and false praises to endear people to themselves or their message.

In today’s verse he says that they didn’t try to manipulate people to draw praise out of them. Their ministry was not about personal glory or recognition. Paul’s ever present goal in his life was to bring praise to God. In fact, later in verse thirteen, he tells them that it wasn’t his own message that he delivered to them, it was the word of God.

He now makes an interesting comment to the Christians in Thessalonica. He says, in effect, “We had every right to be a burden to you, to make demands of you, because we are apostles of Christ, but we didn’t do so.” There are some who think this is a reference to the fact that the apostles didn’t expect financial support from the Thessalonians while they were ministering there. Verse nine seems to support this belief. Others, including Calvin, believed he is saying that the apostles could have used their authority to demand unqualified obedience from those to whom they ministered, but they didn’t. Paul had similar things to say to the Corinthian Christians in 1Corinthians 9:8-15.

One final note on this verse, notice that Paul uses the word apostles (plural). This implies that Paul believed that at least Silvanus and possibly Timothy were also apostles of Christ.

Application

Some people within the church seem to expect to receive recognition or praise for the work they do. That’s not why Paul worked as hard as he did, and we shouldn’t either. We should all put as much effort into our ministries as we possibly can, not expecting anything in return. Instead, let’s serve Him so that God will get all the glory and all the praise.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 3:21 – Praise God!

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Will

to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Truth to Learn

God deserves all our praise!

Behind the Words

“Church” is from the Greek word ekklēsia, a compound word made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and a form of kaleō, meaning “to call someone.” Therefore, ekklēsia refers to “a called out group of people.” It was a common term for a congregation or “citizens who were called out to assemble for a public meeting.”

Meaning Explained

Paul is now closing the prayer for the members of the church in Ephesus (and by extension for all Christians). This prayer, which began in verse fourteen, contains four petitions:

That the Father would strengthen us internally by the Holy Spirit
That Christ would dwell in our hearts through faith
That we might experientially know the love of Christ
That we would be filled with all the fullness of God

Take a minute to recognize how effective Paul’s prayer is. All of us who are committed Christians experience all four of those things that Paul prayed for. Thank you, Paul!

Notice that Paul proclaims the renown, the honor, and the praise that God is due (and which He receives) within the church. Outside the church, however, we see that God receives very little recognition for who He is or for what He has done. For the most part, those outside the church want to ignore God. Like ostriches, they think that if they hide their head in the sand by denying their own sinfulness or God’s sovereignty, they won’t have to face the consequences of their sins. How wrong they are, and how horrified they will be when they finally discover the truth and their fate.

Application

Like Paul, let us give God the recognition, honor, and praise that He is due. He deserves it all, and we owe Him all that we can possibly give to Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 1:12 – Hopeful Expectation

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 1:12 – Hopeful Expectation

that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

Truth to Learn

The hope of all Christians is Jesus the Christ, the Messiah.

Behind the Words

Meaning Explained

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. (Acts 26:6-7)

From the time God told Abraham that the Messiah would be one of his descendants, the Jews have looked forward with hope to the day that their Redeemer would come.

Another reason for believing this to be Paul’s meaning is that he later talks about Christ uniting Jews and Gentiles:

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, (Ephesians 2:13-15)

Thus, it appears that Paul’s reference to “we who first hoped in the Christ” is a reference to the Jewish people.

Application

Where is your hope today? Is it in the things of this world, or is it in the blood of the spotless Lamb of God?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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