Tag: pas

Ephesians 3:15 – Father, God

Posted on by Will

from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

Truth to Learn

God, the Father, is the head of our holy family.

 

Behind the Words

“From” is translated from the Greek preposition ek, which most often translates as “out of.” When used with the genitive case, as it is here, it indicates “coming from the origin or source of something.”

The word “whole” is from pas, which can be translated as “all, any, every, or the whole.” Expressed here in the singular defining a singular noun (family), it expresses the idea of “all” or “the whole.”

The word “family” is translated from patria, which is derived from pater, meaning “father.” Patria expresses a group of people descendent from the same father. Thus, the most accurate translation of the opening of this verse is “from whom the whole family …” as we have in our translation here.

The words “is named” are translated from the Greek verb onomadzō, which means “to call by a name” or “to be named.”

 

Meaning Explained

Continuing from yesterday’s verse, we saw that Paul was expressing the notion of bowing his knee, that is worshipping, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In that verse we made a special point that of the three persons of the Trinity we are to worship and pray to the Father, not the Son or the Holy Spirit.

You may recall back in verse eleven we talked about the plan that the three persons of the Godhead put together before anything was created. As part of that plan, those who would be saved were chosen (Ephesians 1:4) and the method of revealing the mystery of the church was determined. Another significant part of that plan was how the three persons of the Trinity were to relate to each other. The father was to be the highest in authority, which Jesus (the Son) affirmed:

Then Jesus said to them, When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, these things I speak. (John 8:28)

He made similar statements in John 5:19; John 5:30; John 7:28; and John 14:10. Likewise, Jesus told us that both He and the Father had authority over the Holy Spirit:

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you … (John 14:26)

"But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father … (John 15:26)

And, it is with this same authority, given by the Father, that Jesus sent His disciples:

So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." (John 20:21)

Now Paul tells us that he worships the Father and identifies Him as the supreme authority, saying from Him the whole family gets its name. Not the name “Christian,” for that only describes those of us in the church age who are saved, but the family of God the Father of the righteous in heaven and earth. This family includes Old Testament saints, New Testament saints (Christians), and those who will be saved during the tribulation and the millennium.

 

Application

Christians have a very special place in the family of God. Not only are we His children, but we have been set-apart as the bride of His Son. We will inherit His eternal estate and we will live in His home with Him forever! Hallelujah!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 2:21 – Temple Building

Posted on by Will

in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,

Truth to Learn

Every Christian is part of the temple of God.

 

Behind the Words

The words “the whole” are translated from a form of pas, which can mean “all” or “every.” So this could be translated as “all the building” or “the whole building.”

“Building” is from the Greek word oikodomē, which is very similar to the word translated “having been built on” in the previous verse. This word can refer either to “the act of building” or to “the building” itself.

The verb sunarmologeō is translated here as “being fitted together.” This word is made up of sun, meaning “together,” harmos “to join things together,” and legō, which means “to lay forth” or “to say a word.” Putting these all together, we find that sunarmologeō means “to lay things closely joined together,” as one would do with stones or bricks in building a structure. The word is expressed here as a present participle, indicating that it is action that is continually taking place.

The word “grows” is from auxanō, which means “to grow” or “to increase.” This word is expressed in the present tense, indicative mood, which implies current continuous action.

“Temple” is translated from naos. This is derived from the verb naiō, meaning “to dwell.” Naos refers to “a shrine” or “a temple” where a deity dwells. There is another word in Greek, often translated “temple.” It is hieron, which refers to the entire temple area or temple grounds. Naos, however, refers specifically to the central building in the temple area.

 

Meaning Explained

In the Greek text there is no definite article associated with the word oikodomē, which introduces some ambiguity as to whether Paul is talking about every believer being a holy temple, or the whole church being a single, holy temple. However, since both “building” and “temple” are singular Greek words and the following verse says that “you [plural] are being built together for a dwelling place [singular] for God,” there is strong evidence that Paul is referring to the entire church as the building.

Assuming that this is, in fact, what Paul was expressing, we are told here that the church, which is composed of every believer from the beginning of time, is continually being built by God. Each member of the church has a place in the building and is put in place joined closely together with those around him or her. Later in this letter (Ephesians 4:12) Paul will refer to the church as “the body of Christ.” Also. in his first letter to the Corinthians, he refers to the church as “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Since Paul uses both of these metaphors to refer to the church universal, we can see that the church, whether a living body or a building, is continually being built. And, we see from this verse, that the church is the central temple (dwelling place) of God, Himself. We are all part of the body, and we are all part of the holy temple where God lives.

 

Application

Whether we consider the church to be the temple of God or the body of Christ, we each have a part in it. Each and every Christian has an important function to perform. Are you performing your function? Are you being used by God as part of the church? If not, you’re not fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 1:22 – Supreme Authority

Posted on by Will

And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for your sins and He is now your supreme authority with regard to all things physical and spiritual.

 

Behind the Words

The words “put … under” are translated from hupotassō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and tassō, meaning “to place in an orderly arrangement.” Thus, hupotassō means “to intentionally place in a lower position.”

“Gave” is from the Greek verb didōmi, which means “to give” or “to grant.”

The word “head” is from the noun kephalē, which refers to “a head.” It can refer to the physical head of a body or, metaphorically, it can refer to “the supreme position of authority” as it does here.

“All” is the translation of the Greek word pas. It is expressed here in the neuter gender. Therefore, it refers to “all things.”

The Greek word ekklēsia is translated “church.” Ekklēsia is made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of kaleō, meaning “to call.” So, ekklēsia refers to something that has been “called out.” Originally, this word referred to an assembly of citizens who were called out by civil authorities. It is used throughout the New Testament, however, to refer to the church, either a local assembly or the world-wide church. The church is a reference to all of us who have been called out of the world system into God’s family.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul has been talking about the awesome power that God displayed when He raised Jesus Christ from the dead. As He did this, He also seated Jesus at His right hand, the position of greatest honor. In this position He is far above all of creation, both physical and spirit. This is an indication of the supreme position of honor in which Jesus has been placed. Now, to emphasize the point a little bit more, Paul says that God the Father also put all of creation beneath His feet. This is a direct fulfillment of the words spoken in the Psalms:

You have made him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, (Psalms 8:6)

In other words, Jesus Christ is not only supreme in honor, but He is also supreme in authority. All of creation must submit to the authority of Jesus Christ or face the outpouring of His wrath. Those who submit to His authority during this life will not experience His wrath at the judgment. Notice that as Christians, we are commanded to submit to the authority of Jesus Christ and we are commanded to submit to each other as well, as Paul teaches later in this letter (see Ephesians 5:21).

As supreme authority over all of creation, Jesus has also been given a special position with regard to all Christians. He is our Lord individually, but He is also placed in the highest position regarding the church. He is the head of the church. That is, He is our supreme spiritual authority. 

 

Application

As a Christian, you have humbled yourself before God and accepted the blood of Jesus as payment for your sins. At the same time, you placed yourself under His authority. Jesus Christ is not only your Savior, He is your Lord and Master.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 3:21 – Focus on Him

Posted on by Will

Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours:

Truth to Learn

We need to keep our focus on God and humbly serve Him.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the Greek word hōste. This word is made up of hōs, meaning “as” and the particle te, meaning “and” which serves to connect the following clause more closely to the previous one. As a result, this word means “therefore, accordingly, and so, or thus.”

The word “boast” is from kauchaomai, which means “to boast, to glory, or to exult,” either in a good manner or bad. In this verse, it is used in a bad sense, meaning “to brag without reason.”

The word translated “all things” is translated from the Greek word pas, meaning “all” or “every.” It is expressed here in the neuter plural, so it means “all things” or “everything.”

“Are” is from the verb of being, eimi. It is expressed in the second person singular, so the last part of this verse could be translated, “For everything is yours.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous three verses, Paul was speaking to the teachers in the church in Corinth, warning them not to depend on worldly techniques in their teaching. In this and the following two verses, he is speaking to all of us. Paul’s entire letter up to this point has been centered on the fact that there were divisions in the church because people placed the importance of one teacher over another. They had been bragging about who the real leader was and identifying themselves with him. Back in 1 Corinthians 1:12, Paul said:

Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ."

When we put too much importance on the messenger instead of the message, we take the credit away from God and give it to men. In his second letter to this church, quoting Proverbs 27:2, Paul says:

But "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord." (2 Corinthians 10:17)

And, in his letter to the Christians in Galatia, Paul says:

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ … (Galatians 6:14a)

The Corinthian Christians were focused on people and things of this world instead of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul now tells them (and us) that boasting in men is wrong because all believers share equally in the grace of God and the gifts He has given us for building up the church. Some people in the church have a more prominent position, while others work behind the scenes. It doesn’t matter whether we are up front preaching to thousands of people or sweeping floors and emptying trash. Our focus needs to be on God, we need to be focused on Him and serve Him with all our heart.

Application

Don’t place too much importance on other people within the church or the gifts that God has given them. Instead, humbly serve God in the task He has assigned you and gifted you for.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 2:10 – The Spirit Reveals

Posted on by Will

But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

Truth to Learn

The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of the gospel to Christians.

Behind the Words

“Has revealed” is translated from the verb apokaluptō. This word is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and kaluptō, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” Therefore, we see that apokaluptō means “to uncover” or “to reveal.”

The words “to us” are from the first person plural personal pronoun humin, meaning “to us, by us, or in us.” As we have mentioned before, word order is important in Greek. In the Greek text, this is the first word in this sentence, indicating special emphasis on this word.

“Searches” is from the Greek verb ereunaō, which means “to search into,” “to investigate,” or “to explore.”

The words “all things” are from the Greek word pas, meaning “all” or “every.” It is expressed in the neuter person, so it refers to “all things” or “everything.”

Bathē is the Greek word translated “deep things.” It refers to something that is deep, like the ocean. Metaphorically, it refers to something that is very great or profound.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been talking about God’s wisdom in His plan of salvation. This truth is hidden from the minds and hearts of natural man but is now being revealed to those who believe God’s truth. You may recall that Paul told us that “the rulers of this age” did not, and do not, understand the wisdom of God. Instead, they think they are wise in their own reasonings, which God sees as foolishness. In yesterday’s verse we were told that the natural mind of man cannot understand God’s wisdom. But now, we learn why Christians can understand this wisdom.

We are told here that the understanding of God’s plan of salvation is revealed to us (those who believe His truth regarding the substitutionary death and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God) by His Spirit. When Jesus was speaking to a crowd of people, He thanked the Father for hiding these truths from the “wise and prudent” and for revealing them to us:

At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes." (Matthew 11:25)

Notice that our salvation is the work of all three persons of the godhead. The father chose us (Ephesians 1:3, 4; 1 Peter 1:2), the Son gave His life for us (1 Thessalonians 4:14), and the Holy Spirit reveals the truth to us (1 Corinthians 2:10, John 16:12-14). Also notice that even though Christ’s death was sufficient to pay the penalty for everyone’s sins, without the Father having chosen us and the Holy Spirit having revealed the truth to us, we could not be saved.

Application

These truths about our election, God’s choice to save us and the revealing of this truth to us by the Holy Spirit, are hard to accept by many Christians. Instead, they want to believe that salvation is based on their own choice to believe the truth. However, the Bible clearly teaches that our salvation is God’s work, not our own. This should cause us to be humbly grateful.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 1:5 – Birthday Gifts

Posted on by Will

that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge,

Truth to Learn

Christians are given spiritual gifts at the moment of salvation.

Behind the Words

The words “you were enriched” are translated from the Greek verb ploutidzō, which is derived from the noun ploutos, meaning “wealth” or “riches.” Therefore, ploutidzō means “to make wealthy” or “to make rich.” It is expressed here in the passive voice, indicating something done to the subject (you). It is also expressed in the aorist tense, indicating something that was done at a point in time in the past. So, we could translate this as “you were made rich.”

“Everything” is a neuter form of pas, meaning “all things” or “everything.” It expresses the totality of things.

The word “utterance” is from the Greek noun logos, which refers to “something said.” However, this word represents more than just the words themselves; it includes the thoughts behind the words.

Gnosis is the word translated “knowledge.” More specifically, it refers to the act of knowing something. It indicates more than just being aware of something. It indicates an acceptance and belief of some fact or facts.

Meaning Explained

You may recall that Paul is in the midst of a prayer for the Corinthian Christians, thanking God for blessings that they had already received from God. In yesterday’s verse he talked about the grace that they (and we) received that resulted in their salvation. Part of that grace includes the wealth that they (and we) received. We will see a few verses down the road that part of the riches that they received was spiritual gifts. The thing to note here is that these riches were bestowed at a point in time in the past. Since he is talking about these riches being part of God’s grace, it is clear that these things were given at the time of our salvation. In other words, we do not have to pray for any spiritual gift to be given to us because whatever gifts God bestows on us were given to us at the point in time that we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

It’s interesting that Paul couples together utterance and knowledge. Knowledge, the internalization or acceptance of facts, can only come as a result of something being communicated to us. Conversely, we can only declare that which we already know. So we see that utterance and knowledge are the tools that are used to pass along the glorious truth of salvation in Christ Jesus.

As we will see later in this letter, the church at Corinth was particularly blessed with spiritual gifts. However, the members of this church had placed inordinate value on some of the lesser gifts (like the gift of tongues, or languages) and much less value in some of the greater gifts (like the gift of prophesy, the proclamation of spiritual truths and doctrine). This problem is just as prevalent is some churches today where the sign gifts are considered more desirable than the edifying gifts.

Application

At the moment of your salvation (your spiritual birthday), you were given certain specific abilities (spiritual gifts) that are intended for the building up of the church. You don’t have to pray for them or wait for them. You already have them. Are you using them for God’s glory? 

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 1:2 – A Letter to You

Posted on by Will

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Truth to Learn

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to all Christians of all ages.

Behind the Words

Ekklēsia is the Greek word translated “church.” This word is made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of the verb kaleō, meaning “to call.” It literally refers to “the called out ones.” Originally, this word referred to an assembly of citizens who were called out by civil authorities. It is used throughout the New Testament, however, to refer to the church, either a local assembly or the world-wide church.

“Sanctified” is translated from the Greek verb hagiadzō, which is based on hagos, meaning “that which inspires awe.” The basic meaning of hagiodzō is “to set apart from common use as something without blemish to be used in the service of God.”

The word “saints” is from the same root as hagiadzō. It refers to someone whom God has declared to be without sin.

“All” is translated from the Greek word pas, which carries the idea of “oneness and a totality of the whole.”

Meaning Explained

Paul wrote this letter to the ekklēsia in Corinth. Ekklēsia is roughly equivalent to the word sunagōgē (synagogue), which specifically refers to “those who have been gathered together.” However, sunagōgē is used in the New Testament to refer to a gathering of people of the Jewish faith. Early in the life of the New Testament church, the gathering of Christian believers was referred to as an episunagōgē to distinguish it from a gathering of Jews only. The term ekklēsia was first used by Christ as recorded in Matthew’s gospel (Matthew 16:18, 18:17) and is used by all of the other New Testament writers with the exception of Mark.

Paul says that we are “called saints.” This does not simply mean that we are referred to as saints, but that we are saints who have been “called” or “appointed” as saints by God. In the New Testament, Christians are often referred to as saints. It means that God has set us apart from the rest of humanity because He has declared us to be righteous, or without sin. In the third chapter of Romans, Paul goes to great lengths to explain that although we are all sinners, the price of that sin has been paid by the blood of Christ and, as a result, we who believe have the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. As part of granting us that righteousness, God set us apart for His use; therefore, all believers are saints. It is not an act of the church or a pronouncement from the Pope that makes us saints; it is a pronouncement of God.

Paul specifically wrote this letter to the saints in Corinth, but he makes it very clear in today’s verse that the teaching in this letter is to all Christians. In his address he says, “with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” This means that if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then this letter was also written to you.

Application

As we take our daily walk through this letter from the Apostle Paul, keep in mind that he wrote it to you!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – No Worries, Mate

Posted on by Will

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

Truth to Learn

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

Behind the Words

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

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

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

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

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

Meaning Explained

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

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

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

Application

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

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Thankful For Everything

Posted on by Will

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Truth to Learn

Christians are to be thankful for everything!

Behind the Words

The word translated “everything” is pas, meaning “all.” It includes the idea of plurality, meaning “all the parts” or “every.” In this verse it is expressed as a neuter adjective, so it could be translated as “all things” or “everything.”

“Give thanks” is from the Greek verb eucharisteō, which is composed of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of charidzomai, meaning “to grant” or “to give.” Thus, eucharisteō means “to express gratitude” or “to give thanks.”

Meaning Explained

In the past two verses, Paul has given us a couple of commands regarding Christian attitudes: always rejoicing and ceaseless prayer. He now adds a third attitude that we are to have: giving thanks for everything. This is not the only place in the New Testament where we are told to give thanks for everything. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul said:

giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (Ephesians 5:20)

And, in his letter to the Colossians, he said:

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17)

Also, in his letter to the Philippian Christians, Paul said:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6)

As with giving praise, however, it is difficult for us to be thankful for situations in which we feel physical or emotional pain. However, James has given us a similar command in the first chapter of his letter:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

Yes, it’s hard to be filled with joy and to give thanks to God for trials and troubles, but it’s what God expects from Christians. Doing so will produce patience in us, as James told us. But we also know that God will use even these difficult times to produce good, as Paul told the Christians in Rome:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Finally, the reason we should give thanks for everything that happens is because it’s God’s will for every Christian. In fact, the grammatical construction in the Greek text indicates that everything in this and the previous two verses (rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything) are part of God’s will for every Christian.

Application

Whether we’re healthy or sick, whether we’re rich or poor, whether life is easy or hard, whether we feel like it or not, it is our responsibility to give thanks to God. It is what God wants and what He expects. Let’s get on our knees right now and thank God for everything in our lives!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:5 – Spiritual Enlightenment

Posted on by Will

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Truth to Learn

Christians have spiritual understanding given to us by the Holy Spirit.

Behind the Words

“You” is from humeis, the second person plural pronoun.

The word translated “sons” is huios, which means “a male descendant.” However, it is often used in the New Testament to refer to a child, male or female.

Pas is the root word translated here as “all.” It carries the idea of “oneness” or “the totality of something.” Therefore, pas refers to “all of something without anything being left out.”

“Light” is from the Greek word phōs (or phōtos), which is derived from the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make visible.” This, phōs refers to “that which shines” or “that which makes visible.” In other words, it refers to light. It is used both of physical light or spiritual light (enlightenment).

The word “day” is from the Greek word hēmera, which can refer to a complete twenty-four hour period or to that portion of the day in which the sun is shining (daytime).

Meaning Explained

In order to completely understand Paul’s teaching here we need to understand that Paul was brought up as a Hebrew. The Hebrew language, like most other languages, has idiomatic expressions that don’t always translate easily into other languages. For instance, the Hebrew expression “with four eyes,” as in “the two men met with four eyes,” means that the two men met face to face without anyone else present. Paul often uses such Hebrew idioms (called Hebraisms) in his writing, even though he is writing in Greek.

The expression in the previous verse, “you are not in darkness” is a Hebraism meaning “you are not ignorant, unaware, or unenlightened.” Likewise, the expression “sons of light” is a Hebraism meaning “children of God, the heavenly Father, who is light and in whom is no darkness at all.” Throughout the Bible, the metaphor of light (with respect to God) is a reference to His holiness, righteousness, and sinlessness. As His adopted children, we have been given the righteousness of Christ. In Genesis 15:6 we read that Abraham was credited with righteousness because of his faith. Similarly, a Christian, one who has faith in the saving blood of Christ, is seen by God as completely righteous. In God’s record book we are sinless, righteous, and holy. Hence, we are children of light.

And – because we are righteous children of light, our minds are illuminated by the Spirit of God so that we can understand spiritual things like God’s coming judgment of the world of sinners. “We are not of the night nor of darkness” is another Hebraism meaning that we are not ignorant sinners marching mindlessly towards God’s judgment and destruction.

Finally, note that Paul starts off this verse with “you,” speaking directly to those to whom he is teaching, but then says “we,” indicating that all Christians are in the same category.

Application

Unsaved people cannot understand the Bible because they are not spiritually enlightened like we are (see 1 Corinthians 2:10, 11). We, on the other hand, are taught by the Holy Spirit, and we can know future things as taught to us in Scripture.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved