Tag: apodidomi

Romans 13:7 – Yes, Taxes! Really!

Posted on by Will

Therefore give to everyone what is due to them: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Truth to Learn

Christians should submit to all authorities and pay taxes.

 

Behind the Words

“Give” is translated from the Greek word apodidōmi, which is made up of apo, meaning “off or away” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” Hence, apodidōmi means “to give away” or “to give over.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “due” is from opheilē, which means “indebtedness or that which is owed.”

The word “taxes” is from the Greek noun phoros, which we looked at in the previous verse. Today we would call it a property tax or a sales tax.

“Customs” is from the Greek word telos, which properly means “the end, termination, or completion of a thing.” Figuratively, however, it refers to “a toll, custom, or tribute, particularly what is paid for public purposes for the maintenance of the state.” This can be roughly equated to our national income tax. In the New Testament a “publican” or “tax collector” was referred to as a telōnēs (literally, a tax farmer).

 

Meaning Explained

Since all of those in authority over us are put there by God, including those government officials who are corrupt or dishonest, we need to show the proper submission and respect to their position. The Apostle Paul says that we are to give them what is due them (what we owe them). This is encompassed in four areas according to Paul. The first two areas are taxes imposed by authorities, including such taxes as sales tax, property tax, and state and federal income taxes.

The next area, Paul tells us, is that we are to show fear those to whom fear is due. That is, we should have a respectful fear of those who have the task of keeping the public peace and order. This most likely refers to police or military personnel who are assigned to keep the public safety. And finally, Paul tells us that we are to give honor to whom honor is due. The difference between honor and fear is that honor denotes reverence, veneration, and respect, whereas fear is that which arises from the dread of punishment.”

Jesus gave us a couple of good examples of a couple of these types of submission. The first is in Matthew 22:15-21. In this passage Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees and Herodians, asking whether or not it is proper to give tribute to Caesar. Jesus’ response was:

Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's.

The second is at the end of the 17th chapter of Matthew. When the temple tax collectors came and challenged Peter about paying the drachma (the temple tax). Jesus told Peter to cast a fishing line into the sea and catch a fish. In the fish’s mouth was found precisely the amount to pay the temple tax for both Peter and Jesus, and it was paid.

 

Application

If Jesus was willing to pay tribute to Caesar and pay the temple tax to corrupt religious leaders, then we should gladly follow His example!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 12:17 – Reactive or Proactive?

Posted on by Will

Repay no one evil for evil, giving thought to do what is good in the sight of all men.

Truth to Learn

We should be benevolently proactive, not selfishly reactive.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “repay” is apodidomi, which is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” Hence apodidōmi means “to give away” of “to deliver up.” In the current context it can certainly be interpreted as “repay,” although it does not imply repayment of something owed.

“Evil” is from the Greek word kakos, referring to “that which is worthless in and of itself.” It does not refer to a bad effect (that would be the word ponēros) but to an intrinsic worthlessness. Thus, kakos usually refers to an evil thing or an evil action.

The words “giving thought” are translated from pronoeō. This is made up of pro, meaning “before, in place or time” and noeō, which refers to “action of the mind (to think, perceive, or consider).” Thus, we see that pronoeō means “to consider in advance, to plan ahead, or to premeditate.”

“Good” is from kalos, which refers to “that which is good in quality or character.” It is often translated as “beautiful.”

 

Meaning Explained

In this verse Paul contrasts two thoughts. Do you see what they are? He says,

Don’t be reactive and respond with evil acts when evil acts are done to you. Instead, be proactive and consider ahead of time what good things you are going to do for others.

When someone does something to us that is unkind, offensive, hurtful, or just downright mean, our first reaction is to respond in kind and “get even.” I’m sure we’ve all heard the expression, “I don’t get mad – I get even.” That’s precisely what Paul is telling us not to do. Don’t allow your sin nature to control your actions. That’s the result of our “flesh” which Paul was talking about back in chapter 8 when he said:

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity toward God; for it is not submitted to the law of God, indeed it can’t be. But those who are in the flesh are not able to please God. (Romans 8:5-8)

We should not behave like the unsaved do. They are slaves to their flesh and have no choice but to obey it because they are spiritually dead. But we have been set free from the bondage of our flesh and are now spiritually alive. We have a choice and that choice should always be to do good, not evil.

 

Application

Do you want to please God? If so, then you need to let His Spirit control your thoughts and actions, not your own flesh. Your choices are to please yourself or to please God. Which will it be?

“Ouch! That makes my own toes hurt!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 2:6 – Judgment of Works

Posted on by Will

who "will render to each one according to his deeds":

Truth to Learn

Everyone’s works will be judged by God.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “render” is apodidōmi, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” Hence, it means “to give away” or “to hand out.”

 

Meaning Explained

By itself, today’s verse makes little sense, but when tied in with the previous verse it makes a lot of sense.

5But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6who "will render to each one according to his deeds":

Today’s verse is actually a quotation taken from the Psalms (Psalms 24:12 and Psalms 62:12). The day of wrath and judgment that is talked about in verse 5 is the judgment of the unrighteous (the unsaved.) This will occur at the Great White Throne Judgment spoken of in Revelation 20:12-15:

And I saw the dead, the great and the small, stand before the throne. And books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead in it. And death and hell delivered up the dead in them. And each one of them was judged according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And if anyone was not found having been written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire.

The “if” clause in the last verse (Rev 20:15) is expressed as a first class condition in the Greek, implying that it is true. So this could be paraphrased as: And no one was found having been written in the Book of Life, each was cast into the Lake of Fire. This is part of the evidence that believers will not be at this judgment; only the condemned unsaved will be there.

Paul, in Romans 2:6, is expressing what will happen at this judgment as well. Notice in the Revelation passage that the dead are judged according to their works. That’s exactly what Paul is saying in today’s verse: God will render His judgment to each person according to his (or her) works.

Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal savior and Lord will not appear at the Great White Throne Judgment. Our names are written in the Book of Life, not because of our works, but because of belief in His work (on the Cross). That is not to say that our works won’t be judged. They will be judged at the Bema Seat (the judgment seat of Christ) mentioned in Romans 14:12 and 2Corinthians 5:10, where we will be rewarded for our good works.

 

Application

Just because you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior doesn’t mean that you don’t have to be actively doing godly works. We all need to be busy building up the body of Christ, doing the deeds He has called us to do. Get to work for Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 4:5 – Divine Vengeance

Posted on by Will

They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Truth to Learn

When we are slandered by others for doing what God wants, we need to remember that He will judge them some day.

 

Behind the Words

The words “will give” are translated from the verb apodidōmi, which is made up of apo, meaning “away” or “from” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” The Complete Word Study Dictionary defines this word as, “To give or to do something necessary in fulfillment of an obligation or expectation.” The word is used here in the future tense, active voice, and indicative mood. This implies future action that will (not might) take place.

“Ready” is translated from etoimos, which is an adverb indicating “readiness, having made all the necessary preparations.”

 

Meaning Explained

Those with whom you used to charge headlong into sin, those who are now railing on you for leaving such practices, will have to give account of themselves to the Great Judge some day. Peter is reiterating the fact that there is but one righteous judge, and as he previously said of Christ:

who, being reviled, did not revile in return; suffering, He did not threaten, but committing Himself to Him who judges righteously; (1 Peter 2:23)

Likewise, we need to be prepared to receive such slanderous accusations at the hands of others from whom we have separated ourselves.

If we are being obedient to God, there will be times when we are asked to cease doing things that are glorifying man instead of God (for this truly is idolatry). Those from whom we separate will not understand why we have done such a thing. They may very well slander us and our Lord, whether we’re aware of it or not, and we are to expect it. We are to suffer patiently for having done the right thing, knowing that it is they who will have to give account of such slander to the Righteous One who will judge all mankind one day. And, that judge will be none other than Jesus Christ Himself:

And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify fully that it is He [Jesus of Nazareth] who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42)

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is about to judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: (2Timothy 4:1)

So let us suffer patiently and humble ourselves before the One who has said:

“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Hebrews 10:30)

 

Application

Can you think of a time when you were obedient to God and then suffered due to the words of others who felt injured by your obedience? If so, then you have suffered for righteousness sake and you are blessed, as Peter told us in 1Peter 3:14.

You are pleasing to God.

Well done, you good and faithful servant!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:15 – Do Good, Not Evil

Posted on by Will

See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for one another and for all.

Truth to Learn

Don’t retaliate when you experience evil. Do good instead.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “renders” is apodidōmi, which is composed of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” Literally, it means “to give from,” that is, to act in response to action done. Specifically, it refers to retaliation. Some translations have this as “return” or “repay.”

Kakos is the Greek word translated “evil.” This word refers to external actions that are “worthless, bad, or evil.” A different Greek word, ponēros, refers to wickedness or maliciousness as an internal motivation.

“For” is translated from anti, meaning “opposite” or “against.” Here it indicates action directed against someone else.

“Always” is from pantote, which is made up of a form of pas, meaning “all” and tote, meaning “then, in terms of time.” Thus, pantote means “all the time” or “always.”

The word “pursue” is from the verb diokō, which means “to pursue (in a good sense” or “to persecute (in a bad sense).”

Agathos is the word translated “good.” It refers to the quality or characteristic of goodness or usefulness.

 

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse, Paul taught us how we are to respond to certain issues within the church. We need to caution those who are unruly or disruptive, reminding them of the need for peace and orderly conduct in the church. We also need to provide comfort and encouragement for those who are overcome with fear and doubt. And, we need to support those who are weak physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He also said that we are to do these things with an attitude of patience.

Now he tells us what not to do, and what to do instead. Each one of us at one time or another has been the recipient of malicious action, whether it was intentional or not. The normal response, driven by our sin nature, is to strike back – to get even. After all, the Old Testament teaches “an eye for an eye,” right? But that’s not what the New Testament teaches. Paul says, “Don’t repay evil for evil.” Instead of retaliating for something evil that was done to us, Paul says we need to go after what is good.

Jesus Christ is our perfect example of this. He claimed to be the Son of God (which He truly is), thus claiming to be equal with God. (Matthew 26:63, 64) Because of this, He was condemned to die. He was then ridiculed, beaten, and hung on a cross to die. Even those standing around him said, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” (Matthew 27:40) Jesus did not deserve any of this kind of treatment, and He could have simply spoken the words and those mocking Him would have died. Instead, he chose to do what was ultimately the kindest, most loving thing anyone has ever done. He stayed on the cross and gave His life as payment for your sins and mine. He did what was good for all.

 

Application

The next time someone does something evil to you, remember what Jesus did for you. Remember what Paul teaches us: pursue what is good for all. This will glorify God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:15 – Do Good, Not Evil

Posted on by Will

See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

Truth to Learn

Don’t retaliate when you experience evil. Do good instead.

Behind the Words

The word translated “renders” is apodidōmi, which is composed of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” Literally, it means “to give from,” that is, to act in response to action done. Specifically, it refers to retaliation. Some translations have this as “return” or “repay.”

Kakos is the Greek word translated “evil.” This word refers to external actions that are “worthless, bad, or evil.” A different Greek word, ponēros, refers to wickedness or maliciousness as an internal motivation.

“For” is translated from anti, meaning “opposite” or “against.” Here it indicates action directed against someone else.

“Always” is from pantote, which is made up of a form of pas, meaning “all” and tote, meaning “then, in terms of time.” Thus, pantote means “all the time” or “always.”

The word “pursue” is from the verb diokō, which means “to pursue (in a good sense” or “to persecute (in a bad sense).”

Agathos is the word translated “good.” It refers to the quality or characteristic of goodness or usefulness.

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse, Paul taught us how we are to respond to certain issues within the church. We need to caution those who are unruly or disruptive, reminding them of the need for peace and orderly conduct in the church. We also need to provide comfort and encouragement for those who are overcome with fear and doubt. And, we need to support those who are weak physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He also said that we are to do these things with an attitude of patience.

Now he tells us what not to do, and what to do instead. Each one of us at one time or another has been the recipient of malicious action, whether it was intentional or not. The normal response, driven by our sin nature, is to strike back – to get even. After all, the Old Testament teaches “an eye for an eye,” right? But that’s not what the New Testament teaches. Paul says, “Don’t repay evil for evil.” Instead of retaliating for something evil that was done to us, Paul says we need to go after what is good.

Jesus Christ is our perfect example of this. He claimed to be the Son of God (which He truly is), thus claiming to be equal with God. (Matthew 26:63, 64) Because of this, He was condemned to die. He was then ridiculed, beaten, and hung on a cross to die. Even those standing around him said, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” (Matthew 27:40) Jesus did not deserve any of this kind of treatment, and He could have simply spoken the words and those mocking Him would have died. Instead, he chose to do what was ultimately the kindest, most loving thing anyone has ever done. He stayed on the cross and gave His life as payment for your sins and mine. He did what was good for all.

Application

The next time someone does something evil to you, remember what Jesus did for you. Remember what Paul teaches us: pursue what is good for all. This will glorify God.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 13:7 – Yes, Taxes! Really!

Posted on by Will

Romans 13:7 – Yes, Taxes! Really!

Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Truth to Learn

Christians should submit to all authorities and pay taxes.

Behind the Words

“Render” is translated from the Greek word apodidōmi, which is made up of apo, meaning “off or away” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” Hence, apodidōmi means “to give away” or “to give over.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “due” is from opheilē, which means “indebtedness or that which is owed.”

The word “taxes” is from the Greek noun phoros, which we looked at in the previous verse. Today we would call it a property tax or a sales tax.

“Customs” is from the Greek word telos, which properly means “the end, termination, or completion of a thing.” Figuratively, however, it refers to “a toll, custom, or tribute, particularly what is paid for public purposes for the maintenance of the state.” This can be roughly equated to our national income tax. In the New Testament a “publican” or “tax collector” was referred to as a telōnēs (literally, a tax farmer).

Meaning Explained

Since all of those in authority over us are put there by God, including those government officials who are corrupt or dishonest, we need to show the proper submission and respect to their position. The Apostle Paul says that we are to give them what is due them (what we owe them). This is encompassed in four areas according to Paul. The first two areas are taxes imposed by authorities, including such taxes as sales tax, property tax, and local and federal income tax.

The next area, Paul tells us, is that we are to fear those to whom fear is due. That is, we should have a respectful fear of those who have the task of keeping the public peace and order. This most likely refers to police or military personnel who are assigned to keep the public safe. And finally, Paul tells us that we are to give honor to whom honor is due. The difference between honor and fear is that honor denotes reverence, veneration, and respect, whereas fear is that which arises from the dread of punishment.”

Jesus gave us a couple of good examples of a couple of these types of submission. The first is in Matthew 22:15-21. In this passage Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees and Herodians, asking whether or not it is proper to give tribute to Caesar. Jesus’ response was:

Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things which are God’s.

The second is at the end of the 17th chapter of Matthew. When the temple tax collectors came and challenged Peter about paying the drachma (the temple tax). Jesus told Peter to cast a fishing line into the sea and catch a fish. In the fish’s mouth was found precisely the amount to pay the temple tax for both Peter and Jesus, and it was paid.

Application

If Jesus was willing to pay tribute to Caesar and pay the temple tax to corrupt religious leaders, then we should gladly follow His example!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Romans 12:17 – Reactive or Proactive?

Posted on by Will

Romans 12:17 – Reactive or Proactive?

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

Truth to Learn

We should be benevolently proactive, not selfishly reactive.

Behind the Words

The word translated “repay” is apodidomi, which is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” Hence apodidōmi means “to give away” of “to deliver up.” In the current context it can certainly be interpreted as “repay,” although it does not imply repayment of something owed.

“Evil” is from the Greek word kakos, referring to “that which is worthless in and of itself.” It does not refer to a bad effect (that would be the word ponēros) but to an intrinsic worthlessness. Thus, kakos usually refers to an evil thing or an evil action.

The words “Have regard” are translated from pronoeō. This is made up of pro, meaning “before, in place or time” and noeō, which refers to “action of the mind (to think, perceive, or consider).” Thus, we see that pronoeō means “to consider in advance, to plan ahead, or to premeditate.”

“Good” is from kalos, which refers to “that which is good in quality or character.” It is often translated as “beautiful.”

Meaning Explained

In this verse Paul contrasts two thoughts. Do you see what they are? He says,

Don’t be reactive and respond with evil acts when evil acts are done to you. Instead, be proactive and consider ahead of time what good things you are going to do for others.

When someone does something to us that is unkind, offensive, hurtful, or just downright mean, our first reaction is to respond in kind and “get even.” I’m sure we’ve all heard the expression, “I don’t get mad – I get even.” That’s precisely what Paul is telling us not to do. Don’t allow your sin nature to control your actions. That’s the result of our “flesh” which Paul was talking about back in chapter 8 when he said:

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5-8)

We should not behave like the unsaved do. They are slaves to their flesh and have no choice but to obey it because they are spiritually dead. But we have been set free from the bondage of our flesh and are now spiritually alive. We have a choice and that choice should always be to do good, not evil.

Application

Do you want to please God? If so, then you need to let His Spirit control your thoughts and actions, not your own flesh. Your choices are to please yourself or to please God. Which will it be?

“Ouch! That makes my own toes hurt!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to: