Tag: dokimadzo

Romans 12:2 – Transformed, Not Conformed

Posted on by Will

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, to prove in you what the good and pleasing and perfect will of God is.

Truth to Learn

Don’t be like everyone around you and don’t let others tell you what you should be. Instead, let God transform you to into the image of His Son.

 

Behind the Words

“Do not be conformed” is from me suschematidzesthe. Me is the conditional negation particle and suschematidzesthe is a compound made up of sun, meaning “together” and a form of schēmatidzo, from which we get our English word schematic. It refers to the pattern or outward appearance of something. So Paul is telling us not to allow ourselves to look, and act, like the world around us.

The word translated “world” is not kosmos (world system) as one might expect. Rather, it is from the Greek word aion, which refers to” the age or time” in which we live. So, Paul is saying, “… do not be conformed to this present age.”

“Transformed” is from metamorphoō, from which we get our English word metamorphosis, meaning not simply a change in outward appearance, but “to completely change form.” This is the same word that is used in both Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2 when referring to Jesus’ transfiguration before Peter, James, and John.

“Prove” is translated from the Greek word dokimadzō, which means “to test something with the intent of finding its value.” It is the notion of proving gold by subjecting it to extreme heat, thus removing the dross and leaving the pure, valuable gold only. Some translations say “that you may prove.” The problem with this is that dokimadzō is expressed as an infinitive (to prove), and the word translated “you” is not in the form of a subject, rather it is in the form of an indirect object. Therefore, we should translate this as “to prove in you.”

 

Meaning Explained

At the end of the previous verse Paul told us that we should offer ourselves as living sacrifices because it is only logical and reasonable that we should serve God in this way. Now he continues on. Not only should we offer ourselves as God’s slaves, once and for all, but we should allow God to reshape our thinking instead of letting the world in which we live do so.

We should not take on the same appearance, habits, and attitudes as all the people around us. Instead of being this kind of a conformist, we need to “be transformed.” This transformation is one of the mind, from being worldly minded, focusing on the thing of this world, to being heavenly minded, focusing on what God is doing to and through us. And our ultimate objective is that of giving glory to God Himself. The reason that we are to be transformed instead of conformed is so that God can “prove in us what His will is.”

As we are transformed by God in our minds, we become more like His son. That is, we become more Christ-like in our attitudes and actions, which is, in fact, what God’s will is for our lives.

 

Application

What Paul has told us in these two verses is that we need to surrender our physical lives to God for His use. We are to do so by not letting the things of this age influence our thoughts and actions. Instead, we are to let His Spirit transform us to be more like He wants us to be, like Jesus Christ our Lord.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 2:18 – Biblical Indoctrination

Posted on by Will

and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,

Truth to Learn

Every Christian needs to study the Bible to learn its truths.

 

Behind the Words

“Will” is translated from thelēma, which denotes “that which has been determined.” The word “His” is not in the Greek text, although it can properly be inferred since “that which has been determined” certainly refers to what God has determined.

The word translated “approve” is the Greek word dokimadzō, which means “to test something with the intent of finding good.” It is the word used with regard to a precious metal like gold when it is tested in fire to determine its value. In this sense it could be translated as “determine.”

“Things that are excellent” is translated from the Greek word diapheronta, which means “those things which are different.” Since the intent of the verb dokimadzō is to find goodness or excellence, it is clear that Paul means that those who have been instructed from the Law are able to discern the things which are good or excellent as opposed to those which are not.

The word translated “instructed” is katēcheō (from which we get our English word catechism). It refers to “formalized instruction in religious doctrine” or indoctrination.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul began a message condemning pride. The early Christians, who were primarily converted Jews, were still hung-up by pride, believing that they were the chosen people of God. He has just said that the Jews “rest in the Law, and boast in God.” He now implies that the Jews know the will of God. By this, what he means is that they have the ability to know what God has determined through the Jewish scriptures (the Old Testament).

As we just saw in Behind the Words, Paul is saying that the Jews (because they have the Old Testament) have been able to test or to distinguish those things which are different. That is, they are able to discern which things are good or spiritual from those things which are evil or carnal. Why are they able to make this distinction? It is because they have been instructed from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. They have had the Holy Scriptures to teach them doctrinal truths.

This verse and those that follow are ones that we as Christians need to give special heed to. Just as the Jews became arrogant because they had the Holy Scriptures, the Law and the Prophets, we need to be careful that we don’t get just as arrogant because we have an even more complete form of God’s word in the Bible. Remember what Paul said back in verse 13? “It’s not the hearers of the Law who will be justified, but the doers of the Law.” But in order to be a doer of what is taught in the Bible, you first have to know what the Bible teaches, don’t you? That means reading and studying. We need to be instructed in the doctrinal truths from the Scriptures!

 

Application

There are many Christians who claim that they don’t like doctrine and they don’t like studying the Bible. However, if we haven’t learned the doctrinal truths of the Bible, we won’t know God very well, and we won’t understand His will for us.

How much do you study God’s Word?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Find Good and Hold On

Posted on by Will

Test all things; hold fast what is good.

Truth to Learn

We are to look for good and hold on to it when we find it.

 

Behind the Words

Dokimadzō is the Greek verb translated “test” in today’s verse. This Greek word means “to test something to determine its worth.” It is the word used of testing gold or other precious metals to determine its value. There is another Greek word often translated “test.” It is peiradzō, which is often translated “tempt.” It is distinguished from dokimadzō in that it is a test or a temptation to try to induce sinfulness.

The word translated “hold fast” is katechō, which is made up of kata, used as an intensifier and echō, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Katechō means “to hold firmly” or “keep hold of.”

“Good” is from the Greek noun kalos, which refers to that which is good in quality or character. In other words, it refers to “something that is beautiful or that is morally or constitutionally good.” A different Greek noun, agathos refers to “some deed that is useful or beneficial to others.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul is in the middle of a series of short statements about a fruitful Christian walk. He started off with three attitudes: rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. He follows these up with five actions that demonstrate a life submitted to God.

In both of the previous two verses Paul used a grammatical form that indicates that we are to stop doing certain things. It is common in Paul’s teaching to follow up negative commands (things we are not to do, or that we are to stop doing) with a positive replacement (what we are to do instead). In today’s verse he commands us to do two things to replace the actions we are to stop doing. The first thing is to test all things with the purpose of finding good. Instead of suppressing the working of the Holy Spirit and treating prophecies with scorn, we are to test all things. Since verses nineteen and twenty were focused on workings of the Spirit through spiritually gifted men, it is reasonable to assume that he is still talking about the use of spiritual gifts. Instead of taking a negative position against workings of the Spirit, we should test them to see if they are truly of the Spirit of God or simply manifestations of the will of man.

In 1 Corinthians 12:10 Paul talks about the use of the gifts in the church, and immediately after the gift of prophecy, he mentions the discerning of spirits, that is, a spiritual gift of determining whether the prophecy is truly from the Spirit of God. Also, immediately after mentioning the gift of tongues, he cites the interpretation of tongues. Discerning of spirits and interpreting tongues are both gifts that test the use of spiritual gifts.

Finally, in today’s verse Paul commands us to cling to whatever is inherently good. In order to do that, we have to be constantly on the look-out for good things. When we see good things or encounter good people, we are to emulate them and make such things part of our own Christian walk.

 

Application

Instead of being negative about everything that takes place in our churches, we need to be positive and look for the good things and good people who demonstrate actions born out of love for our Savior and other people.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 2:4 – Be a God Pleaser

Posted on by Will

But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

Truth to Learn

Proclaim the simple truth and seek God’s approval alone.

 

Behind the Words

“Approved” is translated from the Greek word dokimadzō, which means “to test something to determine its value.” It is not a testing to find flaws or fault, but a testing to determine worth. It is expressed here in the perfect tense indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect. Hence, Paul is saying “we have been tested and found worthy; therefore, we now have God’s approval.”

The word translated “entrusted” is pisteuō, which means “to believe, to have faith in, or to trust.” It is expressed here in the passive voice (action done to the subject). Thus, it means “to be believed in” or “to be entrusted.”

“Pleasing” is from the Greek verb areskō which means “to be content with, or to be pleased with.” In the New Testament this word has evolved in emphasis from the end result (others being pleased with us) to the active pursuit (working to please others). Thus, instead of expressing a relationship, it expresses a behavior as an attempt to influence a relationship.

The word translated “tests” is another form of the verb dokimadzō, as we just saw means “to test something to determine its value.”

 

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we noted that from verse three on, Paul is talking about the pastoral/teaching phase of his ministry among the Thessalonians. Previously, he had been talking about his evangelistic ministry there. And, as was pointed out in verse one of this chapter, it appears that Paul is now defending himself against some accusations that have been made. In yesterday’s verse it appears that he was defending himself against a claim that he was teaching false doctrine or that he was using deceptive means to convince his listeners to accept the truth he was proclaiming. These claims possibly came from those Jews who first heard his messages regarding Jesus but did not believe (Acts 17:2-5).

In preaching the gospel message and teaching the truths of God’s word, we are handling messages of extreme importance and of inestimable worth. How we deliver these messages indicates how much respect we have for them. When we declare these messages, we are not trying to endear ourselves to others; we are not trying to win others over to “our side.” We are proclaiming truths that God has given to us, and we are relying on the Spirit of God to carry these truths and to open up the hearts of men to receive them. Our job is not to make converts nor is it to convince people with fancy words or clever communication techniques. Our job is simply to proclaim the truth and to let God take care of the rest. Paul was not trying to make his listeners like him; he was trying to please God who called him to his ministry.

The great preacher Dwight Moody is said to have been approached by a man who said, “I saw one of your converts in a bar getting drunk last night” to which Moody is said to have replied, “Yes it may have been one of my converts. If he was one of God’s converts he wouldn’t have been there.”

 

Application

Whatever your spiritual gifts and whatever ministry God has placed you in, don’t seek the approval of men. Instead, seek God’s approval by being diligent and faithful to Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:10 – Just Do It!

Posted on by Will

discovering what is pleasing to the Lord.

Truth to Learn

We please God by doing, not just knowing.

 

Behind the Words

“Discovering” is from the Greek word dokimadzō. The basic meaning of this word is “to test something to determine its worth.” It is the word used of testing a precious metal like gold by subjecting it to extreme heat. This process burns off the dross, leaving only the pure metal which can then be weighed to determine its value. It is used here as a participle indicating ongoing action (not just a one-time event). In a metaphorical sense, this word indicates the process of discovering the true content of something by the process of testing it. This seems to be the sense of what Paul is teaching us.

The word “pleasing” is translated from the Greek noun euarestos, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and areskō, meaning “to please.” Therefore, euarestos refers to something that is “well pleasing” or “very pleasing.”

“Lord” is translated from kurios, which is based on the word kuros, meaning “supremacy.” Thus, kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority over someone else.

 

Meaning Explained

In order to fully understand the meaning of today’s verse we have to read it along with verse eight, omitting verse nine, which is a parenthetical clause. Thus, we have:

For you were once darkness, but now are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light …  discovering what is pleasing to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8, 10)

From this we see that the purpose of us walking as children of light is that we might be continually proving (or discovering) what pleases God. The use of the Greek word dokimadzō here is unusual. However, it is used in a similar manner in Romans 12:2 which reads:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The word in Romans 12:2 translated “prove” is dokimadzō. The sense of this word in both today’s verse and Romans 12:2 seems to be that of discovering by experience. By walking as children of light (displaying goodness, righteousness, and truth), we learn what it is that pleases God.

There is a very important principle here that we must not miss. The blessings of a close fellowship with God cannot be experienced by gaining a head-knowledge about what He wants from us. We must put into practice what we learn. Yes, it’s important to study the Bible, but in order to please God we have to live what we learn! Only then can we truly discover what pleases Him. I think that’s what James was getting at when he said:

Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (James 2:18b)

 

Application

In order to receive all the blessings from God that you possibly can, you have to be a blessing to Him? Not only do you have to learn how He wants you to live, you have to put it into practice.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 3:13 – The Fire Test

Posted on by Will

each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.

Truth to Learn

We need to be working in the church for God’s glory.

Behind the Words

“Each one’s” is from the Greek word hekastos, which we saw back in verse five. It refers to “each one” or to “everyone.” It implies specific application to each one separately, not to the group as a whole.

The word “work” is from ergon, meaning “a work or a deed.”

Phaneros is the Greek word translated “clear.” It is derived from phainō, which means “to shine” or “to cause to appear.” Hence, phaneros means “to be publicly apparent.”

The word “declare” is translated from dēloō, meaning “to make known” or “to reveal.”

“Revealed” is from apokaluptō, which is made up of apo, meaning “away from” and kaluptō, meaning “to cover.” Thus, apokaluptō means “to uncover” or “to expose.”

Pur is the Greek word translated “fire.” It refers to literal fire.

The word “test” is from dokimadzō, which means “to test for the purpose of finding good or value.”

Meaning Explained

Paul is talking about work that is being done in building God’s temple on the foundation of Jesus Christ, that is, the work of building the church body. Each and every Christian is responsible for using the gifts given him or her to build up the body of Christ. In verse ten we were told that we each need to take heed how we build on the foundation. In today’s verse Paul tells us why. He says that the work we do will be made publicly evident in “the Day.” Most Biblical scholars agree that this is a reference to the Bema Seat Judgment:

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

This is a judgment of our works, not of our sins. Our sins were judged and paid for at the cross. These works will not be used to determine if we are saved or not because the Bema Seat Judgment happens after the rapture when all Christians are already in heaven. Also, notice in verse fifteen that even if our works are burned up, we will still be saved. The purpose of this judgment is to “test each one’s work.” The word translated “test” is dokimadzō, as we pointed out above. It is the word used of testing gold or silver in order to determine its worth. Also notice in verse fourteen that the works which endure the fire will result in a reward.

If we pay close attention to the context of today’s verse, we will see that the works being talked about here are specifically those done to build up the church, the body of Christ. This is of special note to anyone who is not serving in some capacity within the local church or the church universal.

Application

If we are not actively working to build up the church, we may find that we have no works to be judged. However, if we are working to build up the body, we need to be doing so at God’s direction and for His glory or our works may be burned up.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Find Good and Hold On

Posted on by Will

Test all things; hold fast what is good.

Truth to Learn

We are to look for good and hold on to it when we find it.

Behind the Words

Dokimadzō is the Greek verb translated “test” in today’s verse. This Greek word means “to test something to determine its worth.” It is the word used of testing gold or other precious metals to determine its value. There is another Greek word often translated “test.” It is peiradzō, which is often translated “tempt.” It is distinguished from dokimadzō in that it is a test or a temptation to produce sinfulness.

The word translated “hold fast” is katechō, which is made up of kata, used as an intensifier and echō, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Katechō means “to hold firmly” or “keep hold of.”

“Good” is from the Greek noun kalos, which refers to that which is good in quality or character. In other words it refers to “something that is beautiful or that is morally or constitutionally good.” A different Greek noun, agathos refers to “some deed that is useful or beneficial to others.”

Meaning Explained

Paul is in the middle of a series of short statements about a fruitful Christian walk. He started off with three attitudes: rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. He follows these up with five actions that demonstrate a life submitted to God.

In both of the previous two verses Paul used a grammatical form that indicates that we are to stop doing certain things. It is common in Paul’s teaching to follow up negative commands (things we are not to do, or that we are to stop doing) with a positive replacement (what we are to do instead). In today’s verse he commands us to do two things to replace the actions we are to stop doing. The first thing is to test all things with the purpose of finding good. Instead of suppressing the working of the Holy Spirit and treating prophecies with scorn, we are to test all things. Since verses nineteen and twenty were focused on workings of the Spirit through spiritually gifted men, it is reasonable to assume that he is still talking about the use of spiritual gifts. Instead of taking a negative position against workings of the Spirit, we should test them to see if they are truly of the Spirit of God or simply manifestations of the will of man.

In 1 Corinthians 12:10 Paul talks about the use of the gifts in the church, and immediately after the gift of prophecy, he mentions the discerning of spirits, that is, a spiritual gift of determining whether the prophecy is truly from the Spirit of God. Also, immediately after mentioning the gift of tongues, he cites the interpretation of tongues. These are both gifts that test the use of spiritual gifts.

Finally, in today’s verse Paul commands us to cling to whatever is inherently good. In order to do that, we have to be constantly on the look-out for good things. When we see good things or encounter good people, we are to emulate them and make such things part of our own Christian walk.

Application

Instead of being negative about everything that takes place in our churches, we need to look for the good things and good people who demonstrate actions born out of love for our Savior and other people.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Thessaloninas 2:4 – Be a God Pleaser

Posted on by Will

But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

Truth to Learn

Proclaim the simple truth and seek God’s approval alone.

Behind the Words

“Approved” is translated from the Greek word dokimadzō, which means “to test something to determine its value.” It is not a testing to find flaws or fault, but a testing to determine worth. It is expressed here in the perfect tense indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect. Hence, Paul is saying “we have been tested and found worthy; therefore, we now have God’s approval.”

The word translated “entrusted” is pisteuō, which means “to believe, to have faith in, or to trust.” It is expressed here in the passive voice (action done to the subject). Thus, it means “to be believed in” or “to be entrusted.”

“Pleasing” is from the Greek verb areskō which means “to be content with, or to be pleased with.” In the New Testament this word has evolved in emphasis from the end result (others being pleased with us) to the active pursuit (working to please others). Thus, instead of expressing a relationship, it expresses a behavior as an attempt to influence a relationship.

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we noted that from verse three on, Paul is talking about the pastoral/teaching phase of his ministry among the Thessalonians. Previously, he had been talking about his evangelistic ministry there. And, as was pointed out in verse one of this chapter, it appears that Paul is now defending himself against some accusations that have been made. In yesterday’s verse it appears that he was defending himself against a claim that he was teaching false doctrine or that he was using deceptive means to convince his listeners to accept the truth he was proclaiming. These claims possibly came from those Jews who first heard his messages regarding Jesus but did not believe (Acts 17:2-5).

In preaching the gospel message and teaching the truths of God’s word, we are handling messages of extreme importance and of inestimable worth. How we deliver these messages indicates how much respect we have for them. When we declare these messages, we are not trying to endear ourselves to others; we are not trying to win others over to “our side.” We are proclaiming truths that God has given to us, and we are relying on the Spirit of God to carry these truths and to open up the hearts of men to receive them. Our job is not to make converts nor is it to convince people with fancy words or clever communication techniques. Our job is simply to proclaim the truth and to let God take care of the rest. Paul was not trying to make his listeners like him; he was trying to please God who called him to his ministry.

The great preacher Dwight Moody is said to have been approached by a man who said, “I saw one of your converts in a bar getting drunk last night” to which Moody is said to have replied, “Yes it may have been one of my converts. If he was one of God’s converts he wouldn’t have been there.”

Application

Whatever your spiritual gifts and whatever ministry God has placed you in, don’t seek the approval of men. Instead, seek God’s approval by being diligent and faithful to Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:10 – Just Do It!

Posted on by Will

finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

Truth to Learn

We please God by doing, not just knowing.

Behind the Words

“Finding out” is from the Greek word dokimadzō. The basic meaning of this word is “to test something to determine its worth.” It is the word used of testing a precious metal like gold by subjecting it to extreme heat. This process burns off the dross, leaving only the pure metal which can then be weighed to determine its value. Metaphorically, dokimadzō is sometimes used to indicate an examination of something to gain a fuller understanding. In other words, it means “to discover” or “find out.” This seems to be the sense in which Paul uses the word in this verse. It is used here as a participle indicating ongoing action (not just a one-time event).

The word “acceptable” is translated from the Greek noun euarestos, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and areskō, meaning “to please.” Therefore, euarestos refers to something that is “well pleasing” or “very pleasing.”

“Lord” is translated from kurios, which is based on the word kuros, meaning “supremacy.” Thus, kurios refers to someone who has supreme authority over someone else.

Meaning Explained

In order to fully understand the meaning of today’s verse we have to read it along with verse eight, omitting verse nine, which is a parenthetical clause. Thus, we have:

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light …  proving what is acceptable to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8, 10)

From this we see that the purpose of us walking as children of light is that we might be continually proving (or discovering) what pleases God. The use of the Greek word dokimadzō here is unusual. However, it is used in a similar manner in Romans 12:2 which reads:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The word here translated “prove” is dokimadzō. The sense of this word in both today’s verse and Romans 12:2 seems to be that of discovering by experience. By walking as children of light (displaying goodness, righteousness, and truth), we learn what it is that pleases God.

There is a very important principle here that we must not miss. The blessings of a close fellowship with God cannot be experienced by gaining a head-knowledge about what He wants from us. We must put into practice what we learn. Yes, it’s important to study the Bible, but in order to please God we have to live what we learn! Only then can we truly discover what pleases Him. I think that’s what James was getting at when he said:

Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (James 2:18b)

Application

In order to receive all the blessings from God that you possibly can, you have to be a blessing to Him? Not only do you have to learn how He wants you to live, you have to put it into practice.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

Romans 16:10 – Proving Ground of Faith

Posted on by Will

Romans 16:10 – Proving Ground of Faith

Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.

Truth to Learn

Christians undergo trials of their faith.

Behind the Words

The word translated “approved” is dokimos, derived from the verb dokimadzō, which means “to try or test for the purpose of determining value or worthiness.” In the Greek text the definite article (the) is present. Thus, Paul is referring to “Apelles, the approved one.”

Notice that the word “household” is in italic font. That’s because the Greek equivalent does not appear in the text. A literal translation of this greeting would be, “Greet those of Aristobulus.”

“Aristobulus” is a Greek name, although it was used by some Jews as well. It means “the best advise” or “the best advisor.”

Meaning Explained

Again, we have two people about whom we know very little for certain other than what Paul says here. Throughout the centuries there have been a number of ideas regarding who these two might have been, however. Let’s start with Apelles. One of the church fathers in the third century was Origen of Alexandria. He believed that Apelles may have been another name for Apollos (see Acts 18:24-26). Others have argued, however, that since Apollos was such a powerful and remarkable preacher of the Gospel, Paul would have said much more than simply that he was “approved in Christ.” Others have claimed that Apelles was one of the seventy disciples of Christ (see Luke 10:1) and that he had become bishop of the church at Smyrna.

Whoever Apelles might have been, according to Paul he was “the approved one in Christ.” In order for Paul to refer to him as such, Apelles must have gone through some great and well known trial of his faith, having come successfully through. As we have said before, the verb dokimadzō is the word used when speaking of testing gold to determine its purity by burning it in fire. We don’t know anything about the fiery trial that Apelles went through, only that he was found to be approved in the end. James talks a little about this process:

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12)

Paul now greets those of Aristobulus. There was a grandson of Herod the Great with this name who lived around this time. Some think that it is he whom Paul is referring to. Whoever he was, it is interesting that Paul does not greet him, only those of his household. There are a couple of possible reasons for this. It is possible that Aristobulus had passed away when Paul wrote this letter and that he was thus greeting the slaves and other family members. The other possibility is that this man was not a believer but that some of his slaves, domestic servants, and family members were believers, and it is these people to whom Paul sends his greeting.

Application

God chooses to test the faith of some Christians more than others. The important thing is not whether you have been tested or not, but that you have been found approved in the end. Has God been trying your faith? Have you been found approved?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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