Tag: eklektos

Romans 16:13 – A Choice Christian

Posted on by Will

Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Truth to Learn

Some Christians stand out as “choice” within the church.

Behind the Words

The name “Rufus” is of Roman (Latin) origin, meaning “red.”

“Chosen” is translated from the noun eklektos, which is based on the verb eklegomai, meaning “to select” or “to choose.” Eklektos primarily refers to one or the thing which has been chosen, but it can just as well be a reference to quality, as we might refer to a “choice piece of fruit.”

The word “mother” is from the Greek word mētēr, meaning “mother” either literally or figuratively.

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul now sends greetings to a man named Rufus. Although we don’t know anything for sure about this man other than what we are told here, there has been a great deal of conjecture over the years. Before we look at conjecture, though, let’s see what Paul says about him. We are told here that Rufus is “chosen in the Lord.” As we pointed out above, “chosen” is from eklektos. So, what Paul could be saying is that Rufus is one of the elect, one of the chosen ones. The problem with that is that this same Apostle Paul teaches us in his letter to the Ephesians that all Christians are chosen:

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, for us to be holy and without blemish before Him in love, (Ephesians 1:4)

Although none of us can fully comprehend how God can say “You I have chosen” and at the same time proclaim “Whosoever will may come,” they are both true nonetheless. And since all believers are “chosen,” it doesn’t make sense that Paul would single out Rufus as a chosen one in his personal greetings. Therefore, it makes more sense that what he is telling us is that Rufus is a “choice” Christian, one who is exemplary in his words and deeds.

Paul also sends greetings to Rufus’ mother referring to her as “his mother and mine.” That does not mean that Rufus was Paul’s brother, for there is no evidence of this anywhere in scripture or secular writing. It is more likely that what Paul means is Rufus’ mother was like a mother to him.

Now, regarding the speculation about Rufus: we read in Mark 15:21 about Simon of Cyrene who was compelled to bear our Lord’s cross. Mark tells us that he was “the father of Alexander and Rufus.” From this it is reasonable to conclude that when Mark wrote his Gospel, Alexander and Rufus may have been well known as Christians. And, since this letter to the Romans was written some twenty-five years after the crucifixion, there is plenty of time for Rufus to have matured into a Christian worthy of note. It is also believed by some that this Rufus is one and the same with the man who became bishop of the church in Thebes. If these things are true, then it is no wonder that Paul greets him as a “choice” Christian.

Application

We see once again that God, through Paul’s pen, sends special greetings to someone who stands out above the rest in his walk with the Lord. If God were to have such a letter written to your church, would He send special greetings to you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 8:33 – Chosen to be Sinless

Posted on by Will

Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones? God is the one who justifies.

Truth to Learn

God declares His chosen ones to be completely righteous.

 

Behind the Words

“Bring a charge” is from engkaleō, which is a compound word made up of en, meaning “in” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” So, literally this word means “to call in.” Originally it was used with regard to a debt that was “called-in” when it was due. In general usage it has come to mean “to bring a charge against or to accuse someone.”

The word translated “chosen.” It is the Greek word eklektos, from the verb eklegō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” and legō, meaning “to select or choose through thoughtful deliberation.” Hence, eklektos refers to someone or something that has been chosen or selected out of a larger group.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul now continues with his volcanic eruption regarding the benefits of being God’s children. The first thing we learned is that God is Almighty and will do all to protect us and bless us because we are His adopted children. In other words, we are safe from any evil force. But, if our enemy can’t get to us by force, he will try to get to us by subtlety. He will accuse us of unrighteousness, which makes us feel unworthy to be God’s children. That’s what Paul is addressing in the current verse. Notice Paul’s play on words here. He says “Who will bring a charge (engkaleō – call in) against God's chosen ones (eklektos – chosen out ones)?”

Now here is where those who don’t believe in God’s election have a problem. Paul is asking, “Who shall make an accusation against those whom God has chosen?” Now if you don’t believe in election (which says you have believed the gospel message and are saved because God chose you, not because you chose to believe) then this verse doesn’t make sense.

Paul, on the other hand, very much believes in election and teaches it throughout his letters. In fact, the first few chapters of this letter to the Roman Christians were spent explaining how justification comes by grace through faith, not as the result of anything that we have done. And, because God is the one who has declared us righteous (nowhere in the Bible does it teach that God ever removes that righteousness from our account) then it doesn’t matter who brings a charge against us. God’s response is that we are righteous according to His records; therefore the charge will not stand because, “God has declared us righteous.”

Thus we see that according to this verse, it doesn’t matter how bad a sin we commit, it has already been paid for by Christ’s blood, and in God’s eyes we are free from sin because we have been given the righteousness of Christ. We don’t deserve this righteousness, we deserve eternity in Hell, but we are righteous because God has chosen us and declared us to be righteous.

 

Application

Now, just because we have been declared righteous doesn’t mean we are free to sin all we want. The One who declared us righteous also tells us that if we love Him, we will obey Him. And we should love Him gratefully because of what He has done for us. Thank you God, for the gift that I don’t deserve! And, thank you God, for not giving me what I do deserve!

Do I hear an “Amen”?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 2:4 – A Precious Stone

Posted on by Will

Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,

Truth to Learn

We have the great privilege of directly approaching our Lord.

 

Behind the Words

“Coming” is translated from the Greek word proserchomai, made up of pros, meaning “to” or “toward,” and erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” Adding pros to the verb, which already means “to come,” intensifies the intent. Hence, the meaning is “coming very near to Him.” This is further intensified by the words pros on (meaning “to Him”) which appear before proserchomai. Finally, this word is expressed as a present tense participle indicating continuous, repeated action. Hence, the first part of this verse could be paraphrased as, “Continually coming directly to Him …”

The word translated “rejected” is the Greek word, apodokimadzo, which means “to disapprove” or “to reject.”

“Chosen” is translated from eklektos, which means “the selected one,” or “the chosen one.”

The word “precious” is the Greek word entimos, made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of time, meaning “honor, esteem, or value.” It is used here to describe the chosen one; He is “the honored chosen one” or “the precious chosen one.”

 

Meaning Explained

The “Him” in this verse refers to “the Lord” in the previous verse. This is an obvious reference to Jesus our risen Lord. Those of us who have experienced salvation and God’s provision, repeatedly come to Him. He is referred to here as “a living stone,” which is a reference to Isaiah 28:16 which says:

Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste

or possibly to Psalms 118:22 which says:

The stone which the builders rejected has become the headstone of the corner.

Not only was Christ rejected and crucified by the Jews, but He continues to be rejected by unbelievers on a daily basis. This same stone who was rejected by men has been chosen by God, according to Peter. Furthermore, he tells us that He was selected as the Honored One.

This Christ, or Lord, unto whom we came at salvation and unto whom we come daily for forgiveness and spiritual sustenance, was chosen by the trinity before time began to be to one who would become a man, live a perfect life, and willingly give that life for us. He is the One who has become the foundation for the church universal, to be built upon by those who would accept His sacrifice and willingly serve Him. Peter’s next verse will complete this thought.

 

Application

Think about how often you come to Christ for comfort or direction, either in prayer or through the reading of His Word. You do so because you have a privileged relationship. Because you have accepted the gift of salvation, you are the children of God; therefore, you can come to the living stone. And because of this you can offer yourself as an additional building block of the church universal when you submit to Him and serve Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 1:1 – From Peter, To All Christians

Posted on by Will

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen sojourners of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

Truth to Learn

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins then this letter, written by the Apostle Peter, is for you.

 

Behind the Words

The word “chosen” is translated from eklektois, meaning “chosen ones” or “the elect”. This word is derived from eklego, which means “to choose for oneself after thoughtful and deliberate consideration.

The word translated “sojourners” is parepidēmois, which is a double compound word made up of para, meaning “beside, near, or close to,” epi, meaning “over, upon, or among,” and dēmos, meaning “a people.” This word literally refers to someone who has become integrated among a nation of people. Hence, its full meaning is a foreigner who has settled down, however briefly, next to or among the native people.

“Dispersion” is translated from the Greek word diasporas, which literally refers to “the dispersion.” This is the same term used by James in the opening of his letter. It is a specific reference to Jews as they were dispersed throughout the world since the Babylonian captivity.

 

Meaning Explained

Peter opens this letter with a typical salutation indicating, first off, who the letter is from. Historically, there never has been any doubt as to who this letter was from. The unvarying testimony of history, and the uniform belief of the church, both ascribe this Epistle to Peter. Indeed, there is likely no ancient writing whatever of which there is more certainty in regard to its authorship.

Having identified who the letter is from, Peter now identifies who the letter is to. Since the expression “sojourners of the dispersion” refers specifically to Jews, we have to ask ourselves, “Was this letter written to Jews or to Christians?” As you will discover from reading the book of Acts, most early converts to Christianity were Jews. Because of this, many people in the first century, especially Jews, considered Christianity simply a sect of Judaism. 1 Peter 1:3 makes it clear, however, that he is writing to Jews of the dispersion who are also believers in the resurrection of Christ (who … has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead).

Although it appears from this verse that Peter is writing to Jews who had converted to Christianity, it becomes apparent as one reads this letter that he recognized that the Christians he was writing to also included Gentiles (pagans) who had converted to Christianity. Gentile readers would have noted Peter’s exhortation to holy living in light of their background of complete ignorance of God’s Word (1Peter 1:14). Gentile Christians also would have been greatly encouraged by the fact that though they were in ignorance, they were now considered “the people of God” (1Peter 2:10). Clearly Peter carefully included both Jewish and Gentile Christians in his letter of encouragement to the churches of Asia Minor.

The specific Christians Peter is writing to were those who lived in the areas of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. These were all provinces of Asia Minor which are in present day Turkey, the area of the world first evangelized by the Apostle Paul and his associates.

 

Application

Even though this letter was written nearly two thousand years ago to Jews and Gentiles who had become Christians living in Asia Minor, the truths that Peter teaches in this letter apply to all Christians throughout history, in all parts of the world. This letter is to you, my sister or brother in Christ!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 16:13 – A Choice Christian

Posted on by Will

Romans 16:13 – A Choice Christian

Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Truth to Learn

Some Christians stand out as “choice” within the church.

Behind the Words

The name “Rufus” is of Roman (Latin) origin, meaning “red.”

“Chosen” is translated from the noun eklektos, which is based on the verb eklegomai, meaning “to select” or “to choose.” Eklektos primarily refers to one or the thing which has been chosen, but it can just as well be a reference to quality, as we might refer to a “choice piece of fruit.”

The word “mother” is from the Greek word mētēr, meaning “mother” either literally or figuratively.

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul now sends greetings to a man named Rufus. Although we don’t know anything for sure about this man other than what we are told here, there has been a great deal of conjecture over the years. Before we look at conjecture, though, let’s see what Paul says about him. We are told here that Rufus is “chosen in the Lord.” As we pointed out above, “chosen” is from eklektos. So, what Paul could be saying is that Rufus is one of the elect, one of the chosen ones. The problem with that is that this same Apostle Paul teaches us in his letter to the Ephesians that all Christians are chosen:

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, (Ephesians 1:4)

Although none of us can fully comprehend how God can say “You I have chosen” and at the same time proclaim “Whosoever will may come,” they are both true nonetheless. And since all believers are “chosen,” it doesn’t make sense that Paul would single out Rufus as a chosen one in his personal greetings. Therefore, it makes more sense that what he is telling us is that Rufus is a “choice” Christian, one who is exemplary in his words and deeds.

Paul also sends greetings to Rufus’ mother referring to her as “his mother and mine.” That does not mean that Rufus was Paul’s brother, for there is no evidence of this anywhere in scripture or secular writing. It is more likely that what Paul means is Rufus’ mother was like a mother to him.

Now, regarding the speculation about Rufus: we read in Mark 15:21 about Simon of Cyrene who was compelled to bear our Lord’s cross. Mark tells us that he was “the father of Alexander and Rufus.” From this it is reasonable to conclude that when Mark wrote his Gospel, Alexander and Rufus may have been well known as Christians. And, since this letter to the Romans was written some twenty-five years after the crucifixion, there is plenty of time for Rufus to have matured into a Christian worthy of note. It is also believed by some that this Rufus is one and the same with the man who became bishop of the church in Thebes. If these things are true, then it is no wonder that Paul greets him as a “choice” Christian.

Application

We see once again that God, through Paul’s pen, sends special greetings to someone who stands out above the rest in his walk with the Lord. If God were to have such a letter written to your church, would He send special greetings to you?

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 8:33 – Chosen to be Sinless

Posted on by Will

Romans 8:33 – Chosen to be Sinless

Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

Truth to Learn

God declares His chosen ones to be completely righteous.

Behind the Words

“Bring a charge” is from engkaleō, which is a compound word made up of en, meaning “in” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” So, literally this word means “to call in.” Originally it was used with regard to a debt that was “called-in” when it was due. In general usage it has come to mean “to bring a charge against or to accuse someone.”

The word translated “elect.” It is the Greek word eklektos, from the verb eklegō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” and legō, meaning “to select or choose through thoughtful deliberation.” Hence, eklektos refers to someone or something that has been chosen or selected out of a larger group.

Meaning Explained

Paul now continues with his volcanic eruption regarding the benefits of being God’s children. The first thing we learned is that God is Almighty and will do all to protect us and bless us because we are His adopted children. In other words, we are safe from any evil force. But, if our enemy can’t get to us by force, he will try to get to us by subtlety. He will accuse us of unrighteousness, which makes us feel unworthy to be God’s children. That’s what Paul is addressing in the current verse. Notice Paul’s play on words here. He says “Who shall bring a charge (engkaleō – call in) against God’s elect (eklektos – chosen out ones)?”

Now here is where those who don’t believe in God’s election have a problem. Paul is asking, “Who shall make an accusation against those whom God has chosen?” Now if you don’t believe in election (which says you have believed the gospel message and are saved because God chose you, not because you chose to believe) then this verse doesn’t make sense.

Paul, on the other hand, very much believes in election and teaches it throughout his letters. In fact, the first few chapters of this letter to the Roman Christians were spent explaining how justification comes by grace through faith, not as the result of anything that we have done. And, because God is the one who has declared us righteous (nowhere in the Bible does it teach that God ever removes that righteousness from our account) then it doesn’t matter who brings a charge against us. God’s response is that we are righteous according to His records; therefore the charge will not stand because, “God declares us righteous.”

Thus we see that according to this verse, it doesn’t matter how bad a sin we commit, it has already been paid for by Christ’s blood, and in God’s eyes we are free from sin because we have been given the righteousness of Christ. We don’t deserve this righteousness, we deserve eternity in Hell, but we are righteous because God has chosen us and declared us righteous.

Application

Now, just because we have been declared righteous doesn’t mean we are free to sin all we want. The One who declared us righteous also tells us that if we love Him, we will obey Him. And we should love Him gratefully because of what He has done for us. Thank you God, for the gift that I don’t deserve!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2010 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: