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Romans 10:15 – Evangelists in Full Bloom

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Will

And how might they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim the good news!"

Truth to Learn

Those who proclaim the gospel are seen as particularly beautiful.

Behind the Words

The word “sent” is from apostellō, meaning “to send away.” The Greek word pempō also means “to send,” but its emphasis is primarily on the destination, whereas apostellō emphasizes the purpose or mission. Our English word “apostle” is derived from this word.

“Beautiful” is normally the translation of the Greek word kalos. In this verse, however, it is the word hōrios, which literally refers to “the right hour or season.” Figuratively, it is used in reference to a flower in full bloom or to a woman who is beautifully adorned and ready for marriage. Hence, it is a reference to something that is in its most beautiful state.

The word that is translated as “proclaim the good news” is euangelidzō, from which we get our English word “evangelize.” This word is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of angellō, which means “to deliver a message.” Our English word “angel” comes from this word, referring to a messenger of God. Therefore, we see that euangelidzō means “to deliver a good message” or “to announce the good news.”

Meaning Explained

Before Jesus was taken up into heaven he gave His disciples specific instructions regarding what He wanted them to do. He said: "Going into all the world preach the gospel to all of creation. (Mark 16:15) Matthew recorded the message a little differently. Here’s how he recorded it: "Having gone, then, disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you; (Matthew 28:19, 20a)

Even though this message was specifically given to His eleven disciples (and later to the Apostle Paul), it is implied that we too are given the command to preach the gospel and to make disciples. Because the eleven were given this command, they are referred to as Apostles (ones who have been sent with a message).

Today’s verse now gives us some insight as to how God views those who openly proclaim the message of salvation. He does so by quoting a passage from Isaiah:

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him proclaiming good news, making peace heard, bringing tidings of good things, proclaiming salvation, saying to Zion, "Your God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7)

The reason for referring to the feet is because it is the part of the body that transports us to where there are people who need to hear the message. Our Father sees exquisite beauty in the preaching of the Good News of salvation.

Application

For many of us, sharing the gospel message is difficult and we feel awkward doing so. But just because it isn’t easy doesn’t relieve us from the responsibility of doing it. Let’s each one of us commit to sharing the gospel message with someone new this week. You may feel awkward doing it, but you may be awkwardly opening the door to eternal life for someone else! And, keep in mind that as you preach the Gospel to the lost of this world, you will be perceived by our Father as being as beautiful as a rose in all its glorious blooming splendor.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 1:15 – Listening and Ready

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Will

So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Truth to Learn

Paul was ready to risk his life to obey God’s call in his life.

Behind the Words

The expression “I am ready” is translated from prothumos, which is a compound word made up of pro, meaning “before or forward” and thumos, which refers to “a temperament, passion, or mindset.” This word means “predisposed, willing, or ready” to do what is expected.

“Preach the gospel” is from the Greek word euangelidzō. This is another compound word which is made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and angellō, meaning “to announce, proclaim, or tell.” Hence, euangelidzō refers to “proclaiming or telling the good news” that Christ has paid our sin debt for us by His death on the cross.

Meaning Explained

Paul continues on with the idea that was started in the previous verse. He is compelled to preach the Gospel to the Greeks and the barbarians, and now he is saying that he is also ready to preach the good news to the people in Rome. Paul was completely submitted to God and committed to whatever God wanted him to do! Keep in mind that this was written during the reign of Nero who hated Christians. Yet Paul was willing to risk his life to proclaim the gospel message.

In yesterday’s verse I asked you if you knew what God has called you to do and whether or not you feel compelled to do it. I’m sure that some of you responded with the question, “How do I know what God has called me to do?” That’s a question that many Christians wrestle with today.

The only way to know what God has called you to do (or what God is calling you to do) is to be in constant communication with Him. Now, I can already hear some of you saying, “But I pray to Him constantly!” and I’m sure some of you do. But you will notice that I said “communicate with” not “talk to.” Communication requires a two way conversation. Sometimes we Christians get so busy talking to God that He can’t get a word in edgewise and even if He did, we wouldn’t hear it because we are so busy talking.

“OK,” you say, “what do I need to do to hear God’s message for me?” The first thing you need to do is to be quiet. Then you need to listen. Note that “listen” is an active verb not a passive verb. Listening is something that we do intentionally and it takes effort. We need to listen to God speaking to us when we hear a sermon. We need to listen to God when we read and study our Bible. We need to listen to God when we are praying. Sometimes, the best way to listen to God is to get away from all the distractions of life and just listen. It could be in a quiet, out of the way place outside somewhere, or it could be while you are sitting in the bathtub or standing in the shower preparing for the day ahead.

Application

Remember the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)? Martha was so busy she didn’t have time to listen to the Lord. Mary, on the other hand, sat at His feet and listened.

Are you busy, or are you listening?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 3:6 – Fond Memories

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Will

And now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you—

Truth to Learn

Remember those who have helped you in your faith walk.

Behind the Words

The word “now” is translated from the Greek adverb arti, meaning “now, just now, or the present time.”

“Has come” is from the verb erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it could be translated as “having come.”

The words “brought … good news” are from euangelidzō, which means “to announce good news.” It is the word from which we get our English word “evangelize.” Most often in the New Testament it is a reference to the good news of the gospel of Christ. Here, however, it refers to the good news about the firm faith of the Thessalonians.

“Remembrance” is translated from mneia, which refers to “a recollection” or “a specific memory about someone or something.”

Epipotheō is the Greek word translated “greatly desiring.” It is made up of epi, used as an intensifier and potheō, meaning “to desire or yearn for something.” Thus, epipotheō refers to a strong yearning or a strong desire.”

Meaning Explained

Before commenting on today’s verse, let’s look at the end of yesterday’s verse. Paul expressed concern that his labor among the Thessalonians might have been empty, or in vain. Some might interpret this as his concern that they had “lost their salvation.” This cannot be, since Paul teaches elsewhere that salvation is “eternal” and secure. Remember that the Thessalonians had been undergoing persecution, which tends to have a “weeding-out” effect on those who profess faith in Christ. Those lacking genuine faith will turn back in the face of such opposition, but true believers will grow and become stronger as a result of trials.

Today’s verse gives a clue regarding when and where this letter was written. Paul says that Timothy has just returned to him. If we look at Acts 18:5, we see that Paul was in Corinth when Timothy and Silvanus (Silas) returned to him from Macedonia. Since it was shortly after their return that Paul was taken before the proconsul Gallio, and we know from historical documents that Gallio was proconsul between AD 51 and AD 52, this letter must have been written around AD 50 or 51.

Upon his return, Timothy reported to Paul the wonderful news that not only has the Thessalonian persecution not driven people from the church, it seems to have solidified their faith. We also learn that they remembered Paul and his companions with good thoughts. This is particularly significant given the accusation that had been made against Paul.

Application

For those of you who have been Christians for a long time, do you remember the people who were significant in your conversion and early grounding in the faith? How often have you given thanks to God for their faithfulness and dedication?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 3:8 – A Living Oxymoron?

Posted on September 29, 2015 by Will

This grace was given to me, being less than the least of all the saints, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Truth to Learn

There is no reason for pride in the body of Christ.

Behind the Words

The words “less than the least” are translated from a single Greek word, elachistoteros. This is a very unusual word. It is based on the Greek word mikros, meaning “small.” The comparative of mikros is elassōn, meaning “smaller.” And, the superlative of mikros is elachistos, meaning “the smallest or the least.” But the comparative of this superlative (elachistos) is elachistoteros, meaning “less than the least.”

“To preach” is translated from euangelidzō. This verb is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and angellō, meaning “to tell” or “to announce.” Thus, euangelidzō means “to tell the good news;” that is “to preach the gospel” or “to evangelize.”

“Unsearchable” is from the adjective anexichniastos. This is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of the verb exichniadzō, meaning “to explore.” Therefore, anexichniastos refers to something that is “unexplorable,” “untraceable,” or “unsearchable.”

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we talked about the fact that the apostles of the church in the first century had a common characteristic of downplaying the importance of their position in the church. Perhaps it is because each one of them witnessed the humbleness of Jesus. Upon finally believing that He is the Son of God, each of them must have been struck by the magnitude of His humility given who He really is.

Compared to the Son of God, the Christ, the Messiah, each of these men realized that they were nothing but sinners deserving of eternal Hell, saved by the grace of God. In today’s verse Paul declares himself to be “least-er” (less than the least) than all Christians. Before we scoff at his improper grammar (even in Greek this would be improper and almost never used except for poets), let’s see what he said about himself elsewhere:

The one formerly being a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insulter; but I was shown mercy because being ignorant I did it in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Faithful is the saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:13-15)

Paul (formerly Saul, the persecutor of the church) considered himself the greatest of sinners, and he considered himself less than even the least of all Christians. This man who wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else, who proclaimed salvation to every sinner who would listen (and even to some who wouldn’t listen), did not have a puffed-up opinion of himself. Few if any Christians have ever lived who were more abundantly and effectively used by God than the Apostle Paul, yet in his own mind, he was the lowest of all.

Application

One thing I find most irritating is when any Christian thinks of himself or herself as “hot stuff” in the body of Christ. A proud Christian is a living oxymoron. How can anyone be proud of himself or herself when he or she recognizes what they deserve compared to what God has given them by His grace? Are you a proud Christian or a humble servant?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 2:17 – His Mouth Peace

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Will

And having come, He preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.

Truth to Learn

All Christians should be proclaiming peace with God through the gospel message of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ as payment for our sins.

Behind the Words

The words “having come” are from the verb erchomai, which means “to come” or “to go.” It is expressed as an aorist participle, thus we translate it as “having come.”

“Preached” is translated from euangellidzō, which is a compound verb made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and aggellō, which means “to proclaim.” Thus, this word literally means “to proclaim the good news.” This is the word from which we get our English verb “to evangelize.”

“Peace” is translated from eirēnē, which means, as we saw back in verse fourteen, “to be at peace with someone.” In the current verse, the best Greek manuscripts have the word eirēnē appears twice. Therefore, the verse should be translated:

And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and peace to those who were near.

The words “afar off” are from makran, which we saw back in verse thirteen. It means “a great distance away.”

“Near” is translated from the Greek word engus, which is based on the verb agchō, meaning “to squeeze.” Engus indicates that something is “nearby” or “close at hand.”

Meaning Explained

The current verse indicates a direct fulfillment of the words of Isaiah:

“I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to the ones far off and near,” Says the LORD, “And I will heal him.” (Isaiah 57:19)

In verse fourteen we learned that Christ is our peace. In verse fifteen we learned that He made peace between Jews and Gentiles. Now we learn that Christ proclaimed (or announced) peace, both to those who were near and to those who were far away. In verse thirteen we learned that Gentiles are the ones who were once far away. By inference, we know that “those who were near” refers to the Jews.

There are a number of verses in the New Testament in which Jesus proclaimed peace, so it’s not hard to understand what Paul means by saying that he proclaimed peace to those who were near. But, we have to ask ourselves the question, “How did Jesus preach peace to those who were far off?” For the key to the answer to this question let’s look at John’s gospel. He recorded this statement that Jesus made to his disciples in the upper room after He was raised from the dead,

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

Jesus sent his disciples (and by extension, you and me) into the world to proclaim the gospel of peace. That’s how He proclaims peace to those who are far off.

Application

You and I are the means by which Jesus Christ is still proclaiming peace to those who are far off. When was the last time you shared the Gospel message to people around you?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:17 – Preach The Good News

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Will

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Truth to Learn

All Christians need to share the gospel message to others.

Behind the Words

“Send” is translated from the Greek word apostellō. This word is composed of apo, meaning “off” or “away from” and the verb stellō, which means “to set,” “to send,” or “to appoint to a position.” The word apostellō means “to appoint to a position and send away on a specific mission.”

The words “preach the gospel” are from euangelidzō. This word is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and angellō, meaning “to tell” or “to proclaim.” Thus, euangelidzō means “to proclaim goodness” or “to proclaim the good news.”

Sophia is the word translated “wisdom.” In classical Greek, this word refers to the knowledge and experience of respected philosophers and truly learned men. In the New Testament, however, it nearly always denotes “a genuine fear of God and an understanding of His ways.” In today’s verse it is used with more of a classical meaning, referring to human learning and experience rather than godly wisdom.

“Should be made of no effect” is translated from mē followed by a form of kenoō. Mē means “no” or “not” and kenoō means “to make empty or void.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now explains why he didn’t do very much baptizing while he was ministering in Corinth. Basically, he says that it’s not what he was called to do. He is not declaring that baptism is not important, just that it wasn’t part of his initial calling, which he received from Christ:

But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. (Acts 26:16)

In fact, Paul considers his central mission of evangelizing the unsaved to be so important to him that he felt obligated to do it:

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)

He also declares an important aspect of preaching the gospel message. He says that sharing the good news of salvation through faith in Christ does not require “wisdom of words.” That is to say, preaching the gospel is not something that requires eloquence or fancy sermons laced with humorous examples or clever application. The preaching of the gospel message is a matter of simply and clearly declaring that we all are sinners condemned to death, but Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins on the cross, and whoever believes shall be saved from that death sentence.

Application

We have not all experienced a miraculous appearance of Christ telling us to preach the gospel like Paul did on the road to Damascus, but we have all been commissioned to declare the good news and to make disciples. We have not all been given the spiritual gift of evangelism, but we have all been commissioned to share the gospel. When was the last time you shared the truth of salvation? It is the greatest gift we can offer to anyone, whether they accept it or not. Share the good news!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 3:6 – Fond Memories

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Will

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you—

Truth to Learn

Remember those who have helped you in your faith walk.

Behind the Words

The word “now” is translated from the Greek adverb arti, meaning “now, just now, or the present time.”

“Has come” is from the verb erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle, so it could be translated as “having come.”

“Remembrance” is translated from mneia, which refers to “a recollection” or “a specific memory about someone or something.”

Meaning Explained

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 3:8 – A Living Oxymoron?

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 3:8 – A Living Oxymoron?

To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Truth to Learn

There is no reason for pride in the body of Christ.

Behind the Words

“I should preach” is translated from euangelidzō. This verb is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and angellō, meaning “to tell.” Thus, euangelidzō means “to tell the good news;” that is “to preach the gospel” or “to evangelize.”

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we talked about how the apostles of the church in the first century had a common characteristic of downplaying their position in the church. Perhaps it is because each one of them witnessed the humbleness of Jesus. Upon finally believing that He is the Son of God, each of them must have been struck by the magnitude of His humility given who He really is.

Compared to the Son of God, the Christ, the Messiah, each of these men realized that they were nothing but sinners deserving of eternal Hell, saved by the grace of God. In today’s verse Paul declares himself to be “least-er” (less than the least) than all Christians. Before we scoff at his improper grammar (even in Greek this would be improper except for poets), let’s see what he said about himself elsewhere:

although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:13-15)

Paul (formerly Saul, the persecutor of the church) considered himself the greatest of sinners, and he considered himself less than even the lowest of Christians. This man who wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else, who proclaimed salvation to every sinner who would listen (and even to some who wouldn’t listen), did not have a puffed-up opinion of himself.

Application

One thing I find most irritating is when a Christian thinks of himself or herself as “hot stuff” in the body of Christ. A proud Christian is a living oxymoron. How can anyone be proud of himself or herself when he or she recognizes what they deserve compared to what God has given them by His grace? Are you a proud Christian or a humble servant?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Romans 15:20 – Singular Ambition

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Will

Romans 15:20 – Singular Ambition

And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation,

Truth to Learn

All Christians are called and gifted to build the body of Christ.

Behind the Words

The expression “I have made it my aim” is translated from the Greek verb philotimeomai. This word is made up of philos, meaning “a friend,” (expressing the fondness between good friends) and a form of time, meaning “honor.” Thus, we see this word literally means “a love or fondness of honor.” By application, it means “to make something an ambition” or “to aspire to something.” It is expressed here as a present participle so it might literally be translated, “making it my ambition.”

The words “preach the gospel” are from the Greek verb euangelidzō, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of angellō, meaning “to tell or to proclaim.” It means “to proclaim the gospel” or “to evangelize.”

“Build” is from oikodomeō, which literally means “to build a house.” The particular house that Paul is building is the body of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Meaning Explained

It is clear from this verse that Paul was absolutely certain of the calling he had from God. As the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul was called to evangelize among the heathen who had not yet heard the gospel message. He said in the previous verse that he had fully preached the gospel from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum. And in the verse before that, he would take no credit for the work that that the Spirit had done through others. He now explains why.

Paul says, “And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel.” In other words, Paul was singularly focused on preaching the gospel, making it his greatest ambition. From the moment of his conversion he recognized God’s calling in his life, thus his ambition from that time was to proclaim the good message, or good news, about salvation through Jesus Christ.

And, he says that his ambition was to preach the good news to people who had never heard the name of Jesus Christ. His reason for doing this was because he was not called to build upon someone else’s work. God called Paul to proclaim Christ to those who had never heard the gospel and that is precisely what he wanted to do.

God has not called us all to this type of ministry. There are many different spiritual gifts that God has given to the members of the church through the Holy Spirit, and we each have a calling that is empowered by the gifts He has given us. God does not expect us all to travel to foreign lands and proclaim the gospel to those who have never heard it. Some, like Paul, are called to do that but others are specifically called to teach, to encourage, to be a helper, or to give generously from what God has blessed us with. However, we are all called to share our testimony with those around us, and we are all called to give of ourselves, our time, and our money. Where and how we do this depends on what God has called us to do.

Application

Do you know what God has called you to do within the body of Christ? Are you making it your singular ambition to know what that calling is and to fulfill it for God’s glory?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Romans 10:15 – Evangelists in Full Bloom

Posted on October 12, 2010 by Will

Romans 10:15 – Evangelists in Full Bloom

And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Truth to Learn

Those who preach the gospel are seen as particularly beautiful.

Behind the Words

The word that is translated as “preach the gospel” is euangelidzō, from which we get our English word “evangelize.” This word is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of angellō, which means “to deliver a message.” Our English word “angel” comes from this word, referring to a messenger of God. Therefore, we see that euangelidzō means “to deliver a good message” or “to announce the good news.”

Meaning Explained

Before Jesus was taken up into heaven he gave His disciples specific instructions regarding what He wanted them to do. He said: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15) Matthew recorded the message a little differently. Here’s how he recorded it: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; (Matthew 28:19, 20a)

Today’s verse now gives us some insight as to how God views those who openly proclaim the message of salvation. He does so by quoting a passage from Isaiah:

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

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