Tag: good news

Romans 10:15 – Evangelists in Full Bloom

Posted on 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,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:6 – Fond Memories

Posted on 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,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Luke 2:10, 11 – Born To Die

Posted on by Will

And the angel said to them, Do not fear. Look, I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all people. Because today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was born to you in the city of David.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ came forth as a baby so that He could die on a cross so that we, being dead sinners, might have eternal life.

 

Behind the Words

“Fear” is translated from phobeō, from which we get our English word phobia, meaning “fear.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. It is also accompanied by the negative particle mē. Thus, the angel commanded the shepherds not to be afraid.

The words “I proclaim good news” are from the verb euangelidzomai, meaning “to announce good news.” This is the word from which we get our English verb “to evangelize.”

The word “Savior” is translated from sotēr. This is derived from the verb sodzō, which means “to save,” “to deliver,” or “to preserve safe from danger, loss, or destruction.” This is a very good description of the purpose of the birth of Jesus, to preserve us safe from danger, loss, or destruction.”

“Was born” is from a form of the Greek verb tiktō, meaning “to bring forth,” “to bear,” or “to give birth.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense indicating a past completed single action. Thus, when the angel made this announcement to the shepherds, Jesus had already been born.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that the shepherds to whom this angel appeared were “afraid with mega-fear.” This is certainly understandable for some simple shepherds, alone in the middle of the night, suddenly visited by a person hovering in the air above them wrapped in brilliant, blazing light.

The first words out of this messenger’s mouth were, “Don’t be afraid!” This same exact expression is found at least eighteen times in the New Testament. In every case but one, it was spoken either by Jesus or by one of His angelic messengers. The next thing this angel said was, “I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all the people.” The reason that the angel told them not to fear is because their Savior had come.

Today, the word “gospel” is often used to mean “authentic.” However, in the New Testament it is always the translation of the word euangelion, or “good news.” We Christians usually think of the gospel message as the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which secured our salvation. However, this good news began with His incarnation, His birth as a human being. When we think of our salvation, we think of the cross. When we think of Christmas, we think of the manger. However, without the manger there would be no cross. The good news of salvation through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ began with the good news that God became a man and He did so as a helpless little baby who was laid in an animal’s feeding trough.

 

Application

As we hurry and scurry about during this Christmas season of celebration, let’s not forget that the little baby whose birth we celebrate is our God, who sacrificed Himself for us. This little baby was born to die so that we might live eternally with Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 3:6 – Fond Memories

Posted on 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.”

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,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved