Tag: laleo

1 Thessalonians 2:16 – Proclaim It Fearlessly

Posted on by Will

hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has suddenly come upon them to the uttermost.

Truth to Learn

Christians are to share the Gospel, in spite of persecution.

 

Behind the Words

“Hindering” is translated from the Greek verb kōluō, which is related to the noun kolos, which refers to “a dwarf.” The verb kōluō means “to weaken” or “to cut off.” In its common usage, it means “to hinder, restrain, or prevent.”

Laleō is the verb translated “speaking.” It refers to verbal conversation in general, as opposed to the content of the conversation, which would be the word legō.

The word “Gentiles” is from the Greek noun ethnos. This word literally refers to “a group of people belonging and living together.” In Greek secular writing, it primarily refers to “a race of people” or “a nation.” The Jews used this word to refer to anyone who was not a Jew, that is, a Gentile.

“Saved” is translated from sodzō, which means “to rescue from danger or destruction.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of it happening.

“Always” is translated from pantote, which is made up of a form of pas, meaning “all” and tote, meaning “then.” Therefore, pantote means “all the time.”

The words “fill up” are from anaplēroō. This is composed of ana, meaning “up,” used as an intensifier, and plēroō, meaning “to fill.” Thus, anaplēroō means “to fill up completely.

The words “has suddenly come upon” are from the verb phthanō, meaning “to come suddenly and unexpectedly.”

“Uttermost” is from telos, meaning “the termination,” “the completion,” or “the end.”

 

Meaning Explained

The Thessalonian Christians were just told that they are suffering in the same way as the Christians in Judea, at the hands of their own countrymen. Paul now describes the motivation behind such persecution. He says that their countrymen were hindering them from having conversations with the people around them so that these people might not hear and believe the gospel message, thus getting saved.

This sounds very contemporary, doesn’t it? Even in our own country, which was originally based on religious freedom and the freedom of speech, our countrymen are trying to prevent us from spreading the good news. Prayer has been taken out of our schools and teachers are forbidden from sharing the Gospel message. Discussions about sin and salvation are hindered in the workplace and many government offices have forbidden the display of Christian materials.

But Paul tells us that the consequences of such hindering of the Gospel will be far worse for those who are hindering our witness than they will be for us. Their actions will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment and they will experience the wrath of God, while we will only know the peace of God.

 

Application

Don’t be discouraged from sharing the Gospel message with people around you. Keep in mind that it is “… the power of God unto salvation …” (Romans 1:16) that causes people to believe, not your own persuasiveness.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:19 – Sing to God!

Posted on by Will

speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your heart to the Lord,

Truth to Learn

Singing God’s praise is a sign of being filled with the Spirit.

 

Behind the Words

“Speaking” is from the Greek word laleō, meaning “to utter words,” that is, “to talk” or “to speak.”

The word “psalms” is transliterated from psalmos, derived from the verb psallō, meaning “to sing.” The words “making music” later in this verse are translated from psallō. Originally, psallō referred to the touching or plucking of a stringed instrument. Later it referred to the singing of a song accompanied by a musical instrument. A psalm tells a story of man’s deliverance or tells of God’s mercy to us.

The word “hymns” is transliterated from the Greek word humnos (hymnos), which is a declaration of praise regarding God’s greatness. According to the church father Augustine, a hymn had three characteristics: it was sung, it was praise, it was to God.

The words “spiritual songs” are translated from two words, pneumatikos and odē. Pneumatikos, derived from pneuma, meaning a spirit, refers to that which pertains to the spiritual world. Odē is the Greek word translated “songs.” Derived from the verb adō, it is a general term for a song.

“Singing” is from the Greek word adō. Throughout the Bible this word refers specifically to singing praises to God.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul commanded us not to be drunk with wine, allowing it to control our thoughts and actions. Instead he said, be filled with the Spirit of God, allowing Him to control our thoughts and actions.

Now you may ask, “How do I know when I am filled with the Spirit?” The Apostle answers that question with three different forms of evidence. The first is in today’s verse and the others are described in the following two verses. The first evidence of being Spirit filled is “singing and making music in your heart to the Lord.” When a person is filled to the brim with the Holy Spirit, he or she cannot help himself or herself. The Spirit within us will break out in song. This singing will usually be accompanied by musical instruments, and it will be songs of praise to God for who He is and for what He has done. These songs will be “spiritual songs” because they are the result of the Spirit of God bursting out through our voices.

What you may not realize is that the only singing that many early Christians heard before coming to Christ was singing that accompanied drunkenness and idolatry, but that’s not the type of singing we’re commanded to do. It’s interesting to note that Paul says that these songs are a form of “speaking to yourselves.” These are messages of praise and encouragement that church members sing to themselves and to other church members. Some people in church just sing the songs because they know they’re supposed to. Others sing these songs simply because they like to sing. And others sing the same songs as a form of worship. Paul, however, says that we should also be singing these songs to each other. I believe Paul intends this to be a form of encouragement and fellowship.

 

Application

When we realize what God has done for us, we are filled with joy. That joy is often expressed in the form of singing. How wonderful it is to join together with our brothers and sisters each week, lifting our voices up in song. So, be filled with the Spirit and lift up your heart with songs of praise to God and encouragement to others.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 4:25 – A Body of Truth

Posted on by Will

Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," because we are members of one another.

Truth to Learn

Honesty is critically important within the body of Christ.

 

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the Greek word dio, which is made up of dia, meaning “through” and ho, meaning “which.” Thus we see that dio literally means “through which.”

The words “putting away” are translated from the Greek verb apotithēmi, which in verse twenty-two we learned means “to put away or to take off.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle in the middle voice. Therefore, it is literally translated as “having already put away from yourself.”

 “Speak” is from the verb laleō, which refers to “the utterance of words” or “talking.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “neighbor” is translated from plēsios, which is derived from pelos, meaning “near.” Plēsios refers to “someone who is close by” either physically or emotionally.

“Members” is from melos, which refers specifically to “a limb or other part of a body.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the past few verses we have been instructed that we are to put away from ourselves our sin nature and its ungodly desires. In its place we are to put on the new nature which God created for us when we were saved. Now we are told, having put away the lie which was part of that “old man,” we are to speak truth with each other as part of the “new man.” Once again, we see the Apostle’s teaching style of getting rid of something and replacing it with something else. His point is that instead of focusing on “not lying,” we are to focus on communicating truthfully with each other.

Paul ends this verse with an interesting comment. He says that “we are (body) members of one another.” You may recall that earlier in this chapter he told us that each of us is specially gifted to perform a function within the body of Christ, that is, the church. In verses fourteen and fifteen he instructed us that we should no longer be immature Christians, deceived by the trickery of men. Instead, we were told that we should speak the truth in love as we help the entire body grow. Therefore, it appears that today’s verse is specifically aimed at our communication with others within the body of Christ.

In the fourth century, John Chrysostom, the archbishop of Constantinople, interpreted today’s verse this way.

Let not the eye lie to the foot, nor the foot to the eye. If there be a deep pit, and its mouth covered with reeds shall present to the eye the appearance of solid ground, will not the eye use the foot to ascertain whether it is hollow underneath, or whether it is firm and resists? Will the foot tell a lie, and not the truth as it is? And what, again, if the eye were to spy a serpent or a wild beast, will it lie to the foot?

 

Application

It is critically important that we exercise our spiritual gifts within the church to build up the body. It is just as critical, however, that we do so with complete honesty, not trying to deceive, but doing all that we do as an expression of love for our fellow Christians.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

James 2:12 – Active Evidence

Posted on by Will

So speak and so do as those who are about to be judged by the law of liberty.

Truth to Learn

Our words and actions should be an indication of the freedom we have in Christ.

Behind the Words

“So” is a translation of the Greek word houtōs, which is a connecting adverb tying the previous thought to the one about to be expressed. It can variously be translated as, “so,” “in this way,” or “thus.”

The word translated “speak” is laleō, which refers to all kinds of conversation. It is often used to refer to casual conversation whereas the Greek word legō refers to conversations involving the intellectual part of man. It is expressed here in the imperative mood indicating a command.

Poieō is the Greek word translated “do” in this verse. Both this and laleō, mentioned above, are written in the present tense, active voice, and imperative mood. This means that James is commanding us to continually be speaking and doing.

The Greek word translated “liberty” is eleutheria, which means “freedom,” “unrestrained,” or “not a slave.” The noun form of this word refers to a person who has the freedom to go wherever he or she wants, as opposed to a slave who cannot leave his or her master.

Meaning Explained

Many of the members of the early church were converted Jews who had been raised under the Law of Moses. They had previously regulated their lives based on what the Law said they could and could not do. Through James’ teaching, God is beginning to show them that they are no longer bound to the requirements of the law. But neither are they free to behave any way they want to. There is another law that should govern the actions of Christians, which James refers to as the law of liberty. The Law of Moses was one which enslaved, but the law of liberty liberates us from the Law of Moses.

Paul taught the same thing to the Christians in Rome:

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are slaves to whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves to righteousness. (Romans 6:16-18)

We are no longer under the bondage of sin and slaves to it. We have been set free from sin and have become the servants of righteousness. Before we accepted Christ we could not avoid sin because we were slaves to it. Now, through Christ, we don’t have to sin but we are free to act as God wants us to because we have been declared “righteous.” Our speech and conduct need to reflect our righteous position before God.

Application

Think about the last few times you were in a secular environment. Perhaps you work with a lot of unsaved people, or perhaps you have a number of unsaved friends. Does your behavior in their presence show them of your freedom to please God, or does it show them how enslaved you are to rules?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 3:1 – Eternal Babies

Posted on by Will

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.

Truth to Learn

Some Christians don’t grow in their relationship with Christ.

Behind the Words

The word “could” is translated from a form of dunamis, meaning “to be able” or “to have power or authority.”

“Speak” is from laleō, which refers to the use of words in speech or writing. It is a reference to the ability to communicate rather than the quality of it.

“Spiritual” is translated from pneumatikos. It describes those who exist in the spiritual realm, as opposed to the physical realm. It refers to those who communicate with the God of creation. Therefore, pneumatikos describes those who have a spiritual relationship with God.

Sarkinos is the Greek word translated “carnal.” It is based on the word sarx, which refers to the flesh of a living creature. Thus, sarkinos refers to those who live in the realm of the flesh as opposed to those who live in the realm of the spirit.

The word “babes” is from the Greek nēpios, which is made up of nē, meaning “not” and a form of epō, meaning “to speak.” Hence, nēpios literally means “non-speaking.” It is equivalent to the Latin infans (an infant). So, we see that nēpios refers to someone who is like an infant who hasn’t yet learned to speak.

Meaning Explained

In the previous chapter, the Apostle Paul compared the “natural man” to “the spiritual man.” The natural man is one who does not have God’s Spirit (a non-Christian). As a result, he (or she) lives under the influence of the sin nature, rather than the influence of the Spirit of God.

In today’s verse Paul introduces a third type of person, “the carnal man.” This person is barely distinguishable from the natural man because both the natural man and the carnal man are controlled by the flesh (human nature). A carnal Christian is in a most unhappy condition. He or she has been given the Holy Spirit of God as a guide, but does not communicate with the Spirit or, at best, ignores what the Spirit says.

A carnal Christian is further described by Paul as an infant in Christ. Let me point out that there is nothing wrong with being an infant in Christ – if you have recently been “born again.” Every Christian starts out as an infant in Christ. Here Paul is referring to Christians who haven’t grown in their Christian life. For whatever reason, they have decided to remain a baby and not grow in their relationship with God.

Unfortunately, we see this kind of Christians all around us. These “Sunday morning Christians” come to church wearing their Sunday-morning-go-to-church clothes, they sing the songs, they sit patiently (sometimes) while the preacher gives his message, then they walk out and live like the devil the rest of the week. Christianity is easy for them. They don’t have to put any work into it and they typically don’t suffer from spiritual attacks. Our enemy doesn’t have to attack them because they are infants who don’t pose any threats.

Application

Christianity may seem easy to the carnal Christian, but he or she is missing out on the rich blessings of a close personal relationship with the God of creation. Where are you today, my friend? Are you still a baby Christian, or are you growing?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

1 Corinthians 2:13 – Inspired Word of God

Posted on by Will

These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Truth to Learn

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. Believe it!

Behind the Words

“Speak” is translated from the verb laleō. This word refers to the use of words in speech or writing. It is a reference to the ability to communicate rather than the quality of it.

“Words” is from the Greek noun logos, which refers to a word itself or an expression of intelligent thought.

Sugkrinō is the verb translated “comparing.” It is made up of sun, meaning “together” and krinō, which means “to judge, distinguish, or separate.” Sugkrinō originally meant “to combine,” then later it meant “to separate” or “to distinguish,” and then “to compare” or “to explain.”

The words “spiritual things” and “spiritual” are both from the Greek adjective pneumatikos. The first usage of the word here is structured as a neuter direct object (the object of the verb “comparing”). As a result, it refers to “spiritual things.” The other use of pneumatikos here is structured as an indirect object which is normally translated with the added prepositions “in,” “to,” “by,” or “with.” Here it has the form of either a neuter indirect object (spiritual things) or a masculine indirect object, since they both have the same form. The gender of the indirect object indicates what it is referring to. If neuter, it has to refer to a neuter noun. If masculine, however, it has to refer to a masculine noun.

Meaning Explained

The first part of this verse is fairly clear. You will recall that Paul has compared the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God and in doing so has compared his own preaching style with the obscure style of the philosophers, sophists, and rabbis. He clearly states that in conveying these formerly secret truths to us, the apostles did not use words of their own choosing or words dictated by man's wisdom. Rather, they used the very words which the Holy Spirit taught them to use. This is a clear statement that not only the subject matter of Biblical teaching is inspired, but that even the very words used by the writers were inspired by the Holy Spirit. This is why we take so much time and care in these studies to look at the very words used.

The second half of this verse is difficult to translate into English because of the words sugkrinō and pneumatikos, as explained above. As a result, there are numerous differing translations. The two translations that seem to make the most sense, given what Paul has been talking about, are: “Explaining spiritual things to spiritual men” and “comparing spiritual things with spiritual things (or words).” In the first and second century the church leaders believed that Paul’s meaning was, “comparing the things which were written by the Spirit of the Old Testament with what is now revealed to us by the same Spirit, and confirming doctrine by them.” Given what Paul has been talking about, this seems to make good sense.

Application

Even though the Bible was penned by human writers, it is the Word of God. As such, it is inspired and without error in the original documents. Therefore, we can believe what it teaches us and we can base our earthly lives and eternal future on what it teaches. God’s Word is truth!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

To see all of our verse studies, visit http://www.ministryofgrace.org

1 Corinthians 2:6 – Wise Maturity

Posted on by Will

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

Truth to Learn

Mature Christians understand the true wisdom of God’s Word.

Behind the Words

“We speak” is translated from the Greek verb laleō, which means “to speak.” It is a reference to the ability to speak rather than the quality of speech. It is expressed here in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, which implies current continuous action.

The word “mature” is translated from a form of telos, meaning “the goal, completion, or end purpose” of something. As used here, it is a reference to those who are complete or fully grown. It could be a reference to those who have reached adulthood, or it could be a reference to mature Christians, as implied in Hebrews 13:20, 21.

Aiōn is the word translated “age.” It is a reference to a period of time or of the characteristics of that time period. Paul is probably referring to the time before the return of Christ.

The word “rulers” is from archōn, which means “one who is first in rank or power,” that is, a ruler.

The words “coming to nothing” are translated from the verb katargeō. This word is made up of kata, used as an intensifier, and argeō, which means “to be idle.” Katargeō generally means “to be completely useless or without purpose.”

Meaning Explained

In verse four, Paul talked about some of the things that are not characteristics of his teaching and preaching style. In today’s verse he talks about something that is characteristic of his style. In the previous chapter he contrasted the worldly view of the gospel message (foolishness) with the supposed wisdom of the world’s teachers. Throughout this chapter he has been talking about his wise method of delivering the simple gospel message.

After describing the wisdom of the world as foolish and un-wise, he now tells us about the true wisdom of God’s Word. Our faith is not based on the wisdom of men, as he said in yesterday’s verse, but on true wisdom. This true wisdom is spoken to those who are mature. As we pointed out in Behind the Words, the Greek word telos refers to someone who has reached spiritual maturity; however, many of the Corinthian Christians were anything but mature in their faith.

This seems to be a slight jab at those who had been so easily distracted from the simple truths of the good news. They were not spiritually mature. So, what Paul means is that those who are mature in their Christian faith would understand the wisdom that he is talking about. The immature Christians in Corinth were still under the impression that the wisdom of the philosophers and sophists was desirable. However, Paul points out that the supposed great ones of the world system not only were not very wise, but their lack of true wisdom will eventually result in their total destruction.

Application

Are you seeking after truth and godly wisdom? If so, you won’t find it in the world. You will only find it in the Word of God, faithfully taught by those who are well grounded in the Bible.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Thessalonians 2:16 – Proclaim It Fearlessly

Posted on by Will

forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

Truth to Learn

Christians are to share the Gospel, in spite of persecution.

Behind the Words

“Forbidding” is translated from the Greek verb kōluō, which is related to the noun kolos, which refers to “a dwarf.” The verb kōluō means “to weaken” or “to cut off.” In its common usage, it means “to hinder, restrain, or prevent.”

Laleō is the verb translated “to speak.” It refers to verbal conversation in general, as opposed to the content of the conversation, which would be the word legō.

The word “Gentiles” is from the Greek noun ethnos. This word literally refers to “a group of people belonging and living together.” In Greek secular writing, it primarily refers to “a race of people” or “a nation.” The Jews used this word to refer to anyone who was not a Jew, that is, a Gentile.

“Saved” is translated from sodzō, which means “to rescue from danger or destruction.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of it happening.

“Always” is translated from pantote, which is made up of a form of pas, meaning “all” and tote, meaning “then.” Therefore, pantote means “all the time.”

The words “fill up” are from anaplēroō. This is composed of ana, meaning “up,” used as an intensifier, and plēroō, meaning “to fill.” Thus, anaplēroō means “to fill up completely.

The words “has come upon” are from the verb phthanō, meaning “to come suddenly and unexpectedly.”

“Uttermost” is from telos, meaning “the termination,” “the completion,” or “the end.”

Meaning Explained

The Thessalonian Christians were just told that they are suffering in the same way as the Christians in Judea, at the hands of their own countrymen. Paul now describes the motivation behind such persecution. He says that their countrymen tried to prevent them from having conversations with the people around them so that these people might not hear and believe the gospel message, thus getting saved.

This sounds very contemporary, doesn’t it? Even in our own country, which was originally based on religious freedom and the freedom of speech, our countrymen are trying to prevent us from spreading the good news. Prayer has been taken out of our schools and teachers are forbidden from sharing the Gospel message. Discussions about sin and salvation are hindered in the workplace and many government offices have forbidden the display of Christian materials.

But Paul tells us that the consequences of such hindering of the Gospel will be far worse for those who are hindering our witness than they will be for us. Their actions will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment and they will experience the wrath of God, while we will only know the peace of God.

Application

Don’t be discouraged from sharing the Gospel message with people around you. Keep in mind that it is “… the power of God unto salvation …” (Romans 1:16) that causes people to believe, not your own persuasiveness.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:19 – Sing to God!

Posted on by Will

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

Truth to Learn

Singing God’s praise is a sign of being filled with the Spirit.

Behind the Words

“Speaking” is from the Greek word laleō, meaning “to utter words,” that is, “to talk” or “to speak.”

The word “psalms” is transliterated from psalmos, derived from the verb psallō, meaning “to sing.” The words “making melody” later in this verse are translated from psallō. Originally, psallō referred to the touching or plucking of a stringed instrument. Later it referred to the singing of a song accompanied by a musical instrument. A psalm tells a story of man’s deliverance or tells of God’s mercy to us.

The word “hymns” is transliterated from the Greek word humnos (hymnos), which is a declaration of praise regarding God’s greatness. According to the church father Augustine, a hymn had three characteristics: it was sung, it was praise, it was sung to God.

The words “spiritual songs” are translated from two words, pneumatikos and odē. Pneumatikos, derived from pneuma, meaning a spirit, refers to that which pertains to the spiritual world. Odē is the Greek word translated “songs.” Derived from the verb adō, it is a general term for a song.

“Singing” is from the Greek word adō. Throughout the Bible this word refers specifically to singing praises to God.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul commanded us not to be drunk with wine, allowing it to control our thoughts and actions. Instead he said, be filled with the Spirit of God, allowing Him to control our thoughts and actions.

Now you may ask, “How do I know when I am filled with the Spirit?” The Apostle answers that question with three different forms of evidence. The first is in today’s verse and the others are described in the following two verses. The first evidence of being Spirit filled is “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” When a person is filled to the brim with the Holy Spirit, he or she cannot help himself or herself. The Spirit within us will break out in song. This singing will usually be accompanied by musical instruments, and it will be songs of praise to God for who He is and for what He has done. These songs will be “spiritual songs” because they are the result of the Spirit of God bursting out through our voices.

What you may not realize is that the only singing that many early Christians heard before coming to Christ was singing that accompanied drunkenness and idolatry. It’s interesting to note that Paul says that these songs were a form of “speaking to one another.” The Greek actually says “speaking to yourselves.” These were messages of praise and encouragement that church members sang to church members.

Application

When we realize what God has done for us, we are filled with joy. That joy is often expressed in the form of singing. How wonderful it is to join together with our brothers and sisters each week, lifting our voices up in song. So, be filled with the Spirit and lift up your heart with songs of praise to God!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

Ephesians 4:25 – A Body of Truth

Posted on by Will

Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.

Truth to Learn

Honesty is critically important within the body of Christ.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the Greek word dio, which is made up of dia, meaning “through” and ho, meaning “which.” Thus we see that dio literally means “through which.”

The words “putting away” are translated from the Greek verb apotithēmi, which in verse twenty-two we learned means “to put away or to take off.” It is expressed here as an aorist participle in the middle voice. Therefore, it is literally translated as “having already put away from yourself.”

“Speak” is from the verb laleō, which refers to “the utterance of words” or “talking.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “neighbor” is translated from plēsios, which is derived from pelos, meaning “near.” Plēsios refers to “someone who is close by” either physically or emotionally.

“Members” is from melos, which refers specifically to “a limb or other part of a body.”

Meaning Explained

In the past few verses we have been instructed that we are to put away from ourselves our sin nature and its ungodly desires. In its place we are to put on the new nature which God created for us when we were saved. Now we are told, having put away the lie which was part of that “old man,” we are to speak truth with each other as part of the “new man.” Once again, we see the Apostle’s teaching style of getting rid of something and replacing it with something else. His point is that instead of focusing on “not lying,” we are to focus on communicating truthfully with each other.

Paul ends this verse with an interesting comment. He says that “we are (body) members of one another.” You may recall that earlier in this chapter he told us that each of us is specially gifted to perform a function within the body of Christ, that is, the church. In verses fourteen and fifteen he instructed us that we should no longer be immature Christians, deceived by the trickery of men. Instead, we were told that we should speak the truth in love as we help the entire body grow. Therefore, it appears that today’s verse is specifically aimed at our communication with others within the body of Christ.

In the fourth century, John Chrysostom, the archbishop of Constantinople, interpreted today’s verse this way.

Let not the eye lie to the foot, nor the foot to the eye. If there be a deep pit, and its mouth covered with reeds shall present to the eye the appearance of solid ground, will not the eye use the foot to ascertain whether it is hollow underneath, or whether it is firm and resists? Will the foot tell a lie, and not the truth as it is? And what, again, if the eye were to spy a serpent or a wild beast, will it lie to the foot?

Application

It is critically important that we exercise our spiritual gifts within the church to build up the body. It is just as critical, however, that we do so with complete honesty, not trying to deceive, but doing all that we do as an expression of love for our fellow Christians.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.