Tag: phobeo

Luke 2:10, 11 – Born To Die

Posted on by Will

And the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid!” Look, I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all people. Because there was born to you today a Savior (who is Christ the Lord) in the city of David.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ came forth as a baby so that he would grow up and die on a cross so that we, being dead sinners, might have eternal life.

 

Behind the Words

“Afraid” 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.”

“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.

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.”

 

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.

However, 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 people.” The reason that the angel told them not to be afraid 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 © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 3:14 – Unlikely Suffering

Posted on by Will

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not fear their fear, nor be troubled."

Truth to Learn

We probably won’t suffer for behaving the way God expects us to. But if we do, we are fortunate, and we should not be afraid.

 

Behind the Words

There are 4 types of conditional sentences in the Greek grammar of the New Testament, although only the first three actually appear in the New Testament texts.. This sentence is closest in form to the least common of those, the 4th class conditional sentence. The 4th class condition indicates “less probable future condition.” In other words, “while it is possible, it is not likely that this will happen.”

There are two Greek words that are commonly translated “bless, blessed, or blessing.” They are eulogeo (“good words” or “well-spoken of”) and markarion which means “supremely fortunate” or “supremely well-off.” The word in today’s verse is the latter.

There are two instances of the word “fear” in this passage. The first is the verb phobeō and the second is the noun phobos. These are both from the same root (from which we get the English word “phobia”). So, literally, this verse says, “do not fear their fear.” There are two possible meanings, either a) Do not be afraid with the same sort of fear as wicked men are; with a worldly slavish fear of men, and of the loss of worldly things, and of life itself: or, b) Do not be afraid of those who inject fear into you; do not be afraid of their words and reproaches, of their threatenings and menaces, or even of death itself. This is a general quote from Isaiah 8:12 which says,

And you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it.

It appears that the proper translation is, “do not be afraid of them with the same kind of fear they have.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous 2 verses Peter told us that God is looking over us and is attentive to our prayers. This promise is not to all mankind. Peter is writing this letter to “the elect,” those who have been chosen by God.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen sojourners of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father … (1Peter 1:1, 2a)

If you are a born again Christian then this promise is for you. As we said in the previous verse, however, this does not mean that nothing bad will ever happen to you.

If we behave as God has commanded us, keeping our tongues from speaking badly, turning away from evil, and pursuing peace, then we know that God is watching over us and listening to our prayers and nothing bad is likely to happen to us. But even if we should suffer because of righteousness, we are blessed.

Even if we should suffer for doing what is right, though it is very unlikely, then we are still extremely fortunate. We have been adopted by the great Lord of all creation, and we are to be the bride of His Son, and He loves us with a perfect love!

Because of that, Peter says in the last half of this verse, “then don’t fear their threats nor be troubled.” Even if you should suffer, don’t let it make you fearful. Here’s what our Lord said:

 

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:28-31) [NASB]

 

Application

In John 16:33 Christ told His disciples that in this world we will suffer tribulation. If we behave like our Heavenly Father wants us to and if we are a constant witness for Him, the world will hate us. And if we should suffer for it, we are to count it a joyous thing, and we are not to fear because God is for us!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 3:6 – Sarah’s Example

Posted on by Will

as Sarah was obedient to Abraham, calling him sir, whose daughters you are doing good and fearing no terror.

Truth to Learn

Sarah is Peter’s example of a wife who is submissive to her husband.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “obedient” is the Greek word, hupakouō, which literally translates to “hear under.” It is the picture of a student attentively learning from a teacher.

The word “sir” is from kurios which means, “lord, master, or sir.” It does not show Sarah as an abject slave of Abraham, calling him “master,” so much as it shows her as giving respect to him as the family spiritual head, calling him “sir.”

“Fearing” is from the Greek word, phobeō, from which we get the English word “phobia,” which means “to fear.” This is the word used when we are commanded to “fear God.” It carries with it the sense of “to be in awe of” or “to revere.”

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verses Peter has been talking about wives voluntarily ranking themselves under their husbands, specifically unsaved husbands, with the view in mind of being a witness that may result in the salvation of their husbands. The whole purpose is to minister for the glory of God.

Peter then gets very specific about the type of outward adornment that is appropriate for the wife, which is itself less important than the inner adornment of a humble and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

He then uses the women of ancient time as an example of this inner adornment and now cites Sarah as the supreme example of this type of spirit in her adornment and submission to God through her submission to Abraham.

Remember that Peter started this particular treatise in chapter 2 with instruction on how to be built up as a spiritual house. How we behave with respect to government, our own bosses, and even how we conduct ourselves within our own family are an indication of how we are allowing ourselves to be used in the construction of this spiritual building.

He finishes this section on the behavior of wives with a word of encouragement that by behaving in this manner you wives are demonstrating that you are the spiritual daughters of Sarah. He caps it off by saying that wives who behave in this manner are doing well if it is done in fear without alarm.

But ladies, if your husband is treating you in such a way as to cause you to fear him, whether he claims to be saved or not, then this verse is not addressed to you. You are not commanded to be his doormat and certainly not expected to take abuse from your husband, either physical or emotional.

 

Application

Western society today does not like this message. The message of the world is to stand up for yourself and do your own thing. If your “thing” is to be faithful to God and to be obedient to Him, then you women are to place yourselves under your husband’s authority. But, if you’re more focused on yourself than on God, you can ignore Peter’s message. It’s up to you.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Peter 2:17 – Christ-like Behavior

Posted on by Will

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Truth to Learn

Treating others respectfully is not an option for Christians; we are commanded to do it! Jesus Christ is our example.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “honor” is timaō, which means “to place a value on” or “to revere.” The first use of this verb in the current verse is in the aorist tense and imperative mood, implying the command, “in every case render the honor due.” The other three verbs in this verse (Love, Fear, and Honor) are all in the present tense, imperative mood, indicating continual and habitual action that we are commanded to do.

“Love,” from the Greek word agapaō, refers to the self-sacrificing, God-type love that is more focused on the good of the loved one than on self.

The word “brotherhood” is adelphotēs, a form of adelphos (brother) that refers to a collective of brothers, hence a fraternity or brotherhood. This word is rarely found in Greek writings other than religious texts. It is used as a specific reference to fellow Christians.

The word translated “fear” is phobeō (from which we get the English word “phobia”). It literally means “to frighten.” In the passive voice, as it is here, it means either “to be afraid of” or “to be in awe of.” Peter probably means both.

 

Meaning Explained

Peter here continues the discourse that he started in verse eleven. This is how we should conduct our lives while here on this earth. We are not to be contrarians, against everything everyone else stands for, rather we are to live as obedient servants representing well the One who has called us and to Whom we belong.

We are to honor each person with the specific honor due him or her. We are to continually demonstrate self-sacrificing love to other Christians, being more concerned for their welfare than we are for our own. This characteristic has distinguished Christians from all other people throughout the centuries since the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

We are also to continually fear God (both in the sense of being in awe of Him and fearing His position and power). And we are to continually honor those in civil authority over us. The apostle Paul said a very similar thing in his letter to the Christians in Rome:

Let every soul be subject to higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the existing authorities are appointed by God. … Give therefore to all their due: tax to whom taxes are due, tribute to whom tribute is due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due. (Romans 13:1, 7)

 

Challenge

Let me challenge each of you to stop right now and take stock of how you behave toward others. Do you treat all people with respect, independent of their appearance? Do you demonstrate that special self-sacrificing love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you have a holy fear of our God? And do you show respect to civil authorities?  Hmmmm!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:33 – Back to the Point

Posted on by Will

Moreover, each individual among you also is to love his own wife as himself, and the wife that she honors her husband.

Truth to Learn

The responsibilities of husband and wife are not optional.

 

Behind the Words

“Moreover” is a translation of the Greek adverb plēn, which is a contracted form of pleion, meaning “more.” This word can have a number of nuances such as, “much more,” “rather,” “but yet,” “nevertheless,” or “moreover.” Paul’s use of this word here indicates that he is bringing his reader back to the primary objective of his teaching.

The expression “each individual among you” is an unusual idiomatic expression in the Greek text. “Each individual” is from an expression that literally means “you one by one” (focusing on the individual being spoken to) and is followed by hekastos, which further individualizes the expression.

The verb “love” is once again from the Greek verb agapē. It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Honors” is translated from the word phobeō, which is often translated as “fear.” However, this word is also used as a metaphor for “respect,” “honor,” or “awe.” The form of this verb (subjunctive coupled with hina) indicates the same emphasis as an imperative. In other words, this is a command for women to honor their husbands.

 

Meaning Explained

The opening word of this verse indicates that Paul is aware that he has strayed off topic a little bit and is bringing his reader back to the topic at hand, how a man is to behave toward his wife. The unusual expression that he used indicates that he wants to bring his reader’s attention back from a focus on Christ and the church, to a focus on individual responsibility. And, his use of the command form of agapē, just as he did back in verse twenty-five, indicates that this is not an option for men.

The main focus of this chapter has been on how Christians are to behave with respect to others in the church. For the past eleven verses, however, he has focused on how a man and woman are to behave toward each other in a marriage relationship. He told women that they are to “under-rank” themselves with respect to their husbands and he told men that they are to demonstrate a self-sacrificing love toward their wives. After taking a few verses to teach us the mystery regarding Christ and the church (a marriage relationship with responsibilities exactly like husband and wife), he now reiterates his teaching for husbands and wives.

Paul’s use of phobeō in this verse could be misinterpreted unless we recognize that to Greeks this word had two meanings. In an emotional sense, it refers to being fearful, but in a moral sense (as it is used here), it refers to recognition of authority and power (reverence, honor, or respect).

 

Application

Men, quit making excuses and demonstrate to your wife the kind of love that Christ has for you. Women, forget your excuses too, and submit to your husband as unto the Lord. God will honor both of you for your faithful obedience.

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

Luke 2:8-10; Matthew 28:5-7 – He Is Risen!

Posted on by Will

8Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people … 5But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead,

Truth to Learn

Let us proclaim the good news that He is risen!

Behind the Words

The word “angel” is transliterated from the Greek word angelos. This word literally means “messenger.” Hence, we see that angels are God’s messengers.

The expression “Do not be afraid” is translated from the Greek words mē phobeisthē. The word mē means “not” and the word phobeisthē is a form or phobeō, meaning “to frighten” or “to make afraid.” It is expressed here in the passive voice (to be frightened) and the imperative mood (a command.) Hence, it means “Do not be frightened!”

Meaning Explained

So, what in the world am I doing using a Christmas verse to talk about the resurrection? Have you ever noticed that at both Jesus’ birth and His resurrection, there were angels ministering to people? At His birth the angel delivered the glorious message to the shepherds that the Savior, Christ the Lord, was born. At His resurrection, it was angels who announced the glorious message that He had risen from the dead. And, in both cases the people who saw the angels were afraid. As a result, the first message from the angels was, “Don’t be afraid!”

But, after encountering the angelic messenger, those who saw them immediately went into action. The shepherds immediately went into town to see the Christ child, then went out praising God and spreading the message of His birth. On Resurrection Sunday, the women, Peter, and John, immediately went to tell others that He has risen! In each case, the witnesses started out being afraid and in each case they left full of joy, spreading the word of peace and joy.

At the end of the day on Resurrection Sunday, our Lord gave His disciples the following instructions:

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

This year, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, let us not be afraid. Let us go out and spread the good news!

Application

Do you ever get afraid? In addition to the angels giving comfort, our Lord frequently comforted His disciples with the words, “Don’t be afraid” and “Peace be unto you.” Therefore, let us not be afraid, let the peace of God rule in our hearts, and let us proclaim the good news that He is risen!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:33 – Back to the Point

Posted on by Will

Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Truth to Learn

The responsibilities of husband and wife are not optional.

Behind the Words

“Nevertheless” is a translation of the Greek adverb plēn, which is a contracted form of pleion, meaning “more.” This word can have a number of nuances such as, “much more,” “rather,” “but yet,” or “nevertheless.” Paul’s use of this word here indicates that he is bringing his reader back to the primary objective of his teaching.

The expression “each one of you in particular” is an unusual idiomatic expression in the Greek text. “Each one of you” is from an expression that literally means “you one by one” (focusing on the individual being spoken to) and is followed by hekastos, which further individualizes the expression.

The verb “let … love” is once again from the Greek verb agapē. It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command (identified in English by the use of “let”).

“Respects” is translated from the word phobeō, which is often translated as “fear.” However, this word is also used as a metaphor for “respect” or “awe.” The form of this verb (subjunctive coupled with hina) indicates the same emphasis as an imperative. In other words, this is a command for women to revere their husbands.

Meaning Explained

The opening word of this verse indicates that Paul is aware that he has strayed off topic a little bit and is bringing his reader back to the topic at hand, how a man is to behave toward his wife. The unusual expression that he used indicates that he wants to bring his reader’s attention back from a focus on Christ and the church, to a focus on individual responsibility. And, his use of the command form of agapē, just as he did back in verse twenty-five, indicates that this is not an option for men.

The main focus of this chapter has been on how Christians are to behave with respect to others in the church. For the past eleven verses, however, he has focused on how a man and woman are to behave toward each other in a marriage relationship. He told women that they are to “under-rank” themselves with respect to their husbands and he told men that they are to demonstrate a self-sacrificing love toward their wives. After taking a few verses to teach us the mystery regarding Christ and the church (a marriage relationship with responsibilities exactly like husband and wife), he now reiterates his teaching for husbands and wives.

Paul’s use of phobeō in this verse could be misinterpreted unless we recognize that to Greeks this word had two meanings. In an emotional sense, it refers to being fearful, but in a moral sense (as it is used here), it refers to recognition of authority and power (reverence, honor, or respect).

Application

Men, quit making excuses and demonstrate to your wife the kind of love that Christ has for you. Women, forget your excuses too, and submit to your husband as unto the Lord. God will honor your faithful obedience.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.