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1 Peter 2:23<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed<\/span> Himself<\/span><\/em> to Him who judges righteously;<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Truth to Learn<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Instead of attacking our accusers, we should surrender to God.<\/p>\n Behind the Words<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n What does it mean to be reviled? This English word means \u201cto be assaulted with contemptuous or abusive language.\u201d The Greek word it is translated from is loidore\u014d<\/span><\/em>,<\/span> which means \u201cto reproach\u201d or \u201cto vilify.\u201d<\/p>\n The Greek for \u201cdid not revile in return<\/span>\u201d is, ouk antiloidepei<\/span><\/em>. Antiloidepei<\/span><\/em> is a compound made up of anti<\/span><\/em>, meaning \u201copposite\u201d and a form of loidere\u014d<\/span><\/em>, which we just learned means \u201cto vilify.\u201d The Greek word ouk<\/span><\/em>, which we learned previously, represents the absolute negative. From all this we see that Christ absolutely did not respond in kind.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cthreaten<\/span>\u201d is the Greek word apeile\u014d<\/span><\/em>,<\/span> which means \u201cto menace or threaten.\u201d It is also preceded by ouk<\/span><\/em>, the absolute negative.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201ccommitted<\/span>\u201d is paredid\u014dmi<\/span><\/em>,<\/span> which means \u201cto give up\u201d or \u201cto surrender.\u201d<\/p>\n Meaning Explained<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Before Christ\u2019s crucifixion, His accusers used harsh words in assaulting and accusing Him. \u201cYes, but they\u2019re only words,\u201d you say. When was the last time you were assaulted with words? Did it cause you to strike back or at least want to? Did you have to think about it before you did?<\/p>\n For me it was only yesterday when someone used harsh words to attack me and my actions. And, I am ashamed to say, I did not hesitate in my parrying response, using just as much vitriolic language and emotion as my attacker.<\/p>\n When Christ was attacked with words of accusations which were untrue and undeserved, He \u201cdid not revile in return.<\/span>\u201d When Christ suffered, which was both physical and emotional, He did not threaten. Talk about power under control! Even as he was being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, he asked Peter:<\/p>\n Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?<\/span> (<\/span>Matthew 26:53<\/span><\/strong>)<\/span><\/p>\n One angel would probably have been enough to take care of the crowd that was there. Twelve would certainly have been enough to do it effortlessly. But twelve legions?! That would have been upwards of 60,000 angels!<\/p>\n Jesus had the power and opportunity to strike back at his accusers and those who caused Him to suffer. Instead of fighting back, though, He surrendered! Not to his attackers, but to the Righteous Judge, His Heavenly Father.<\/p>\n Application<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The next time you are attacked, remember how Jesus responded. Had he not surrendered, He would not have been obedient unto death, even the death on the cross, and you and I would still be dead in our sins and without hope! Let\u2019s all learn to surrender to God.<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.<\/span><\/p>\n – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –<\/p>\n <\/span>If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to:![\"signature\"](\"..\/..\/signature.gif\")
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