Today’s Verse …
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
This is twice now (in a two verse span at that) the Apostle Paul has mentioned Christians “doing good.”
Remember verse 9? “Let us not be weary in well doing.”
So here … the Holy Spirit has used both great Greek words for “good,” those being “kalos”(verse 9) and now “agathos” (verse 10 today).
The first (“kalos”) is intrinsic good, that which dwell “within” a person. It is lovely and quiet and mild. Less active toward the outer world.
The second (“agathos”) is far more “outward” in nature. It is active and beneficial to others, always doing something for your neighbor, for example! Or a co-worker!
Wow!
Just like Paul never misses a chance (in Galatians particularly) to preach Grace as opposed to Law (as the means of salvation) … so does he diligently (and systematically) charge the Galatians converts to “do good” all the time!
Well, as “opportunity” presents itself, anyway. “As we have therefore OPPORTUNITY, let us do good …” This noun is “kairos,” meaning a “window of time.” Not just time chronologically, as in minutes and hours and days and weeks and months. But time as a short space of privilege, an as “open door” to accomplish some task! As Paul said, an “opportunity!” One that may not last for long!
“Let us do” is a single verb, “ergazomai” (the basis of our English word “energy”) and means exert yourself! Try hard, harder! Expend some effort!
Then “good” is used (“agathos” good) which means “actively excellent, upright, honorable, agreeable” things … particularly in regard to others!
Wow!
Don’t be a snob.
Don’t be ugly.
Don’t be a recluse.
Be helpful, graciously so, wherever you are!
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men …”
With “men” being italicized, as you can plainly see. The word “all” (“pas” in Greek) supplies the idea of “all,” no exceptions. This would includes doing good to women and children as well!
That’s why we were told (by Paul here in Galatians) that the Fruit of the Holy Spirit includes the quality of “goodness!” (Which goodness is this? “Agathos” goodness!)
Be good to everybody!
At least as much as they will let you, as much as humanly possible! It’s like Romans 12:18, I think. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” See what I mean? Share goodness, “do good” to those people, to them all!
Then Paul adds one caveat, one clarification … “especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Be good to all … but particularly (especially) to your saved brothers and sisters!
“Especially,” an adverb, (spelled “malista” in Greek) means “most of all,” or at times “chiefly!”
Wow!
If one was ever forced into a situation where he could only be good to one man (instead of three men, only one of whom was born-again) he should opt for his goodness being showered on the one who was a Christian!
This is amazing!
“Love the brethren!” 1st John 3:14
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Loving each other (Christian to Christian) is one of our main ways of witnessing for Jesus. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” So says John 13:35.