Titus 2:14 KJV
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Strong’s defines the Greek for peculiar:
περιούσιος
periousios
per-ee-oo'-see-os
From the present participle feminine of a compound of G4012 and G1510; being beyond usual, that is, special (one’s own): - peculiar.
Most modern translations use something similar to “a people for His own possession”.
This is one of those cases when Paul makes a compound word when there is not one word that fits his need. Looking at the two words that he used for this compound, it seems that a people that “exists completely and totally for Him” might be better; as “for His own possession” is just too flat for the strength of the Greek. “Peculiar” may well work better today than it did 500 years ago when it was chosen.
The question “Are you peculiar?” is prompted by this post:
http://forum.gon.com/showpost.php?p=10450495&postcount=122
If those who follow Christ always speak the same, act the same, relate to others the same, conduct their affairs the same, etc. as everyone else, they are not peculiar, or different, or unique.
When Paul used that word (peculiar) he was writing to Titus. So are Titus and others in the same office as Titus, the only ones that are instructed to be peculiar? Read all of Titus 2 to see that the instruction is more like, “Jesus put you in your office so that you can help His People become peculiar.” So if you are in Christ, you are to be peculiar.
But isn’t that why people are called to an position among God's People; to tell the world; to speak His word; to bring His chosen to Christ; to edify His People?
Eph. 4:
11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
That’s what it says; or does it? Sure those appointees are to do those things; and it’s easy to quite reading there … if you want to cheat God by half.
Eph. 4:
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
We often hear, and we probably quote:
1 Pet. 3:
“15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”
as our reason for studying God’s word, or to encourage others to study. But how often have we looked at the words “everyone who asks you” and asked, “Why would they ask?” Chapter 2 and 3 of 1 Peter tell us why they would ask; they instruct us to be peculiar. If we were peculiar some would get curious.
Titus 2 tells us how to be peculiar; Ephesians 4:11,12 tells us who is appointed to help us be peculiar; and 1 Peter 2 and 3, like Titus 2 and others, tells us why Peter told us to “be ready”. If we follow these teachings, we will be peculiar and God will place people around us who are curious about His peculiar people.
Nothing in the three chapters (Titus 2, 1 Peter 1,2) told us to search out someone who will listen to us speak from our extensive knowledge of Biblical principles, or to learn a planned program for the systematic presentation of the Gospel. It just tells us how to live every day of our lives and be ready for what God does.
Then, there is the compact version:
Mat. 5:
14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a [f]hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Whichever version is used for guidance (Jesus’s or His Apostle’s), God and His People will be unmistakably unique. We know that because that’s what He has told us.
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Strong’s defines the Greek for peculiar:
περιούσιος
periousios
per-ee-oo'-see-os
From the present participle feminine of a compound of G4012 and G1510; being beyond usual, that is, special (one’s own): - peculiar.
Most modern translations use something similar to “a people for His own possession”.
This is one of those cases when Paul makes a compound word when there is not one word that fits his need. Looking at the two words that he used for this compound, it seems that a people that “exists completely and totally for Him” might be better; as “for His own possession” is just too flat for the strength of the Greek. “Peculiar” may well work better today than it did 500 years ago when it was chosen.
The question “Are you peculiar?” is prompted by this post:
http://forum.gon.com/showpost.php?p=10450495&postcount=122
If those who follow Christ always speak the same, act the same, relate to others the same, conduct their affairs the same, etc. as everyone else, they are not peculiar, or different, or unique.
When Paul used that word (peculiar) he was writing to Titus. So are Titus and others in the same office as Titus, the only ones that are instructed to be peculiar? Read all of Titus 2 to see that the instruction is more like, “Jesus put you in your office so that you can help His People become peculiar.” So if you are in Christ, you are to be peculiar.
But isn’t that why people are called to an position among God's People; to tell the world; to speak His word; to bring His chosen to Christ; to edify His People?
Eph. 4:
11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
That’s what it says; or does it? Sure those appointees are to do those things; and it’s easy to quite reading there … if you want to cheat God by half.
Eph. 4:
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
We often hear, and we probably quote:
1 Pet. 3:
“15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”
as our reason for studying God’s word, or to encourage others to study. But how often have we looked at the words “everyone who asks you” and asked, “Why would they ask?” Chapter 2 and 3 of 1 Peter tell us why they would ask; they instruct us to be peculiar. If we were peculiar some would get curious.
Titus 2 tells us how to be peculiar; Ephesians 4:11,12 tells us who is appointed to help us be peculiar; and 1 Peter 2 and 3, like Titus 2 and others, tells us why Peter told us to “be ready”. If we follow these teachings, we will be peculiar and God will place people around us who are curious about His peculiar people.
Nothing in the three chapters (Titus 2, 1 Peter 1,2) told us to search out someone who will listen to us speak from our extensive knowledge of Biblical principles, or to learn a planned program for the systematic presentation of the Gospel. It just tells us how to live every day of our lives and be ready for what God does.
Then, there is the compact version:
Mat. 5:
14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a [f]hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Whichever version is used for guidance (Jesus’s or His Apostle’s), God and His People will be unmistakably unique. We know that because that’s what He has told us.
