Lucas 17

Lucas 17

Wuest adds that epitimao "In classical Greek its predominating sense is that of severe, strenuous reproach for unworthy deeds or acts. In this sense, the word carries at bottom, a suggestion of a charge under penalty." Cleon Rogers says that epitimao "has the nuance of a frank, but gentle admonition: politely tell him that he is wrong. This is to be done instead of harboring a grudge." Luke's uses of epitimao - Lk. 4:35; Lk. 4:39; Lk. 4:41; Lk. 8:24; Lk. 9:21; Lk. 9:42; Lk. 9:55; Lk. 17:3; Lk. 18:15; Lk. 18:39; Lk. 19:39; Lk. 23:40 Repents (3340)(metanoeo from meta = with, among + noeo = to think, exercise the mind <> from nous = mind - see study = metanoia) means to have another mind. Metanoeo means to change one's mind in respect to sin, God, and self. To turn to God and from sin (Luke 15:7 = "one sinner who repents", 10, cf 1Th 1:9-note). It is not an intellectual decision but a change of mind that issues in a change of behavior. This change of mind may, especially in the case of Christians who have fallen into sin, be preceded by sorrow (2Cor 7:8, 9, 10, 11); but sorrow for sin, though it may cause repentance, is not repentance. Forgive (aorist imperative = Do it now! Do not delay!) (863)(aphiemi from apo = prefix implies separation + hiemi = put in motion, send; See noun aphesis) conveys the basic idea of an action which causes separation and means to send from one's self, to forsake, to hurl away, to put away, let alone, disregard, put off. It conveys the basic idea of an action which causes separation and refers to total detachment, total separation, from a previous location or condition. It means to send forth or away from one's self. It refers to the act of putting something away or of laying it aside. In secular Greek aphiemi initially conveyed the sense of to throw and in one secular writing we read "let the pot drop" (aphiemi). From this early literal use the word came to mean leave or let go. The aorist imperative calls for a specific act which is complete, but the completed act may be repeated, if necessary (as shown by the following context). Mattoon on aphiemi - This word means: • To expire: The offense of the person has expired. • To let go or to keep no longer: Bitterness and hurt are released when you forgive. You let these things go. • To not discuss a matter now: The issue is dropped. • To go away, leaving something behind: You walk away from the offense. • To forsake a matter and leave it alone: (Treasures from the Scriptures) We are never more like God than when we forgive the sin of others. And note this is a command in to do this without delay. The only way to truly obey/keep this command is by jettisoning our natural reaction (which is not to forgive) and to rely wholly on the Holy Spirit to gives us the desire and the power to forgive (cf Php 2:13NLT-note). NET Note - Forgiveness is to be readily given and not withheld. In a community that is to have restored relationships, grudges are not beneficial. Steven