As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Paul applies the sowing principle practically. "As we have therefore opportunity" (ara oun hōs kairon echomen, ἄρα οὖν ὡς καιρὸν ἔχομεν)—so then, as we have opportune time. Kairos again: the right season, timely opportunity. Opportunities for good works are limited; we must seize them. "Let us do good unto all men" (ergazōmetha to agathon pros pantas, ἐργαζώμεθα τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς πάντας)—let us work the good toward all people. Present subjunctive: continuous action. Believers should actively do good to everyone, regardless of their response or belief.
"Especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (malista de pros tous oikeious tēs pisteōs, μάλιστα δὲ πρὸς τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως)—especially to the family members of the faith. Oikeios (οἰκεῖος) means household members, relatives, family. While doing good to all, believers have special responsibility to fellow Christians. This isn't exclusive tribalism but priority ordering: love extends to all, with special care for the family of God. Jesus loved all but gave particular attention to His disciples. The church is covenant family requiring mutual care.
Historical Context
Early Christianity's social ethic was revolutionary: care for all people (the good Samaritan principle, Luke 10:25-37) with special provision for Christian community (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37). This challenged both Jewish tribalism (care only for fellow Jews) and Greco-Roman patronage (care only for those who could reciprocate). Christians cared for plague victims, exposed infants, widows, orphans—shocking pagan society. This demonstrated gospel reality. Contemporary application: Christians should pursue universal human flourishing while prioritizing care within the church. Kingdom ethic is both/and: love for neighbor and special provision for brothers/sisters in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
How do you balance doing good to 'all men' with 'especially' caring for fellow believers?
What specific opportunities for doing good are currently available to you that you're not seizing?
How does viewing the church as 'household of faith'—family—shape your commitment to fellow believers?
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Analysis & Commentary
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Paul applies the sowing principle practically. "As we have therefore opportunity" (ara oun hōs kairon echomen, ἄρα οὖν ὡς καιρὸν ἔχομεν)—so then, as we have opportune time. Kairos again: the right season, timely opportunity. Opportunities for good works are limited; we must seize them. "Let us do good unto all men" (ergazōmetha to agathon pros pantas, ἐργαζώμεθα τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς πάντας)—let us work the good toward all people. Present subjunctive: continuous action. Believers should actively do good to everyone, regardless of their response or belief.
"Especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (malista de pros tous oikeious tēs pisteōs, μάλιστα δὲ πρὸς τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως)—especially to the family members of the faith. Oikeios (οἰκεῖος) means household members, relatives, family. While doing good to all, believers have special responsibility to fellow Christians. This isn't exclusive tribalism but priority ordering: love extends to all, with special care for the family of God. Jesus loved all but gave particular attention to His disciples. The church is covenant family requiring mutual care.