Lexical Summary agathoergeó: To do good, to perform good deeds Original Word: ἀγαθοεργέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance do good. From agathos and ergon; to work good -- do good. see GREEK agathos see GREEK ergon HELPS Word-studies 14 agathoergéō (from 18 /agathós, "intrinsically good" and 2041 /érgon, "work") – properly, to do a good work (that is intrinsically good); for the believer, doing what is birthed and empowered by the Lord (used only in 1 Tim 6:18). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom agathos and ergon Definition to do good NASB Translation do good (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 14: ἀγαθοεργέωἀγαθοεργέω, (ῶ; (from the unused ΑΡΓΩ — equivalent to ἔρδω, ἐργάζομαι — and ἀγαθόν); to be ἀγαθοεργός, beneficent (toward the poor, the needy): 1 Timothy 6:18 (A. V. do good). Cf. ἀγαθουργέω. Found besides only in ecclesiastical writings, but in the sense to do well, act rightly. STRONGS NT 14: ἀγαθουργέωἀγαθουργέω, (ῶ; Acts 14:17 L T Tr WH for R ἀγαθοποιῶ. The contracted form is the rarer (cf. WHs Appendix, p. 145), see ἀγαθοεργέω; but cf. κακοῦργος, ἱερουργέω. The verb denotes active, purposeful beneficence—“doing good” in a way that produces tangible blessing for others. It is more intensive than the broader term for “doing well,” spotlighting concrete acts that meet human need and reflect God’s own kindness. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Acts 14:17 – God’s ongoing goodness toward all peoples. Divine Beneficence Displayed to All (Acts 14:17) Paul’s sermon at Lystra appeals to God’s universal testimony in creation: “Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” Here the verb frames common grace. Good harvests, satisfying meals, and joyful hearts are practical proofs of a benevolent Creator. Paul leverages this reality to restrain pagan idolatry and to invite repentance. The verse underscores that God’s goodness is not abstract; it is experienced in daily provision, making human gratitude and worship the only reasonable response. Prescriptive Benevolence for Believers (1 Timothy 6:18) Paul instructs Timothy to command affluent believers “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” The imperative moves from God’s beneficence in Acts to believers’ beneficence in pastoral practice. Wealth is reframed as a stewardship for ministry. The verse dismantles material complacency: resources are entrusted for service, not self-indulgence. Such obedience stores up “treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future” (1 Timothy 6:19), highlighting eternal reward rather than temporal accumulation. Continuity with the Old Testament Old Covenant laws encouraged gleaning (Leviticus 19:9-10) and liberality toward the needy (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). Prophets rebuked Israel when outward worship lacked tangible mercy (Isaiah 58:6-7). The verb in the New Testament echoes this trajectory: authentic righteousness expresses itself in concrete acts of kindness. Theological Significance • Revelation of Character: God’s goodness is intrinsic and self-demonstrating. Human good works derive from participation in that character (Ephesians 2:10). Historical Reception Early church apologists frequently cited Acts 14:17 to argue that pagan beneficence reflects an innate awareness of the true God. Patristic writings, such as those by Chrysostom, linked 1 Timothy 6:18 to almsgiving and hospitality, urging congregations to imitate divine generosity. Reformation commentators maintained the distinction between saving grace and good works while affirming works as necessary evidence. Pastoral and Missional Implications 1. Creation Evangelism: Like Paul at Lystra, modern mission can begin with observable evidence of divine kindness before advancing to Christ’s redemptive work. Related New Testament Vocabulary Though distinct from verbs like ἐλεέω (“have mercy”) or φιλαδελφία (“brotherly love”), this term often overlaps with them in practice, creating a composite picture: genuine love acts, mercy gives, and goodness serves. Conclusion With only two appearances, the word powerfully bridges God’s gracious activity and the believer’s ethical response. It calls the church to reflect the Creator’s sustaining goodness through earnest, hands-on generosity that both meets human need and magnifies the gospel. Englishman's Concordance Acts 14:17 V-PPA-NMSGRK: αὑτὸν ἀφῆκεν ἀγαθουργῶν οὐρανόθεν ὑμῖν INT: himself he left doing good from heaven to us 1 Timothy 6:18 V-PNA Strong's Greek 14 |
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