Lexical Summary apeipon: To renounce, to deny, to refuse Original Word: ἀπεῖπον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance renounce. Reflexive past of a compound of apo and epo; to say off for oneself, i.e. Disown -- renounce. see GREEK apo see GREEK epo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and eipon Definition to forbid, renounce NASB Translation renounced (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 550: ἀπεῖπονἀπεῖπον: (εἶπον, 2 aorist from the obsolete ἐπω); 1. to speak out, set forth, declare (Homer, Iliad 7, 416 ἀγγελιην ἀπηιπεν, 9, 309 τόν μυθον ἀποειπεῖν). 2. to forbid: 1 Kings 11:2, and in Attic writings. 3. to give up, renounce: with the accusative of the thing, Job 10:3 (for מָאַס), and often in Greek writings from Homer down. In the same sense 1 aorist middle ἀπειπαμην, 2 Corinthians 4:2 (see WHs Appendix, p. 164) (cf. αἰσχύνη, 1); so too in Herodotus 1, 59; 5, 56; 7, 14 (etc.), and the later writings from Polybius down. Strong’s Greek 550 conveys a decisive, public rejection of something formerly possessed, practiced, or tolerated. In Scripture the idea is moral and spiritual: a believer deliberately turns away from all that is incompatible with the gospel. Rather than a vague feeling of regret, it is an explicit repudiation that forfeits any claim to the abandoned conduct. New Testament Usage The verb occurs once, in 2 Corinthians 4:2, yet the single appearance carries considerable weight. Paul employs the perfect middle (“we have renounced”), indicating a past action whose effects continue. Though rare in form, the concept resonates with wider New Testament teaching on turning from sin, idols, or worldly ambitions (for example, Titus 2:11-12; 1 Peter 2:1) and parallels the call to “deny” (ἀρνέομαι) self in the Synoptic Gospels. Context in 2 Corinthians 4:2 “Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” Paul contrasts authentic ministry with the manipulative tactics of false teachers. His renunciation covers three areas: 1. Hidden, shameful practices—anything incompatible with gospel light. The renunciation safeguards both the messenger and the message, allowing the gospel to shine unobscured. Renunciation and Apostolic Integrity Renouncing shameful methods undergirds Paul’s credibility. Integrity is not a mere accessory to ministry; it is foundational. The apostle’s transparency models how spiritual leaders should handle God’s word—with openness, honesty, and respect for the consciences of hearers. This integrity authenticates the power of the gospel and removes obstacles to faith (compare 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5). Relation to Old Testament Themes Renunciation echoes covenantal calls to “put away” foreign gods (Joshua 24:23) and “cleanse” hands and hearts (Psalm 24:4). Prophets denounced hidden sins that compromised worship (Isaiah 58:1-4). Paul’s terminology places Christian ministry in continuity with Israel’s demand for wholehearted allegiance. Doctrinal Implications 1. Sanctification: Renunciation is an early and ongoing step in the believer’s growth, not a one-time event. Historical and Cultural Background First-century itinerant philosophers often employed flattery, secret initiations, and fee-based teachings. Paul distances himself from such patterns, offering the gospel “free of charge” (2 Corinthians 11:7) and refusing cloak-and-dagger religious marketing. His renunciation repudiates the surrounding culture’s manipulative spirituality. Pastoral and Practical Applications • Personal Life: Believers examine hidden habits—online secrecy, financial corners, private indulgences—and renounce them before they metastasize. Homiletical and Discipleship Pathways • Sermon series: “Renouncing to Reveal—Unveiling Gospel Integrity” (2 Corinthians 4). Summary Though appearing only once, Strong’s Greek 550 encapsulates a critical dimension of Christian discipleship and leadership. Paul’s renunciation of hidden, shameful practices models a ministry of transparent integrity that magnifies the glory of Christ and preserves the purity of the gospel. |
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