Rev. Steve Hofmeister

I opened this search with my little prayer I raise during these moments, I pray

“Amazing Lord, guide me in your word, show me your will and course you wish me to follow, Amen.”

I know “Rebuke[ing]“ was very heavy in the Old Testament and before the Crucifixion of Jesus. I wanted my inquiry to focus on where does “Rebuke[ing]“ come into focus after Jesus’s sacrifice on the Cross. This set my search into the usage of “Rebuke” in the New Testament.

On the advice of a colleague in ministry, I was cautioned to look deeper into the word “rebuke.” The reason being is that words defined today do not always match up with the intended usage and definition of the time they were written. I proceeded to explore the origin of the word “rebuke” as used in the New Testament. The transliterated origin of “Rebuke” is the Greek word “Epitimao”.

In comparison, now with the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition, there are other aspects we need to consider with this word. “Rebuke” may have more profound significance than just “to criticize sharply.”

Now that I’ve explained the origin of this blog article, and explored the origin and definitions we need, let’s look into the 6 New Testament scriptures where instances of “rebuke” appear, and relate these definitions to clarify our overall understanding.

As we see here in Luke 17:3 – 4 (NLT), it clearly reads that Yes, we are to “Rebuke,” but in that, we are to offer forgiveness if there is repentance.

Let’s take a look at this now considering the new knowledge we have from the Greek word “epitimao”. Now some may believe I am stretching this a bit, and that is ok by me, but I feel it works well to the intention of these scriptures spoken by Jesus. Let’s apply “epitimao” to Verse 3.

To confront “another believer[s] sins,” are we not “honouring” [Honoring] them with our concern as a fellow believer for their spiritual well-being. The first definition in the Greek Transliteration of Rebuke (Epitimao) is “to show honour to, to honour” as we have identified.

Having shown our fellow believers the “Honour” of our concern, we “raise the price of” their sin by reminding them of the need to repent “Tax[ing] them with fault.” (You can fit anyone of the word of the fourth definition of Epitimao in this part.) By pointing out the need for “repentance,” we “adjudge,” “in a sense of merited penalty.” the “merited penalty” being not receiving forgiveness from the fellow believer(s) and of Jesus Christ. This leaves the “award,” which is the “forgiveness.”

As we see in Luke 19:38-40 (NLT), the word “Rebuke” is being used by the Pharisees speaking to Jesus about his followers referring to him as “The King.” Jesus’s stern but calm response was to exclaim essentially, If they didn’t say it, it would come from somewhere else. He didn’t become indignant that the Pharisees were disturbed or even become offended that they did not see him as “A King.” Jesus asserted his position by pointing out that stones along the road inanimate objects without voice, would begin to sing praises to the King if his followers were silenced. Could the King of Kings have raised a scene or called those stones to arms in his defense, sure he could have, could he demanded his followers to rise up, absolutely! But no, Jesus asserted his authority of being referred to as “a King” with gentle but stern “rebuke” in return.

In 2 Corinthians 1:23-24 (NLT), we read that Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, lets them know they were facing a forceful Chewing Out.” a severe rebuke.” Instead of doing so in haste, Paul would not return until things calmed down. Instead, Paul says, he will return when things can be corrected gently and joyfully. Bolstering their faith so that they can use it to increase their strength to overcome their sinful ways. Returning when things calm that way, the rebuke we clarified with the Greek Transliteration of Epitimao applied to the word rebuke describes.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NLT) is one of my favorites, and I like to think of it as the backbone of my personal ministry.

There is a lot to absorb in this scripture on this topic, so let’s break it down into sections so we can look at it a little closer.

Verse 2 – Part 1 – Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.

A quote that comes to my mind is the saying :

“Meaningful Ministry Musters Among The Mess”

Author Unknown

The need to share God and the Gospel the most arises when we least expect it. The most profound ministry happens when we don’t have a prepared sermon or list of scriptures to recite. Be ready to share God’s Word always. We don’t always have to quote scripture correctly to share God’s Word.

Patiently Correct

Here we are instructed not to expect changes to happen instantly but gently correct when needed to help them back on track. Remember, as we read earlier in Luke 17: 1-10. Jesus Said, “Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, we must forgive.”

Rebuke

Jumping back to the English and Greek Transliteration from earlier,

When we consider that in 2 Corinthians 1:23-24, Paul held off from returning to Corinth to spare them from a “severe rebuke.” Instead, he offered to “work together with you so you will be full of joy,” and now just above, we are told to “Patiently Correct.”

Encourage with good teaching.

Support and empower our fellow [Man], teach them well, teach them properly. This portion of the scripture says it all. Don’t just correct them, show them why they are being corrected by teaching them God’s Word.

Keep a clear mind in every situation.

Don’t allow your mind to become overwhelmed. We shouldn’t allow ourselves to make predetermined assumptions on people or a situation. Not everything we encounter will be as it seems. We shouldn’t let those who disagree with us or speak against us sway us from what we believe as Christians or from sharing God’s Word and Love. Keep your mind clear, don’t allow yourself to become baited into arguments or becoming bitter with people.

Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.

Many have suffered in the name of Jesus Christ, suffering does not necessarily mean endangered. Suffering could be standing in the cold to help someone in need. It could be giving up a creature comfort so that someone else may benefit. It could be as simple as sacrificing our time to share God’s Word or spread his love. Suffering is a broad word that can mean many things. Anything outside of our usual level of comfort, stepping outside our personal shelter, giving ourselves outside of our own needs. Not everyone will be joyful to receive the message, but never be afraid to send the signal.

“Ask, and you shall receive.” That certainly takes on a different ring after reading James 1:5-6 (NLT). We should maintain our faith in God and Jesus Christ, and ask for the guidance and wisdom we need, and God will not criticize the honesty of our questions. As Christians, we don’t have all the answers. We are Christians not because we are better than everyone else or know everything, but that we admit our flaws and sins to the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. We are to look to God through Jesus Christ in prayer for guidance and receive that guidance through the word of God, which is the Bible. We are to use the knowledge learned in our own lessons and our own learning to guide others.