They must be silenced …
Summary: The NIV translates “epistomizō” as “must be silenced.” In English, that phrase is open to broad interpretation. Looking to Jesus helps us understand Paul’s intent.
Shhhh…
Have you ever been hushed or hushed by someone else? Most of us have at some point. It is a handy social tool: Put your finger up to your lips and make the “shush” sound.
Have you ever seen a crime movie where the bad guys are talking about someone they don’t like? Someone is going to “squeal on them” or “rat them out.” (I’m talking really, really old movies!) Then, one of the bad guys turns to the other and says, “They must be silenced.”
There is quite a difference between the two, isn’t there? A fair number of English Bible translations use the phrase, “Whose mouths must be stopped…” instead of “silenced.” If I were translating from the Greek I might use the phrase, “Put a cork in it!”
Maybe I am reading too much into this, but that is part and parcel of working with language. If we want to communicate effectively, we need to speak in a way that our listener understands rather than what seems natural to us.
So what did Paul mean when he used the word “epistomizō?” It means to bridle or stop up the mouth. Did he intend for Titus and others to get physical with these rebellious people? That does not seem likely.
So what tools are left? If we lay aside physical violence, what options do we have?
We can put our finger to our lips and make the “Shush” sound. We can speak the truth from Scripture. We can stand up and say, “That is not right!” And then…
Then there is the part where they push back, get in our face, and sometimes get physical. This is when we really show ‘em.
We “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5: 1-2)
We “do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you [us] the right cheek, [we] turn to them the other cheek also.” (Matthew 5:39)
So in everything, [we] do to others what [we] would have them do to [us], for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
“Why?” you ask?
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Luke 6:45)
Application: Study the ways of our Lord and emulate them. Especially when he was unfairly attacked.
Food for Thought: How does standing up in faith silence those who must be silenced?
We might try good works and kindness which is difficult to criticize, to all even those who would seem to oppose us or want to bring us down or misrepresent our speech or actions of love and grace.
After a time, normally, the oppose or persecuter may become ashamed their own life and behavior does not match up. Proverbs 25:21-22 says feed and give drink to your enemies and in so doing you will heap burning coals on their head. The idea is it may be painful to the enemy to be treated so well when their own intentions were shall we less than the most honorable. An ancient Egyptian ritual pictures a guilty person, as sign of their repentance carrying a basin of glowing coals on their head.
The meaning, here, would then be by returning good for evil – and so expressing kindness to an enemy- a person might motivate that adversary to repent or change. At a minimum it should generate silence in no longer giving an enemy or adversary any ground for criticism or hate. Roman’s 12:17-20 talks about never repaying evil for evil. Instead we do what is right. We attempt to live in peace. We don’t take revenge. We leave justice to God. We are not overcome by evil, but rather we overcome evil with good. It likely means that by doing good we turn enemies into friends. Abraham Lincoln responded in this way. It is likely he may have taken Solomon’s, or the apostle Paul’s command to heart, which is also the same the command of the Lord Jesus Himself. In
Luke 6:27-28 He says “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Just a thought, sometimes the Christian life can seem less than pleasant at times.
However, being merciful to those that don’t deserve it is definitely a characteristic of God’s which I really appreciate when it comes to how the Father has been kind to me. So it should seem that it is the least I can do to love others including enemies, and treat them as kindly as I would like to be treated.
Hopefully I can now say, Be Blessed and not have anyone who may read this think they might be my enemy. In fact you are likely a friend I just haven’t had t he opportunity to get to know very well just yet.😀♥️
Jeff,
The Luke 6:27-28 passage is a great one to focus on. I also appreciate your comment that we need to leave justice to God.
Thank you!
In context, it seems to me that Paul is wanting those people confronted who are hurting others in such ways as he describes in this passage. These are people who “undermine entire households and teach things they should not.” There does seem to be a call for Titus to use his authority here to protect the innocent in the church body. There is a time to speak up to refute those oppressing others through bad motives and bad teachings. Proverbs 31: 8 – 9.
Thank you, Rich.
Indeed, there is a time to “speak up” and refute the oppressor. That time is upon us again.
How does standing up in faith silence those who must be silenced?
There are times when we go before the Lord and stand still in His presence. Times as Mary sister of Martha when we need to be silent to hear the Lord. Listening to instruction, removing ourselves from conflict, and controlling our speech are times of silence.
At the same time, Christ has commanded us to go out, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything He has commanded us. To remain silent when God has commanded believers to speak is to be defiant towards God, and unloving toward others. Speaking up when God says to speak may cost us relationships or a career, however those who live in obedience to God will be blessed by our Sovereign, Omnipotent God, far beyond any loss. Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 8:28,
Before we begin saving the world, we need spend prayerful time with God, at His feet, in His word, being taught by His Holy Spirit. A wise man once told me.
“ It is better to remain silent and let people think maybe you are stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
We are called to be the BODY OF CHRIST, functioning in unity as we reveal God and His Word to those around us. I know some who are gifted in hospitality and have wonderful gatherings in their home, others have the gift of love and the love of God pours out of everything they do. Others are mechanically inclined, help at the church keeping equipment functioning properly and are always available to help a neighbor with their car or mower.
Others just love to help people come to know the Lord, and others just love to teach the Bible, while others pray for God to work through all as our Pastors, Elders help those who have difficulty knowing where they can fit in.
We stand up in faith and silence those around us as they see the body of Christ functioning and want to be a part of what they see. Possibly our actions at home, maybe at work, or within the church, but at some point we will be asked “Why are you different?”, or “What can I do for you?”, and they open the door to conversation. That’s when we tell them it is not us but Christ they are seeing, and help them to know Him as we do.
Ron,
I like the Mary and Martha analogy. I also appreciate your thoughts on the Body of Christ functioning in unity. Well said!