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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 189

"With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love."

Text: Ephesians 4:2

GENTLENESS (“prautetos”)

This virtue is closely and easily allied to “lowliness” (“tapeinophrosune”).

1. Lexical Meaning

This virtue is described most interestingly in a Greek Lexicon (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, F. W. Danker) as:

“The quality of not being overly impressed
by a sense of one’s self importance”

2. Translated as “Gentleness” (NKJV)

This quality may be described as “a kindly nature”. In the olden days, this quality is associated with refinement, arrived at by good breeding.

3. Evidenced in Paul’s Life

In his letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul wrote,

Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you
by the meekness and gentleness of Christ-
who in presence am lowly among you…
2 CORINTHIANS 10:1

The word translated “meekness” is actually the same word as “gentleness” in the Ephesians 4:2 text. (Meekness and gentleness are virtually synonymous).

a) In the context of a church that is riddled with many problems

The Corinthian church was arguably the most laden with problems. There were factions in the Church. Doctrines were poorly comprehended and applied. Inter-personal difficulties made communication most challenging. In the midst of all these problems, Paul wrote in the spirit of “meekness” (“gentleness”). He was most gracious and kind as he addressed the problems that threatened to break up the Church!

b) Phrase “Meekness and gentleness of Christ”

Meekness and gentleness were indeed attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s mention of Christ in this context indicates his consciousness that he was seeking to walk in the footsteps of his Master.

4. Associated with the Holy Spirit

“Gentleness” (“prautes”) is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. This virtue is to be desired. It is the result of the work of the Spirit of God in the life of the believer.

This quality is to be highly prized and appreciated. Few things could be as important in the resolving of conflicts and problems, as the possession of a virtue as this concept described as “gentleness” (Cf. Fruit of the Spirit- Galatians 5:22-23).