Answer: The people of God should live such good lives
among the pagans (unbelievers) that, though they accuse us of doing
wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He
visits us, (verse 12).
MORE INFORMATION AND/OR OTHER SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
The word "pagans" does not merely mean
"non-Jews" but also "non-Christians."
The word "see" refers to "a careful watching,
over a period of time." The phrase "see your good
deeds" could also be translated that the pagans may
"carefully watch, over a period of time, and gain insight by
your good deeds." "Good deeds" can also be
translated "beautiful works" or "beautiful
deeds." So we have the meaning that "anyone who
is not a child of God can glorify our Father on the day He visits
us as a result of carefully watching us for a long time, thereby
gaining insight (knowledge/understanding) to/of God the Father (Who
changed OUR lives) by seeing our good (beautiful)
deeds/acts/actions/works." We become living and active
evangelists for/to the glory of our Father! We SHOW FORTH He
Who made us by what we have become in Christ, and what we continue
to become as we grow/mature in Him:
Matthew 5:11-16: [Jesus said,]
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and
falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in
the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before
you. YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH. But if the salt
loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no
longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by
men. YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A city on a hill
cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it
under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light
to everyone in the house. In the same way, LET YOUR LIGHT
SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD DEEDS AND PRAISE YOUR
FATHER IN HEAVEN."
Romans 15:5-6: "May the God Who
gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among
yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, SO THAT WITH ONE HEART AND
MOUTH YOU MAY GLORIFY THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST."
Philippians 2:14-18: "Do everything
without complaining or arguing, SO THAT YOU MAY BECOME BLAMELESS
AND PURE, CHILDREN OF GOD WITHOUT FAULT IN A CROOKED AND DEPRAVED
GENERATION, IN WHICH YOU SHINE LIKE STARS IN THE UNIVSERSE AS YOU
HOLD OUT THE WORD OF LIFE--in order that I may boast on the
day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But
even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the
sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice
with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with
me."
Titus 2:1-15: "You must teach what
is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be
temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith,
in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to
be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted
to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train
the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be
self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be
subject to their husbands, SO THAT NO ONE WILL MALIGN THE WORD OF
GOD. Similarly, encourage the young men to be
self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing
what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness
and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, SO THAT THOSE WHO
OPPOSE YOU MAY BE ASHAMED BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOTHING BAD TO SAY
ABOUT US. Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in
everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and
not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted,
SO THAT IN EVERY WAY THEY WILL MAKE THE TEACHING ABOUT GOD OUR
SAVIOR ATTRACTIVE. For the grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say
'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live
self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while
we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our
great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us to
redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people
that are His very Own, eager to do what is good. These, then,
are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all
authority. Do not let anyone despise you."
1 Peter 3:13-17: "Who is going to
harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should
suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what
they fear; do not be frightened.' But in your hearts
set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to
everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you
have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear
conscience, SO THAT THOSE WHO SPEAK MALICIOUSLY AGAINST YOUR GOOD
BEHAVIOR IN CHRIST MAY BE ASHAMED OF THEIR SLANDER. It is
better, if it is God's Will, to suffer for doing good than for
doing evil."
