Good Among the Good (Luke 8:15)

Luke 8:15 says, " But that on the good ground are they who, in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep (it), and bring forth fruit with patience."

 HONEST and GOOD HEART

The focus of this study is the phrase "...honest and good heart...". Here we have a description of the individuals who actually receive the seed of the word of God, and bring forth fruit. The two words describing the heart of these individuals, are actually both usually  translated as "good", so that this could be translated, "...  a good and good heart...".  However, each word has it's own distinct meaning.

 HONEST

This word, in the KJV, is actually a transliteration of the Latin (honestus), and does not reflect at all, what we would now think of in terms of "honest". The translators were obviously trying to find a word, that would be suitable, to try to convey the meaning of this multifaceted Greek term. 

"Honest", as the transliteration reads, may have elements of what we understand as meaning,  "one who tells the truth", but the real meaning is more related to 'someone who is honorable; one who can be trusted; one who is a person of noble character both in behavior and reputation'.  

 The Latin conveys the idea of a person of integrity, who is not only seen to be that way, but bears a desirable attraction that commands a certain wanting to emulate that person, and their sterling example. 

The Greek word, that the Latin attempts to define, originally held the ideas of soundness; strong; healthy; excellent in form. It described the state or condition of a person or thing.  

This "healthy", appealing condition, gave it the meaning of something or someone, that was attractive and practically useful to others, like land that was useful; or a harbor that could be used; or coins that were genuine, and usable in circulation.

It further developed the meaning of what was both visually and  practically attractive, because of it's usefulness. It garnered the meaning of "beautiful"; "pleasant" ; or "lovely". 

ATTRACTIVE  

This visual, sensory,  attractiveness is always evident in the word. There is a certain beauty or desirableness about those things or individuals that it describes. It is the word that is used in the LXX to describe the creation account of God's handiwork, where everything that He made, was "good", meaning both perfect in form and composition, but also, aesthetically appealing, even, "beautiful"! 

A final meaning of the word, is a certain moral definition, in labeling something as "good", by virtue of what is evident to others, though describing an inward condition. 

It is interesting that Jesus is called the "Good" shepherd, describing, not His benefit to others; what they get from Him, but rather, His attractiveness; His moral goodness; and  His inherent beauty and desirableness.

True Christianity contains this beauty; desirableness; this pleasing disposition and condition that is coveted by others;  that is undoubtedly the best form of "advertisement" available to the church for attracting those needing salvation in any area of life. 

 GOOD

This second word originally meant those that were skilled at something. It was not necessarily a positive character trait, in that it could be used of those who were skillful as thieves, in committing their crimes.  

This basic meaning, however, lead to the term describing that which was "good" in relation to how it benefited others. This meaning, was used in the Greek, to describe both things and people, who were of benefit to others, and therefore, "good". 

It then came to also describe someone who was morally good. 

The word, all through the LXX translation of the OT, is used to describe God, and His character. Jesus, in the NT, says that only God is good (Matt. 19:17). 

Again, in relation to our Christian behavior, what is good is defined by the benefit that others receive from what we do, and this goodness, is not something that we had prior to being born of God, because only God is good. 

Having this understanding, the interpretation of Jesus' parable can only describe those who are already born of God, whose heart is both "good" intrinsically, or internally, and their behavior demonstrates that goodness to others because of their relationship with the Father. 

This gives new understanding to the parable of the different types of soil, in that, though generally these different conditions of the heart could be referring to anyone, specifically, this parable is referring to the conditions of the heart found in Believers!  [Even though Luke 8:12 refers to believing and being saved, "salvation" is a very broad term, encompassing every form of deliverance, from healing, to liberty from any type of antagonistic or enemy force]. 

(KALOS KAI AGATHOS) 

This phrase, that is used in Luke 8:15, is not just a random choice of words, as though anything God does is random, but rather, it was a phrase common in Greek use, that Luke was obviously aware of; to describe a certain type of person. 

Originally, this title, or epitaph,  was ascribed to the elite or upper class of Greek society. It could be loosely translated "good and good", or more properly, in meaning, "good in the good", or even, the "good among the good". It was an expression of pride to all who were favored to bear the designation, as it described those who stood out from the crowd, among their peers. It was common not only among the Greeks, but it gained acceptance among other ancient societies of the day, as a badge of honor, among those who wore it. 

With many class, or caste systems, people were born into privilege but often not deserving of the position or status by reason of accomplishment. To be worthy of this title meant that a person not only inherited their position, but by reason of high standards of achievement, they earned their most favored position, by their example they set and their distinguished reputation;  both among the elite, and among those of common descent. 

This title was transposed from the exclusive elite, to those who were recognized by all, as fulfilling their duties to the society in which they lived, earning the respect of all that knew them. Further, it was understood, that any that chose to, could be trained through education, to exhibit the traits and characteristics that would earn them a similar reputation. It was believed, at this point, the the "Kalos Kai Agathos" could be taught, and that what was an inward reality, would eventually demonstrate itself in outward effect, for all to see. 

The significance of this term, used by the Spirit of God, through Luke, is that all of us who have been born of God, have His character and nature within us. We all are "good" by virtue of birth. However, only some choose to distinguish themselves by faith and obedience to His word, to stand out from the crowd, and do great exploits, in their sphere of influence. We are the elite in the world, but there are some who have earned that title by reputation, and have gone on to know the Lord at a deeper level through simple obedience. 

It is, as with the Greeks philosophy, that we too, can through revelation of the word, [education], change our present situation and status, and be one of those who are the "good among the good" by virtue of reputation, bearing fruit for the masters kingdom, pleasing to the Father. 

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.