Apostle Paul continues his logic with a transitional statement, “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men.” “Fear” is the Greek noun “phobos”. The English words “fear” and “terror” are used to translate several Hebrew and Greek words. In the Old Testament, the most common word used is “yirah”. (Isa. 7:25; Jonah 1:10,16). In the New Testament, the word used most often is “phobos” which means “fear”, “dread”, and “terror” (Matt. 28:4; Luke 21:26). Religious fear, unlike secular fear, is the fallen human response to the presence of God.
Some Christians tend to de-emphasize the fear of God in the New Testament by placing the love of God above the fear of God. There is indeed a greater emphasis on the love of God in the New Testament. However, the element of fear was part of the proclamation of the early church.
Paul admonished believers to work out their salvation “with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). The early church grew in number as they lived “in the fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31). The fear of God is related to the love of God. The revelation of God to people in the New Testament contains the element of God’s mysterious otherness, calling for reverent obedience. The New Testament church stands in awe and fear in the presence of a holy God, for fear is “the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13).
Paul’s summary statement about knowing what it is to fear the Lord relates back to all standing before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of the thoughts and actions committed while in this life (10). Paul says “we,” including himself. Does your confession of faith in Jesus include knowing the fear of the Lord?
