Great Nasty Words of the New Testament, Who is a Hypocrite

Matthew 23:13

Context and Definitions

• Exploration of the Greek root "hypokrisis" and its meanings
• Discussion on the English words "hypocrite" and "hypocrisy" and their connotations
• The frequency and usage of these terms in the New Testament

Hypocrisy in the New Testament

• Examination of the Greek verb and its evolution from giving judgment to acting
• Usage of "hypocrite" in the Synoptic Gospels and other New Testament books
• Hypocrisy defined as pretending to be virtuous for evil ends

Examples and Analysis

• Acts 27: Sailors pretending to lower anchors
• 2 Timothy 3:13: Deceitful impostors
• 2 Corinthians 11:14: Satan disguises himself as an angel of light
• Examples of inconsistency and pretense in the Gospels, especially in the behavior of Pharisees and teachers of the law

Specific Gospel Instances

• Luke 20:20: Spies pretending to be righteous
• Mark 7:6 and Matthew 15:8: People honoring God with lips but not hearts
• Matthew 7:5 and Luke 6:42: Focusing on minor faults in others while ignoring major faults in oneself
• Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18: Performing pious acts in public for human approval

Broader Implications and Interpretations

• Hypocrisy as inconsistency between professed beliefs and actions
• Jesus' condemnation of outward shows of piety without true righteousness
• Pharisees criticized for meticulous tithing but neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness

Old Testament Influence

• Influence of Hebrew terms and concepts on the Greek term "hypokrisis"
• Comparison of outward appearance and inward reality using metaphor of whitewashed tombs

Conclusion and Theological Reflection

• Summary of hypocrisy as inconsistency in actions or between actions and motives
• Distinction between deliberate deceit and genuine ignorance or thoughtlessness
• Final prayer emphasizing humility and the need for divine mercy

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.