Simple Faith Baptist Church Oceanside California

Study on the Word "Reputation"

Definition: Structurally, "reputation" means "the act or result of being thought about again" or "the state of being considered," implying public perception or esteem. Today, "reputation" refers to the public perception of someone’s character, ability, or worth (e.g., a company’s reputation) or fame (e.g., a reputation for honesty). It’s used in social, professional, and digital contexts, such as online reputation. The King James Bible (KJB) uses this word five times: Ecclesiastes 10:1, Acts 5:34, Galatians 2:2, Philippians 2:7, and Philippians 2:29.

• Ecclesiastes 10:1 (KJB) – "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour."
  • This verse reminds me of a correlating New Testament principle:
    • 1 Corinthians 5:6 (KJB) – "Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?" (see also Galatians 5:9).
  • Structurally, "folly" means the state or quality of being foolish. It derives from the Proto-Indo-European root bʰel- (to blow, swell), evolving through Latin follis (bellows, bag), Old French folie, and Middle English folie. Historically, folly has been associated with madness, sin, or extravagant whims—a wayward step from medieval courts to sacred warnings.
  • Just as a little folly can ruin a reputation for wisdom, a small sin we permit in our lives, once discovered by others, can diminish our reputation. I speak from experience, having suffered a diminished reputation in the past due to my actions, but I am now joyful for the restoration of my reputation with the Lord’s help.
• Acts 5:34 (KJB) – "Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space."
  • Here, we see "reputation" in its general sense: Gamaliel was held in high esteem by the people for his scriptural knowledge and education.
• Galatians 2:2 (KJB) – "And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain."
  • In this verse, Paul describes meeting privately with the original apostles, who were held in high esteem, to ensure his gospel message aligned with theirs.
• Philippians 2:7 (KJB) – "But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:"
  • This is perhaps the most profound use of "reputation," associated with the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul contrasts Christ’s humility with the natural tendency of men to seek reputation for themselves. For example:
    • Simon the sorcerer: "…giving out that himself was some great one" (Acts 8:9).
    • The scribes and Pharisees: "…And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi" (Matthew 23:6-7).
  • What remedy does Jesus prescribe for sinners who seek to glorify themselves through reputation? Humility!
    • Luke 18:14 (KJB) – "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
  • Further reading in Philippians 2 provides more insight:
    • Philippians 2:3-9 (KJB) – "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name."
  • This passage reveals the mind of Christ during His first advent: He did not strive (Isaiah 42:2), nor did He seek vainglory. Instead, He esteemed others better than Himself, prioritizing the will of God the Father and the needs of others above His own desires. Verse 7 highlights His humility—He made Himself of no reputation, humbling Himself to the point of death on the cross to offer sinners the gift of everlasting life. This could not have been accomplished if He had sought reputation or demanded works from men; rather, He worked for them. Verse 9 describes His blessed exaltation, as the Father was well pleased with Him (Matthew 3:17, 12:18, 17:5), because He humbled Himself and refrained from seeking a reputation.
  • This passage sets a foundation for all Christians, especially those in ministry, to follow. We should not promote ourselves, our names, our ministries, or our accomplishments. Instead, we should live humbly, even if the world does not recognize our spiritual efforts. Personally, I find joy in this aspect of Christianity—I don’t need to seek commendation from others for my weekly service in the Lord. God knows what I am doing for His Son, and He has promised to exalt me in His timing.
• Philippians 2:29 (KJB) – "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:"
  • This reference pertains to Epaphroditus, whom Paul earlier described as: "…my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants" (Philippians 2:25). The reason Paul instructs the church at Philippi to hold him in reputation is found in the next verse:
    • Philippians 2:30 (KJB) – "Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me."
  • Notice verse 30 carefully: because for the work of Christ. Paul bears record that Epaphroditus was worthy of recognition because he did not regard his own life in Christ’s service, which included serving Paul and fellow believers.
  • Other Christians recognized for their selfless service include Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2), Priscilla and Aquila (Romans 16:3-4), Timothy (1 Corinthians 16:10), and Aristarchus, Justus, and Epaphras (Colossians 4:10-12). There are plenty more examples, these are just a few.
  • It seems that when we live according to this pattern in our service to our local church as unto God, we will naturally be held in reputation because God will provide that recognition through others:
    • 1 Corinthians 16:15-18 (KJB) – "I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such."
  • In this passage, Paul notes that while the church at Corinth was acting carnally, three members—Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus—served according to the mind of Christ and were recognized by God for it. They "addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints" (verse 15), helped Paul and his companions (verse 16), and encouraged Paul and others in their ministry (verse 18). For these reasons, God commanded the church at Corinth to hold them in reputation.

Conclusion

The Scriptures show there is nothing wrong with being commended by others for our labor and ministry for the Lord, as demonstrated through our service to our local church or evangelism outreach. However, we err when we perform these acts for self-promotion, recognition, or commendation from others. The only One who should receive glory for our actions is Jesus Christ—not ourselves, our church ministry, or traditions. The only One we can credit for our ability to do these things is Christ in us. So, the next time you go to church seeking recognition, I encourage you to take a humble approach: grab the vacuum cleaner and clean the space before people arrive, take out the trash, show up early, stay late to fellowship and pray with others, encourage your pastor by supporting his teaching after the service, and show sincere care, zeal, and integrity. Perhaps the Lord will lead others to hold you in reputation because you served in the likeness of His Son, without seeking a reputation for yourself.

With love,
Brother Carlo