### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀγαθοποιός (agathopoiós, `{{G17}}`) is a compound adjective derived from two foundational Greek terms: ἀγαθός (agathos, `{{G18}}`), meaning "good," and ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`), meaning "to do" or "to make." Literally, it signifies "good-doer" or "one who does good." Its semantic range encompasses not merely a passive state of being good, but an active, volitional engagement in performing what is inherently virtuous, morally upright, beneficial, or pleasing to God. The term describes an agent whose character is defined by consistent and intentional acts of goodness, reflecting a life of righteousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀγαθοποιός (agathopoiós, `{{G17}}`) appears only once in the New Testament:
* **[[1 Peter 2:14]]**: "or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise *those who do good* [ἀγαθοποιός]."
* **Context**: In this passage, the Apostle Peter instructs believers on their submission to governing authorities. He articulates the divinely ordained purpose of rulers: to administer justice by punishing wrongdoers and commending those who act righteously.
* **Analysis**: The stark contrast drawn between "those who do evil" (κακοποιός, kakopoios, `{{G2555}}`) and "those who do good" (ἀγαθοποιός) is crucial. It underscores a fundamental moral dichotomy. The ἀγαθοποιός is not just someone who avoids evil, but one who actively performs good deeds. This active goodness is presented as a visible, commendable quality that even secular authorities are designed to recognize and praise. For the early Christians facing potential persecution, this instruction implied that their ethical conduct, even in the face of adversity, should be exemplary and demonstrably beneficial to society, thereby disarming critics and validating their faith. The term emphasizes the *outward manifestation* of an internal moral disposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀγαθός (agathos, `{{G18}}`):** The root word for "good." While ἀγαθός describes the quality of goodness, ἀγαθοποιός describes the one who *embodies* and *acts upon* that quality.
* **ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`):** The verb "to do" or "to make." This component highlights the active, volitional, and practical dimension of goodness. It is not merely a state of being but an act of doing.
* **ἀγαθοποιέω (agathopoieō, `{{G15}}`):** The corresponding verb, meaning "to do good." This verb is more frequently used in the New Testament (e.g., [[Luke 6:9]], [[Luke 6:33]], [[1 Peter 2:15]], [[1 Peter 3:6]], [[1 Peter 3:17]], [[3 John 1:11]]). While ἀγαθοποιός refers to the *person* who does good, ἀγαθοποιέω refers to the *act* of doing good.
* **ἀγαθοποιία (agathopoiia, `{{G16}}`):** The noun form, meaning "well-doing" or "the doing of good." This refers to the *deed* or *act* itself (e.g., [[1 Timothy 6:18]]).
* **κακοποιός (kakopoios, `{{G2555}}`):** The direct antonym, meaning "evil-doer" or "one who does evil." Its appearance alongside ἀγαθοποιός in [[1 Peter 2:14]] provides a clear and powerful contrast, emphasizing the moral choice and its consequences.
* **ἔργον ἀγαθόν (ergon agathon):** "Good work" or "good deed." This common New Testament phrase (e.g., [[Ephesians 2:10]], [[Colossians 1:10]], [[2 Timothy 3:17]], [[Titus 2:7]], [[Titus 3:8]]) describes the practical outworking of faith. The ἀγαθοποιός is the one characterized by such good works.
### Theological Significance
The concept embodied by ἀγαθοποιός carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Mandate for Active Righteousness:** The term underscores God's expectation that His followers will not merely possess internal goodness but will actively manifest it through their deeds. Believers are called to be agents of good in a world often characterized by evil, reflecting the very nature of God, who is inherently good and ceaselessly acts in goodness.
* **Christian Witness and Apologetic:** As seen in [[1 Peter 2:14-15]], being a ἀγαθοποιός serves as a potent witness to the unbelieving world. By consistently doing good, Christians are able to "silence the ignorance of foolish people." This active demonstration of ethical living becomes a powerful apologetic, validating the truth and transformative power of the Gospel through visible, commendable conduct.
* **Societal Responsibility and Submission:** The instruction within the context of submission to governing authorities highlights the Christian's role in promoting order and justice within society. Being a ἀγαθοποιός means engaging responsibly and beneficially with civil structures, demonstrating that Christian freedom does not lead to lawlessness but to a higher standard of citizenship.
* **Holistic Character and Conduct:** The word emphasizes that true goodness is not compartmentalized; it is a holistic expression of character that finds its tangible manifestation in outward actions. It bridges the gap between an internal disposition and external behavior, implying a consistent pattern of righteous living that impacts both the individual and their community.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀγαθοποιός (agathopoiós, `{{G17}}`), literally "good-doer," precisely describes one who actively performs good deeds, combining the quality of goodness (ἀγαθός, `{{G18}}`) with the act of doing (ποιέω, `{{G4160}}`). Though it appears only once in the New Testament, at [[1 Peter 2:14]], its context is highly significant. It stands in direct contrast to the "evil-doer" (κακοποιός, `{{G2555}}`), highlighting the moral distinction and the divine expectation for believers to be active agents of righteousness. This active goodness serves as a powerful Christian witness, silencing critics and demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. The term underscores that genuine faith is characterized by a consistent pattern of virtuous and beneficial actions, contributing positively to both the Christian community and wider society, reflecting God's own character and will.
TRV