### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἀρεστός (arestós, `{{G701}}`) derives from the verb ἀρέσκω (areskō, `{{G700}}`), meaning "to please," "to be agreeable," or "to be satisfactory." Consequently, ἀρεστός carries the core meaning of "agreeable," "pleasing," or "acceptable." Its semantic range extends to encompass that which is "fit," "proper," or "suitable," implying a congruence with a standard or expectation. It describes something that elicits approval or satisfaction, whether from a human perspective or, more significantly in theological contexts, from a divine one. The term can denote a passive quality (that which *is* pleasing) or an active one (that which *makes* someone pleased).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀρεστός appears sparingly in the New Testament, yet its occurrences are significant for understanding its nuanced application.
In Acts 6:2, the apostles declare, "It is not *fitting* (οὐκ ἀρεστόν) that we should neglect the word of God and serve tables." Here, ἀρεστός signifies what is proper or appropriate for their divine calling, emphasizing a sense of rightness concerning their priorities in ministry.
Acts 12:3 presents a different dimension: "And because he saw it *pleased* (ἀρεστόν) the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also." In this context, ἀρεστός describes something that is agreeable or acceptable to a human audience, specifically Herod's desire to gain favor with the Jewish populace. This highlights the potential for the term to refer to human-centric approval, which may or may not align with divine will.
Perhaps the most profound usage is found in Romans 12:2, where Paul exhorts believers: "that you may prove what is the good and *acceptable* (ἀρεστόν) and perfect will of God." Here, ἀρεστός is directly linked to the discernment of God's will. It describes that which is pleasing and agreeable in God's sight, serving as a standard for transformed living. This "acceptable" will is not merely tolerated by God, but actively approved and delighted in.
Finally, 1 John 3:22 states, "whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are *pleasing* (ἀρεστά) in His sight." This verse unequivocally connects obedience to God's commandments with actions that are ἀρεστά – pleasing or acceptable to God. It underscores the reciprocal relationship between righteous living and divine favor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relative to ἀρεστός (arestós, `{{G701}}`) is its root verb, ἀρέσκω (areskō, `{{G700}}`), meaning "to please" or "to be agreeable." The adjective describes the state or quality of something that is pleasing or agreeable, as the verb describes the action of pleasing.
Another closely related and often more emphatic term is εὐάρεστος (euárestos, `{{G2101}}`), meaning "well-pleasing" or "very agreeable." While ἀρεστός can be used in a neutral sense (e.g., pleasing to men), εὐάρεστος almost exclusively denotes that which is truly and wholly pleasing, particularly in the sight of God. For instance, in Romans 14:18, serving Christ is described as εὐάρεστος (well-pleasing) to God. The presence of the prefix εὐ- ("good" or "well") intensifies the positive connotation.
Concepts intertwined with ἀρεστός include:
* **Obedience:** As seen in 1 John 3:22, keeping God's commandments leads to actions that are pleasing to Him.
* **God's Will:** Romans 12:2 directly links ἀρεστός to the "will of God," emphasizing the believer's call to discern and live according to divine approbation.
* **Acceptance:** The term often implies divine acceptance or approval of a person's conduct or offering.
* **Righteousness/Propriety:** In contexts like Acts 6:2, it speaks to what is proper or fitting within a righteous framework.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀρεστός centers on the concept of divine approval and the believer's pursuit of it. In a world often driven by the desire to please people or self, the New Testament redirects the focus to discerning and doing what is ἀρεστόν to God.
Romans 12:2 is pivotal, establishing that the transformed mind, renewed by God's Spirit, is capable of proving (testing and affirming) what is truly "acceptable" in God's eyes. This is not a superficial or ritualistic acceptance, but a deep conformity to God's good and perfect will. It implies an ethical and spiritual orientation where the believer's life choices, attitudes, and actions are measured against God's divine standard of what is pleasing.
Furthermore, 1 John 3:22 highlights that actions *pleasing* to God are intrinsically linked to keeping His commandments. This shows that divine favor is not arbitrary but is connected to faithful obedience. The pursuit of what is ἀρεστόν to God becomes a hallmark of genuine discipleship, moving beyond mere outward conformity to an inward desire for divine commendation. The contrast with pleasing people (as seen in Acts 12:3) underscores the call for believers to prioritize God's pleasure over human applause, especially when the two are in conflict.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀρεστός (arestós, `{{G701}}`) fundamentally means "agreeable," "pleasing," or "acceptable," deriving from the verb ἀρέσκω (areskō, `{{G700}}`). Its usage in the New Testament spans from describing what is "fitting" or "proper" in a general sense (Acts 6:2) and what is "pleasing" to human audiences (Acts 12:3). Most significantly, ἀρεστός is employed to describe what is "acceptable" or "pleasing" in the sight of God. This theological application, particularly in Romans 12:2 and 1 John 3:22, emphasizes the believer's call to discern and live according to God's will, ensuring that their actions and character are in conformity with divine standards and thus receive God's approval. The pursuit of what is ἀρεστόν to God is a core aspect of Christian living, signifying a life of intentional obedience and spiritual transformation that prioritizes His pleasure above all else.
TRV