What is meant by the term “expediency”? The English definition of the term “expedient” is that which is “useful for effecting a desired result; suited to the circumstances or the occasion; advantageous; convenient” (Webster’s Dictionary, Third College Edition, 1986). There is also a negative sense in which the word is used, namely, the idea of getting gain for oneself regardless of what is right or just, but the basic meaning of the term is that which gives advantage. The English word “expedient” is found seven times in the King James Version of the Bible (John 11:50; 16:7; 18:14; 1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23; 2 Corinthians 8:10; 12:1). The Greek word sumphero (συμφέρω), from which “expedient” is translated, occurs in nine other places. It is translated “profit” (1 Corinthians 7:35; 10:33; 12:7; Hebrews 12:10), “profitable” (Matthew 5:29-30; Acts 20:20), “better” (Matthew 18:6), “is [not] good” (Matthew 19:10), and “brought… together” (Acts 19:19).
Expediencies Must First Be Lawful
Of particular interest are the references in First Corinthians: “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (6:12) and “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not” (10:23). “Expedient” (from sumphero, which can also be translated “helpful” NKJ or “profitable” NAS) means “to help, confer a benefit, be advantageous or profitable or useful…something that is useful or helpful” (Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich, and Danker. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature). It must be understood that no unlawful action can be done expediently (Romans 3:8). Additionally, merely because an action is lawful does not mean it is always expedient—all lawful actions do not necessarily edify (1 Corinthians 10:23; 8:1-13). The unlawful pursuit of a lawful thing constitutes bondage, and thus results in sin (1 Corinthians 6:12; Romans 6:16). All actions must have Bible authority (Colossians 3:17; 2 John 9-11). The Bible authorizes by its explicit statements, revealed examples and implication. These avenues of authority must be ascertained by “handling aright the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 ASV).
Applications of Expediency
In most authorized actions there are areas of expediency. For example, the Bible authorizes Christians to partake of the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week, and that they are to use unleavened bread and “fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:26-28; Acts 20:7). However, the Bible gives no exclusive pattern as to what time on the first day of the week the Lord’s Supper must be served. Thus, the time of day during which the congregation partakes of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week is a matter of expediency. There is just as much authority for partaking of it at 9:30 a.m. as there is at 2:30 p.m.
Expediency is also involved in other God-authorized actions such as in what body of water one should be baptized (in a baptistry or in a natural body of water), singing (with songbooks or by memory), preaching the Gospel (in the pulpit, on television, radio or via the Internet). Where there is no exclusive pattern given for fulfilling a God-authorized obligation, and as long as the obligatory action is not altered or omitted, any expedient action (which is not inherently sinful) may be used. Remember, an “expedient” is that which gives advantage.
Conclusion
Not only is New Testament Christianity the only religion authorized and approved by God, it is the only religion that will work in any culture. One reason why it will work in every culture is because it has the built-in principle of expediency. That is, its requirements can be carried out in a number of different ways so long as the requirement itself does not change. As seen with the Lord’s Supper, one cup or many cups, before preaching or after preaching, whatever works best for a particular congregation, is fine. We should never let a matter of expediency split a local church, yet in many (perhaps even most) cases a disagreement over expediencies is exactly the cause. Let us work together and cooperate in building up and expanding the borders of God’s kingdom!
