As many Greek scholars find, that to translate a particular Greek word or phrase into a single English equivalent is often like describing a majestic lion as simply an animal. And such is the case in this statement by the Apostle Paul. The words “did not like” is translated from the single Greek word ADOKIMAZO, which reveals a persons likes and dislikes by proving or testing; resulting in approval or rejection. In the verse before us, we find that GOD “gave them over” or literally exiled them from His presence, as a judicial act, due to their lack of concern for thoughts of, or any knowlegde about GOD. We should understand that the severe judgement of GOD upon these herein described, does not stem from what they engaged in, but rather what they failed to engage in, that is, (from the context) acting upon the light which GOD has given to all, for the purpose of gaining experiential knowledge of His eternal power and Godhead, leaving them without excuse.
Moreover, in Chapter 2 verse 18, we see the word DOKIMAZO (approvest) which again expresses a testing or proving for the purpose of finding the person or thing tested to meet the established criteria.

Commentary by Sheldon Feimster
Posted on: 3/6/2009 17:19 pm