Episode Summary: "Reflecting God's Goodness"

Podcast: Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson
Date: February 24, 2026
Host: Ligonier Ministries

Overview of the Episode

This episode centers on the theme of goodness as one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. Sinclair B. Ferguson explores what it means to be "good" from a Christian perspective, contrasting biblical goodness with popular and philosophical ideas. The discussion weaves together philosophical and biblical threads, emphasizing the ultimate foundation of goodness in the character of God and offering the example of Joseph of Arimathea as a living illustration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Philosophers and "The Good"

• Ferguson notes that philosophers have long considered "the true, the good, and the beautiful," with "the good" focusing on ethics and the question of what constitutes a good life ([00:29]).
• He asks, "What, after all, do we mean when we say good?" and observes that even moral philosophy students grapple with varied and sometimes subjective definitions of goodness ([01:01]).

2. Contemporary Views vs. Christian Understanding

• The episode highlights that many today view goodness subjectively—“Is goodness, as people sometimes say about beauty, only in the eye of the beholder?” ([01:30])
• Ferguson refutes the idea that “good is what I like, what I think is good for me, what I think will make me happy” as incompatible with the Christian worldview ([01:50]).

3. Rooting Goodness in God Himself

• Goodness, Ferguson insists, must begin with God:
  • “The answer is where we always should begin. With God.” ([02:04])
• He draws from Psalm 34:8: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good,” explaining that biblical goodness refers to something attractive, unblemished, morally upright—ultimately reflecting God's nature ([02:24]).
• He references John Calvin:
  • “The world [is] the theatre of God’s glory...but when he created it, the world was also the theater of God’s goodness.” ([03:00])

4. Goodness as Reflected in Creation and Humanity

• Ferguson points out that everything God created was “very good,” and humanity was made to reflect that goodness. God is perfect goodness, and we are to embody reflected goodness ([03:20]).

5. A Biblical Example: Joseph of Arimathea

• Few people in the New Testament are called “good,” but Joseph of Arimathea is named directly as “a good and righteous man” ([03:49]).
• Details of Joseph’s character and actions:
  • “He was a respected member of the council looking for the kingdom of God...he had not consented to their decision and action to crucify the Lord Jesus. Instead, he took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of the Lord.” ([04:10])
• Ferguson notes, “Real goodness cares and real goodness acts. Even if it’s going to cost.” ([05:16])

6. The Cost and Courage of Goodness

• Joseph’s act is portrayed as costly and courageous, standing apart from his peers for righteousness.
• “Who knows what it cost Joseph to step out of line with the Sanhedrin to do what he did for the Lord Jesus. But that's what good men and women do.” ([05:30])

7. A Personal Application

• Ferguson closes with a reflective question: “I wonder, is goodness one of the fruits of the spirit in your life?” ([05:41])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the nature of goodness:
  • “Ultimately, of course, it means that something expresses and reflects God’s character and will because He is good.” ([02:37])
• On creation:
  • “When he spoke it into being, the whole creation was very good.” ([02:54])
• On Joseph of Arimathea’s example:
  • “He was a good and righteous man.” ([04:30], quoting Luke)
  • “Real goodness cares and real goodness acts. Even if it's going to cost.” ([05:16])
• On personal reflection:
  • “I wonder, is goodness one of the fruits of the spirit in your life?” ([05:41])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro to Galatians 5 and focus on goodness: [00:07]
• Philosophical perspectives on ‘the good’: [00:29 - 01:30]
• Contrast with contemporary subjectivity: [01:30 - 01:50]
• Scriptural foundation for goodness (Psalm 34): [02:04 - 02:24]
• Goodness in God and Creation: [02:24 - 03:20]
• Biblical character study – Joseph of Arimathea: [03:49 - 05:30]
• Application and closing reflection: [05:41]

Takeaways

• Goodness, as a fruit of the Spirit, is not subjective or merely personal preference.
• Rooting our understanding of goodness in God’s character ensures that our pursuit of goodness reflects eternal realities.
• Joseph of Arimathea provides a powerful example of goodness that acts courageously and at personal cost—a model for Christian living.
• The listener is challenged to examine whether the fruit of goodness is manifest in their own life.

The episode offers a rich, reflective meditation on goodness, blending philosophical depth with biblical clarity, and challenges believers to live in a way that actively reflects the character of God.