Found in Matthew, Mark, Acts, Romans, First Corinthians, Galatians, First Thessalonians and Second Timothy, and used only in the verses that follow, the Greek verb “aresko” meant “please” or “desire to please.”
Herod and some guests were “pleased” by some apparently lascivious dancing (Mt. 14:6; Mk. 6:22). A decision about caring for widows “pleased” some first century Christians (Acts 6:5). Those who live after the flesh cannot “please” God (Rom. 8:8). Christians are more concerned about others than “pleasing” themselves” (Rom. 15:1-2). Jesus did not “please” Himself (Rom. 15:3). In First Corinthians 7 Paul used this term several times (see verses 32, 33, 34). Paul did not seek to “please” men (Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4). God is not always “pleased” by human beings (1 Thess. 2:15), but obedient people can “please” Him (1 Thess. 4:1; 2 Tim. 2:4).