Gentle readers,
It is God who gives us not only the words but the thoughts behind them. When I search for a word to convey a meaning to Marti sometimes I get frustrated because my mind is working faster that my tongue can get the words out. But when we write even the act of putting quill to keyboard will provide the Lord to give us just the “right expression” for God to get through!
Paul uses several words to express God’s thoughts to his readers, for example: Paul calls believers (or rather God through Paul) the Holy [ Greek Hagioi, or Hegiasmenoi] These believers were the holy because they had been incorporated into the body of Christ by baptism (Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality) So we all become one in Christ by virtue of Identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Through the action of the Spirit of God, whether we are Jew or Gentile. God brings us into His family. Whether we are slaves or free, all were given to drink that living water of that same Spirit 1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Another term that Paul uses is “Those in Messiah [Hoi en Christo (I)] Because they are baptized into Christ, the Holy (Saints) can be said to be “in Christ”- or in Messiah-Jesus or in Jesus-Messiah. So Paul can say Gal 1:22 “And was unknown by face unto the *churches of Judaea [*or a better translation the Judaean gatherings] which were in Christ: “ Or similarly 2 Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ,[ khris-tos'] he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new
And in another place Paul refers to “the called” [Kletoi] Paul thinks of the Brothers as summoned to holiness Rom 1:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 1Co 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
House fellows [Oikeioi]: Since the followers meet mainly in each others homes [oikoi], Paul calls them, in general house fellows of our trust Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Those of the Path or Way (Hoi tes Hodou ) This term has become common by the time of the Acts of the Apostles. Therefore Luke can speak of detractors or persecutors of the path Acts 22:4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. Of debating or understanding the Path/Way. Acts 19:23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. Acts 24:22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
So you can see Gentle Readers, that the name that God Gave is far better than we would give ourselves. Which reminds me of another name. Which we find in the Book of Revelation Rev 22:4 And they shall see his face; and HIS name shall be in their foreheads. Which I take the liberty of developing the thought “Property of the Most High God".
So much to think about Gentle reader, finish your Irish coffee and last one who leaves make sure that we leave a light on for those late comers.
See you next time...
Love,
Denis
No comments:
Post a Comment