Christianity, Part 9

There are 21 occurrences of πάντας in Acts [see Table below] the Greek word translated all people in: And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people (πάντας, a form of πᾶς) to myself.1 As I began this study another passage was brought to my attention (Colossians 1:24-29 ESV):

Now I rejoice in my2 sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) and teaching everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) with all (πάσῃ) wisdom, that we may present everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) mature in Christ [Table]. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

This wouldn’t have been part of my search criteria limited to πάντας, but it has become the key to the passages I’ll consider in detail in Acts. In the phrase ἐν πάσῃ σοφίᾳ (ESV: with all wisdom) all is limited, or qualified, by wisdom. Will I dispute whether we actually use all wisdom? No, I understand that we use all the “wisdom, cleverness” and “skill” God provides.

Three times the Greek words translated everyone were πάντα ἄνθρωπον, which is remarkable only because πάντας was translated all people in John 12:32 without any limitation in the Greek. Here πάντα was clearly limited, or qualified, by ἄνθρωπον. And here I began to argue in my mind that we aren’t warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, but only those with whom we come into contact.

Then I recalled my own words from another essay: “Paul, through his letters preserved in the New Testament, led me to Christ. I am a recipient of his ministry as much as anyone in Corinth.” But did he intend to say that we may present (παραστήσωμεν, a form of παρίστημι) everyone mature in Christ?

The Greek word παραστήσωμεν is a verb in the subjunctive mood in a result clause. We present everyone mature in Christ is the result of: [Christ] we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom. For this I toil, Paul wrote, struggling with all3 his energy that he powerfully works within me.4 Somewhere along the line we have lost faith.

I was socialized into a religion in which human will is regarded above all:5

So, brethren, a universal attraction is raying out from Christ’s Cross, and from Himself to each of us. But that universal attraction can be resisted. If a man plants his feet firmly and wide apart, and holds on with both hands to some staple or holdfast, then the drawing cannot draw.

Paul wasn’t socialized into that religion. He had resisted the goads but the Lord prevailed despite his resistance.

He spoke in his own defense (ἀπολογίας, a form of ἀπολογία) in Jerusalem (Acts 21:40b-22:3 ESV):

Paul, standing on the steps [of the barracks], motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed6 them in the Hebrew language, saying: “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now7 make before you.”
And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

“I am8 a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all (πάντες) of you are this day.

When [Paul] had come to Jerusalem, the brothers9said10 to him (Acts 21:20b-22 ESV):

“You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews11 of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, and they have been told about you that you teach all (πάντας) the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses,12 telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. What then is to be done?13 They will certainly hear that you have come.

They came up with a scheme to placate the many thousandsamong the Jews of those who have believed, but before Paul could complete it (Acts 21:27b-31 ESV):

the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole (πάντα) crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone (πάντας) everywhere14 against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” For they had previously seen15 Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. And16 as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.17

Paul’s defense continued (Acts 22:4-10 ESV)

I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole (πᾶν) council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.

“As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell18 to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light19 but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all (πάντων) that is appointed for you to do.’

The Greek word translated appointed here was τέτακται, a form of τάσσω. This word was used by a Roman Centurion (Luke 7:8, 9 ESV):

For I too am a man set (τασσόμενος, another form of τάσσω) under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even20 in Israel have I found such faith.”

The centurion’s simple recognition that Jesus was a man set under the authority of a higher power was regarded as faith: “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith,” Jesus said. When Saul (aka Paul) was confronted by the resurrected, ascended and glorified Jesus, he didn’t trot out his best theological arguments why Jesus wasn’t Israel’s promised Messiah. What shall I do, Lord?21 He said instead. In other words, he believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.22

Luke recounted the following when Paul and Barnabas preached in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:44-48 ESV):

The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him [Table]. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles [Table]. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying,

“‘I have made (τέθεικα, a form of τίθημι) you a light for the Gentiles,

that you may bring salvation to the ends (ἐσχάτου, a form of ἔσχατος) of the earth.’”

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing23 and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed (τεταγμένοι, another form of τάσσω) to eternal life believed.

Whatever resistance these Gentiles may have had to that “universal attraction…raying out from Christ’s Cross, and from Himself” wasn’t overcome by something intrinsic to themselves. Rather, they believed because they were appointed (τεταγμένοι, another form of τάσσω) to eternal life. The Jews, those who judged themselves unworthy of eternal life, did not believe because a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.24

Once that fullness (πλήρωμα) is achieved, I assume they, too, will be appointed to eternal life and believe. And this, despite the fact that from my limited perspective, they died almost 2,000 years ago. This outlook is informed less by knowledge, the breadth and length and height and depth,25 and more by the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness (πλήρωμα) of God,26 as Paul prayed. And his prayer continues because I pray it daily for all.

Paul’s defense continued (Acts 22:11-15 ESV):

And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

“And one Ananias, a devout27 man according to the law, well spoken of by all (πάντων) the Jews who lived there, came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed (προεχειρίσατο, a form of προχειρίζω) you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone (πάντας ἀνθρώπους) of what you have seen and heard.

So Paul, appointedto know [God’s] will (τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ),28 wrote: [Christ] we proclaim, warning everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) and teaching everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) with all wisdom, that we may present everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) mature in Christ,29 following Ananias’ prophetic word, you will be a witness for him to everyone (πάντας ἀνθρώπους) of what you have seen and heard.30

After Paul appealed (Acts 25:8-12) to Caesar, the new governor Festus asked King Agrippa for advice about the charge (Acts 25:13-27) to send with Paul. Near the end of his defense before Festus and Agrippa Paul said (Acts 26:19-29 ESV):

Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient (ἀπειθὴς) to the heavenly vision, but declared31 first to those in Damascus, then32 in Jerusalem and throughout33 all (πᾶσαν) the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. For this reason the34 Jews seized me in35 the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from36 God, and so I stand here testifying37 both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses38 said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both39 to our people and to the Gentiles.”

And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said40 with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul41 said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but42 I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has43 not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said44 to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be45 a Christian?” And Paul said,46 “Whether short or long,47 I would to God that not only you but also all (πάντας) who hear me this day might become such as I48 am—except for these chains.”

Here πάντας was clearly limited in Paul’s mind to those who heard him that day making that defense at that trial. And εὐξαίμην ἂν translated I would (NET: I pray) here was a 1st person form of the verb εὔχομαι in the optative mood:

The optative is the mood of possibility, removed even further than the subjunctive mood from something conceived of as actual. Often it is used to convey a wish or hope for a certain action to occur.49

Yet, I too am hearing and believing his defense. Paul prayed or hoped or wished or willed to God (τῷ θεῷ), who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.50 And as I recall all that I can see that God has done to fulfill Ananias’ prophecy concerning Paul, you will be a witness for him to everyone (πάντας ἀνθρώπους) of what you have seen and heard,51 it becomes easier to believe what I can’t necessarily see: Him we proclaim, warning everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) and teaching everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) with all wisdom, that we [will52] present everyone (πάντα ἄνθρωπον) mature in Christ.53

Why? How? And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, Jesus said, will draw all people to myself.54

According to a note (13) in the NET Paul quoted from Genesis 15:6. The table below compares the Greek of Paul’s quotation to that of the Septuagint.

Galatians 3:6b (NET Parallel Greek)

Genesis 15:6 (Septuagint BLB) Table

Genesis 15:6 (Septuagint Elpenor)

Ἀβραὰμ ἐπίστευσεν τῷ θεῷ, καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην ἐπίστευσεν Αβραμ τῷ θεῷ καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην ἐπίστευσεν ῞Αβραμ τῷ Θεῷ, καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην

Galatians 3:6b (NET)

Genesis 15:6 (NETS)

Genesis 15:6 (English Elpenor)

Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness Abram believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness Abram believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness

The table mentioned above follows.

Occurrences of πάντας in Acts

Reference NET Parallel Greek ESV
Acts 4:33 χάρις τε μεγάλη ἦν ἐπὶ πάντας αὐτούς great grace was upon them all
Acts 5:5 καὶ ἐγένετο φόβος μέγας ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας And great fear came upon all who heard of it
Acts 5:11 καὶ ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας ταῦτα and upon all who heard of these things
Acts 9:14 πάντας τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους τὸ ὄνομα σου all who call on your name
Acts 9:40 ἐκβαλὼν δὲ ἔξω πάντας ὁ Πέτρος But Peter put them all outside
Acts 10:38 ἰώμενος πάντας τοὺς καταδυναστευομένους ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου healing all who were oppressed by the devil
Acts 10:44 ἐπέπεσεν τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας τὸν λόγον the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word
Acts 11:23 παρεκάλει πάντας τῇ προθέσει τῆς καρδίας προσμένειν τῷ κυρίῳ he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose
Acts 17:30 τὰ νῦν |παραγγέλλει| τοῖς ἀνθρώποις πάντας πανταχοῦ μετανοεῖν but now he commands all people everywhere to repent
Acts 18:2 διὰ τὸ διατεταχέναι Κλαύδιον χωρίζεσθαι πάντας τοὺς Ἰουδαίους ἀπὸ τῆς Ῥώμης because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome
Acts 18:23 |ἐπι|στηρίζων πάντας τοὺς μαθητάς strengthening all the disciples
Acts 19:10 πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν Ἀσίαν all the residents of Asia
Acts 19:17 ἐπέπεσεν φόβος ἐπὶ πάντας αὐτοὺς fear fell upon them all
Acts 21:21 ἀποστασίαν διδάσκεις ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως τοὺς κατὰ τὰ ἔθνη πάντας Ἰουδαίους you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses
Acts 21:28 οὗτος ἐστιν ὁ ἄνθρωπος ὁ κατὰ τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τοῦ τόπου τούτου πάντας πανταχῇ διδάσκων This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place.
Acts 22:15 ἔσῃ μάρτυς αὐτῷ πρὸς πάντας ἀνθρώπους you will be a witness for him to everyone
Acts 26:29 ἀλλὰ καὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας μου σήμερον but also all who hear me this day
Acts 27:24 κεχάρισται σοι ὁ θεὸς πάντας τοὺς πλέοντας μετὰ σοῦ God has granted you all those who sail with you.
Acts 27:44 καὶ οὕτως ἐγένετο πάντας διασωθῆναι ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν And so it was that all were brought safely to land.
Acts 28:2 ἅψαντες γὰρ πυρὰν προσελάβοντο πάντας ἡμᾶς for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all
Acts 28:30 καὶ ἀπεδέχετο πάντας τοὺς εἰσπορευομένους πρὸς αὐτόν and welcomed all who came to him

Tables comparing the Greek of Colossians 1:24; Acts 21:40; 22:1; 22:3; 21:20-22; 21:28, 29; 21:31; 22:7; 22:9; Luke 7:9; Acts 13:48; 22:12; 26:20-26 and 26:28, 29 in the NET and KJV follow.

Colossians 1:24 (NET)

Colossians 1:24 (KJV)

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my physical body—for the sake of his body, the church—what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

Colossians 1:24 (NET Parallel Greek)

Colossians 1:24 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Colossians 1:24 (Byzantine Majority Text)

Νῦν χαίρω ἐν τοῖς παθήμασιν ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν καὶ ἀνταναπληρῶ τὰ ὑστερήματα τῶν θλίψεων τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἐν τῇ σαρκί μου ὑπὲρ τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἡ ἐκκλησία νυν χαιρω εν τοις παθημασιν μου υπερ υμων και ανταναπληρω τα υστερηματα των θλιψεων του χριστου εν τη σαρκι μου υπερ του σωματος αυτου ο εστιν η εκκλησια νυν χαιρω εν τοις παθημασιν υπερ υμων και ανταναπληρω τα υστερηματα των θλιψεων του χριστου εν τη σαρκι μου υπερ του σωματος αυτου ο εστιν η εκκλησια

Acts 21:40 (NET)

Acts 21:40 (KJV)

When the commanding officer had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and gestured to the people with his hand. When they had become silent, he addressed them in Aramaic, And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Acts 21:40 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 21:40 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 21:40 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἐπιτρέψαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ὁ Παῦλος ἑστὼς ἐπὶ τῶν ἀναβαθμῶν κατέσεισεν τῇ χειρὶ τῷ λαῷ. πολλῆς δὲ σιγῆς γενομένης προσεφώνησεν τῇ Ἑβραΐδι διαλέκτῳ λέγων επιτρεψαντος δε αυτου ο παυλος εστως επι των αναβαθμων κατεσεισεν τη χειρι τω λαω πολλης δε σιγης γενομενης προσεφωνησεν τη εβραιδι διαλεκτω λεγων επιτρεψαντος δε αυτου ο παυλος εστως επι των αναβαθμων κατεσεισεν τη χειρι τω λαω πολλης δε σιγης γενομενης προσεφωνει τη εβραιδι διαλεκτω λεγων

Acts 22:1 (NET)

Acts 22:1 (KJV)

“Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense that I now make to you.” Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

Acts 22:1 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 22:1 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 22:1 (Byzantine Majority Text)

῎Ανδρες ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες, ἀκούσατε μου τῆς πρὸς ὑμᾶς νυνὶ ἀπολογίας ανδρες αδελφοι και πατερες ακουσατε μου της προς υμας νυν απολογιας ανδρες αδελφοι και πατερες ακουσατε μου της προς υμας νυνι απολογιας

Acts 22:3 (NET)

Acts 22:3 (KJV)

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated with strictness under Gamaliel according to the law of our ancestors, and was zealous for God just as all of you are today. I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Acts 22:3 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 22:3 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 22:3 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἐγώ εἰμι ἀνὴρ Ἰουδαῖος, γεγεννημένος ἐν Ταρσῷ τῆς Κιλικίας, ἀνατεθραμμένος δὲ ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ, παρὰ τοὺς πόδας Γαμαλιὴλ πεπαιδευμένος κατὰ ἀκρίβειαν τοῦ πατρῴου νόμου, ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τοῦ θεοῦ καθὼς πάντες ὑμεῖς ἐστε σήμερον εγω μεν ειμι ανηρ ιουδαιος γεγεννημενος εν ταρσω της κιλικιας ανατεθραμμενος δε εν τη πολει ταυτη παρα τους ποδας γαμαλιηλ πεπαιδευμενος κατα ακριβειαν του πατρωου νομου ζηλωτης υπαρχων του θεου καθως παντες υμεις εστε σημερον εγω μεν ειμι ανηρ ιουδαιος γεγεννημενος εν ταρσω της κιλικιας ανατεθραμμενος δε εν τη πολει ταυτη παρα τους ποδας γαμαλιηλ πεπαιδευμενος κατα ακριβειαν του πατρωου νομου ζηλωτης υπαρχων του θεου καθως παντες υμεις εστε σημερον

Acts 21:20-22 (NET)

Acts 21:20-22 (KJV)

When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all ardent observers of the law. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

Acts 21:20 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 21:20 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 21:20 (Byzantine Majority Text)

Οἱ δὲ ἀκούσαντες ἐδόξαζον τὸν θεὸν εἶπον τε αὐτῷ· Θεωρεῖς, ἀδελφέ, πόσαι μυριάδες εἰσὶν ἐν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις τῶν πεπιστευκότων καὶ πάντες ζηλωταὶ τοῦ νόμου ὑπάρχουσιν οι δε ακουσαντες εδοξαζον τον κυριον ειπον τε αυτω θεωρεις αδελφε ποσαι μυριαδες εισιν ιουδαιων των πεπιστευκοτων και παντες ζηλωται του νομου υπαρχουσιν οι δε ακουσαντες εδοξαζον τον κυριον ειποντες αυτω θεωρεις αδελφε ποσαι μυριαδες εισιν ιουδαιων των πεπιστευκοτων και παντες ζηλωται του νομου υπαρχουσιν
They have been informed about you—that you teach all the Jews now living among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

Acts 21:21 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 21:21 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 21:21 (Byzantine Majority Text)

κατηχήθησαν δὲ περὶ σοῦ ὅτι ἀποστασίαν διδάσκεις ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως τοὺς κατὰ τὰ ἔθνη πάντας Ἰουδαίους λέγων μὴ περιτέμνειν αὐτοὺς τὰ τέκνα μηδὲ τοῖς ἔθεσιν περιπατεῖν κατηχηθησαν δε περι σου οτι αποστασιαν διδασκεις απο μωσεως τους κατα τα εθνη παντας ιουδαιους λεγων μη περιτεμνειν αυτους τα τεκνα μηδε τοις εθεσιν περιπατειν κατηχηθησαν δε περι σου οτι αποστασιαν διδασκεις απο μωυσεως τους κατα τα εθνη παντας ιουδαιους λεγων μη περιτεμνειν αυτους τα τεκνα μηδε τοις εθεσιν περιπατειν
What then should we do? They will no doubt hear that you have come. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

Acts 21:22 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 21:22 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 21:22 (Byzantine Majority Text)

τί οὖν ἐστιν; πάντως ἀκούσονται ὅτι ἐλήλυθας τι ουν εστιν παντως δει πληθος συνελθειν ακουσονται γαρ οτι εληλυθας τι ουν εστιν παντως δει πληθος συνελθειν ακουσονται γαρ οτι εληλυθας

Acts 21:28, 29 (NET)

Acts 21:28, 29 (KJV)

shouting, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this sanctuary! Furthermore he has brought Greeks into the inner courts of the temple and made this holy place ritually unclean!” Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

Acts 21:28 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 21:28 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 21:28 (Byzantine Majority Text)

κράζοντες· ἄνδρες Ἰσραηλῖται, βοηθεῖτε· οὗτος ἐστιν ὁ ἄνθρωπος ὁ κατὰ τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ τοῦ νόμου καὶ τοῦ τόπου τούτου πάντας πανταχῇ διδάσκων, ἔτι τε καὶ ῞Ελληνας εἰσήγαγεν εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν καὶ κεκοίνωκεν τὸν ἅγιον τόπον τοῦτον κραζοντες ανδρες ισραηλιται βοηθειτε ουτος εστιν ο ανθρωπος ο κατα του λαου και του νομου και του τοπου τουτου παντας πανταχου διδασκων ετι τε και ελληνας εισηγαγεν εις το ιερον και κεκοινωκεν τον αγιον τοπον τουτον κραζοντες ανδρες ισραηλιται βοηθειτε ουτος εστιν ο ανθρωπος ο κατα του λαου και του νομου και του τοπου τουτου παντας πανταχου διδασκων ετι τε και ελληνας εισηγαγεν εις το ιερον και κεκοινωκεν τον αγιον τοπον τουτον
(For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him previously, and they assumed Paul had brought him into the inner temple courts.) (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

Acts 21:29 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 21:29 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 21:29 (Byzantine Majority Text)

(ἦσαν γὰρ προεωρακότες Τρόφιμον τὸν Ἐφέσιον ἐν τῇ πόλει σὺν αὐτῷ, ὃν ἐνόμιζον ὅτι εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν εἰσήγαγεν ὁ Παῦλος.) ησαν γαρ προεωρακοτες τροφιμον τον εφεσιον εν τη πολει συν αυτω ον ενομιζον οτι εις το ιερον εισηγαγεν ο παυλος ησαν γαρ εωρακοτες τροφιμον τον εφεσιον εν τη πολει συν αυτω ον ενομιζον οτι εις το ιερον εισηγαγεν ο παυλος

Acts 21:31 (NET)

Acts 21:31 (KJV)

While they were trying to kill him, a report was sent up to the commanding officer of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Acts 21:31 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 21:31 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 21:31 (Byzantine Majority Text)

Ζητούντων τε αὐτὸν ἀποκτεῖναι ἀνέβη φάσις τῷ χιλιάρχῳ τῆς σπείρης ὅτι ὅλη συγχύννεται Ἰερουσαλήμ ζητουντων δε αυτον αποκτειναι ανεβη φασις τω χιλιαρχω της σπειρης οτι ολη συγκεχυται ιερουσαλημ ζητουντων δε αυτον αποκτειναι ανεβη φασις τω χιλιαρχω της σπειρης οτι ολη συγκεχυται ιερουσαλημ

Acts 22:7 (NET)

Acts 22:7 (KJV)

Then I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Acts 22:7 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 22:7 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 22:7 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἔπεσα τε εἰς τὸ ἔδαφος καὶ ἤκουσα φωνῆς λεγούσης μοι· Σαοὺλ Σαούλ, τί με διώκεις επεσον τε εις το εδαφος και ηκουσα φωνης λεγουσης μοι σαουλ σαουλ τι με διωκεις επεσα τε εις το εδαφος και ηκουσα φωνης λεγουσης μοι σαουλ σαουλ τι με διωκεις

Acts 22:9 (NET)

Acts 22:9 (KJV)

Those who were with me saw the light, but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

Acts 22:9 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 22:9 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 22:9 (Byzantine Majority Text)

οἱ δὲ σὺν ἐμοὶ ὄντες τὸ μὲν φῶς ἐθεάσαντο τὴν δὲ φωνὴν οὐκ ἤκουσαν τοῦ λαλοῦντος μοι οι δε συν εμοι οντες το μεν φως εθεασαντο και εμφοβοι εγενοντο την δε φωνην ουκ ηκουσαν του λαλουντος μοι οι δε συν εμοι οντες το μεν φως εθεασαντο και εμφοβοι εγενοντο την δε φωνην ουκ ηκουσαν του λαλουντος μοι

Luke 7:9 (NET)

Luke 7:9 (KJV)

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him. He turned and said to the crowd that followed him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith!” When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Luke 7:9 (NET Parallel Greek)

Luke 7:9 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Luke 7:9 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἀκούσας δὲ ταῦτα ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐθαύμασεν αὐτὸν καὶ στραφεὶς τῷ ἀκολουθοῦντι αὐτῷ ὄχλῳ εἶπεν· λέγω ὑμῖν, οὐδὲ ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ τοσαύτην πίστιν εὗρον ακουσας δε ταυτα ο ιησους εθαυμασεν αυτον και στραφεις τω ακολουθουντι αυτω οχλω ειπεν λεγω υμιν ουδε εν τω ισραηλ τοσαυτην πιστιν ευρον ακουσας δε ταυτα ο ιησους εθαυμασεν αυτον και στραφεις τω ακολουθουντι αυτω οχλω ειπεν λεγω υμιν ουτε εν τω ισραηλ τοσαυτην πιστιν ευρον

Acts 13:48 (NET)

Acts 13:48 (KJV)

When the Gentiles heard this, they began to rejoice and praise the word of the Lord, and all who had been appointed for eternal life believed. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Acts 13:48 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 13:48 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 13:48 (Byzantine Majority Text)

Ἀκούοντα δὲ τὰ ἔθνη ἔχαιρον καὶ ἐδόξαζον τὸν λόγον τοῦ |κυρίου| καὶ ἐπίστευσαν ὅσοι ἦσαν τεταγμένοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον ακουοντα δε τα εθνη εχαιρον και εδοξαζον τον λογον του κυριου και επιστευσαν οσοι ησαν τεταγμενοι εις ζωην αιωνιον ακουοντα δε τα εθνη εχαιρεν και εδοξαζον τον λογον του κυριου και επιστευσαν οσοι ησαν τεταγμενοι εις ζωην αιωνιον

Acts 22:12 (NET)

Acts 22:12 (KJV)

A man named Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who live there, And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

Acts 22:12 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 22:12 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 22:12 (Byzantine Majority Text)

Ἁνανίας δέ τις, ἀνὴρ εὐλαβὴς κατὰ τὸν νόμον, μαρτυρούμενος ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν κατοικούντων Ἰουδαίων ανανιας δε τις ανηρ ευσεβης κατα τον νομον μαρτυρουμενος υπο παντων των κατοικουντων ιουδαιων ανανιας δε τις ανηρ ευσεβης κατα τον νομον μαρτυρουμενος υπο παντων των κατοικουντων ιουδαιων

Acts 26:20-26 (NET)

Acts 26:20-26 (KJV)

but I declared to those in Damascus first, and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds consistent with repentance. But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Acts 26:20 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 26:20 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 26:20 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἀλλὰ τοῖς ἐν Δαμασκῷ πρῶτον τε καὶ Ἱεροσολύμοις, πᾶσαν τε τὴν χώραν τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπήγγελλον μετανοεῖν καὶ ἐπιστρέφειν ἐπὶ τὸν θεόν, ἄξια τῆς μετανοίας ἔργα πράσσοντας αλλα τοις εν δαμασκω πρωτον και ιεροσολυμοις εις πασαν τε την χωραν της ιουδαιας και τοις εθνεσιν απαγγελλων μετανοειν και επιστρεφειν επι τον θεον αξια της μετανοιας εργα πρασσοντας αλλα τοις εν δαμασκω πρωτον και ιεροσολυμοις εις πασαν τε την χωραν της ιουδαιας και τοις εθνεσιν απαγγελλων μετανοειν και επιστρεφειν επι τον θεον αξια της μετανοιας εργα πρασσοντας
For this reason the Jews, after they seized me while I was in the temple courts, were trying to kill me. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

Acts 26:21 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 26:21 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 26:21 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἕνεκα τούτων με Ἰουδαῖοι συλλαβόμενοι [ὄντα] ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ ἐπειρῶντο διαχειρίσασθαι ενεκα τουτων με οι ιουδαιοι συλλαβομενοι εν τω ιερω επειρωντο διαχειρισασθαι ενεκα τουτων οι ιουδαιοι με συλλαβομενοι εν τω ιερω επειρωντο διαχειρισασθαι
I have experienced help from God to this day, and so I stand testifying to both small and great, saying nothing except what the prophets and Moses said was going to happen: Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

Acts 26:22 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 26:22 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 26:22 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἐπικουρίας οὖν τυχὼν τῆς ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ ἄχρι τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης ἕστηκα μαρτυρόμενος μικρῷ τε καὶ μεγάλῳ οὐδὲν ἐκτὸς λέγων ὧν τε οἱ προφῆται ἐλάλησαν μελλόντων γίνεσθαι καὶ Μωϋσῆς επικουριας ουν τυχων της παρα του θεου αχρι της ημερας ταυτης εστηκα μαρτυρουμενος μικρω τε και μεγαλω ουδεν εκτος λεγων ων τε οι προφηται ελαλησαν μελλοντων γινεσθαι και μωσης επικουριας ουν τυχων της παρα του θεου αχρι της ημερας ταυτης εστηκα μαρτυρομενος μικρω τε και μεγαλω ουδεν εκτος λεγων ων τε οι προφηται ελαλησαν μελλοντων γινεσθαι και μωυσης
that the Christ was to suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, to proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Acts 26:23 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 26:23 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 26:23 (Byzantine Majority Text)

εἰ παθητὸς ὁ χριστός, εἰ πρῶτος ἐξ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν φῶς μέλλει καταγγέλλειν τῷ τε λαῷ καὶ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ει παθητος ο χριστος ει πρωτος εξ αναστασεως νεκρων φως μελλει καταγγελλειν τω λαω και τοις εθνεσιν ει παθητος ο χριστος ει πρωτος εξ αναστασεως νεκρων φως μελλει καταγγελλειν τω λαω και τοις εθνεσιν
As Paul was saying these things in his defense, Festus exclaimed loudly, “You have lost your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!” And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

Acts 26:24 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 26:24 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 26:24 (Byzantine Majority Text)

Ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἀπολογουμένου ὁ Φῆστος μεγάλῃ τῇ φωνῇ φησιν· μαίνῃ, Παῦλε· τὰ πολλά σε γράμματα εἰς μανίαν περιτρέπει ταυτα δε αυτου απολογουμενου ο φηστος μεγαλη τη φωνη εφη μαινη παυλε τα πολλα σε γραμματα εις μανιαν περιτρεπει ταυτα δε αυτου απολογουμενου ο φηστος μεγαλη τη φωνη εφη μαινη παυλε τα πολλα σε γραμματα εις μανιαν περιτρεπει
But Paul replied, “I have not lost my mind, most excellent Festus, but am speaking true and rational words. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Acts 26:25 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 26:25 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 26:25 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ὁ δὲ Παῦλος· οὐ μαίνομαι, φησίν, κράτιστε Φῆστε, ἀλλὰ ἀληθείας καὶ σωφροσύνης ρήματα ἀποφθέγγομαι ο δε ου μαινομαι φησιν κρατιστε φηστε αλλ αληθειας και σωφροσυνης ρηματα αποφθεγγομαι ο δε ου μαινομαι φησιν κρατιστε φηστε αλλα αληθειας και σωφροσυνης ρηματα αποφθεγγομαι
For the king knows about these things, and I am speaking freely to him because I cannot believe that any of these things has escaped his notice, for this was not done in a corner. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

Acts 26:26 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 26:26 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 26:26 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ἐπίσταται γὰρ περὶ τούτων ὁ βασιλεὺς πρὸς ὃν |καὶ| παρρησιαζόμενος λαλῶ, λανθάνειν γὰρ αὐτόν [τι] τούτων οὐ πείθομαι οὐθέν· οὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἐν γωνίᾳ πεπραγμένον τοῦτο επισταται γαρ περι τουτων ο βασιλευς προς ον και παρρησιαζομενος λαλω λανθανειν γαρ αυτον τι τουτων ου πειθομαι ουδεν ου γαρ εστιν εν γωνια πεπραγμενον τουτο επισταται γαρ περι τουτων ο βασιλευς προς ον και παρρησιαζομενος λαλω λανθανειν γαρ αυτον τι τουτων ου πειθομαι ουδεν ου γαρ εν γωνια πεπραγμενον τουτο

Acts 26:28, 29 (NET)

Acts 26:28, 29 (KJV)

Agrippa said to Paul, “In such a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?” Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

Acts 26:28 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 26:28 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 26:28 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ὁ δὲ Ἀγρίππας πρὸς τὸν Παῦλον· ἐν ὀλίγῳ με πείθεις Χριστιανὸν ποιῆσαι ο δε αγριππας προς τον παυλον εφη εν ολιγω με πειθεις χριστιανον γενεσθαι ο δε αγριππας προς τον παυλον εφη εν ολιγω με πειθεις χριστιανον γενεσθαι
Paul replied, “I pray to God that whether in a short or a long time not only you but also all those who are listening to me today could become such as I am, except for these chains.” And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

Acts 26:29 (NET Parallel Greek)

Acts 26:29 (Stephanus Textus Receptus)

Acts 26:29 (Byzantine Majority Text)

ὁ δὲ Παῦλος· εὐξαίμην ἂν τῷ θεῷ καὶ ἐν ὀλίγῳ καὶ ἐν μεγάλῳ οὐ μόνον σὲ ἀλλὰ καὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας μου σήμερον γενέσθαι τοιούτους ὁποῖος καὶ ἐγώ εἰμι παρεκτὸς τῶν δεσμῶν τούτων ο δε παυλος ειπεν ευξαιμην αν τω θεω και εν ολιγω και εν πολλω ου μονον σε αλλα και παντας τους ακουοντας μου σημερον γενεσθαι τοιουτους οποιος καγω ειμι παρεκτος των δεσμων τουτων ο δε παυλος ειπεν ευξαιμην αν τω θεω και εν ολιγω και εν πολλω ου μονον σε αλλα και παντας τους ακουοντας μου σημερον γενεσθαι τοιουτους οποιος καγω ειμι παρεκτος των δεσμων τουτων

1 John 12:32 (ESV)

3 Here, all was added by the translators apparently. NET: Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.

4 Colossians 1:29 (ESV)

5 From THE UNIVERSAL MAGNET, Alexander Maclaren’s Expositions of Holy Spripture, John 12:32

8 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had μεν (KJV: verily) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

9 Acts 21:17a (ESV) Table

13 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had δει πληθος συνελθεινγαρ (KJV: the multitude mustcome together: for) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

14 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had πανταχῇ here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had πανταχου (KJV: every where).

16 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had τε (NET: While) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had δε.

19 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had και εμφοβοι εγενοντο (KJV: and were afraid) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

21 Acts 22:10a (ESV)

22 Galatians 3:6b (ESV)

24 Romans 11:25c (ESV) Table

25 Ephesians 3:18b (ESV) Table

26 Ephesians 3:19b (ESV) The NET reads: so that you will be filled up to all the fullness of God. Here, the translators chose to translate πληρωθῆτε, a form of the verb πληρόω in the subjunctive mood (ESV: you may be filled), as if it were in the future tense and indicative mood (NET: you will be filled up) because it is in a result clause.

28 Acts 22:14a (ESV)

29 Colossians 1:28 (ESV) Table

30 Acts 22:15 (ESV)

32 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had τε καὶ (NET: and then) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had simply και (KJV: and).

33 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had εις (KJV: throughout) here. The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

35 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had ὄντα (NET: while I was) preceding in. The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text did not.

36 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had ἀπὸ here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had παρα (KJV: of).

40 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had φησιν (NET: exclaimed) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had εφη (KJV: said).

41 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had Παῦλος (NET: Paul) here. The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text did not.

45 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had ποιῆσαι (NET: to become) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had γενεσθαι (KJV: to be).

47 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had μεγάλῳ (NET: a long time) here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had πολλω (KJV: altogether).

50 Ephesians 3:20b (ESV) Table

51 Acts 22:15 (ESV)

52 “The subjunctive mood indicates probability or objective possibility. The action of the verb will possibly happen, depending on certain objective factors or circumstances. It is oftentimes used in conditional statements (i.e. ‘If…then…’ clauses) or in purpose clauses. However if the subjunctive mood is used in a purpose or result clause, then the action should not be thought of as a possible result, but should be viewed as a definite outcome that will happen as a result of another stated action.”
From Subjunctive Mood, Verbal Moods, Greek Verbs (Shorter Definitions), Resources for Learning New Testament Greek

53 Colossians 1:28 (ESV) Table

54 John 12:32 (ESV)

Funeral, Part 3

A friend asked for the transcript of the prayer I prayed at my mother’s funeral.  I should apologize to my sister.  She asked for the same thing many months ago and I never got around to it.  So, finally, here it is.

It is a prayer that Jesus has taught, and continues to teach, me.  I pray it back to Him every day.  It alludes to, paraphrases or quotes from various Scriptures.  It changes from time to time as He teaches me more.

After I prayed it at Mom’s funeral a man commented on it and invited me to his church.  His church has become my church.  This version is slightly altered from the prayer I prayed at the funeral because the Pastor has been teaching Matthew 6:9-15 for the past three weeks.

Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored[1] as holy by me, by all who believe and by all.  [M]ay your kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven[2] in and through me, in and through all who believe and in and through all.  Give us this day our daily bread.[3]  [F]orgive us our debts, as we…have forgiven our debtors.[4]  Lead us not into temptation,[5] but deliver us from the evil[6]  For…the kingdom and the power and the glory [are Yours] forever.[7]

My persistent prayer for justice[8] is for the mercy on which everything depends, for it does not depend on human desire or exertion, but on [You] who shows mercy.[9]  And You have consigned all to disobedience, [so] that [You] may have mercy on all.[10]

Grant us according to the wealth of [your] glory…to be strengthened with power [by the Holy] Spirit in the inner person,[11] that Christ [dwells] in [our] hearts through faith, [that we being] rooted and grounded in love,[12] comprehend with all the saints[13] the height, the depth, the length, the breadth, and…know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…that [we] will be filled up to all the fullness of God.[14]

Thank you for this eternal life.

Thank you for people.  I pray for all people, especially those in authority, from the least to the greatest across every field of human endeavor all over the world, that we lead quiet, peaceful lives with all dignity and godliness.[15]  I ask that we know by faith[16] your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control[17] [Table] springing up within us to eternal life from your Holy Spirit.[18]

I ask on behalf of those who have not yet received[19] you, or have wandered off,[20] please open the eyes blinded[21] by the prince of the power of the air.[22]  Please send laborers into your harvest.[23]  Thank you for those who are already there.  Please convince,[24] convict,[25] prove the world wrong concerning sin, righteousness and judgment.[26]  Please return, Lord Jesus.[27]

I am believing you.  Thank you.  Please continue to help my unbelief.[28]  Thank you.

 


[1] Matthew 6:9b (NET)

[2] Matthew 6:10 (NET) Table

[3] Matthew 6:11 (KJV)

[4] Matthew 6:12 (NET) Table

[5] Matthew 6:13a (ESV)

[6] Matthew 6:13b (NET) Table

[7] Matthew 6:13c (NKJV) The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had οτι σου εστιν η βασιλεια και η δυναμις και η δοξα εις τους αιωνας αμην (KJV: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.) here.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

[8] Luke 18:1-8

[9] Romans 9:16 (NET) Table

[10] Romans 11:32 (ESV)

[11] Ephesians 3:16 (NET) Table

[12] Ephesians 3:17 (NET)

[13] Ephesians 3:18b (NET) Table

[14] Ephesians 3:19 (NET)

[15] 1 Timothy 2:1-6

[16] Hebrews 11

[17] Galatians 5:22b, 23a (NET)

[18] John 4:14

[19] John 1:12, 13

[20] 1 Timothy 6:10, 20-21

[21] 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4

[22] Ephesians 2:1-3

[23] Matthew 9:37, 38

[24] John 16:7, 8 (Douay-Rheims)

[25] John 16:7, 8 (ESV)

[26] John 16:8 (NET)

[27] Revelation 22:20

[28] Mark 9:14-24

Believers

I tend to use the word believers for ἐκκλησία primarily because the word church had become a not-for-profit corporation managed and operated by believers.  It helps me study the Bible as if it pertains to me, rather than as a search for bylaws and provisions for the charter of a local not-for-profit corporation.  But suddenly the line I wrote in another essay jumped out at me—“I kneel before the Father, he wrote believers in Ephesus”—and caused me to wonder.

Was I fooling myself?  Did Paul really mean that individual believers may be filled up to all the fullness of God?  Or did he mean the ἐκκλησία corporately?  If so, was that the ἐκκλησία universally or locally?

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians[1] was addressed to the saints (ἁγίοις, a form of ἅγιος).[2]  These were individuals designated by two plural adjectives, holy and faithful (πιστοῖς, a form of πιστός) in Jesus Christ.  But it was through the singular church (ἐκκλησίας,[3] a form of ἐκκλησία) that the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms.[4]

Ephesians 3:10-12 (NET)

Ephesians 3:10-12 (KJV)

The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God…
This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord… According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
…in whom we have boldness and confident access to God because of Christ’s faithfulness. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

ἐν ᾧ ἔχομεν τὴν παρρησίαν καὶ προσαγωγὴν ἐν πεποιθήσει διὰ τῆς πίστεως αὐτοῦ. εν ω εχομεν την παρρησιαν και την προσαγωγην εν πεποιθησει δια της πιστεως αυτου εν ω εχομεν την παρρησιαν και την προσαγωγην εν πεποιθησει δια της πιστεως αυτου

The Greek word πίστεως (a form of πίστις), translated faithfulness (NET) and faith (KJV), is a genitive singular feminine noun according to the Koine Greek Lexicon online.  The Greek word αὐτοῦ (a form of αὐτός), translated of Christ’s (NET) and of him (KJV), is a genitive singular masculine / neuter personal pronoun according to the same lexicon.  I assume the NET translators assumed that his faith (or, faithfulness) meant Christ’s faith or faithfulness because Christ Jesus our Lord (τῷ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν) is the nearest antecedent.  But the fruit of the Spirit is… πίστις,[5] translated faithfulness (NET) and faith (KJV), a nominative singular feminine noun according to the Koine Greek Lexicon.

This faith or faithfulness is not my doing but neither is it so alien to me that I can ignore it to pursue my fleshly desires as if it weren’t given to me.  It is an aspect of the fruit of the Holy Spirit given to those who are led by the Spirit, the children of God, the holy and faithful (πιστοῖς, a form of πιστός) in Jesus ChristFor by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.  For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.[6]

Ephesians 3:13 (NET)

Ephesians 3:13 (KJV)

For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

διὸ αἰτοῦμαι μὴ ἐγκακεῖν ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν μου ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, ἥτις ἐστὶν δόξα ὑμῶν. διο αιτουμαι μη εκκακειν εν ταις θλιψεσιν μου υπερ υμων ητις εστιν δοξα υμων διο αιτουμαι μη εκκακειν εν ταις θλιψεσιν μου υπερ υμων ητις εστιν δοξα υμων

So was Paul addressing a singular church or plural individuals?  The first you (NET) and ye (KJV) were implied by the verbs ἐγκακεῖν (a form of ἐκκακέω) or εκκακειν (another form of ἐκκακέω) both of which are infinitives according to the Koine Greek Lexicon, not clearly singular or plural.  But Paul was suffering for individuals: ὑμῶν (a form of ὑμείς), translated you and your (NET, KJV), is plural.

Ephesians 3:14 (NET)

Ephesians 3:14 (KJV)

For this reason I kneel before the Father… For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…
NET Parallel Greek Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Τούτου χάριν κάμπτω τὰ γόνατα μου πρὸς τὸν πατέρα τουτου χαριν καμπτω τα γονατα μου προς τον πατερα του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου τουτου χαριν καμπτω τα γονατα μου προς τον πατερα του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου

Ephesians 3:15, 16 (NET)

Ephesians 3:15, 16 (KJV)

…from whom every family in heaven and on the earth is named. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named…
I pray that according to the wealth of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person… That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

ἵνα δῷ ὑμῖν κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ δυνάμει κραταιωθῆναι διὰ τοῦ πνεύματος αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν ἔσω ἄνθρωπον ινα δωη υμιν κατα τον πλουτον της δοξης αυτου δυναμει κραταιωθηναι δια του πνευματος αυτου εις τον εσω ανθρωπον ινα δωη υμιν κατα τον πλουτον της δοξης αυτου δυναμει κραταιωθηναι δια του πνευματος αυτου εις τον εσω ανθρωπον

Paul prayed for individuals: ὑμῖν is also plural.  The Greek word δῷ (a form of δίδωμι) is a verb in the subjunctive mood according to the lexicon, hence the translation he may grant (NET).  But since it was a result[7] of Paul’s prayer and the wealth of God’s glory I wonder if the may might be dropped.  The word translated he would grant (KJV) δωη (another form of δίδωμι), however, could be in the optative or subjunctive moods depending on diacritical marks that are absent from the texts of the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text I’m using.

Ephesians 3:17 (NET)

Ephesians 3:17 (KJV)

…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love… That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love…

The verb translated may dwell, κατοικῆσαι (a form of κατοικέω), is an aorist active infinitive verb so I assume the word may is stylistic.  The words your hearts are clear and accurate in English translation.  The verb ἐρριζωμένοι (a form of ῥιζόω), translated you have been rooted (NET) or being rooted (KJV), is plural as is τεθεμελιωμένοι (a form of θεμελιόω), translated grounded.

Ephesians 3:18 (NET)

Ephesians 3:18 (KJV)

…you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth… May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height…

The verb translated you may be able (NET) or May be able (KJV) is ἐξισχύσητε the second person plural form of ἐξισχύω.  It is subjunctive but as a result clause preceded by ἵνα the word may is more stylistic than accurate.  The verb καταλαβέσθαι (a form of καταλαμβάνω), translated to comprehend, is an infinitive.  This ability to comprehend is the birthright of all the saints (πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις).

Ephesians 3:19 (NET)

Ephesians 3:19 (KJV)

…and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. …to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

The verb translated to know is γνῶναι the infinitive form of γινώσκω.  But πληρωθῆτε (a form of πληρόω), translated you may be filled (NET) or ye might be filled (KJV), is definitely plural.  It is also subjunctive but again preceded by ἵνα.  It is a result clause.  One could argue that this entire passage should be translated with more conviction.  As one of the believers who has found it difficult to “understand or experience…the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their lives,”[8] I suppose I can understand why it was not.

Even now, knowing that Paul addressed individual believers and that all the fullness of God (πᾶν τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ θεοῦ) was limited here to knowledge and love, I still have some incredulity.  It’s time to drown out that incredulity in the praise of Him who is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think.

Ephesians 3:20, 21 (NET)

Ephesians 3:20, 21 (KJV)

Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think… Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…
…to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.  Amen. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen.

When Paul wrote of the ἀγάπην τοῦ Χριστοῦ (love of Christ) I think the Holy Spirit meant the fruit of the Spirit since the definition of God’s love entails every aspect of the fruit of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NET)

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (KJV)

Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious.  Love does not brag, it is not puffed up. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
It is not glad about injustice, but rejoices in the truth. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Love never ends. Charity never faileth:

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Ἡ ἀγάπη οὐδέποτε πίπτει η αγαπη ουδεποτε εκπιπτει η αγαπη ουδεποτε εκπιπτει

The iffy part of Paul’s prayer is not the wealth of God’s glory, the power of the Holy Spirit or the love of Christ.  The iffy part is my faith.  But then I don’t want to rely on my faith.  I want the faith that comes from the fruit of the Spirit, the faith of Jesus Christ, because He “had the faith to stand on the water and hold Peter (Matthew 14:25-33) up as well.”  And Peter wrote:

2 Peter 1:2, 3 (NET)

2 Peter 1:2, 3 (KJV)

May grace and peace be lavished on you as you grow in the rich knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord! Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Ὡς πάντα ἡμῖν τῆς θείας δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ τὰ πρὸς ζωὴν καὶ εὐσέβειαν δεδωρημένης διὰ τῆς ἐπιγνώσεως τοῦ καλέσαντος ἡμᾶς |ἰδίᾳ δόξῃ | καὶ |ἀρετῇ| ως παντα ημιν της θειας δυναμεως αυτου τα προς ζωην και ευσεβειαν δεδωρημενης δια της επιγνωσεως του καλεσαντος ημας δια δοξης και αρετης ως παντα ημιν της θειας δυναμεως αυτου τα προς ζωην και ευσεβειαν δεδωρημενης δια της επιγνωσεως του καλεσαντος ημας δια δοξης και αρετης

2 Peter 1:4 (NET)

2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)

Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

δι᾿ ὧν τὰ τίμια καὶ μέγιστα ἡμῖν ἐπαγγέλματα δεδώρηται, ἵνα διὰ τούτων γένησθε θείας κοινωνοὶ φύσεως ἀποφυγόντες τῆς ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἐν ἐπιθυμίᾳ φθορᾶς. δι ων τα μεγιστα ημιν και τιμια επαγγελματα δεδωρηται ινα δια τουτων γενησθε θειας κοινωνοι φυσεως αποφυγοντες της εν κοσμω εν επιθυμια φθορας δι ων τα τιμια ημιν και μεγιστα επαγγελματα δεδωρηται ινα δια τουτων γενησθε θειας κοινωνοι φυσεως αποφυγοντες της εν κοσμω εν επιθυμια φθορας

To know (γινώσκωσιν, another form of γινώσκω) the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He] sent[9] is eternal life.  To know his love to be filled up to all the fullness of God may require some patience as well.  Fortunately, love is patient (μακροθυμεῖ, a form of μακροθυμέω) and the fruit of the Spirit is…patience (μακροθυμία).

[1] According to a note (2) in the NET this “was an encyclical letter, intended for more than one audience.”  In other words there was a blank space to be filled in by the receiving church: “this letter would first come to Ephesus, the port of entry, then to Laodicea, then Colossae.”

[2] Ephesians 1:1 (NET)

[3] Here ἐκκλησίας would be genitive and singular rather than accusative and plural.

[4] Ephesians 3:10 (NET)

[5] Galatians 5:22 (NET)

[6] Ephesians 2:8-10 (NET)  John Piper probably explained these verses the best I have heard in his essay, “A Whole World Hangs on a Word,” on Desiring God online.

[7] “However if the subjunctive mood is used in a purpose or result clause, then the action should not be thought of as a possible result, but should be viewed as a definite outcome that will happen as a result of another stated action.” From Resources for Learning New Testament Greek

[8] Fear – Deuteronomy, Part 3

[9] John 17:3 (NET)