{"id":6728,"date":"2016-04-30T21:25:09","date_gmt":"2016-04-30T15:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intelligent-torvalds.74-208-171-134.plesk.page\/?p=6728"},"modified":"2023-01-02T18:31:15","modified_gmt":"2023-01-03T00:31:15","slug":"romans-part-74","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/?p=6728","title":{"rendered":"Romans, Part 74"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bless <\/em>(\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9<\/a>) those who persecute you, bless<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) and do not curse<\/em>.[1]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The Greek word translated persecute<\/em> is \u03b4\u03b9\u03ce\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2 (a form of \u03b4\u03b9\u03ce\u03ba\u03c9<\/a>).\u00a0 Another form of the same word was translated pursue <\/em>(\u03b4\u03b9\u03ce\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2, another form of \u03b4\u03b9\u03ce\u03ba\u03c9) hospitality<\/em>[2]<\/sup><\/a> in the previous verse, a pursuit I imagine with similar vigor but less hostile intent.\u00a0 Paul\u2019s word picture recalls Saul.<\/p>\n

When they had driven<\/em> [Stephen] out of the city, they began to stone him, and the witnesses laid their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul<\/em>.[3]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 And Saul agreed completely with killing him<\/em>.[4]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Saul was trying to destroy the church; entering one house after another, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison<\/em>.[5]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing out threats to murder the Lord\u2019s disciples, went to the high priest and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, either men or women, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem<\/em>.[6]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

But this was not some special pleading on Paul\u2019s part.\u00a0 Jesus wholeheartedly agreed (Luke 6:26-31 NET):<\/p>\n

\u201cWoe to you when all people speak well of you, for their ancestors did the same things to the false prophets.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9)<\/em> those who curse (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c1\u03c9\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c5\u03c2, a form of \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c1\u03ac\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9<\/a>)<\/em> you, pray for those who mistreat you. \u00a0To the person who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other as well, and from the person who takes away your coat, do not withhold your tunic either. \u00a0Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your possessions back from the person who takes them away. \u00a0Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult<\/em>, Peter wrote, but instead bless<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) others because you were called to inherit a blessing<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03af\u03b1\u03bd, a form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03af\u03b1<\/a>).[7]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 To keep me from believing that\u2014Bless those who persecute you<\/em>\u2014is a rule for me to obey in my own strength to prove my righteousness rather than a description of the righteousness that is the fruit of the Spirit, I turn to Paul\u2019s letter to the Galatians (3:5-14 NET):<\/p>\n

Does God then give you the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law or by your believing what you heard?<\/p>\n

Just as Abraham believed God<\/em><\/strong>, and it was credited to him as righteousness<\/strong><\/em>, so then, understand that those who believe are the sons of Abraham. \u00a0And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel to Abraham ahead of time, saying, \u201cAll the nations will be blessed <\/em><\/strong>(\u1f10\u03bd\u03b5\u03c5\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03b8\u03ae\u03c3\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9, a form of \u1f10\u03bd\u03b5\u03c5\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9<\/a>)<\/em> in you<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d \u00a0So then those who believe are blessed (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03b9, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9)<\/em> along with Abraham the believer. \u00a0For all who rely on doing the works of the law are under a curse (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ac\u03c1\u03b1\u03bd, a form of \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ac\u03c1\u03b1<\/a>)<\/em>, because it is written, \u201cCursed <\/em><\/strong>(\u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ac\u03c1\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2, a form of \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ac\u03c1\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2<\/a>)<\/em> is everyone who does not keep on doing everything written in the book of the law<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em>\u201d \u00a0Now it is clear no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous one will live by faith<\/strong><\/em>. \u00a0But the law is not based on faith, but the one who does<\/em><\/strong> the works of the law will live by them<\/em><\/strong>. \u00a0Christ redeemed us from the curse (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ac\u03c1\u03b1\u03c2, another form of \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ac\u03c1\u03b1)<\/em> of the law by becoming a curse (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ac\u03c1\u03b1)<\/em> for us (because it is written, \u201cCursed <\/em><\/strong>[\u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ac\u03c1\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2, a form of \u1f10\u03c0\u03b9\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ac\u03c1\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2]<\/em>\u00a0is everyone who hangs on a tree<\/em><\/strong>\u201d) in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03af\u03b1)<\/em> of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we [i.e., Jews and Gentiles]<\/em> could receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Now I wish to demonstrate how obscene this blessing-of-the-persecutor is to the religious mind.\u00a0 Jesus took the children in his arms, he placed his hands on them and blessed <\/em>(\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b5\u03c5\u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03b5\u03b9, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) them<\/em>.[8]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Then Jesus led <\/em>[his surviving apostles] out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03b7\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) them.\u00a0\u00a0 Now during the blessing<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) he departed and was taken up into heaven. \u00a0So they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple courts blessing<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bd\u03c4\u03b5\u03c2, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) God<\/em>.[9]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

The people of Jerusalem took branches of palm trees and went out to meet<\/em> [Jesus].\u00a0 They began to shout, <\/em>\u201cHosanna!<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 Blessed <\/em><\/strong>(\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 Blessed is the king of Israel!\u201d<\/em>[10]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Both those who went ahead and those who followed kept shouting, <\/em>\u201cHosanna! \u00a0Blessed <\/em><\/strong>(\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>Blessed <\/em>(\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03b7, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) is the coming kingdom of our father David! \u00a0Hosanna in the highest!<\/em>[11]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 The crowds that went ahead of him and those following kept shouting,<\/em> \u201cHosanna<\/em> to the Son of David!<\/em> \u00a0Blessed <\/em><\/strong>(\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 Hosanna<\/em> in the highest!\u201d<\/em>[12]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 \u201cBlessed <\/em><\/strong>(\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) is the king<\/em><\/strong> who comes in the name of the Lord!<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!\u201d<\/em>[13]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Jesus prophesied over Jerusalem: For I tell you, you will not see me from now until you say,<\/em> \u2018Blessed <\/em><\/strong>(\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!<\/em><\/strong>\u2019\u201d[14]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 And, Look, your house is forsaken! \u00a0\u00a0And I tell you, you will not see me until you say,<\/em> \u2018Blessed <\/em><\/strong>(\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03c2, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!<\/em><\/strong>\u2019\u201d[15]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

When <\/em>[Jesus] had taken his place at the table with them, he took the bread, blessed<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03b7\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) and broke it, and gave it to them<\/em>.[16]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks <\/em>(\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ae\u03c3\u03b1\u03c2, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said, \u201cTake, eat, this is my body.\u201d<\/em>[17]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 While they were eating, he took bread, and after giving thanks<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ae\u03c3\u03b1\u03c2, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) he broke it, gave it to them, and said, \u201cTake it. This is my body.\u201d<\/em>[18]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

There is no reason to take this holy blessing and waste it on a persecutor\u2014except that Jesus commanded it and his Holy Spirit provides the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control<\/em>[19]<\/sup><\/a> to makes it so.\u00a0 So what is it?\u00a0 What does it mean to Bless <\/em>(\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) those who persecute you<\/em>?\u00a0 The phrase bless and do not curse<\/em> (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c1\u1fb6\u03c3\u03b8\u03b5, another form of \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c1\u03ac\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9) seems to function as a negated opposite.\u00a0 The most obvious curse is contrasted to its opposite blessing below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Matthew 25:34 (NET)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Matthew 25:41 (NET)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\u201cThen the king will say to those on his right, \u2018Come, you who are blessed (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b7\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.\u2019\u201d<\/td>\n\u201cThen he will say to those on his left, \u2018Depart from me, you accursed (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b7\u03c1\u03b1\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9, another form of \u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c1\u03ac\u03bf\u03bc\u03b1\u03b9), into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels!\u2019\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The NET translators chose gave thanks<\/em> for \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03b7\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Matthew 14:19b (NET)<\/td>\nMark 6:41a (NET)<\/td>\n\n

Luke 9:16a (NET)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

He took the five loaves and two fish, and looking up to heaven he gave thanks (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03b7\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) and broke the loaves.<\/td>\nHe took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03b7\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) and broke the loaves.<\/td>\nThen he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he gave thanks (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03b7\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) and broke them.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

But Paul also equated \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u1fc7\u03c2\u00a0 (another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) with thanksgiving<\/em>: Otherwise, if you are praising<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u1fc7\u03c2, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) God with your spirit, how can someone without the gift say \u201cAmen\u201d to your thanksgiving<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03c7\u03b1\u03c1\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03af\u1fb3<\/a>), since he does not know what you are saying?<\/em>[20]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 As for translating \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u1fc7\u03c2 praising<\/em>, Simeon\u2019s blessing of God seems to contain both praise and thanksgiving (Luke 2:28-32 NET):<\/p>\n

Simeon took [Jesus]<\/em> in his arms and blessed (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03b7\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9)<\/em> God, saying, \u201cNow, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace. \u00a0For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light, for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Then Simeon blessed<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03b7\u03c3\u03b5\u03bd, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) them and said to his mother Mary, \u201cListen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected. \u00a0Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed \u2013 and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!\u201d<\/em>[21]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Here the translators chose the literal and said<\/em> for \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76<\/a> \u03b5\u1f36\u03c0\u03b5\u03bd<\/a> rather than saying<\/em> as in verse 28.\u00a0 I still think Simeon\u2019s true prophecy may be considered part of the blessing rather than something distinct from it.\u00a0 In other words, I believe even painful truth can be a part of a blessing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you continue on the path you\u2019re on presently rejecting Jesus, He warns of eternal fire,\u201d is not a curse in my opinion but a truth that may well be part of a blessing.\u00a0 God raised up his servant<\/em> (\u03c0\u03b1\u1fd6\u03b4\u03b1, a form of \u03c0\u03b1\u1fd6\u03c2<\/a>), Peter said, and sent him first to you, to bless<\/em> (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1, another form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) you by turning each one of you from your iniquities <\/em>(\u03c0\u03bf\u03bd\u03b7\u03c1\u03b9\u1ff6\u03bd, a form of \u03c0\u03bf\u03bd\u03b7\u03c1\u03af\u03b1<\/a>).[22]<\/sup><\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Each can judge for him- or herself whether Peter\u2019s use of the clever \u03c0\u03b1\u1fd6\u03b4\u03b1 for Jesus rather than the incendiary \u03c5\u1f31\u1f78\u03c2<\/a> (Matthew 26:63-66<\/a>; Mark 14:61-64<\/a>; Luke 22:70, 71<\/a>) was cowardice or speaking truth in the spirit of blessing those who persecuted Jesus.<\/p>\n

I think it was the latter, much like Paul in Athens.\u00a0 While Paul was waiting for <\/em>[Silas and Timothy] in Athens, his spirit was greatly upset<\/em> (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03c9\u03be\u03cd\u03bd\u03b5\u03c4\u03bf, a form of \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03bf\u03be\u03cd\u03bd\u03c9<\/a>) because he saw<\/a> the city was full of idols<\/em>.[23]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0 Upset as he was, he did not curse the Athenians.\u00a0 Rather, he presented the Gospel to them.\u00a0 So Paul stood before the Areopagus and said, \u201cMen of Athens, I see that you are very religious in all respects. \u00a0For as I went around and observed closely your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: \u2018To an unknown god<\/a>.\u2019 Therefore what you worship without knowing it, this<\/a> I proclaim to you.\u201d<\/em>[24]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

Romans, Part 75<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>[1]<\/sup> Romans 12:14 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[2]<\/sup> Romans 12:13b (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[3]<\/sup> Acts 7:58 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[4]<\/sup> Acts 8:1a (NET) Table<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>[5]<\/sup> Acts 8:3 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[6]<\/sup> Acts 9:1, 2 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[7]<\/sup> 1 Peter 3:9 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[8]<\/sup> Mark 10:16 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[9]<\/sup> Luke 24:50-53 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[10]<\/sup> John 12:13 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[11]<\/sup> Mark 11:9, 10 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[12]<\/sup> Matthew 21:9 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[13]<\/sup> Luke 19:38 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[14]<\/sup> Matthew 23:39 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[15]<\/sup> Luke 13:35 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[16]<\/sup> Luke 24:30 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[17]<\/sup> Matthew 26:26 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[18]<\/sup> Mark 14:22 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[19]<\/sup> Galatians 5:22, 23a (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[20]<\/sup> 1 Corinthians 14:16 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[21]<\/sup> Luke 2:34, 35 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[22]<\/sup> Acts 3:26 (NET)<\/p>\n

<\/a>[23]<\/sup> Acts 17:16 (NET) Table<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>[24]<\/sup> Acts 17:22, 23 (NET) Table<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Bless (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) those who persecute you, bless (\u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c4\u03b5, a form of \u03b5\u1f50\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03ad\u03c9) and do not curse.[1]\u00a0 The Greek word translated persecute is \u03b4\u03b9\u03ce\u03ba\u03bf\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2 (a form of \u03b4\u03b9\u03ce\u03ba\u03c9).\u00a0 Another form of the same word was translated pursue … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1736,3116,20,2719],"tags":[3276,3260,3280,642,3279,3259,430,296,297,3261,415,3264,3269,3267,3277,3278,3270,3263,2656,3275,3262,3265,3272,3274,3273,3266,3268,1920,2379,3271,3119,3258],"class_list":["post-6728","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-chapter-12","category-love","category-romans","category-section-three","tag-1-corinthians-1416","tag-1-peter-39","tag-acts-1716","tag-acts-1722-23","tag-acts-326","tag-acts-758","tag-acts-81","tag-acts-83","tag-acts-91-2","tag-galatians-35-14","tag-galatians-522-23","tag-john-1213","tag-luke-1335","tag-luke-1938","tag-luke-228-32","tag-luke-234-35","tag-luke-2430","tag-luke-2450-53","tag-luke-626-31","tag-luke-916","tag-mark-1016","tag-mark-119-10","tag-mark-1422","tag-mark-641","tag-matthew-1419","tag-matthew-219","tag-matthew-2339","tag-matthew-2534","tag-matthew-2541","tag-matthew-2626","tag-romans-1213","tag-romans-1214"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6728","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6728"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6728\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19983,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6728\/revisions\/19983"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6728"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6728"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/religiousmind.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6728"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}