Justice and Mercy Revisited, Part 4

This is a continuation of a consideration of “Matthew’s and the Holy Spirit’s word choices”1 in Matthew 12:18-21. I’ll continue with the comparison and contrast of Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved2 to Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen.3 The former refers explicitly to Jesus. The latter was made explicit to Jacob/Israel in the Septuagint. And in this comparison and contrast I gain some insight into the new human (τὸν καινὸν ἄνθρωπον)—the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness4—and the old human (τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον)—your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.5

Jesus (Matthew 12:15 ESV)

Jacob/Israel (Isaiah 42:1 English Elpenor)

The One New Man (Luke 1:34-35; Ephesians 2:15b ESV)

The one born of the flesh (Genesis 25:24-26 ESV), chosen by God (Genesis 28:13-15 ESV)

Matthew 12:18a ESV

Isaiah 42:1a ESV

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen

Isaiah 42:1 is still the most fruitful starting point for locating the words of Isaiah that the Lord Jesus fulfilled.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint

Isaiah 42:1a (Tanakh/KJV) Table

Isaiah 42:1a (NET)

Isaiah 42:1a (NETS) Table

Isaiah 42:1a (English Elpenor)

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul (נַפְשִׁ֑י) delighteth (רָֽצְתָ֣ה); “Here is my servant whom I support, my chosen one in whom I (nep̄eš, נפשי) take pleasure (rāṣâ, רצתה). Iakob is my servant; I will lay hold of him; Israel is my chosen; my soul ( ψυχή μου) has accepted him (προσεδέξατο αὐτὸν); Jacob is my servant, I will help him: Israel is my chosen, my soul ( ψυχή μου) has accepted him (προσεδέξατο αὐτὸν);

Here, רָֽצְתָ֣ה, a form of רָצָה (rāṣâ), [in whom] delighteth (Tanakh, KJV), [in whom] take pleasure (NET), was translated προσεδέξατο αὐτὸν, has accepted him (NETS, English Elpenor), in the Septuagint. The Greek verb προσεδέξατο, a 3rd person singular form of προσδέχομαι, is practically a one word synopsis of God’s patience with the old human (τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον): “to take up, receive, receive hospitably, welcome; to pardon; to accept, admit; to assent; to agree, consent; to bear with, endure, pardon; to undertake, attempt; to look forward to; to expect, wait for, await, anticipate.” It is also a very good translation of the Qal perfect 3rd person feminine singular verb רָֽצְתָ֣ה, a form of רָצָה (rāṣâ).

Another form of רָצָה (rāṣâ) is found in the legal instructions to the Levites (Leviticus 1:1-4 ESV):

The Lord called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying [Table], “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or from the flock [Table].

“If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. He shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord [Table]. He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him [Table].

The Hebrew verb translated and it shall be accepted is וְנִרְצָ֥ה, a Niphal form of רָצָה (rāṣâ), understood here as the passive voice: “The Niphal often functions as the passive counterpart to the Qal stem, describing actions performed on the subject.”6 It was translated δεκτὸν, a thing acceptable (NETS), as a thing acceptable (English Elpenor), in the Septuagint. The adjective δεκτὸν is a form of δεκτός: “acceptable, favourable, convenient; appropriate, convenient; received, accepted, welcomed, approved.” It complements προσδέχομαι, as a one word synopsis of God’s patience with the old human (τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον).

A comparison of the Greek of Matthew 12:18a to that of Isaiah 42:1a in the Septuagint follows:

Matthew 12:18 (NET Parallel Greek)

Isaiah 42:1 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 42:1 (Septuagint Elpenor)

|εἰς| ὃν εὐδόκησεν ἡ ψυχή μου προσεδέξατο αὐτὸν ἡ ψυχή μου προσεδέξατο αὐτὸν ἡ ψυχή μου

Matthew 12:18 (NET)

Isaiah 42:1 (NETS)

Isaiah 42:1 (English Elpenor)

in whom I take great delight my soul has accepted him my soul has accepted him

The Greek verb εὐδόκησεν is a 3rd person singular form of εὐδοκέω (e.g., “toward whom my soul takes great delight”) in the indicative mood (a statement of fact) and the active voice: “to be well pleased, take delight; to consider good, consent, determine, resolve; to like, delight in, approve; to be willing gladly; to be favourably disposed, pleased; to be satisfied, happy; to accept favourably, accept approvingly.” Matthew’s and the Holy Spirit’s word choice seems appropriate for Jesus, the One new human (ἕνα καινὸν ἄνθρωπον)—Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased7—and for the new self (τὸν καινὸν ἄνθρωπον), created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness8 as well.

Though I found no forms of εὐδοκέω in the Greek translation of Isaiah in the Septuagint, one is found in the very first occurrence of another Qal stem (e.g., the active voice) form of רָצָה (rāṣâ). Jacob was returning to the promised land with his family and possessions (Genesis 32:3-5 ESV):

And Jacob sent messengers (מַלְאָכִים, a form of מַלְאָךְ, mal’āḵ; Septuagint: ἀγγέλους, a form of ἄγγελος) before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, instructing them, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.’”

Jesus, the One new human prior to his death and resurrection, asked somewhat rhetorically: Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.9 He also said: Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison [Table]. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.10

Both allude to this story of Jacob’s encounter with Esau, which begs the question: Where did Jacob acquire such wisdom? And this even prior to the return of his messengers, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.”11 The most general answer is that Jacob, an old human, spent his adult life living in the Lord’s favor as his chosen one. But the opening verses of this chapter reveal an even more specific example of the very tactic he employed with Esau (Genesis 32:1, 2 ESV):

Jacob went on his way, and the angels (מַלְאֲכֵי, another form of מַלְאָךְ, mal’āḵ; Septuagint: ἄγγελοι, another form of ἄγγελος) of God met him. And when Jacob saw them he said, “This is God’s camp!” So he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

The divergence here between the Masoretic text and Septuagint deserves the following table:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint

Genesis 32:2, 3 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:1, 2 (NET)

Genesis 32:1, 2 (NETS)

Genesis 32:1, 2 (English Elpenor)

And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of G-d met him. So Jacob went on his way and the angels of God met him. And Iakob departed on his own way. And looking up he saw a divine camp encamped, and the angels of God met him. AND Jacob departed for his journey; and having looked up, he saw the host of God encamped; and the angels of God met him.
And Jacob said when he saw them: ‘This is G-d’s camp (מַֽחֲנֵ֥ה).’ And he called the name of that place Mahanaim (מַֽחֲנָֽיִם). When Jacob saw them, he exclaimed, “This is the camp (maḥănê, מחנה) of God!” So he named that place Mahanaim (maḥănayim, מחנים). Now Iakob, when he saw them, said, “This is a divine camp (Παρεμβολὴ)!” And he called the name of that place Camps (Παρεμβολαί). And Jacob said, when he saw them, This is the Camp (παρεμβολὴ) of God; and he called the name of that place, Encampments (Παρεμβολαί).

In other words, Jacob sent messengers to Esau, much like the Camp of God sent messengers to him. Rashi’s commentary in The Complete Jewish Bible reads:

and angels of God met him. Angels of Israel came to greet him to escort him to the land.
Mahanaim. Two camps, [one of the angels] outside the land, who came with him up to here, and [one of the angels] of Israel, who came to greet him. — [from Tanchuma Vayishlach 3]
Jacob sent angels. Heb. מַלְאָכִים, literally angels (Gen. Rabbah 75:4).

After his messengers (or angels) reported that there are four hundred men with Esau (Genesis 32:7, 8 ESV):

Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps [Table], thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape” [Table].

Rashi considered this Jacob’s preparation for war with Esau, and I see no good reason to dispute him. Then, Jacob prayed (Genesis 32:9-12 ESV):

“O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good’ [Table], I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two (לִשְׁנֵי, šᵊnayim; Septuagint: δύο) camps (מַחֲנוֹת, maḥănê; Septuagint: παρεμβολάς) [Table]. Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children [Table]. But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude’” [Table].

And then, Jacob prepared a present (e.g., select herds of animals) for Esau. For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”12 The Hebrew word translated I may appease is אֲכַפְּרָה, a Piel form of כָּפַר (kāp̄ar).

The Piel stem is one of the most expressive and nuanced verb forms in Biblical Hebrew. It is often associated with intensive, factitive, or causative actions, making it a critical component for understanding the depth and richness of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh).13
The Piel often contrasts with the Qal, Hiphil, and other stems in how it expresses an action:

  • Qal: Describes a simple or basic action (e.g., “to break”).
  • Piel: Describes an intensive or causative version of the same action (e.g., “to shatter”).
  • Hiphil: Describes causation but typically in a straightforward sense (e.g., “to cause to break”).14

It was translated ἐξιλάσομαι, I shall propitiate (NETS), I will propitiate (English Elpenor), in the Septuagint. Jacob hoped that his brother would accept him: יִשָּׂא, an imperfect form of the Qal stem נָשָׂא (nāśā’). The rabbis translated it προσδέξεται, another form of προσδέχομαι in the future tense in the Septuagint, similar to προσεδέξατο in the aorist tense, their translation of רָֽצְתָ֣ה (a perfect form of רָצָה, rāṣâ), has accepted (NETS, English Elpenor) in Isaiah 42:1 as applied to Israel.

When the time came to meet Esau in person, Jacob himself went on beforebowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.15 But God, who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,16 surprised Jacob: Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.17

After he was introduced to Jacob’s wives and children, Esau asked (Genesis 33:8 ESV):

“What do you mean by all this company that I met?” Jacob answered, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.”

The key to Esau’s question is found in Jacob’s answer; for Esau was already informed for whom the droves of animals were intended. Jacob had instructed his servants (Genesis 32:17, 18 ESV):

“When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, ‘To whom do you belong? Where are you going? And whose are these ahead of you?’ then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a present sent to my lord Esau. And moreover, he is behind us.’”

The NETS translation of the Septuagint is perhaps a bit more on point: “What are these to you, all these companies that I have met?”18 And Jacob’s answer deserves a bit more consideration.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint

Genesis 33:8 (Tanakh)

Genesis 33:8 (NET)

Genesis 33:8 (NETS)

Genesis 33:8 (English Elpenor)

And he said: ‘What meanest thou by all this camp (הַמַּֽחֲנֶ֥ה) which I met?’ And he said: ‘To find (לִמְצֹא) favour (חֵ֖ן) in the sight of my lord.’ Esau then asked, “What did you intend by sending all these herds (maḥănê, המחנה) to meet me?” Jacob replied, “To find (māṣā‘, למצא) favor (ḥēn, חן) in your sight, my lord.” And he said, “What are these to you, all these companies (παρεμβολαὶ) that I have met?” And he said, “That your servant may find (εὕρῃ) favor (χάριν) before you, lord.” And he said, What are these things to thee, all these companies (παρεμβολαί) that I have met? And he said, That thy servant might find (εὕρῃ) grace (χάριν) in thy sight, my lord.

First, I thought it was interesting that even these herds of animals were called הַמַּֽחֲנֶ֥ה, a form of מַֽחֲנֶה (maḥănê), this camp (Tanakh), these herds (NET), translated παρεμβολαί, a form of παρεμβολή, these companies (NETS, English Elpenor), in the Septuagint. But more interesting was Jacob’s attempt To find favor (Tanakh, NET)—לִמְצֹא, a form of מָצָא (māṣā) followed by חֵ֖ן (ḥēn), translated εὕρῃ χάριν, a form of χάρις, may find favor (NETS), might find grace (English Elpenor)—from Esau by offering him herds of animals.

Though he tried to purchase Esau’s favor (or grace) with a present, Esau assured Jacob that no present was required: “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.”19 And this was of the Lord to preserve his as yet unwritten word: since if it is by grace (χάριτι, a dative form of χάρις), it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace (χάρις) would no longer be grace (χάρις).20

Chastened by the Lord, Jacob pivoted graciously (Genesis 33:10 ESV).

Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me.

A table with more detail follows:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint

Genesis 33:10 (Tanakh)

Genesis 33:10 (NET)

Genesis 33:10 (NETS)

Genesis 33:10 (English Elpenor)

And Jacob said: ‘Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found (מָצָ֤אתִי) favour (חֵן֙) in thy sight, then receive (וְלָֽקַחְתָּ֥) my present (מִנְחָתִ֖י) at my hand; forasmuch as I have seen thy face, as one seeth the face of G-d, and thou wast pleased with me (וַתִּרְצֵֽנִי). No, please take them,” Jacob said. “If I have found (māṣā‘, מצאתי) favor (ḥēn, חן) in your sight, accept (lāqaḥ, ולקחת) my gift (minḥâ, מנחתי) from my hand. Now that I have seen your face and you have accepted me (rāṣâ, ותרצני), it is as if I have seen the face of God. But Iakob said, “If I have found (εὕρηκα) favor (χάριν) before you, accept (δέξαι) my presents (τὰ δῶρα) through my hands; with regard to this I saw your face, as someone might see a divine face, and you will be pleased with me (καὶ εὐδοκήσεις με). And Jacob said, If I have found (εὗρον) grace (χάριν) in thy sight, receive (δέξαι) the gifts (τὰ δῶρα) through my hands; therefore have I seen thy face, as if any one should see the face of God, and thou shalt be well-pleased with me (καὶ εὐδοκήσεις με).

The Hebrew verb וַתִּרְצֵֽנִי, an imperfect form of the verb רָצָה (rāṣâ), and thou wast pleased with me (Tanakh), and you have accepted me (NET), was translated καὶ εὐδοκήσεις με, and you will be pleased with me (NETS), and thou shalt be well-pleased with me (English Elpenor), in the Septuagint. The translators of the Tanakh and NET understood וַתִּרְצֵֽנִי as past tense while the translators of the Septuagint chose εὐδοκήσεις, a form of εὐδοκέω in the future tense.

According to an article on Biblical Hebrew online:

The core of Biblical Hebrew verbal syntax lies in the distinction between the perfect (קָטַל) and imperfect (יִקְטֹל) verb forms. These do not simply indicate past or future tenses, but rather represent different ways of viewing the nature of action: whether as completed (perfect) or incomplete, ongoing, or potential (imperfect). This article explores the morphology, aspectual logic, discourse function, and theological significance of these two essential verb forms within the framework of Biblical Hebrew grammar.

While the perfect/imperfect contrast may seem straightforward at first, deeper examination reveals a highly contextual and discourse-sensitive verbal system. This article analyzes their form, function, usage across genres, and includes clarifications for related forms such as participles, wayyiqtol, and weqatal.21

Unlike Indo-European languages that often focus on tense (past, present, future), Biblical Hebrew verbs are governed primarily by aspect. That is, Hebrew emphasizes how an action is viewed rather than when it occurs.

  • Perfect (qatal): Portrays an action as complete, whole, or viewed as a total unit.
  • Imperfect (yiqtol): Portrays an action as incomplete, ongoing, habitual, repeated, or not yet realized.22

So far, it appears that the translators of the Septuagint have the upper hand. But I deliberately withheld a critical piece of information for dramatic effect. On Blue Letter Bible online, if you hover the cursor over “tools” to the left of Genesis 33:10 and select “interlinear” from the dropdown menu, a table appears with a wealth of information about the Hebrew verbs and nouns in this verse. To the far right of the table row labeled “and thou wast pleased with me.” is a green oblong bubble filled with cryptic letters and numerals: Hover the cursor over that bubble and words appear informing one that וַתִּרְצֵנִי, a form of רָצָה (rāṣâ) is not merely an imperfect verb but a sequential imperfect verb.

Wayyiqtol (Sequential Narrative Past)
This form, also called the “converted imperfect,” combines a prefixed וַ (waw consecutive) with an imperfect verb to create a narrative past chain. It is ubiquitous in Hebrew storytelling.
Genesis 22:3
וַיַּשְׁכֵּם אַבְרָהָם בַּבֹּקֶר
“And Avraham rose early in the morning…”
Weqatal (Modal/Future Continuation)
This construction (וְ + qatal) often follows imperatives, expressing expectation, command, or future result.
Deuteronomy 5:33
תֵּלֵכוּ לְמַעַן תִּחְיוּן
“You shall walk… so that you may live”
תֵּלֵכוּ and תִּחְיוּן are both imperfects. The second verb, with its unusual נון ending (nun paragogicum), reflects poetic or legal usage. This form expresses purpose and outcome in covenantal context.23

So, the relatively modern English translators of the verb וַתִּרְצֵֽנִי, a sequential imperfect form of the verb רָצָה (rāṣâ), understood it as a Sequential Narrative Past verb, while the more ancient Greek translators understood it as something more like a Future Continuation verb:

Sequential Narrative Past
Tanakh: forasmuch as I have seen thy face…and thou wast pleased with me
NET: Now that I have seen your face and you have accepted me
Future Continuation
NETS: with regard to this I saw your face…and you will be pleased with me
English Elpenor: therefore have I seen thy face…and thou shalt be well-pleased with me

In either case Jacob’s reason for giving this present to Esau had changed from an offering of appeasement or atonement to one of praise and thanksgiving to God. And this present was a gift that keeps on giving (Genesis 32:14, 15 ESV):

two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys.

If I have found grace in thy sight, receive the gifts through my handsand thou shalt be well-pleased with me24 as these herds increase in the future. Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me [e.g., his brother Esau accepted him and did not attempt to kill him as Jacob had asked God in prayer], and because I have enough.”25

The Hebrew verb translated accept in the phrase Please accept above is קַח, an imperative form of לָקַח (lāqaḥ), translated λαβὲ, an imperative form of λαμβάνω, in the Septuagint. The noun translated my blessing is בִּרְכָתִי, a form of בְּרָכָה (bᵊrāḵâ), translated τὰς εὐλογίας μου in the Septuagint.

The first occurrence of בְּרָכָה (bᵊrāḵâ) is found in the Lord’s promise to Abram (Genesis 12:2 ESV)

And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing (בְּרָכָה, bᵊrāḵâ) [Table].

So here, Jacob fulfills, at least in part, God’s promise to his grandfather Abraham to be a blessing for Esau: Thus he [Jacob] urged him [Esau], and he [Esau] took it.26 The Hebrew verb translated and he took it is וַיִּקָּח, a sequential imperfect form of לָקַח (lāqaḥ), which was translated ἔλαβε(ν), a form of λαμβάνω in the 2nd aorist tense. Jacob’s gift and blessing to Esau, expressed in these Hebrew and Greek words, reminds me of another greater gift and blessing, the ultimate blessing of Abraham by means of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:15-17 ESV):

But the free gift (τὸ χάρισμα) is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace ( χάρις) of God and the free gift ( δωρεὰ) by the grace (ἐν χάριτι) of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift (τὸ δώρημα) is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift (τὸ δὲ χάρισμα) following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive (λαμβάνοντες, a plural present participle of λαμβάνω) the abundance of grace (τῆς χάριτος) and the free gift (τῆς δωρεᾶς) of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

May we all like Esau graciously receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness that is so graciously given to us by God through Jesus Christ. I’ll pick this up in another essay: רָצָה (rāṣâ) is a rich vein to mine.

Tables comparing Genesis 32:3 (32:4); 32:4 (32:5); 32:5 (32:6); 32:6 (32:7); 32:1 (32:2); 32:2 (32:3); 32:20 (32:21); 33:3; 33:4; 33:8; 32:17 (32:18); 32:18 (32:19); 33:9; 33:10; 32:14 (32:15); 32:15 (32:16) and 33:11 in the Tanakh, KJV and NET, and comparing the Greek of Genesis 32:3; 32:4; 32:5; 32:6; 32:1; 32:2; 32:20; 33:3; 33:4; 33:8; 32:17; 32:18; 33:9; 33:10; 32:14; 32:15 and 33:11 in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor) follow.

Genesis 32:4 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:3 (KJV)

Genesis 32:3 (NET)

And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the field of Edom. And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. Jacob sent messengers on ahead to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the region of Edom.

Genesis 32:3 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 32:3 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἀπέστειλεν δὲ Ιακωβ ἀγγέλους ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ πρὸς Ησαυ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς γῆν Σηιρ εἰς χώραν Εδωμ ᾿Απέστειλε δὲ ᾿Ιακὼβ ἀγγέλους ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ πρὸς ῾Ησαῦ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς γῆν Σηείρ, εἰς χώραν ᾿Εδώμ

Genesis 32:3 (NETS)

Genesis 32:3 (English Elpenor)

And Iakob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir in the territory of Edom, And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother to the land of Seir, to the country of Edom.

Genesis 32:5 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:4 (KJV)

Genesis 32:4 (NET)

And he commanded them, saying: ‘Thus shall ye say unto my lord Esau: Thus saith thy servant Jacob: I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed until now. And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now: He commanded them, “This is what you must say to my lord Esau: ‘This is what your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban until now.

Genesis 32:4 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 32:4 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἐνετείλατο αὐτοῖς λέγων οὕτως ἐρεῖτε τῷ κυρίῳ μου Ησαυ οὕτως λέγει ὁ παῖς σου Ιακωβ μετὰ Λαβαν παρῴκησα καὶ ἐχρόνισα ἕως τοῦ νῦν καὶ ἐνετείλατο αὐτοῖς λέγων· οὕτως ἐρεῖτε τῷ κυρίῳ μου ῾Ησαῦ· οὕτως λέγει ὁ παῖς σου ᾿Ιακώβ· μετὰ Λάβαν παρῴκησα, καὶ ἐχρόνισα ἕως τοῦ νῦν

Genesis 32:4 (NETS)

Genesis 32:4 (English Elpenor)

and he commanded them, saying, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: ‘Thus says your servant Iakob, ‘I lived with Laban as an alien and stayed until now, And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye say to my lord Esau: Thus saith thy servant Jacob; I have sojourned with Laban and tarried until now.

Genesis 32:6 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:5 (KJV)

Genesis 32:5 (NET)

And I have oxen, and asses and flocks, and men-servants and maid-servants; and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favour in thy sight.’ And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight. I have oxen, donkeys, sheep, and male and female servants. I have sent this message to inform my lord, so that I may find favor in your sight.’”

Genesis 32:5 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 32:5 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἐγένοντό μοι βόες καὶ ὄνοι καὶ πρόβατα καὶ παῖδες καὶ παιδίσκαι καὶ ἀπέστειλα ἀναγγεῖλαι τῷ κυρίῳ μου Ησαυ ἵνα εὕρῃ ὁ παῖς σου χάριν ἐναντίον σου καὶ ἐγένοντό μοι βόες καὶ ὄνοι καὶ πρόβατα καὶ παῖδες καὶ παιδίσκαι, καὶ ἀπέστειλα ἀναγγεῖλαι τῷ κυρίῳ μου ῾Ησαῦ, ἵνα εὕρῃ ὁ παῖς σου χάριν ἐναντίον σου

Genesis 32:5 (NETS)

Genesis 32:5 (English Elpenor)

and cattle and donkeys and sheep and male and female slaves have come into my possession, and I have sent to tell my Lord Esau in order that your servant may find favor before you’.” And there were born to me oxen, and asses, and sheep, and men-servants and women-servants; and I sent to tell my lord Esau, that thy servant might find grace in thy sight.

Genesis 32:7 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:6 (KJV)

Genesis 32:6 (NET)

And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying: ‘We came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.’ And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. The messengers returned to Jacob and said, “We went to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you and has 400 men with him.”

Genesis 32:6 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 32:6 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἀνέστρεψαν οἱ ἄγγελοι πρὸς Ιακωβ λέγοντες ἤλθομεν πρὸς τὸν ἀδελφόν σου Ησαυ καὶ ἰδοὺ αὐτὸς ἔρχεται εἰς συνάντησίν σοι καὶ τετρακόσιοι ἄνδρες μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀνέστρεψαν οἱ ἄγγελοι πρὸς ᾿Ιακὼβ λέγοντες· ἤλθομεν πρὸς τὸν ἀδελφόν σου ῾Ησαῦ, καὶ ἰδοὺ αὐτὸς ἔρχεται εἰς συνάντησίν σοι καὶ τετρακόσιοι ἄνδρες μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ

Genesis 32:6 (NETS)

Genesis 32:6 (English Elpenor)

And the messengers returned to Iakob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and lo! he comes to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.

Genesis 32:2 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:1 (KJV)

Genesis 32:1 (NET)

And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of G-d met him. And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. So Jacob went on his way and the angels of God met him.

Genesis 32:1 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 32:1 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ Ιακωβ ἀπῆλθεν εἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ὁδόν καὶ ἀναβλέψας εἶδεν παρεμβολὴν θεοῦ παρεμβεβληκυῖαν καὶ συνήντησαν αὐτῷ οἱ ἄγγελοι τοῦ θεοῦ ΚΑΙ ᾿Ιακὼβ ἀπῆλθεν εἰς τὴν ὁδὸν ἑαυτοῦ. καὶ ἀναβλέψας εἶδε παρεμβολὴν Θεοῦ παρεμβεβληκυῖαν, καὶ συνήντησαν αὐτῷ οἱ ἄγγελοι τοῦ Θεοῦ

Genesis 32:1 (NETS)

Genesis 32:1 (English Elpenor)

And Iakob departed on his own way. And looking up he saw a divine camp encamped, and the angels of God met him. AND Jacob departed for his journey; and having looked up, he saw the host of God encamped; and the angels of God met him.

Genesis 32:3 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:2 (KJV)

Genesis 32:2 (NET)

And Jacob said when he saw them: ‘This is G-d’s camp.’ And he called the name of that place Mahanaim. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God’s host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim. When Jacob saw them, he exclaimed, “This is the camp of God!” So he named that place Mahanaim.

Genesis 32:2 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 32:2 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἶπεν δὲ Ιακωβ ἡνίκα εἶδεν αὐτούς Παρεμβολὴ θεοῦ αὕτη καὶ ἐκάλεσεν τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ τόπου ἐκείνου Παρεμβολαί εἶπε δὲ ᾿Ιακώβ, ἡνίκα εἶδεν αὐτούς· παρεμβολὴ Θεοῦ αὕτη· καὶ ἐκάλεσε τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ τόπου ἐκείνου Παρεμβολαί

Genesis 32:2 (NETS)

Genesis 32:2 (English Elpenor)

Now Iakob, when he saw them, said, “This is a divine camp!” And he called the name of that place Camps. And Jacob said, when he saw them, This is the Camp of God; and he called the name of that place, Encampments.

Genesis 32:21 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:20 (KJV)

Genesis 32:20 (NET)

and ye shall say: Moreover, behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us.’ For he said: ‘I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept me.’ And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me. You must also say, ‘In fact your servant Jacob is behind us.’” Jacob thought, “I will first appease him by sending a gift ahead of me. After that I will meet him. Perhaps he will accept me.”

Genesis 32:20 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 32:20 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἐρεῖτε ἰδοὺ ὁ παῖς σου Ιακωβ παραγίνεται ὀπίσω ἡμῶν εἶπεν γάρ ἐξιλάσομαι τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ἐν τοῖς δώροις τοῖς προπορευομένοις αὐτοῦ καὶ μετὰ τοῦτο ὄψομαι τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ἴσως γὰρ προσδέξεται τὸ πρόσωπόν μου καὶ ἐρεῖτε· ἰδοὺ ὁ παῖς σου ᾿Ιακὼβ παραγίνεται ὀπίσω ἡμῶν. εἶπε γάρ· ἐξιλάσομαι τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ἐν τοῖς δώροις τοῖς προπορευομένοις αὐτοῦ, καὶ μετὰ τοῦτο ὄψομαι τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ· ἴσως γὰρ προσδέξεται τὸ πρόσωπόν μου

Genesis 32:20 (NETS)

Genesis 32:20 (English Elpenor)

And you shall say, “There is your servant Iakob coming behind us’.” For he said, “I shall propitiate his face with the presents that go on before him, and afterwards I shall see his face, for perhaps he will accept my face.” and ye shall say, Behold thy servant Jacob comes after us. For he said, I will propitiate his countenance with the gifts going before his presence, and afterwards I will behold his face, for peradventure he will accept me.

Genesis 33:3 (Tanakh)

Genesis 33:3 (KJV)

Genesis 33:3 (NET)

And he himself passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. But Jacob himself went on ahead of them, and he bowed toward the ground seven times as he approached his brother.

Genesis 33:3 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 33:3 (Septuagint Elpenor)

αὐτὸς δὲ προῆλθεν ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν καὶ προσεκύνησεν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ἑπτάκις ἕως τοῦ ἐγγίσαι τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ αὐτὸς δὲ προῆλθεν ἔμπροσθεν αὐτῶν καὶ προσεκύνησεν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ἑπτάκις ἕως τοῦ ἐγγίσαι τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ

Genesis 33:3 (NETS)

Genesis 33:3 (English Elpenor)

But he himself advanced ahead of them and did obeisance upon the ground seven times until he came near his brother. But he advanced himself before them, and did reverence to the ground seven times, until he drew near to his brother.

Genesis 33:4 (Tanakh)

Genesis 33:4 (KJV)

Genesis 33:4 (NET)

And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him; and they wept. And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. But Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, hugged his neck, and kissed him. Then they both wept.

Genesis 33:4 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 33:4 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ προσέδραμεν Ησαυ εἰς συνάντησιν αὐτῷ καὶ περιλαβὼν αὐτὸν ἐφίλησεν καὶ προσέπεσεν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔκλαυσαν ἀμφότεροι καὶ προσέδραμεν ῾Ησαῦ εἰς συνάντησιν αὐτῷ καὶ περιλαβὼν αὐτὸν προσέπεσεν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτὸν καὶ ἔκλαυσαν ἀμφότεροι

Genesis 33:4 (NETS)

Genesis 33:4 (English Elpenor)

And Esau ran forward to meet him, and embracing him he kissed him and fell upon his neck, and they both wept. And Esau ran on to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him; and they both wept.

Genesis 33:8 (Tanakh)

Genesis 33:8 (KJV)

Genesis 33:8 (NET)

And he said: ‘What meanest thou by all this camp which I met?’ And he said: ‘To find favour in the sight of my lord.’ And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord. Esau then asked, “What did you intend by sending all these herds to meet me?” Jacob replied, “To find favor in your sight, my lord.”

Genesis 33:8 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 33:8 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ εἶπεν τί ταῦτά σοί ἐστιν πᾶσαι αἱ παρεμβολαὶ αὗται αἷς ἀπήντηκα ὁ δὲ εἶπεν ἵνα εὕρῃ ὁ παῖς σου χάριν ἐναντίον σου κύριε καὶ εἶπε· τί ταῦτά σοι ἐστί, πᾶσαι αἱ παρεμβολαί αὗται, αἷς ἀπήντηκα; ὁ δὲ εἶπεν· ἵνα εὕρῃ ὁ παῖς σου χάριν ἐναντίον σου, κύριε

Genesis 33:8 (NETS)

Genesis 33:8 (English Elpenor)

And he said, “What are these to you, all these companies that I have met?” And he said, “That your servant may find favor before you, lord.” And he said, What are these things to thee, all these companies that I have met? And he said, That thy servant might find grace in thy sight, my lord.

Genesis 32:18 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:17 (KJV)

Genesis 32:17 (NET)

And he commanded the foremost, saying: ‘When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying: Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee? And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee? He instructed the servant leading the first herd, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘To whom do you belong? Where are you going? Whose herds are you driving?’

Genesis 32:17 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 32:17 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἐνετείλατο τῷ πρώτῳ λέγων ἐάν σοι συναντήσῃ Ησαυ ὁ ἀδελφός μου καὶ ἐρωτᾷ σε λέγων τίνος εἶ καὶ ποῦ πορεύῃ καὶ τίνος ταῦτα τὰ προπορευόμενά σου καὶ ἐνετείλατο τῷ πρώτῳ, λέγων· ἐάν σοι συναντήσῃ ῾Ησαῦ ὁ ἀδελφός μου καὶ ἐρωτᾷ σε, λέγων· τίνος εἶ καὶ ποῦ πορεύῃ, καὶ τίνος ταῦτα τὰ προπορευόμενά σου

Genesis 32:17 (NETS)

Genesis 32:17 (English Elpenor)

And he commanded the first saying, “If Esau my brother should meet you and ask you, saying, ‘Whose are you and where are you going, and whose are these going on ahead of you?’ And he charged the first, saying, If Esau my brother meet thee, and he ask thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither wouldest thou go, and whose are these possessions advancing before thee?

Genesis 32:19 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:18 (KJV)

Genesis 32:18 (NET)

then thou shalt say: They are thy servant Jacob’s; it is a present sent unto my lord, even unto Esau; and, behold, he also is behind us.’ Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob’s; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us. then you must say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They have been sent as a gift to my lord Esau. In fact Jacob himself is behind us.’”

Genesis 32:18 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 32:18 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἐρεῖς τοῦ παιδός σου Ιακωβ δῶρα ἀπέσταλκεν τῷ κυρίῳ μου Ησαυ καὶ ἰδοὺ αὐτὸς ὀπίσω ἡμῶν ἐρεῖς· τοῦ παιδός σου ᾿Ιακώβ· δῶρα ἀπέσταλκε τῷ κυρίῳ μου ῾Ησαῦ, καὶ ἰδοὺ αὐτὸς ὀπίσω ἡμῶν

Genesis 32:18 (NETS)

Genesis 32:18 (English Elpenor)

you shall say, ‘Your servant Iakob’s; he has sent presents to my Lord Esau, and there he is behind us’.” Thou shalt say, Thy servant Jacob’s; he hath sent gifts to my lord Esau, and lo! he is behind us.

Genesis 33:9 (Tanakh)

Genesis 33:9 (KJV)

Genesis 33:9 (NET)

And Esau said: ‘I have enough; my brother, let that which thou hast be thine.’ And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself. But Esau said, “I have plenty, my brother. Keep what belongs to you.”

Genesis 33:9 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 33:9 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἶπεν δὲ Ησαυ ἔστιν μοι πολλά ἄδελφε ἔστω σοι τὰ σά εἶπε δὲ ῾Ησαῦ· ἔστι μοι πολλά, ἀδελφέ· ἔστω σοι τὰ σά

Genesis 33:9 (NETS)

Genesis 33:9 (English Elpenor)

But Esau said, “I have much, brother, let your property be yours.” And Esau said, I have much, my brother; keep thine own.

Genesis 33:10 (Tanakh)

Genesis 33:10 (KJV)

Genesis 33:10 (NET)

And Jacob said: ‘Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found favour in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand; forasmuch as I have seen thy face, as one seeth the face of G-d, and thou wast pleased with me. And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. “No, please take them,” Jacob said. “If I have found favor in your sight, accept my gift from my hand. Now that I have seen your face and you have accepted me, it is as if I have seen the face of God.

Genesis 33:10 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 33:10 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἶπεν δὲ Ιακωβ εἰ εὕρηκα χάριν ἐναντίον σου δέξαι τὰ δῶρα διὰ τῶν ἐμῶν χειρῶν ἕνεκεν τούτου εἶδον τὸ πρόσωπόν σου ὡς ἄν τις ἴδοι πρόσωπον θεοῦ καὶ εὐδοκήσεις με εἶπε δὲ ᾿Ιακώβ· εἰ εὗρον χάριν ἐναντίον σου, δέξαι τὰ δῶρα διὰ τῶν ἐμῶν χειρῶν· ἕνεκεν τούτου εἶδον τὸ πρόσωπόν σου, ὡς ἄν τις ἴδοι πρόσωπον Θεοῦ, καὶ εὐδοκήσεις με

Genesis 33:10 (NETS)

Genesis 33:10 (English Elpenor)

But Iakob said, “If I have found favor before you, accept my presents through my hands; with regard to this I saw your face, as someone might see a divine face, and you will be pleased with me. And Jacob said, If I have found grace in thy sight, receive the gifts through my hands; therefore have I seen thy face, as if any one should see the face of God, and thou shalt be well-pleased with me.

Genesis 32:15 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:14 (KJV)

Genesis 32:14 (NET)

two hundred she-goats and twenty he-goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams, 200 female goats and 20 male goats, 200 ewes and 20 rams,

Genesis 32:14 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 32:14 (Septuagint Elpenor)

αἶγας διακοσίας τράγους εἴκοσι πρόβατα διακόσια κριοὺς εἴκοσι αἶγας διακοσίας, τράγους εἴκοσι, πρόβατα διακόσια, κριοὺς εἴκοσι

Genesis 32:14 (NETS)

Genesis 32:14 (English Elpenor)

two hundred female goats, twenty male goats, two hundred sheep, twenty rams, two hundred she-goats, twenty he-goats, two hundred sheep, twenty rams,

Genesis 32:16 (Tanakh)

Genesis 32:15 (KJV)

Genesis 32:15 (NET)

thirty milch camels and their colts, forty kine and ten bulls, twenty she-asses and ten foals. Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals. 30 female camels with their young, 40 cows and 10 bulls, and 20 female donkeys and 10 male donkeys.

Genesis 32:15 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 32:15 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καμήλους θηλαζούσας καὶ τὰ παιδία αὐτῶν τριάκοντα βόας τεσσαράκοντα ταύρους δέκα ὄνους εἴκοσι καὶ πώλους δέκα καμήλους θηλαζούσας, καὶ τὰ παιδία αὐτῶν τριάκοντα, βόας τεσσαράκοντα, ταύρους δέκα, ὄνους εἴκοσι καὶ πώλους δέκα

Genesis 32:15 (NETS)

Genesis 32:15 (English Elpenor)

thirty milch camels and their young, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty donkeys and ten foals. milch camels, and their foals, thirty, forty kine, ten bulls, twenty asses, and ten colts.

Genesis 33:11 (Tanakh)

Genesis 33:11 (KJV)

Genesis 33:11 (NET)

Take, I pray thee, my gift that is brought to thee; because G-d hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.’ And he urged him, and he took it. Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. Please take my present that was brought to you, for God has been generous to me and I have all I need.” When Jacob urged him, he took it.

Genesis 33:11 (Septuagint BLB)

Genesis 33:11 (Septuagint Elpenor)

λαβὲ τὰς εὐλογίας μου ἃς ἤνεγκά σοι ὅτι ἠλέησέν με ὁ θεὸς καὶ ἔστιν μοι πάντα καὶ ἐβιάσατο αὐτόν καὶ ἔλαβεν λαβὲ τὰς εὐλογίας μου, ἃς ἤνεγκά σοι, ὅτι ἠλέησέ με ὁ Θεὸς καὶ ἔστι μοι πάντα. καὶ ἐβιάσατο αὐτὸν καὶ ἔλαβε

Genesis 33:11 (NETS)

Genesis 33:11 (English Elpenor)

Receive my blessings that I have brought to you, because God has shown mercy to me and I have everything.” And he urged him, and he received them. Receive my blessings, which I have brought thee, because God has had mercy on me, and I have all things; and he constrained him, and he took [them].

2 Matthew 12:18a (ESV)

3 Isaiah 42:1a (ESV) Table

4 Ephesians 4:24b (ESV)

5 Ephesians 4:22b (ESV)

7 Matthew 12:18a (ESV)

8 Ephesians 4:24b (ESV)

9 Luke 14:31, 32 (ESV) Table

10 Matthew 5:25, 26 (ESV)

11 Genesis 32:6 (ESV)

12 Genesis 32:20b (ESV)

15 Genesis 33:3 (ESV)

16 Ephesians 3:20 (ESV) Table

17 Genesis 33:4 (ESV)

18 Genesis 33:8a (NETS)

19 Genesis 33:9 (ESV)

20 Romans 11:6 (ESV) Table

24 Genesis 33:10 (English Elpenor)

25 Genesis 33:11a (ESV)

26 Genesis 33:11b (ESV)

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)

Conclusion

“Satan deceives people with the Progressive Sanctification heresy, which means that sinners gradually become holy after they believe in Jesus…

The crux of this theory is gradual sanctification. It sounds great that man can believe in Jesus and gradually become a holier Christian. This theory has deceived many Christians over the years, making them feel secure. It sounds almost like we work our way to heaven. That’s one reason why there are so many Pharisaical, holier-than-thou Christians in Christendom.”[1]

I stumbled across this quote on “Denny’s Christian Writings” blog late into writing an essay partially about being deceived by a progressive sanctification heresy.  I believed progressive sanctification was entirely up to me—with Jesus’ help, of course.  But it never made me feel secure because I sucked at it wholesale.  I was definitely Pharisaical but holier-than-no-one.  And I hungered and thirsted for righteousness.

I didn’t feel very blessed.  In fact, it reminded me of the pagan myth of the punishment of Tantalus.  I’ve spent as much time, I suppose, as anyone trying to deny or anesthetize that hunger and thirst.  I even wished it away with thoughts like “Denny’s” abandon-hope-all-ye-who-enter-here attitude toward 1 Peter 1:15, 16 (KJV):

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” We are told here to be holy, to be Christ-like, but is anyone really Christ-like? Not in this life in the flesh. We should endeavor to be holy as Christ is holy, but Romans 3:12-18 is still in the Bible…

“Denny’s” premise: “Is it possible to have eternal salvation and not be sanctified? Of course not.  Eternal salvation and eternal sanctification go together, one mandates the other. If sanctification required any effort on [our] part, then salvation would not be of grace.”  But how should I “endeavor to be holy as Christ is holy” without hope of success and without doing it by my own efforts?  “We should endeavor to be Christ-like and do good works. However, we are not sanctified by our good works or clean living. Jesus sanctified us.”[2]

Frankly, this sounds like we have moved from a created cosmos where it is hardto enter the kingdom of God[3] to one where it is grammatically impossible.  It doesn’t lead me to faith in Jesus Christ or reliance on the power and presence of his Holy Spirit.  “Denny” quoted Philippians 1:6 (KJV) and Ephesians 3:20 (KJV) and commented on each:

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” This is a very good verse but it has nothing to do with Progressive Sanctification. This verse pertains to our salvation, and our glorious inheritance.

This next verse pertains to the same thing: Ephesians 3:20, “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.” We have Holy Spirit power working in us, convicting us of sin, but Jesus has already sanctified us once for all.

But I didn’t become holy in practice “once for all” the moment I believed in Jesus.  I need something more than “convicting us of sin” because I still hunger and thirst for righteousness.

I believe wholeheartedly that the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other.[4]  I also believe that—so that you cannot do what you want[5]—cuts both ways, whether I want sin or righteousness.  But I don’t believe for a moment that a grudge-match between the Holy Spirit and my flesh is a fair fight.  My flesh is going to lose.  I can count on it.

I am much less confident, however, in a “church” surrounded by people who don’t believe that righteousness is a basic and urgent need, a hunger and thirst.  I am weak in faith.  In that environment I find it much more difficult to hear the Holy Spirit and much easier to ignore Him.  In many ways traveling for a living and working many weekends has spared me from being overcome by that kind of groupthink.  Jesus promised that those who hunger and thirst for righteousnesswill be satisfied (χορτασθήσονται, a form of χορτάζω).[6]

I may never be fully satisfied until I can leave this cursed flesh behind and see Him face to face, but that doesn’t stop me from hungering and thirsting for every taste and scrap I can get here and now.  And I really don’t care whether we call that satisfaction progressive sanctification (spiritual progress in the Catholic catechism) or not.  I want that satisfaction.  And as I’ve written before,[7] I don’t believe the hunger and thirst for righteousness originates with me.  It is the perseverance of the saints.

And, yes, of course, perseverance of the saints is a terribly misleading phrase.  It’s all an illusion.  Saints don’t persevere in their own strength.  They get sidetracked, confused, give up and quit as often as anyone else, but the Holy Spirit of Almighty God picks them up fills them again with a hunger and thirst for his righteousness and leads them onward.

The word gradual has always bothered me in the context of sanctification.  My experiences of being in the Spirit or in the flesh have seemed more like instantaneous leaps back and forth with truly dizzying effect.  But my desire has been to spend more time in the Spirit than in the flesh, and any success at that over time might be considered gradual or progressive.  Here’s the issue as I see it.

The Greek words translated sanctified, sanctify, or sanctifieth nine times in the King James translation of the New Testament are forms of ἁγιάζω, to make holy.

Reference

Greek NET

KJV

Hebrews 10:10 ἡγιασμένοι made holy sanctified
Hebrews 13:12 ἁγιάσῃ sanctify sanctify
Hebrews 2:11 ἁγιάζων makes holy sanctifieth
ἁγιαζόμενοι being made holy sanctified
Hebrews 10:14 ἁγιαζομένους are made holy sanctified
Hebrews 10:29 ἡγιάσθη madeholy sanctified
Romans 15:16 ἡγιασμένη sanctified sanctified
1 Corinthians 1:2 ἡγιασμένοις sanctified sanctified
1 Corinthians 6:11 ἡγιάσθητε sanctified sanctified

If I were to graph the change over time, God’s holiness would not change.  It’s my resistance to his holiness that changes.  Here I’m picturing the Holy Spirit—that fountain of water springing up to eternal life—more like a water cannon used in surface mining operations, except that this water canon erodes away my ungodliness (ἀσέβεια) from the inside out.  But I think we might choke on calling this satisfaction progressive godliness.  Besides, the process feels more like progressive un-ungodliness to me.

My plan was to use “Denny’s” Scripture references as an outline for one brief essay and move on.  As I began to study the words translated sanctified, sanctify and sanctifieth I decided to slow down and get real pedantic again.  I’ll start with ἁγιάσαι (a form of ἁγιάζω) in another essay for no other reason than it is first in alphabetical order.