civic
Well-known member
Yep
The Elect
- Thread starter The Rogue Tomato
- Start date
Johann
Well-known member
The parable of the sower, also known as the parable of the four soils, taught by Jesus, is found in Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15. This parable describes different responses to the message of the kingdom of God, illustrated through four types of soil that a sower encounters while sowing seeds.
The Parable of the Sower
Path: Some seeds fall along the path and are eaten by birds.
Rocky Ground: Some seeds fall on rocky ground where they quickly sprout but wither because they have no root.
Thorns: Some seeds fall among thorns, which grow up and choke the plants.
Good Soil: Some seeds fall on good soil and produce a crop, yielding many times what was sown.
Interpretation by Jesus
Jesus provides an interpretation of this parable to His disciples:
Path (Matthew 13:19):
Represents those who hear the message of the kingdom but do not understand it. The evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their hearts.
Rocky Ground (Matthew 13:20-21):
Represents those who hear the word and immediately receive it with joy. However, they have no root and last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
Thorns (Matthew 13:22):
Represents those who hear the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Good Soil (Matthew 13:23):
Represents those who hear the word and understand it. They produce a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.
Understanding the Gospel
The parable illustrates different responses to the gospel rather than the ability of everyone to understand it:
Accessibility: The message of the gospel is accessible to all; the sower (God/Jesus) sows the seed (the word) broadly.
Reception: Different people (soils) respond in various ways due to the condition of their hearts and external influences.
Factors Affecting Understanding
Spiritual Receptivity: The condition of a person’s heart (soil) plays a crucial role in how they receive and understand the gospel.
External Influences: Persecution, life’s worries, and deceitfulness of wealth can impact one's ability to embrace and live out the gospel.
Divine Revelation: In the broader context of Jesus' teachings, understanding the gospel often involves a spiritual awakening or revelation that goes beyond mere intellectual comprehension.
Jesus' Purpose in Parables
Jesus explained that He used parables so that while everyone could hear the message, only those truly seeking and open to His teaching would understand and be transformed (Matthew 13:10-17). This distinction highlights the necessity of a receptive heart and divine insight to fully grasp the gospel.
I believe @Doug Brents answered you correctly.
civic
Well-known member
Yep
civic
Well-known member
Gods grace upon all mankind on display
John 1:4- In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
John 1:9- The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
John 3:16-18- For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 1:4- In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
John 1:9- The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
John 3:16-18- For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Matthew 13:20-21
Represents those who hear the word and immediately receive it with joy. However, they have no root and last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
they believe as Luke makes clear
Luke 8:13 (KJV 1900) — 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Johann
Well-known member
Again-The parable illustrates different responses to the gospel rather than the ability of everyone to understand it:
civic
Well-known member
they all understood the gospel, believed it, received it. 3/4 their faith did not endure. they started the race but did not finish the race.
the world, the flesh and the devil got the best of them.
Johann
Well-known member
Jesus explained that He used parables so that while everyone could hear the message, only those truly seeking and open to His teaching would understand and be transformed (Matthew 13:10-17). This distinction highlights the necessity of a receptive heart and divine insight to fully grasp the gospel.they all understood the gospel, believed it, received it. 3/4 their faith did not endure. they started the race but did not finish the race.
the world, the flesh and the devil got the best of them.
civic
Well-known member
the context of Jesus saying it was hidden was to the pharisees who had full revelation of the Light that lighteth up every man but they rejected that light therefore He taught in parables to them- hid the truth from them. They claimed to see yet were blind. They claimed to listen to the Father yet they rejected the Son who is the exact same voice as the Father. Because they rejected Him , He hid the truth from them in parables.
charismaticlady
Active member
It is certainly befuddling to me how they cannot see how evil they are when together they scheme to commit murder!
Johann
Well-known member
The Large Crowd:
The immediate recipients of the parable were the large crowds gathered around Jesus. These crowds consisted of a diverse mix of people, including His followers, the curious, the skeptical, and the religious leaders.
By addressing such a broad audience, Jesus aimed to scatter the seed of the word widely, knowing that the response would vary according to the condition of each person’s heart.
The Disciples:
After delivering the parable to the crowd, Jesus often took time to explain the deeper meaning to His disciples in private. This is seen in all three Gospel accounts where the disciples ask Jesus to explain the parable, and He provides a detailed interpretation.
The disciples represent those who are not only interested in Jesus’ teachings but also seek to understand and apply them deeply.
Key Elements of the Parable
The Sower: Represents Jesus or anyone who proclaims the word of God.
The Seed: Represents the word of God or the message of the kingdom.
The Soils: Represent different types of hearers and their responses to the word of God.
Explanation to the Disciples
In the explanation given to the disciples, Jesus clarifies the meaning of each type of soil:
Path (Matthew 13:19):
Represents those who hear the message of the kingdom but do not understand it. The evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their hearts.
Rocky Ground (Matthew 13:20-21):
Represents those who hear the word and immediately receive it with joy. However, they have no root and last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
Thorns (Matthew 13:22):
Represents those who hear the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Good Soil (Matthew 13:23):
Represents those who hear the word and understand it. They produce a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.
Conclusion
The context of the parable of the sower is a public teaching moment where Jesus addresses a large and varied audience, including His disciples. The purpose is to illustrate the different responses to the gospel message based on the condition of people's hearts. The immediate recipients are the crowds and His disciples, with the latter receiving a more detailed explanation to ensure they grasp the spiritual truths Jesus is conveying. The parable emphasizes the necessity of a receptive heart and the willingness to understand and live out the word of God.
praise_yeshua
Well-known member
I said the other day that any measure of the quality of Deity is not just based upon what God does, it is also based upon what He choses/refrains from doing Himself.
The "mob" gave them power.
You would be surprised what any person would do if they had the power to get by with it.
It also shows unregenerate men are able to believe the gospel
civic
Well-known member
Yes just the opposite of what the reformed doctrine teaches.
The reformation needs reforming
Johann
Well-known member
I am not interested in a one verse theology-
Ephesians 2:1-5
Text: "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world... But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Exegesis: Paul describes unregenerate people as "dead in trespasses and sins," implying a state of spiritual death and incapacity. The phrase "made us alive" (συνεζωοποίησεν) is an aorist indicative active verb, indicating a definitive action by God, suggesting that spiritual life and the ability to respond to the gospel are initiated by God.
John 6:44
Text: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day."
Exegesis: Jesus states that no one has the ability (δύναται) to come to Him unless drawn (ἕλκω) by the Father. The verb ἕλκω, often translated as "draw," can also mean "drag" or "compel," indicating a strong, initiating action by God.
Romans 3:10-12
Text: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."
Exegesis: Paul quotes Psalm 14 to assert the universal sinfulness and spiritual inability of humanity. The verbs used (ζητεῖ, ἐκλίνω) indicate continuous actions, underscoring the persistent nature of human sin and the lack of inherent spiritual seeking.
1 Corinthians 2:14
Text: "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned."
Exegesis: Paul contrasts the "natural person" (ψυχικὸς ἄνθρωπος) with the spiritual person. The natural person "does not accept" (οὐ δέχεται) and "is not able" (οὐ δύναται) to understand spiritual things, indicating an inherent incapacity without the Spirit's work.
Theological Perspectives
Reformed (Calvinist) View
Summary: Unregenerate people are totally depraved and spiritually dead. They are unable to respond to the gospel without God's regenerating grace. Faith itself is a gift from God, granted through regeneration.
Key Scriptures: Ephesians 2:1-5, John 6:44, Romans 3:10-12, 1 Corinthians 2:14.
Theological Support: This view is grounded in the doctrine of total depravity, which holds that every aspect of human nature is tainted by sin, rendering humans unable to seek God or respond to the gospel apart from divine intervention.
Arminian View
Summary: While humans are affected by sin, God's prevenient grace enables all people to respond to the gospel. This grace restores the ability to choose faith in Christ.
Key Scriptures: John 12:32 ("And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."), Titus 2:11 ("For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people").
Theological Support: Arminians believe that prevenient grace precedes and enables human response without negating human free will. This grace is universal and allows all individuals to potentially respond to the gospel.
Classical (Non-Augustinian) View
Summary: Unregenerate humans retain the ability to respond to the gospel through the inherent ability given by God, even though they are influenced by sin.
Key Scriptures: Acts 17:30 ("The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent"), Romans 10:13-14 ("For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed?").
Theological Support: This perspective holds that while sin has affected human nature, God has endowed humans with the ability to respond to His call, emphasizing human responsibility and the universal offer of salvation.
Conclusion
The debate on whether unregenerate people can respond to the gospel hinges on one's theological perspective. Reformed theology emphasizes human inability and God's sovereign grace in enabling belief. Arminianism stresses prevenient grace that restores human free will to respond to the gospel. Classical views highlight human responsibility and the inherent ability to respond given by God.
Ultimately, Scripture affirms the necessity of God's grace in salvation, whether through regenerating grace (Reformed), prevenient grace (Arminian), or inherent ability enabled by God's call (Classical). Each perspective underscores different aspects of God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the role of grace in the process of salvation.
Thanks.
Corrie-on the parable of the soils.
praise_yeshua
Well-known member
Yes just the opposite of what the reformed doctrine teaches.
The reformation needs reforming
The reformation added many problems....
praise_yeshua
Well-known member
I'm reminded
1Ki 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions?
Saved by grace Through faith not apart from faith
If no faith there is no being made alive
and it is not a one verse theology
Regeneration by definition is the impartation of life
The following verses show faith precedes life
John 5:24 (KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
John 20:31 (KJV)
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
John 5:40 (KJV)
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
Acts 11:18 (KJV)
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
John 6:57 (KJV)
57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
Regeneration makes one a child of God. Born of God -
One is made a child of God through faith
John 1:12 (KJV)
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Galatians 3:26 (KJV)
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
John 12:36 (KJV)
36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
Regeneration is a spiritual resurrection.
We are raised spiritually through faith
Colossians 2:12 (KJV)
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
One is born again(regenerated) through faith in gospel
James 1:18 (KJV)
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
1 Peter 1:23 (KJV)
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1 Corinthians 4:15 (KJV)
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Regeneration is the mechanism of salvation
Titus 3:5 (KJV)
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Ephesians 2:5 (KJV)
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
it is through faith we are saved
EPH 2:8 (KJV)
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
.
Regeneration is preceded by remission of sin
Colossians 2:13 (KJV)
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
which requires both faith and repentance
Acts 10:43 (KJV)
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Luke 24:47 (KJV)
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
That is an assumption. To be made alive is to be saved by grace which in its fuller exposition in verse 8 is through faith
Dead in trespass and sins notes separation from God due to rebeliion not spiritual inertness
A spiritual dead person can still suppress truth, sin, reject the things of God and believe and repent. A truly dead person does nothing
John 12:40 (KJV 1900) — 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
God blinded men to prevent their belief. Why would God blind someone who had no ability to see?
Why prevent from believing those who had no capacity for belief
Luke notes had men not grown hardened they could have believed
Acts 28:27 (KJV 1900) — 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
One is drawn by hearing and learning from the father
John 6:45 (KJV 1900) — 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
here is how they could have heard from the father
They could have believed his messenger John the baptist
John 1:6–7 (KJV 1900) — 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
They could have believed Moses
John 5:45–47 (KJV 1900) — 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. 46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
they could have believed scripture
John 5:39–40 (KJV 1900) — 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
They could have believed the father testimony
John 5:36–38 (KJV 1900) — 36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. 37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. 38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
Regarding psalm 14
Psalm 14:4–5 (KJV 1900) — 4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And call not upon the LORD. 5 There were they in great fear: For God is in the generation of the righteous.
oops they are more than one group of people in psalm 14
Again the reference is that which is hidden in the mind of God not revealed truth
John 20:31 (KJV 1900) — 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
The reading of scripture is sufficient for belief
2 Timothy 3:15 (NIV) — 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:4–11 (NIV) — 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As is the preaching of it.
Romans 10:10–17 (KJV 1900) — 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Only by ignoring multiple references can the Calvinist view be held
Johann
Well-known member
Thematic Context
The passage highlights key themes in Pauline theology:- Thanksgiving and Prayer: Paul frequently opens his letters with expressions of thanks and prayer. This establishes a pastoral tone and underscores the importance of gratitude and intercession in the Christian community.
- Faith, Love, and Hope: These three virtues are recurrent themes in Paul’s writings (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:13, Colossians 1:4-5). They encapsulate the essence of Christian living:
- Work of faith: Indicates that true faith is active and produces good works.
- Labor of love: Suggests that love is not merely a feeling but requires effort and sacrifice.
- Patience of hope: Implies that hope in Christ sustains believers through trials and encourages perseverance.
- Divine Election: The concept of being chosen by God (election) emphasizes God’s sovereignty and initiative in salvation. It assures the believers of their secure position in Christ, not based on their merit but on God’s grace.
Verse-by-Verse Contextual Analysis
Verse 2:"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,"- Paul begins with thanksgiving, a common feature in his letters. This communal prayer ("we give thanks") includes his companions, Silas and Timothy.
- The phrase "always" and "for you all" underscores the consistency and inclusiveness of their prayers, showing Paul's deep pastoral concern for the Thessalonian believers.
- Paul specifies the reasons for his thanksgiving: the Thessalonians' faith, love, and hope.
- These virtues are not abstract but manifest in tangible actions (work, labor, patience), indicating the practical outworking of their Christian commitment.
- The phrase "in our Lord Jesus Christ" ties these virtues directly to their relationship with Christ, while "in the sight of our God and Father" assures them that their efforts are seen and valued by God.
- Paul shifts to a declarative statement, expressing his knowledge (certainty) about their divine election.
- The term "beloved brethren" reinforces the affectionate relationship and communal bond between Paul and the Thessalonians.
- "Election by God" serves to remind them of their secure status and identity as chosen people, which is a source of comfort and assurance amidst their trials.
Broader Context within the Epistle
The opening thanksgiving and affirmation of the Thessalonians' virtues set the stage for the rest of the letter. Paul will:- Encourage Perseverance: He will urge them to continue living out their faith, love, and hope, especially in the face of persecution (1:6-10).
- Reinforce Ethical Instructions: He provides ethical teachings on how to live a life pleasing to God (chapters 4-5).
- Clarify Eschatological Hope: He addresses concerns about the fate of deceased believers and the return of Christ, reinforcing the hope that sustains them (4:13-5:11).
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NKJV Analysis
1 Thessalonians 1:2-4
Verse 2:"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,"- "We give thanks": The verb "give thanks" (εὐχαριστοῦμεν, eucharistoumen) is in the present active indicative, first person plural, indicating a continuous or habitual action.
- "always": (πάντοτε, pantote) is an adverb meaning at all times.
- "for you all": (περὶ πάντων ὑμῶν, peri pantōn hymōn) is a prepositional phrase meaning on behalf of all of you.
- "making mention": (μνείαν ποιούμενοι, mneian poioumenoi) is a participial phrase, present middle participle, indicating a concurrent action with "give thanks."
- "in our prayers": (ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν ἡμῶν, epi tōn proseuchōn hēmōn) is a prepositional phrase indicating the context in which they give thanks.
- "remembering": (μνημονεύοντες, mnēmoneuontes) is a present active participle, indicating an ongoing action.
- "without ceasing": (ἀδιαλείπτως, adialeiptōs) is an adverb meaning constantly or unceasingly.
- "your work of faith": (τοῦ ἔργου τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν, tou ergou tēs pisteōs hymōn) is a genitive construction, indicating the work produced by faith.
- "labor of love": (τοῦ κόπου τῆς ἀγάπης, tou kopou tēs agapēs) is a genitive construction, indicating labor that stems from love.
- "patience of hope": (τῆς ὑπομονῆς τῆς ἐλπίδος, tēs hypomonēs tēs elpidos) is a genitive construction, indicating endurance inspired by hope.
- "in our Lord Jesus Christ": (τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou) is a genitive phrase indicating the sphere in which faith, love, and hope are grounded.
- "in the sight of our God and Father": (ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ πατρὸς ἡμῶν, emprosthen tou theou kai patros hēmōn) is a prepositional phrase indicating God's omnipresence and watchful eye.
- "knowing": (εἰδότες, eidotes) is a perfect active participle, indicating a completed action with present results.
- "beloved brethren": (ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι, adelphoi ēgapēmenoi) is a noun phrase with a perfect passive participle, indicating those who are loved by God.
- "your election by God": (τὴν ἐκλογὴν ὑμῶν ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ, tēn eklogēn hymōn hypo tou theou) is a genitive construction indicating that their election is by God.
NIV Analysis
1 Thessalonians 1:4
"For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you"- "For we know": (εἰδότες, eidotes) is a perfect active participle, indicating knowledge that has been acquired and is currently held.
- "brothers and sisters loved by God": (ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι, adelphoi ēgapēmenoi) is a noun phrase with a perfect passive participle, showing that they are loved by God.
- "that he has chosen you": (τὴν ἐκλογὴν ὑμῶν, tēn eklogēn hymōn) uses a genitive construction indicating divine choice or election.
Syntactic Force and Meaning
Syntactic Force
- The use of participles like "making mention" (ποιούμενοι) and "remembering" (μνημονεύοντες) in the NKJV shows ongoing actions related to the main verb "give thanks" (εὐχαριστοῦμεν). These participles describe the manner in which thanks are given.
- The participle "knowing" (εἰδότες) in both translations serves to explain the basis for the preceding actions (thanksgiving and prayer). It indicates a certainty or conviction based on observed evidence.
- The genitive constructions (e.g., "work of faith," "labor of love," "patience of hope") describe qualities or characteristics that define the Thessalonians' faith, highlighting their active and visible manifestations.
Morphological Meaning
- "εὐχαριστοῦμεν" (give thanks): Present active indicative, indicating continuous or repeated action.
- "μνείαν ποιούμενοι" (making mention): Present middle participle, indicating an action performed by the subject that affects the subject.
- "μνημονεύοντες" (remembering): Present active participle, showing an ongoing action.
- "εἰδότες" (knowing): Perfect active participle, suggesting knowledge that is complete and has lasting effects.
- "ἀδελφοὶ ἠγαπημένοι" (beloved brethren): Perfect passive participle, indicating a completed action (being loved) with ongoing significance.
Theological and Contextual Meaning
- "Election by God": This concept signifies that the Thessalonians' faith and salvation are not by chance but are the result of God's deliberate choice. It underscores the divine initiative in salvation.
- "Work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope": These phrases encapsulate the practical outworking of the Thessalonians' faith. Each term links an essential Christian virtue with its tangible expression, highlighting a faith that is active and visible.
Nothing happens by chance-all of God and none of "self"
Shalom brother
Johann.
