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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
-A-
AARON (enlightened). The older son
of Amram and Jochabed, of the tribe of Levi. He was born during
the captivity in Egypt (Ex. 6:16-27). His younger brother was
Moses; his sister, Miriam (Nu. 26:59). Aaron was appointed by God
to be the spokesman for Moses (Ex. 4:14-16; 7:19; 17:9- 13).
While Moses was on Mt. Sinai, Aaron made a golden calf for the
people to worship (Ex. 32:2-5). Later he was made the first high
priest of the nation Israel and served in that office until he
died at the age of 123, after his priestly robes and office were
given to his son Eleazar (Nu.20:23-28; 33:39). [See also High
Priest.]
AARONITES. The priestly descendants
of Aaron (1 Ch. 12:27).
AARON'S ROD. The staff carried by
Aaron. It was used to witness of God's power before Pharaoh (Ex.
7:9-12,15). In the wilderness it budded as a sign to rebellious
Israel of God's approval upon Aaron and Moses (Nu. 17:1-10).It
was placed in the ark of the covenant (He. 9:4).
AB (a father). Fifth month of the
Jewish sacred calender, corresponding to parts of July and August
(Ezr. 7:9). The hot season (Potts). [See Calender.]
ABBA (father, daddy, an endearing
family term). The Lord Jesus called God the Father
"Abba" (Mk. 14:36). True Christians also can call God
"Abba" because of our family relationship through Jesus
Christ (Ro. 8:15; Ga. 4:6). [See Adoption.]
ABDA (servant). 1 Ki. 4:6.
ABDEEL (servant of God). Je. 36:26.
ABDI (servant of Jehovah). 1 Ch.
6:44; 2 Ch. 29.12; Ezr. 10:26.
ABDIEL (servant of God). 1 Ch.
5:15.
ABDON (servile). Ju. 12:13-15; 1
Ch. 8:23; 1 Ch. 8:30; 9:35-36; 2 Ch. 34:20; Jos. 21:30.
ABEDNEGO (servant of expedition,
servant of light). The Babylonian name given to one of Daniel's
friends who was put in the fiery furnace (Da. 1:7; 3:12-30). His
Hebrew name was Azariah, meaning "God has helped."
ABEL (breath, vapor). The second
child of Adam and Eve. Abel was killed by his brother Cain (Ge.
4:1-10). Abel's offering was accepted by God (He. 11:4) because
he offered the animal sacrifice depicting Christ's cross work.
Abel offered by faith, indicating that God had spoken about the
offering that was required. God had already shown Adam and Eve
that because of their sin an innocent victim would have to die so
they could be clothed (Ge. 3:21). Abel was a prophet (Lk. 11:50;
1:70; Ac. 3:21), which tells us that he received revelation from
God. Thus, ever since the Fall, God has been speaking clearly to
man about salvation. Adam and Eve and their children knew about
the Lamb who was to come to take away the sin of the world. Abel
was the forerunner of the saints down through the ages who have
put their faith in God and in His Sacrifice. (1) He listened to
God's Word. As we have seen, Abel was a prophet; God spoke to him
about salvation, and he did not ignore God's Word. (2) He
aproached God through blood and death.He. 12:24 tells us Abel's
offering pictured Christ. It is the death and blood of the Lord
Jesus Christ which took away our sin. The wages of sin is death
(Ro. 6:23), and only by blood can sin be atoned (He. 9:22);
therefore, both death and blood were required for our salvation.
Abel acknowledged this with his sacrifice. (3) He approached God
with a substitute. True salvation is through substitution. Christ
took our punishment; we take his righteousness (Is. 53; 2 Co.
5:21). (4) He approached God by faith, not by works (He. 11:4).
Abel was saved because of his faith. True salvation is by faith
without works (Ep. 2:8-9; Ro. 4:3-7; Tit. 3:5). (5) He repented
of his sin. Abel acknowledged his personal guilt and unworthiness
by bringing a sacrifice which depicted the suffering of another
in his place. Abel acknowledged God's curse upon himself and the
world. He acknowledged that man's sin is a serious matter before
God which can only be cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. [See
Atonement,
Blood, Cain,
Gospel, Grace,
Prophecy, Repentance.]
ABEL (a meadow). A prefix often used with names of
places.
ABEL-BATH-MAACHAH (meadow of the
house of Maacah). A town of northern Palestine (2 Sa. 20:15; 1
Ki. 15:20).
ABEL-CHERAMIM (meadow of
vineyards). A town east of the Jordan river (Ju. 11:33).
ABEL-MEHOLAH (meadow of dancing).
Ju. 7:22; 1 Ki. 19:16.
ABEL-SHITTIM (meadow of acacias).
It is called Shittim (Nu. 25:1; 33:49; Jos. 2:1; Mi. 6:5).
ABEZ (white). Jos. 19:20.
ABI (father). 2 Ki. 28:2.
ABIAH (Jehovah his father). 1 Sa.
8:2; 1 Ch. 6:28; 1 Ch. 2:24; 1 Ch. 7:8.
ABIALBON (father of strength). 2
Sa. 23:31; 1 Ch. 11:32 (called Abiel here).
ABIASAPH (the gatherer). Ex.
6:16,18,21,24; 1 Ch. 6:23.
ABIATHAR (abundance). 1 Sa.
22:20-23; 15:24; 1 Ch. 15:11- 12; 1 Ki. 1:17-19; 2:26,35.
ABIB (ears of corn). The first
month of the Jewish year (Ex. 13:4). It was later named Nisan
(Ne. 2:1; Es. 3:7).
ABIDA (wise). Ge. 25:4; 1 Ch. 1:33.
ABIDAN (father of the judge). Nu.
1:11; 2:22; 10:24.
ABIEL (strength). 1 Sa. 9:1; 14:51;
1 Ch. 8:33; 9:39; 1 Ch. 11:32.
ABIEZER (helper). Jos. 17:2; Ju.
6:34; 1 Ch. 7:18; 2 Sa. 23:27; 1 Ch. 27:12.
ABIGAIL (maker of joy). Abigail
became David's wife after the death of her first husband, Nabal
(1 Sa. 25:3-44; 30:5,18; 2 Sa. 2:2).
ABIHAIL (mighty). Nu. 3:35.
ABIHU (God is father). One of
Aaron's four sons (Ex. 6:23; 24:1; 28:1). He and his brother
Nadab were killed for refusing to obey God's instructions
concerning worship (Le. 10:1-7).
ABIHUD (father of renown). 1 Ch.
8:3.
ABIMAEL (father of Mael). Ge.
10:28; 1 Ch. 1:22.
ABIMELECH (father of the king). (1)
A Philistine king (Ge. 20:1-18; 21:22-34; 26:1-33). (2) A son of
Gideon (Ju. 9:1-57). (3) A priest (1 Ch. 18:16; 24:6).
ABINADAB (princely). (1) A man of
Kirjath-jearim (1 Sa. 7:1-2; 2 Sa. 6:3; 1 Ch. 13:7). (2) Brother
of David (1 Sa. 16:8; 17:13). (3) Son of Saul (1 Sa. 31:2). (4)
Father of Ben-Abinadab (1 Ki. 4:11).
ABINOAM (gracious). Ju. 4:6; 5:12.
ABIRAM (high). (1) Brother of
Dathan (Nu. 16; 26:9-10). (2) Son of Hiel (Jos. 6:26; 1 Ki.
16:34).
ABISHAG (cause of error). 1 Ki.
1:1-4; 2:13-25.
ABISHAI (gift-maker). 1 Sa. 26:5-9;
2 Sa. 16:9; 19:21; 20:6; 1 Ch. 2:16; 18:12-13.
ABISHUA (of happiness). (1) A
Benjamite (1 Ch. 8:4). (2) Son of Phinehas (1 Ch. 6:4-5,50; Ezr.
7:5).
ABISHUR (upright). 1 Ch. 2:28-29.
ABITAL (protection). 2 Sa. 3:4; 1
Ch. 3:3.
ABITUB (goodness). 1 Ch. 8:8-11.
ABNER (light-maker). Commander of
King Saul's armies (1 Sa. 14:51; 17:55-58; 2 Sa. 2:8,12-32;
3:6-39; 1 Ki. 2:5).
ABOMINATION. (1) Something hated;
an object of disgust; detestable (Ge. 43:32; Pro. 6:16; Is. 1:13;
Lk. 16:15). Other examples of things which are abominations to
God are homosexuality (Le. 18:22; 20:13); occultic practices (De.
18:9-12); men and women wearing apparel which pertains to the
opposite sex (De. 22:5); prostitution (De. 23:17-18); a divorcee
returning to her first husband after remarrying (De. 24:4);
unjust business practices (De. 24:13-16); pride, lying, shedding
innocent blood, wicked imaginations, false witness, sowing
discord (Pr. 6:16-19); the wicked (Pr. 15:8); the way of the
wicked (Pr. 15:9); the thoughts of the wicked (Pr.15:26); the
sacrifice of the wicked (Pr. 21:27); the prayer of the wicked
(Pr. 28:9). (2) An idol is called an abomination because false
worship is hated by God (Je. 13:27; 32:34; Eze. 11:21). (3) The
apostate whore of Revelation 17 is called "the mother of
harlots and abominations" (Re. 17:5). (4) No abominable
thing shall enter into the Holy City (Re.21:27). [See Divorce,
Modesty,
Prostitution, Sodomy, Witchcraft.]
ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION. The term
Jesus used to describe the Antichrist spoken of by Daniel the
prophet (Mt. 24:15; Da. 8:9-12; 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). Daniel
foretold of one who would arise and persecute the Israelites. He
also said this evil one would take away Israel's sacrifices and
would place in the temple an abominable thing to desecrate it.
The Lord Jesus said this is yet future and will occur during the
Great Tribulation just prior to His Second Coming to earth. The
Antichrist will set himself up as god and will cause men to
worship an idol of himself (2 Th. 2:3,4; Re. 13). It seems this
will be the abomination which will cause the temple to be
desecrated.
In 168 B.C. a man named Antiochus
Epiphanes destroyed many thousands of Jews and profaned the
temple in Jerusalem by sacrificing a pig--an animal unclean by
the standards of the Mosaic law. He also erected an altar to
Jupiter in the Jewish temple. A great massacre followed, and the
people fled the city. True temple worship was abandoned for three
years while the temple was used as a place of idolatry and
blasphemy. This was all a preview of the coming of the future
Antichrist. Antiochus Epiphanes did not completely fulfill
Daniel's prophecies any more than the earthquakes and wars of
today fulfill the prophecies of the troubles which will shake the
world during the Great Tribulation foretold in Matthew 24 and
Revelation. Jesus said these events will not be fulfilled until
just prior to His return from Heaven (Mt. 24:29-30). [See Antichrist, Double
Fulfillment, Great Tribulation, Prophecy, Seventy Weeks.]
ABORTION. The destruction of
children in the womb. The fetus is called a child in Ex. 21:22,
and the law of Moses called for punishment if the fetus was
harmed (Ex. 21:22-23). The Bible says God forms children in the
womb (Job 31:15; Ps. 139:14-16; Je. 1:5; Lk. 1:15,41). Abortion
is murder.
ABRAHAM (father of a multitude).
The man God chose to become the father of the nation Israel and
of the promised Savior, Jesus Christ (Ge.12-50; Mt. 1:1).
Abraham's name was "Abram" at first, meaning exalted
father, and God changed it to "Abraham," meaning father
of a multitude (Ge. 17:5). N.T. references to Abraham are found
in Lk. 16:22-31; Jn. 8:31; Ac. 7:2; Ro. 4; Ga. 3:6; He. 11:8;
Jam. 2:21-24. [See Ur.]
ABRAHAMIC COVENANT. [See Covenant.]
ABRAHAM'S BOSOM. Jesus referred to
Abraham's bosom in Lk. 16:22,23. It refers to the place of
paradise where believing Jews rest after death. [See Heaven,
Millennium, Paradise.]
ABRAM (exalted father). Abraham's
original name. [See Abraham.]
ABROAD. Outside (De. 24:11).
ABSALOM (peacemaker). David's third
son (2 Sa. 3:3). Absolom rebelled against David and tried to take
away the kingdom (2 Sa. 13-19).
ACCAD (fortress). Ge. 10:10.
ACCO (compressed). Ju. 1:31; Ac.
21:7.
ACHAIA. One of the two provinces of
Greece as divided by the Romans. Macedonia was the northern area
of Greece; Achaia was the southern, including the tip point of
land jutting out into the Mediterranean sea. Corinth was the
capitol city of Achaia and was the center of much of the dramatic
adventures of Paul in Greece (Ac. 18:12-16) (Famous Bible
Places).
ACHAN (he that troubles). The Jew
who was stoned for stealing some gold, silver, and expensive
Babylonian cloth in disobedience to God's command (Jos. 6:18;
7:1-26; De. 7:26; 23:9).
ACHBOR (a mouse). Ge. 36:38; 1 Ch.
1:49; 2 Ki. 22:12,14; Je. 36:12.
ACHISH (serpent charmer). The king
of Gath (1 Sa. 21:10- 15; 27:1- 12; 29:1-11).
ACHOR (trouble). Jos. 7:24-26;
15:7; Ho. 2:15.
ACHSAH (anklet). Caleb's daughter
(Jos. 15:16-19; Ju. 1:12-15).
ACHSHAPH (enchantment). Jos. 12:20;
19:25.
ADAH (beauty). (1) A wife of Lamech
(Ge. 4:19-23). (2) A wife of Esau (Ge. 36:2-4).
ADAIAH (Jehovah hath adorned). 2
Ki. 22:1; 1 Ch. 6:41,42; 1 Ch. 8:21; Ezr. 10:29,39; 2 Ch. 23:1;
Ne. 11:5; 1 Ch. 9:12.
ADAM (red). The first man (Ge.
2-3). N.T. references: Ro. 5:14; 1 Co. 15:22,45; 1 Ti. 2:13. It
is clear that the Apostles considered Adam to be a historical
man, not merely a symbolic figure. "Adam is probably so
called either from the red earth of which he was formed, or from
the blush or flesh-tint of the human countenance"
(Treasury).
The following is from an article
"Adam and Eve: Real or Imaginary" by William A. Powell,
Commander, Retired, United States Navy:
FACT # 1: If Adam and Eve were not the
first human beings, the Bible cannot be trusted! Some serious
questions are being asked about Adam and Eve. Answers to these
questions are far more important than most people imagine!
(1) Were Adam and Eve the first human
beings? (2) Did Adam and Eve give birth to the first human
babies? (3) Did God inspire every word of the Bible? (4) Is the
Bible perfect and without error? (5) Are Adam and Eve only
imaginary people, or are they representatives of human beings as
evolution teaches? (6) Is what the Bible says about Adam and Eve
only myth, folklore, idea, theory, or parable as the liberals
teach? (7) What difference does it make whether they were actual
historical persons? Why is any one couple so important? (8) Why
is it so important to believe Adam and Eve were the first human
beings and that they gave birth to the first human babies? Why
all of this attention being given to Adam and Eve? (9) Is it
possible to believe that Adam and Eve were created as the Bible
teaches and also believe they were only representatives of the
beginnings of the human race as evolution teaches? (10) Is it
possible to believe in creation and evolution both? (11) Is it
possible to believe both evolution and the Bible? (12) Is it
possible to believe theistic evolution and the Bible? (13) If we
believe there are no errors in the Bible, can we be loyal to the
Bible and support ministers, teachers, and writers who deny Adam
and Eve were the first human beings?
These are the questions brought about by
the spread of modern critical thought.
FACT # 2: The Bible is the only
reliable source for facts. The first and primary source of
information for answers to these questions is the Bible. Consider
very specific teachings of the Bible. "So God created man in
His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and
female created He them" (Gen. 1:27; see also Ge. 2:7,18-23;
3:20-21; 4:1-25; 5:1-5). It is obvious that the Bible teaches a
literal creation.
FACT # 3: Adam is mentioned by name 30
times in the Bible. Adam is mentioned by name at least 18 times
in the first five chapters of the Bible. He is mentioned in
at least four books of the Old Testament. Ge. 2- 4; De. 32:8; 1
Ch. 1:1; and Job 31:33. Adam is mentioned in five books of the
New Testament: Lk. 3:38; Ro. 5:14; 1 Co. 15:22; 1 Co. 15:45; 1
Ti. 2:13-14; and Jude 14. The Bible mentions Adam by name at
least 30 times in nine different books. Therefore, no one who
believes the Bible is infallible can doubt that Adam and Eve were
created as the first human beings by a special act of God.
The first five chapters of the Bible give
great attention to make it very clear that Adam and Eve were the
first human beings and that they gave birth to the first human
babies. Thus, if Adam and Eve were not the first human beings,
the first five chapters of the Bible cannot be trusted. In fact
the Bible would be telling things that were absolutely not true
if Adam and Eve were not the first human beings. If you read a
secular history book that taught things in the first five
chapters that were definitely not true, you would not have any
reason to believe the other things that book taught in later
chapters.
Evolution denies that Adam and Eve were
created by God. There are very few persons other than Adam who
are named 30 times in the Bible, yet, evolution teaches mankind
descended from some kind of an animal.
FACT # 4: To deny Adam is to deny Jesus
Christ. The third chapter of Luke lists the genealogy of
Jesus beginning in verse 23. It traces Jesus through history to
show that His humanity came from Adam. This genealogy covers 16
verses and goes back to Adam as seen in verse 38: "And Jesus
Himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was
supposed) the Son of Joseph ... Noe ... Lamech ... Mathusala ...
Enoch ... Jared ... Maleleel ... Cainan ... Enos, which was the
son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of
God" (Lk. 3:23-38).
The N.T. speaks of Jesus and Adam in a
simple but very significant comparison. "For as in Adam all
die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Co.
15:22). Paul speaks of Adam, the first man, as being given a
natural human body, and of Jesus being much more than Adam for He
was a life-giving Spirit. "And so it is written, the first
man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a
quickening spirit" (1 Co. 15:45).
FACT # 5: The Bible and evolution are
in direct contradiction.
The Bible is conclusive. If you believe
the Bible you must recognize that Adam and Eve were the first
human beings and that they gave birth to the first human babies
simply because the Bible clearly and emphatically teaches it.
Evolutionists and others who deny parts of the Bible say that
Adam was not a real person but simply represents mankind. But Ge.
5:5 says that Adam lived 930 years and then Adam died! If Adam
only represented mankind, what happened to mankind after Adam
died!
On the other hand, evolution emphatically
denies the Bible's teaching about Adam and Eve and their
children. Evolutionists have many different theories and some of
their theories are very weird. There's only one thing that all
evolutionists agree upon and that is that the Bible is absolutely
wrong about Adam and Eve and the way they were created, and
therefore you cannot trust the Bible. To accept evolution is to
deny the Bible.
FACT # 6: Theistic evolution is a
biblical impossibility. Some persons today say they believe
in theistic evolution. This is the false teaching that God
created mankind by some long drawn out process of evolution. In
other words--evolution was the method God used to create mankind.
The Bible says that God created Adam out of the dust of the
earth, and that Eve was created from a rib taken out of Adam's
side. The Bible does not say how long it took God to create Adam,
but it does not seem that it would take a long time to create him
out of the dust of the earth. It is an act of God's creation, not
a process of evolution spread out over many thousands or millions
of years. The Bible clearly teaches that God, in a brief simple
surgical procedure, removed a rib from Adam and created Eve.
Surely, this surgical operation did not require many thousands or
millions of years. And we know that Eve gave birth to the first
human baby. This first mother's name was given "Eve"
because she was the mother of all living (Ge. 3:20).
The reason that it is so important to
believe that Adam and Eve were the first parents is that the
Bible clearly and emphatically teaches it. If you do not believe
that, how can you know what else is false in the Bible?
Therefore, anyone who cannot believe that Adam and Eve were the
first human beings and that they gave birth to the first human
babies absolutely denies parts of the Bible. And if there are any
errors in the Bible, who will know and how will they know what
parts of the Bible are true and what parts are false? Every
person who believes in evolution or in theistic evolution denies
parts of the the Bible and makes a liar out of God and all those
who do believe the Bible.
Theistic evolution is commonly believed
among Christian teachers. A large number of ministers and
teachers in colleges and seminaries and writers of Christian
literature believe in evolution or in theistic evolution and do
not believe what the Bible says.
One simple way to help find out if a
person believes the Bible is to show him all of these Bible
verses about the first family, then ask if he believes in the
Bible or in evolution or theistic evolution. Anyone who says that
he believes the Bible AND evolution or theistic evolution is
either misinformed, uninformed, dishonest, or attempting to
conceal his lack of faith in the Bible with some good-sounding
phrases.
When you ask your pastor, leader, Bible
college or seminary professor, or the person teaching your youth
in the church or classroom the first four questions on page one,
don't be surprised if they try to evade the question or beat
around the bush. If they do not answer these first four questions
with a solid "Yes," watch out! Try it. It's amazing the
way some people will try to avoid a direct answer to these first
four questions. Just one error in the Bible is too many. For, if
there is one error, there may be many errors, then who will
decide where the errors are?
I made more than 500 dives on my submarine
while I was in the Navy, but I'll never forget one dive! No one
on that dive will ever forget it! It was December 3, 1945, in the
freezing North Atlantic on the USS Pomodon (SS- 486). We had
watched and examined as they built the submarine. We especially
watched for a leak. The day came for us to "take her
down." We went down very slowly, constantly looking for a
leak! It was a very tense day, for our lives were at stake. We
didn't think there were any leaks, but we could not be sure. We
went deeper and stayed longer than any dive I ever made. Finally
the Captain made a decision and got the microphone. He said,
"This sub is okay; not one leak; let's surface!" I have
never known a submarine sailor who would go down on a submarine
that had just "one leak." You see, just one leak is too
many for a submarine. [And just one error is too many for the
Bible, God's holy infallible Word!] [See Apostasy, Apostate, Bible, Evolution,
Fundamentalism, Heresy, Inspiration,
Jonah, Preservation, Separation, Timothy.]
ADAR (high, eminent, power). The
12th month of the Hebrew sacred calender, corresponding to parts
of February and March (Es. 3:7). The spring season (Potts). [See Calender.]
ADBEEL (A miracle of God). Ge.
25:13; 1 Ch. 1:29.
ADDER. A deadly venomous snake with
two horns. It hides in the sand which it resembles in color and
thus escapes detection (Ge. 49:17; Ps. 58:4-5; 91:13; Pr. 23:32;
Is. 59:5) (Analytical). [See Dragon, Serpent.]
ADIEL (ornament of God). 1 Ch.
4:36; 9:12; 27:25.
ADLAI (God's justice). 1 Ch. 27:29.
ADMAH (red earth). A city destroyed
together with Sodom and Gomorrah (Ge. 10:19; 14:2,8; 19:25-29;
Ho. 11:8; De. 29:22).
ADNA (pleasure). Ne. 12:15; Ezr.
10:30.
ADNAH (pleasure). 1 Ch. 12:20; 2
Ch. 17:14.
ADONIJAH (Jehovah my Lord). The
fourth son of King David (2 Sa. 3:2- 4). He tried unsuccessfully
to take away David's throne (1 Ki. 1-2).
ADONIKAM (the Lord arises). Ezr.
2:13; 8:13; Ne. 7:18.
ADONIRAM (the Lord is exalted). 2
Sa. 20:24; 2 Ch. 10:18; 1 Ki.4:6,12-18.
ADONIZEDEK (lord of righteousness).
Jos. 10:1-27.
ADOPTION. The N.T. word means
placed into a family as a son. It refers to a rich man choosing
an orphan and making him a legal son and heir with the full
privileges of such. This word is used to describe salvation in
Christ (Ro. 8:15,23; Ga. 4:5; Ep. 1:5). It also is used to refer
to Israel's special relationship as a nation with God (Ro. 9:4;
Ex. 4:12). In reference to Christians, adoption is a present
possession, as well as a future hope. In other words, though
Christians are adopted sons of God already (Jn. 1:12; 1 Jn.
3:1-2), we do not yet enjoy all the blessings of being children
of God. Not until resurrection will we enjoy our new bodies and
the full riches of the Father's kingdom. In this sense we look
forward to the adoption as our hope (Ro. 8:23). [See Hope, Justification,
Resurrection.]
ADRIEL (flock of God). 1 Sa. 18:19.
ADULLAM (resting place). A town of
Judah (Ge. 38:1-2; Jos. 12:15; 1 Sa. 22; 2 Sa. 23:13; 2 Ch. 11:7;
Ne. 11:30.
ADULLAMITE. An inhabitant of
Adullam (Ge. 38:1,12,20).
ADULTERY. Having marital
relationships with someone other than one's wife or husband (Le.
20:10; Pr. 6:26-32; Eze. 16:32; Ro. 7:3; He. 13:4). The Bible
also speaks of spiritual adultery--worshiping or serving false
gods or worldly pleasures (Je. 13:27; Eze. 23:43; Jam. 4:4). The
Lord Jesus Christ taught that adultery first occurs in the heart.
Immoral lust is adultery (Mt. 5:27-28). [See Concupiscence,
Divorce, Fornication,
Idolatry, Lascivious, Lust, Modesty,
Nakedness, Sodomy.]
ADUMMIM (red things). Jos. 15:7;
18:17; Lk. 10:30.
ADVERSARY (to strive against). An
opponent; a foe; an enemy; one who resists the progress or work
of another. Satan is the great adversary of God and of God's
people. In fact, the name Satan means adversary (1 Pe. 5:8; 1 Ti.
5:14). Satan hindered Paul (1 Th. 2:18). [See Satan.]
ADVOCATE. One who acts in behalf of
another. It was used in a court of justice to denote a counsel
for the defense. The Lord Jesus Christ is the believer's Advocate
(1 Jn. 2:1-2). The Greek word parakletos, translated
"advocate," is also translated "comforter"
and is used of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7).
AEGEAN SEA. The part of the
Mediterranean which lay between Greece and Asia Minor. Paul
crossed the Aegean on his second and third missionary journeys
from Troas to Macedonia, and from Corinth to Ephesus (Famous
Bible Places).
AENON (fountains). A locality near
Salim where John the Baptist immersed those who repented (Jn.
3:23). He chose this place because there was much water there.
[See Baptism.]
AFFLICTION. Trouble; hardship;
suffering (Ge. 15:13; 16:11; Job 34:28; Ps.119:75; Mk. 4:17;
13:19; Ac. 7:10; 20:23; 2 Co. 4:17; 6:4; 8:2; Col. 1:24; 1 Th.
1:6; 3:3,7; 2 Ti. 1:8; He. 10:32; 11:25; Jam. 1:27; 5:10; 1 Pe.
5:9). The Greek word commonly translated affliction, thlipsis,
refers to pressure and constriction. It is also translated
"trouble" (1 Co. 7:28; 2 Co. 1:4,8),
"anguish" (Jn. 16:21), "burdened" (2 Co.
8:13), "persecution" (Ac. 11:19), and
"tribulation" (Mt. 13:21; 24:21; Jn. 16:33; Ac. 14:22;
Ro. 5:3; 8:35; 12:12; 2 Co. 1:4; 7:4; 2 Th. 1:4; 1:6; Re. 1:9;
2:9,22; 7:14). [See Chasten, Discipline, Great Tribulation,
Suffering, Trials.]
AFFUSION. The practice of baptism
by sprinkling or pouring water rather than by immersion. [See Baptism
- Adult, Baptism -
Infant.]
AGABUS (locus). A prophet (Ac.
11:27-30; 21:10-11).
AGAG (burning). A title of the king
of the Amalekites, like Pharaoh of the Egyptians and Caesar of
the Romans (Nu. 24:7; 1 Sa. 15:8) (Smith).
AGAINST HE COME. To meet him (Ex.
7:15).
AGATE. A precious stone (Ex. 28:19;
Is. 54:12). White with red or green grain, often used in windows.
Member of the Chalcedony family (Boyd).
AGE. A period of time; generation.
In the Bible, "age" refers to the various periods of
time in which God is working out His plans. The Bible speaks of
ages past (Ep. 3:5; Col. 1:26), the present age (1 Co. 10:11; Ep.
1:21; 2:2; Tit. 2:12), and future ages (Ep. 1:21; 2:7; He. 6:5).
In this present age God is calling out a people for His name
among all nations (Ac. 15:14). This age will end when Jesus
returns from Heaven to set up His earthly kingdom (Mt. 13:39-43).
The word translated eternal or forever in the N.T. is often
translated from a Greek phrase which could also be translated
"into the ages" (Jn. 6:51,58; 8:35,51; Ro. 16:27; Re.
1:6; 20:10). As God's plans and ages roll forward in endless
succession, His redeemed people will serve Him in perfect joy
(Re. 22:3). This is eternal life. [See Day, Eternal, Eternal Security,
Forever, Hell, Judgment, Prophecy, Times, World.]
AGNOSTIC. A person who claims to be
unsure about the existence of God. The agnostic commonly believes
that assured knowledge of God is not possible.
AGONE. Ago (1 Sa. 30:13).
AGUR (one of the assembly). Author
of the sayings in Pro. 30. Some have supposed that this was an
assumed name of Solomon, such as was "Koheleth,"
translated "preacher" (Smith).
AHAB (father's brother). A wicked
king of the northern kingdom of Israel (1 Ki. 16:28--22:40). His
wife, Jezebel, was one of the most wicked women in the Bible.
AHASUERUS (lion-king). The title of
the Persian king. Three persons are mentioned by this title in
the Bible: (1) The father of Darius (Da. 9:1); (2) Ezr. 4:6. (3)
The husband of Esther (Est. 1:1).
AHAVA (river). Ezr. 8:15,31.
AHAZ (possessor). The twelfth ruler
of the kingdom of Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel (2 Ki.
16: 2 Ch. 28).
AHAZIAH (the Lord has seized). (1)
King of Israel 1 Ki. 22:51-53; 2 Ki. 1:2-4). (2) King of Judah (2
Ki. 9:27-28).
AHER (another). 1 Ch. 7:12.
AHI (brother). 1 Ch. 5:15; 7:34.
AHIAM (father's brother). 2 Sa.
23:33; 1 Ch. 11:35.
AHIEZER (helper). Nu. 1:12; 2:25;
7:66; 1 Ch. 12:3.
AHIHUD (brother of Jews). Nu.
34:27; 1 Ch. 8:7.
AHIJAH, AHIAH (friend of God). 1
Sa. 14:3,18; 1 Ki. 4:3; 11:29-39; 14:1-18; 15:27,33; 1 Ch. 2:25;
8:7; 11:36; 26:20; Ne. 10:26.
AHIKAM (enemy's brother). 2 Ki.
22:12; Je. 26:24.
AHILUD (maker). 2 Sa. 8:16; 20:24;
1 Ki. 4:3.
AHIMAAZ (choleric). 1 Sa. 14:50; 2
Sa. 15:27,36; 17:20; 18:19-30; 1 Ki. 4:15.
AHIMAN (giver). Nu. 13:22; 1 Ch.
9:17.
AHIMELECH (king's brother). Chief
priest at Nob (1 Sa. 21:1-9; 22:7- 23.
AHIMOTH (deathly). 1 Ch. 6:25.
AHINADAB (liberal brother). 1 Ki.
4:14.
AHINOAM (pleasant brother). 1 Sa.
25:43; 30:5.
AHIO (brotherly). 2 Sa. 6:3-4; 1
Ch. 8:14, 29-31; 9:35-37.
AHIRA (brother of evil). Nu. 1:15;
7:78; 10:27.
AHIRAM (exalted brother). Nu.
26:38. Probably the same as Ehi (Ge. 46:21) and Aharah (1 Ch.
8:1) (Analytical).
AHISAMACH (brother of support). Ex.
31:6.
AHISHAHAR (morning dawn). 1 Ch.
7:10.
AHISHAR (upright). 1 Ki. 4:6.
AHITHOPHEL (foolish). A counselor
of King David and a grandfather of Bathsheba. He deserted David
during Absolom's rebellion and later hung himself (2 Sa.
15:12,31-34; 16:15; 17:23). He is a type of Judas, who, after
betraying Jesus, hung himself (Mt. 26:14-16,47-50; 27:3-10). [See
Judas.]
AHITUB (goodness). 1 Sa. 14:3;
22:9; 2 Sa. 8:17; 1 Ch. 6:11-12; Ne. 11:11.
AHLAB (fertile place). Ju. 1:31.
AHOLAH (her tent). Israel was
called Aholah by God, referring to the fact that Jerusalem and
the southern kingdom were spiritually adulterous (Eze.
23:4-5,36,44).
AHOLIAB (tent of his father). Ex.
31:6; 35:34; 38:23.
AHOLIBAH (my tent is in her). A
harlot who was made a symbol of Judah (Eze. 23:1-49).
AHOLIBAMAH (tent of the height).
Ge. 36:2.
AHUZZATH (possession). Ge. 26:26.
AI, HAI (heap of ruins). Ge. 12:8;
13:3; Jos. 7:2; 8:11.
AIAH, AJAH (clamor). Ge. 36:24; 2
Sa. 3:7; 21:8-11; 1 Ch. 1:40.
AIJALON (place of harts). Jos.
10:12; 21:20,24; Ju. 12:12; 1 Ch. 6:69; 8:13; 2 Ch. 11:10; 28:18.
AKELDAMA, ACELDAMA (field of
blood). A field near Jerusalem purchased by the priests with the
thirty pieces of silver thrown away by Judas (Mt. 27:3-10; Ac.
1:18-19). Zechariah prophesied of this (Zec. 11:12- 13). [See Judas.]
AKKUB (cunning). Ezr. 2:42; Ne.
8:7; 12:25; 1 Ch. 3:23-24.
ALABASTER. So named from the town
of Alabastron, in Middle Egypt, where there are quarries of this
fine-grained, pink-colored gypsum. It was made into containers
for holding perfumes and other precious articles (Mt. 26:7; Mk.
14:3; Lk. 7:37) (Smith).
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. [See Drunkenness,
Strong Drink.]
ALEXANDRIA. One of the three
greatest Mediterranean cities during the era of the N.T. Located
on the mouth of the Nile river in Egypt, it was founded by
Alexander the Great in 332 B.C., and became one of the
outstanding cities of Greek culture in early history. Its most
famous building was the library which contained the greatest
collection of books in ancient times, over 700,000 rolls or
volumes. Alexandria ranked second only to Rome as chief city of
the world in wealth and importance; and second only to Athens as
a center of literature and science. Paul sailed twice from
Alexandria during his missionary journeys (Ac. 2:10; 6:9; 18:24;
27:6). Here the Hebrew scriptures were first translated into
Greek in 132 B.C. The early church fathers Clement and Origen
used Alexandria as their headquarters (Famous Bible Places). We
should note that Clement and Origen were apostates who corrupted
the Bible to fit their heretical doctrinal positions. Origen
popularized the allegorical method of Bible interpretation which
foists every sort of fanciful meaning upon the Scriptures. In
loosing himself from the literal meaning of the Bible, Origen
found support for such heresies as universal salvation, the pre-
existence of the soul, and the animation of the stars.
ALLEGE. Prove (Ac. 17:3).
ALLEGORICAL. A spiritualizing
method of interpreting the prophetic portions of Scripture. In
this methodology, the O.T. prophecies of a glorious earthly
kingdom for the nation Israel are considered allegorical pictures
of the existing church age. In other words, "Zion" is
taken to mean the church instead of the city Jerusalem. The
desert blossoming as a rose (Is. 35). is taken as a picture of
the present fruitfulness of the gospel instead of a literal
future condition on earth. The temple in Eze. 40-48 is taken as a
symbolical representation of the church rather than a literal
future temple. By this manner of interpretation the events
recorded in Revelation--the judgments upon the earth, the wars,
the Two Witnesses, the sealing of the 144,000 Israelites, the
binding of Satan, and the 1,000 year earthly rule--are viewed
symbolically rather than as literal future events.
There are six major Bible reasons for
rejecting this view:
1. Bible prophecies have always been
fulfilled literally. Examples are the prophecies concerning
the nations (such as Babylon and Tyre), the prophecies of Israel,
and the prophecies of the first coming of Christ. All of these
have been fulfilled literally in every detail, and it is
reasonable to assume that unfulfilled prophecies will likewise be
literally consummated.
2. Every major section of the Bible
foretells in detail the same events. In this way God is
emphasizing the literalness of these events. If a person studies
O.T. prophecies, Jesus' prophecies, the Apostles' prophecies, and
the prophecies described in Revelation, he will see a repetition
of the same events. All give details of the same major
scenes--the worldwide tribulation, a wicked world ruler, Christ's
second coming in glory, destruction of rebels, restoration and
national regeneration of Israel, the glorious earthly reign of
Christ. [ Click here for
chart .]
3. Jesus said these events are yet future. He
pinpointed the general time of their fulfillment to be just prior
to His coming in glory (Mt. 24:15-29).
4. The prophecies are beginning to be fulfilled literally.
The machinery for the one world government and religious
organization described in Re. 13 is being set up. The nation
Israel is back in the land in preparation for the fulfillment of
all the prophecies regarding Israel and Palestine. Earthquakes,
wars, famine, and false teachings are increasing just as Jesus
said they would (Mt. 24:3-8). There is no good reason to doubt
that Bible prophecy will be wholly fulfilled in the future.
5. Israel still exists as a nation just as prophecy
foretold it would. The nation Israel is back in its land in
preparation for the literal fulfillment of all the prophecies
pertaining to it. This supports the belief that God has not
permanently rejected the nation Israel, but has only temporarily
set them aside until He is ready to fulfill His promises to them
(Ro. 11:25-29).
6. Practical necessity also demands the literal
interpretation of prophecy. To interpret Bible prophecy
allegorically destroys the absolute sense of God's Word. If
prophecy does not mean exactly what it says, there is no way to
discern exactly what it does mean. "Whether it is the
interpretation of prophecy or non-prophecy, once literality is
sacrificed, it is like starting down an incline. Momentum
speedily gathers as one succumbs to the temptation to
spiritualize one passage after another. ... Moreover, under the
method of spiritualization, there is no way for an interpreter to
test the validity of his conclusions, except to compare his works
with that of a colleague. Instead of `a more sure word of
prophecy' (2 Pe. 1:19), interpreters end up with an `unsure' word
and chaos in the ranks" (Paul Lee Tan, The Interpretation of
Prophecy, pp. 73,74). [For more on interpretation of prophecy see
Prophecy.] [See also Antichrist,
Covenant, Day,
Daniel,
Dispensationalism, Gog,
Great Tribulation, Judgment, Kingdom of God, Last Days, Poetry,
Prophecy, Revelation, Times, Type.]
ALLELUIA. [See Hallelujah.]
ALLON (an oak). Jos. 19:33; 1 Ch.
4:37.
ALLOW. (1) Approve; sanction; admit
(Lk. 11:48). (2) Permit (1 Th. 2:4). (3) To receive; believe (Ac.
24:15).
ALMIGHTY GOD. [See El
Shaddai.]
ALMON (hidden). Jos. 21:18.
ALMOND. A tree which bears almond
nuts (Ex. 25:33-34; Nu. 17:8; Je. 1:11). It has light-colored
blossoms and is used symbolically in Ec. 12:5 to refer to the
white hair of the aged.
ALMOST. Nearly; well nigh (Ex.
17:4; Ps. 73:2; Ac. 26:28).
ALMUG. Probably sandlewood. It is a
light, very fragrant wood (1 Ki. 10:11- 12; 2 Ch. 9:10-11).
ALOES. A fragrant oil from the seed
of the aloe tree (Ps. 45:8; Pro. 7:17; Song 4:14; Jn. 19:39).
ALPHA. The first letter of the
Greek alphabet. Jesus is called the Alpha and Omega (Re. 1:8,11).
This refers to several truths: (1) Jesus is the eternal God. By
claiming to be the First and the Last, Jesus Christ is
identifying Himself with Jehovah God (compare Is. 9:6-7; 41:4;
44:6; also Re. 1:8 which says Jesus is the Almighty). (2) Jesus
Christ is eternal (Mi. 5:2; Jn. 1:1; Is. 9:6). (3) Jesus created
all things. He is the beginning, the origin, of the old creation
(Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:16; He. 1:2). (4) Jesus became the beginning of
the new creation at His resurrection (Col. 1:15-18; Re. 1:5).
[See Jesus Christ for study on Christ's deity.]
ALPHAEUS (exchange). Father of the
lesser James (Mt. 10:3. Called Cleopas in Jn. 14:25. Alphaeus and
Cleopas are synonymous in Hebrew and Greek (Smith).
ALTAR. A structure for offering
sacrifices or burning incense. God's people made altars even
before the time of Moses (Ge. 8:20; 12:7; 35:1,7). When God
revealed His law to Moses, He specified the type of altars to be
used in the tabernacle. One was the brass altar for sacrifices
(Ex. 27:1- 8). This pictured the cross of Christ upon which He
died and shed His blood for sin (He. 9-10; 13:10-12). The other
altar in the tabernacle was the golden incense altar (Ex.
30:1-10). This one pictures Christ's prayers for His people (Ro.
8:34; He. 7:25). In Re. 8:3,4 the golden altar is said to be
connected with prayer. It also pictures the truth that men can
only pray to God through Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:6; 1 Ti. 2:5; Ep.
5:20). In Israel's tabernacle the priest could not reach the
incense altar without first passing the brass altar of sacrifice
and the laver of water for cleansing. This taught that people
cannot freely pray to God and fellowship with Him until they are
redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and sanctified by the Word
of God (Ep. 5:26; He. 10:19-22). [See Offerings, Tabernacle.]
AL-TASCHITH. [See Music.]
AMAL (sorrow). 1 Ch. 7:35.
AMALEK (to lick up). Ge. 36:12; Ex.
17:8; 1 Ch. 1:36.
AMALEKITES. Descendants of Esau who
fought against Israel during the Exodus from Egypt. They were
perpetual enemies of Israel (Ge. 36:12; Nu. 13:29; 14:45; Ju.
3:13; 6:3,33; 1 Sa. 15:7; 27:8; 30:1-20).
AMARIAH (Jehovah hath said). Ezr.
7:3; 10:42; Ne. 10:3; 11:4; 12:2,7; 1 Ch. 6:7,11,52; 23:19;
24:23; 2 Ch. 31:14-15; Zec. 1:1.
AMASA (burden-bearer). 2 Sa. 18:25;
19:13; 20:1-13; 2 Ch. 28:12.
AMASAI (burdensome). 1 Ch. 6:35;
12:18; 15:24; 2 Ch. 29:12.
AMASIAH (Jehovah hath borne). 2 Ch.
17:16.
AMAZEMENT. (1) Astonishment;
perplexity (Ac. 3:10). (2) Fear (1 Pe. 3:6).
AMAZIAH (the Lord is strong). 2 Ki.
14; 2 Ch. 25; 1 Ch. 4:34; 6:25; Amos 7:10-17.
AMBASSADOR. A minister of the
highest rank employed by one prince or state ... representing the
power and dignity of his sovereign (Webster). (2 Sa. 10:2; 1 Ki.
5:1). Christians are ambassadors of Christ to the unsaved world
(2 Co. 5:15-21). The Christian stands in the very authority of
Jesus Christ Himself when he proclaims the Gospel to the ends of
the world (Mt. 28:18-20).
AMBASSAGE. Representatives (Lk.
14:32).
AMBER. A fossil resin usually found
on seacoasts or in alluvial soil. Bright fire color; shade of
yellow (Eze. 1:4,27) (Boyd).
AMEN (so let it be).
"Amen" is found many times in the Bible and is an
expression of agreement and support (De. 27:15-26; 1 Ki. 1:36;
Ps. 41:13; 72:19; 89:52; Mt. 6:13; Ro. 1:25; 9:5; Re. 1:6,7;
22:21). It is also a common expression among Christians today.
Jesus is called "the Amen" (Re. 3:14), meaning that He
and His promises are perfectly true and trustworthy (2 Co. 1:20).
AMETHYST. A glassy, clear quartz,
nearly purple in color (Ex. 28:19; Re. 21:20) (Analytical).
A-MILLENNIAL. The teaching that the
1,000 year period of Re. 20:2-7 is not a literal 1,000 years.
According to a-millennialism, the events recorded in Re. 19-20
are to be interpreted symbolically. In other words, the binding
of Satan, the resurrection, and the 1,000 year earthly reign of
Christ are believed to be symbols of the present church age and
of the heavenly condition of saints, not literal future events.
[See Allegorical,
Millennium, Prophecy, Rapture.]
AMISH. A group of Mennonites who
settled particularly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Nebraska, and Canada. [See Mennonite.]
AMITTAI (true). 2 Ki. 14:25; Jon.
1:1).
AMMI (my people). A name God called
Israel in Hosea 2:1.
AMMIEL (people of my God). Nu.
13:12; 2 Sa. 9:4-5; 17:27; 1 Ch. 3:5; 26:5.
AMMIHUD (people of Judah). Nu.
1:10; 34:20,28; 2 Sa. 13:37; 1 Ch. 9:4.
AMMINADIB (the people are
generous). Song 6:12.
AMMISHADDAI (people of the
Almighty). Nu. 1:12; 2:25.
AMMIZABAD (people of the giver). 1
Ch. 27:6.
AMMON (son of my relative). A form
of Ben-ammi, Lot's younger son who became the ancestor of the
Ammonites (Ge. 19:38).
AMMONITES (workman). Ge. 19:38; Ju.
11:4-33; 2 Sa. 10:6-14; 12:26- 31; Ne. 4:3,7; Eze. 25:1-7. [See Ammon.]
AMNON (faithful). The son of King
David who was murdered by Absolom because of his immoral act with
Absolom's sister (2 Sa. 13:1-39).
AMOK (deep). Ne. 12:7.
AMON (workman). 1 Ki. 22:26; 2 Ki.
21:19-26; Ne. 7:59.
AMORITES (mountaineers).
Inhabitants of the land of Canaan who fought against Israel (Ex.
3:8; 33:2; Nu. 13:29; Jos. 2:10; 7:7; 9:10; 10:5-14; 11:3; Ju.
1:35; 3:5; 6:10; 11:22).
AMOS (burden-bearer). The prophet
of Israel who wrote the book called by his name. He was a farmer
until called by God to prophesy against the sins of northern
Israel (Amos 1:1; 7:14,15).
AMOZ (strong). Is. 1:1.
AMPHIPOLIS (about the city). An
important city of Macedonia. Deriving its name from the fact that
it was almost surrounded by the Strymon river (Ac. 17:1)
(Analytical).
AMRAM (exalted people). Ex. 6:20;
Nu. 3:17-27; Ezr. 10:34.
AMZI (strong). 1 Ch. 6:46; Ne.
11:12.
ANAB (place of grapes). Town of
Judah out of which the Anakim were driven (Jos. 11:21; 15:50).
ANAH (answering). Ge. 36:2,14
ANAK (long-necked). The founder of
the giants called Anakim (Nu. 13:22-28).
ANAKIM. A people of large stature
who were conquered by Israel (Nu. 13:22- 28; De. 9:2; Jos. 10:36;
11:21,22; 15:13-14; 21:11).
ANAMMELECH (Anu is king). 2 Ki.
17:31.
ANANIAH (Jehovah hath covered). Ne.
3:23; 11:32.
ANANIAS (Jehovah is gracious). A
man in the early church who, with his wife Sapphira, lied about
their offering and was killed by God (Ac. 5:1-11).
ANATH (answer). Ju. 3:31; 5:6.
ANATHEMA (accursed). The phrase
"anathema maranatha" in 1 Co. 16:22 means
"accursed at Christ's coming," and refers to judgment
upon the unsaved at Christ's return. [See Hell, Judgment,
Prophecy, Second Coming.]
ANATHOTH (answers). A city of
priests (Jos. 21:18; 1 Ki. 2:26; 1 Ch. 6:60; Je. 1:1; 11:21).
ANCHOR. A device which fastens to
the bottom of a lake or ocean and holds a boat in one place (Ac.
27:29,30). Christian hope is said to be "an anchor both sure
and steadfast" (He. 6:19), referring to the certainty of
one's salvation in Christ. Compare Jn. 10:27,28; Ro. 5:1-11; Ep.
1-3; 1 Pe. 1:2-5; 1 Jn. 5:11-13. [See Eternal Security, Hope.]
ANCIENTS. Elderly; old age (Ps.
119:100; Is. 3:2). [See Old Age.]
ANDREW (manliness). One of the
twelve apostles of Christ (Mt. 4:18; 10:2; Mk. 1:16-18; Jn.
1:35-42).
ANDRONICUS (man conquering). Ro.
16:7.
ANGEL OF THE LORD. "In the
O.T. the expression `the angel of the Lord' (sometimes `angel of
God') usually implies the presence of Deity in angelic form (Ge.
16:1-13; 21:17-19; 22:11-16; 31:11- 13; Ex. 3:2-4; Ju. 2:1; 6:12-
16; 13:3-22)" (Scofield Reference Bible). These O.T.
appearances of God in human form are foreviews of the incarnation
of Jesus Christ as "God manifest in the flesh" (Mt.
1:23; 1 Ti. 3:16). Not all of the O.T. references to "angel
of the Lord" are pre- incarnations of Christ; some are
references to ordinary angels (Ju. 13:16).
ANGELS (messenger). A supernatural
being created to serve God. Angel means "messenger."
The Bible speaks of two major groups of angels--good and evil.
One group of angels rebelled against God and followed Satan (Mt.
25:41). These fallen angels are also called demons or evil
spirits. Those angels which did not join the rebellion are called
the elect angels and continue to serve and worship God (1 Ti.
5:21).
Do angels exist? Angels are spoken
of throughout the Bible. No one can therefore deny the existence
of angels without denying the Bible. (1) They are spoken of in
the O.T. (Ge. 19:1; Ps. 8:5; Da. 3:28; etc.). (2) They are spoken
of in Jesus' earthly life (Mt. 4:11; Lk. 22:43). (3) They are
spoken of by the Apostles (Ac. 4. They are spoken of in the book
of Revelation (Re. 5:11; etc.).
The origin of angels: (1) They were
created by Jesus Christ (Col. 1:16). (2) They were created before
the world was made (Job 38:7).
Division of angels into good and evil:
(1) Evil angels are those which followed Satan in his rebellion
against God (Mt. 25:11; Re. 12:9). They are also called demons,
devils, and evil spirits (Mt. 4:24; Lk. 8:2), and are organized
under Satan's command to help carry out his evil designs in this
world (Ep. 6:12). Some of the fallen angels are already in a
place of confinement awaiting judgment (2 Pe. 2:4; Jude 6). (2)
Good angels are those which continue to serve and obey God (Ps.
103:20,21). They are also called "elect angels" (1 Ti.
5:21), and in He. 1:4 are called "ministering spirits, sent
forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."
What are angels like? (1) They are
spirits (He. 1:7). (2) Though they can fly and move quickly, the
Bible never says angels have wings (Da. 9:21). (3) They are
always referred to as masculine (Ge. 18:1,2; Ju. 13:3,6; Lk.
24:3,4). (4) They do not marry or bear children (Mt. 22:30). (5)
They are very powerful (Ps. 103:20). (6) They are very wise (2
Sa. 14:20), but they are not all-wise. 1 Pe. 1:12 speaks of
things the angels desire to know, and in Ep. 3:10 we learn that
angels are learning from God's revelations to and workings in the
church. (7) They cannot die (Lk. 20:36).
How many angels are there? They are
innumerable (Ps. 68:17; He.12:22; Re. 5:11).
What do angels do? (1) They worship
God (Re. 5:11-12; Ps. 148:2). (2) They serve and obey God (Ps.
103:20-21). (3) They minister to and protect God's people (He.
1:14; 13:2). Examples are Elijah (1 Ki. 19), Daniel (Da. 6:22),
Peter (Ac. 5:19; 12:7- 11), and Paul (Ac. 27:23). (4) They help
in the Great Commission of world evangelism (Ac. 8:26;
10:3,7,22). (5) They watch over children who believe in Jesus
(Mt. 18:6,10). (6) They accompany saints to Heaven when they die
(Lk. 16:22). (7) They will return with Jesus from heaven and help
establish the kingdom (Mt. 24:30- 31; 25:31; 2 Th. 1:7-10). (8)
An angel will bind Satan (Re. 20:1- 3). (9) Angels guard the
gates of the New Jerusalem (Re. 21:12).
What Christians can learn from angels:
(1) Worship (Re. 5:11). (2) Service and obedience (Ps.
103:20-21). (3) Interest in God's work and plan (1 Pe. 1:12). (4)
Love for Jesus (Lk. 2:13- 15; Mt. 4:11). (5) Excitement about
sinners being saved (Lk. 15:10).
The "angels" mentioned in Re.
2-3: For the following reasons we believe these
"angels" are not heavenly beings, but the leaders, the
pastors, of the seven churches referred to in these chapters:
1. Angel means "messenger," but
not necessarily heavenly messenger. In the following passages the
same Greek word translated "angel" is used to refer to
men: John the Baptist (Mt. 1:20; Mk. 1:2); John's disciples (Lk.
7:24); Jesus' disciples (Lk. 9:52); and the Israelite spies (Jam.
2:25). Thus it would not be wrong to interpret the angels of the
churches in Revelation to be men as well.
2. John wrote to these messengers. In no
other case in the Bible do we find men writing to heavenly
angels. Men write to men!
3. Jesus gave the Revelation by His angel
(Re. 22:16). Are we to think that the angel wrote through the
Apostle to other angels?
4. No other passage teaches that each
church has a special heavenly angel through which God sends
messages. Rather, the church messengers are repeatedly said to be
the pastors.
5. "The personal words of warning
(Re. 2:4), reproof (2:5), censure (3:1), and encouragement (2:10)
best fit the pastor of each local church rather than an holy
angel" (Kober, "The Case for the Singularity of
Pastors," Baptist Bulletin, June 1982). [See Cherubim,
Devils, Gabriel, Michael, Pastor, Satan, Seraphim.]
ANGER. The Bible speaks of two
basic kinds of anger or wrath: the unrighteous anger of man and
the righteous anger of God.
Warnings about man's unrighteous anger:
(1) It causes one to deal foolishly (Pr. 14:17). (2) It poisons
others (Pr. 22:24,25). (3) It stirs up strife and sin (Pr.
29:22). (4) It is to be put away from the Christian's life (Col.
3:8).
Some men of God who became angry at
unrighteousness: Enoch (Jude 14- 15), Moses (Ex. 32:19-20),
the Psalmist (Ps. 119:53), Jeremiah (Je. 23:9- 11), Jesus (Mt.
23), Paul (Ga. 2:11-14; Ac. 13:9-11).
Examples of righteous anger: (1)
Indignation against sin (Ps. 119:53,104,113,128, 136,139,158,163;
Pr. 28:4; Je. 15:17; Ro. 12:9; Ep. 5:11). (2) Indignation against
false teachers and false doctrine (Je. 23:9- 11; Mt. 23; Tit.
1:9-11; Galatians; Jude 14-15)). (3) Indignation against
hypocrisy and evil among Christian leaders (Ga. 2:11-14). Jesus
Christ was angry at man's hard heartedness (Mk. 3:5) and at false
teaching (Mt. 23).
In commenting on Proverbs 25:23, William
Arnot (1808-1875) noted:
"There is a place for anger as well
as for love. As in nature a gloomy tempest serves some beneficial
purposes for which calm sunshine has no faculty; so in morals a
frown on an honest man's brow is, in its own place, as needful
and useful as the sweetest smile that kindness ever kindles on a
human countenance. A gentle, loving character is much admired,
and, where it is genuine, deserves all the admiration it has ever
gotten yet. These features, however, constitute only one side of
a man, and we must see the other side ere we can pronounce an
intelligent judgment on his worth. ... If he has not the faculty
of frowning, I would not give much for his smile. ... We don't
want a fretful, passionate man; and if we did, we would find one
without searching long or going far. We want neither a man of
wrath, nor a man of indiscriminating, unvarying softness. We want
something with two sides; that is, a solid, real character. Let
us have a man who loves good and hates evil, and who, in place
and time convenient, can make either emotion manifest in his
countenance. ... The gentleness which will have peace on any
terms, is neither pleasing to the Lord nor beneficial to men; if
there is no pungency there will be no purifying." [See
Fool, Day of the Lord,
Great Tribulation, Judgment, Sin.]
[The previous material is a sample from the Way of Life
Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity, Copyright 1994, Way
of Life Literature, 1701 Harns Rd., Oak Harbor, WA 908277.]
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