The video discusses ten significant non-Christian historical accounts of Jesus from various sources, affirming his existence and crucifixion.
Highlights
📜 Phallus (52 A.D.): Early secular writer noted darkness and an earthquake at Jesus’s crucifixion.
📚 Tacitus (56-120 A.D.): Historian confirmed Jesus’s crucifixion under Pontius Pilate and persecution of Christians.
🧠 Mara Bar-Serapion (70 A.D.): Described Jesus as a wise king, emphasizing his influence and persecution.
🌑 Flagon (80-240 A.D.): Mentioned the darkness at crucifixion and Jesus’s prophetic abilities.
✉️ Pliny the Younger (61-113 A.D.): Documented early Christians worshiping Jesus as God with a moral code.
🎭 Lucian of Samosata (115-200 A.D.): Satirist acknowledged the existence and worship of Jesus by Christians.
📖 Josephus (37-101 A.D.): Jewish historian depicted Jesus as a wise man and a teacher who was crucified.
Key Insights
🔍 Historical Validation: Non-Christian sources provide evidence supporting the historical existence of Jesus, highlighting his life and death.
⚖️ Multiple Perspectives: Different accounts, both hostile and favorable, contribute to a richer understanding of Jesus’s impact on history and culture.
🕊️ Cultural Relevance: The references to Jesus by various writers indicate his significant role in shaping early Christian thought and practices.
🏛️ Political Context: Accounts like Tacitus’s illustrate the socio-political tensions of the time and the scapegoating of Christians.
📖 Miracles and Teachings: Writers like Celsus acknowledged Jesus’s miraculous works, affirming his influence on followers despite criticisms.
✝️ Religious Opposition: The Jewish Talmud and the Toldot Yeshu reflect the religious conflicts of the time, showing both acknowledgment of Jesus’s existence and opposition to his claims.
🗣️ Legacy of Jesus: The survival of these accounts indicates the lasting legacy of Jesus, influencing both religious and secular discourse throughout history.
"When we send our children to school, they learn nothing about us other than we used to be cotton pickers. Why, your grandfather was Nat Turner; your grandfather was Toussaint L'Ouverture; your grandfather was Hannibal. It was your grandfather's hands who forged civilization and pic.twitter.com/stMYxV5WT1
In the Western world the desire to make people believe that Europeans are more important and more powerful and just better than the rest of the world, especially Africa, most map projection that we see are intended to make Africa to appear smaller than it really is but make Europe, Russia, and Austrialia larger than they really are relative to other parts of the world.
Mexico abolished slavery in 1829. Enslaved people were escaping to Mexico. The U.S. tried to get Mexico to sign a fugitive slave treaty to return escapees but Mexico refused to sign such a treaty, insisting that enslaved people were free once they set foot on Mexican soil.
"They will create the viruses themselves and sell you the antidotes. Thereafter, they will pretend to take time to find the solution when they already have it." ~ Muammar Gaddafi
Be wary of outsiders trying to sell BBQ as a Haitian revolutionary. Through their racism, they are in fact telling you that Jean-Jacques Dessalines was nothing more than a criminal killer gangster also, and that is how they think of Haitians in general.
AI chatbots are like the friendly customer service reps of the digital world, handling basic tasks and inquiries with pre-programmed responses. They're great for straightforward queries but struggle with anything outside the script. Think of them as the entry-level employees of the AI world.
AI agents, on the other hand, are like your personal assistants. They can learn, adapt, and handle more complex tasks, from managing schedules to giving insights. A bit like having a smart executive assistant at your disposal.
For chatbots, the pros are their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. But they can be frustrating when dealing with nuanced issues or more complex queries. AI agents carry a bigger brain, making them more versatile and able to deliver a more personalized experience. But they're more complex and expensive to develop and maintain.
Best practices? For chatbots, keep it simple; define clear use cases and manage expectations. For AI agents, invest in continuous learning and ensure they can handle privacy and data securely.
To get started, think about what problems you're trying to solve. If it’s basic customer service tasks, a chatbot may be the ticket. But if you need something more advanced that can adapt and learn, an AI agent is the way to go.
Explore Africa’s unsung heroes whose remarkable stories of resilience and sacrifice have shaped history, yet remain largely untaught in schools.
Highlights
🌍 Africa’s rich history is filled with unsung heroes whose stories deserve recognition.
✊ Figures like Amílcar Cabral and Queen Amanirena exemplify resilience and leadership.
📚 Their contributions to liberation movements and social justice are often overlooked in education.
🗣️ Celebrating these heroes challenges dominant narratives and stereotypes.
🔥 Their legacies inspire future generations to pursue justice and equality.
💡 The stories serve as powerful lessons in courage and perseverance.
🎥 This video aims to reclaim Africa’s rightful place in world history.
Key Insights
🌟 Resilience in Struggle: African heroes faced immense challenges yet remained committed to their causes, showcasing the power of resilience in the fight for justice.
🏛️ Cultural Contributions: Leaders like Aílcar Cabral and Hatchepsut not only fought for liberation but also enriched their cultures, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity in resistance movements.
🔍 Historical Erasure: The marginalization of African narratives in education highlights the need for a more inclusive historical perspective that recognizes diverse contributions.
🌱 Legacy of Inspiration: The sacrifices of these heroes serve as a beacon for future leaders, motivating them to continue the fight for freedom and equality.
📖 Educational Gaps: By addressing the lack of awareness about these heroes, we can foster a deeper understanding of Africa’s role in global history.
✊ Empowerment Through Knowledge: Highlighting these stories empowers individuals and communities, reinforcing the idea that every voice matters in the quest for justice.
🌈 Unity in Diversity: Celebrating African heroes underscores the continent’s rich tapestry of cultures and histories, promoting unity and understanding among diverse groups.
"Even if there comes a time when you do not hear my voice, do not give up. Do not despair. Do not stop fighting for your freedom until you have victory" ~ Muammar Gaddafi pic.twitter.com/BpJkoggaYP
The Nandi Bear, a terrifying creature of Kenyan folklore, is a ruthless predator that embodies fear and preys on the souls of its victims.
Highlights
🌌 Deep in Kenyan forests, the Nandi people recount tales of a fearsome creature.
🌕 Known as the Nandi Bear, it hunts under the cloak of moonlight.
🐻 Resembling a giant bear and hyena, it has dark fur and ember-like eyes.
🦷 Its sharp fangs and claws tear through flesh with terrifying ease.
😱 The creature’s gurgling roar paralyzes its victims with fear.
🧠 Rumored to have an appetite for human brains, it devours souls.
⚰️ Survivors are left scarred, haunted by memories of their encounter.
Key Insights
🌲 Cultural Significance: The Nandi Bear symbolizes ancestral fears within the Nandi community, reflecting deep-seated anxieties about the unknown. This creature serves as a cautionary tale for safety in the wilderness.
A countdown of the top 100 superheroes highlights their powers, storylines, and popularity, showcasing diverse characters from comics.
Highlights
🌂 Umbrella Academy: A dysfunctional family of superheroes navigating time and identity.
💥 Peacemaker: A controversial hero enforcing his own brand of justice through extreme measures.
🐴 Valkyrie: A powerful warrior from Asgard known for her combat skills and leadership.
❄️ Iceman: A young mutant who balances his ice powers with his LGBTQIA+ identity.
🦸♀️ Jessica Jones: A street-smart detective with super strength, tackling personal demons and crime.
🎭 Deadpool: A humorous anti-hero who breaks the fourth wall while delivering chaotic justice.
🦇 Batman: The iconic Dark Knight representing the pinnacle of heroism with a complex moral code.
Key Insights
🌟 Diverse Origins: Superheroes like the Umbrella Academy and Peacemaker show how characters can emerge from unconventional backgrounds, blending humor with serious themes.
⚔️ Moral Complexity: Characters like Peacemaker and Punisher illustrate the blurred lines of heroism, showcasing that not all heroes operate within a strict moral framework.
🦸♂️ Empowerment Through Identity: Heroes like Iceman and Jessica Jones highlight the importance of self-acceptance and representation, resonating with diverse audiences.
🌪️ Power and Responsibility: Spider-Man and Superman embody the classic hero’s journey, emphasizing that great power comes with the responsibility to protect others.
💔 Family Dynamics: Teams like the Umbrella Academy and Doom Patrol explore themes of family and belonging, showcasing that heroism often stems from personal relationships.
🕶️ Cultural Impact: Icons like Wonder Woman and Black Panther have transcended their comic roots, becoming symbols of empowerment and representation in broader society.
🦸 Enduring Popularity: The timeless appeal of characters like Batman and Marvel’s first family, the Fantastic Four, shows that well-crafted heroes resonate across generations.
This is part of a blog series that I like to call "Exegete This". In this series I will be publishing both in which I will pick Biblical verses and passages and pull as much information and meaning out of them as possible for me at the time of posting. I invite you on this journey and if have a suggestion to work on please send it to me. If you have a disagreement or want to add more thoughts and information please comment.
To start with, I want to remind the reader that one reads Hebrew from right to left. That said, I have always thought that I understood this scripture. I thought that was all being communicated was that if you put God first in your life, God will make yo ur plans and thoughts come true. But let us see if there is more to get into. First what does the Hebrew wordgets translated "Commit" really mean? Transliterating the word to "gōl" and Strong Number 1556 and is found in the Bible two other times Psalm 22:8 and Psalm 37:5. It is used to convey the idea of rolling something away. The word translated "your works" or "Whatever you do" is from מַעֲשֶׂ֑יךָ and Strong's Number 4639. This word mean work but specifies good works for God. The word translated "and will be established" is וְ֝יִכֹּ֗נוּ which has Strong's number 3559 and means "To establish, prepare, make firm, set up, fix, direct" and conveys that God is doing the set up and direction. The word translated "thoughts" or "plans" is מַחְשְׁבֹתֶֽיךָ׃ and has Strong's number 4284 meaning "Thought, plan, purpose, device, intention". So taking all this together shows us that it those thoughts and plans that coincide with God's purpose and goals are the things that God causes to come to fruitation. So what is our part? Our part is to be commited to God. Making his goals our goals.
On Corey Minor's YouTube channel he reacted to a clip of a sermon given at the 2024 Holy Convocation of the Church of God In Christ (COGIC). I have been in the church all my life and I have never heard of such a terrible heresy over a pulpit before in my life. I agree with Corey. The Bible categorically says Adam was created first and then Eve (see 1 Timothy 2:13-14). Some comments on the video need to be brought up.
His name is Bishop Jerry Maynard a general board member and the bishop of Tennessee 4th jurisdiction. For a man who is very theologically educated, an elder in age (in his 80s) and has been in the pulpit for decades you would have thought he would know better. SMH - @keepingitrealandtruthful.5081
I did not recognize him. I do not even know the General Board that much so I appreciated this comment. But what I do not understand is why I he would take this fringe position.
Another comment actually defended this craziness:
Hi, with all due respect, the Bishop was correct. This is one of God's mysteries we need the help of Holy Spirit to unravel.
The first Man (Adam) possessed all features of Male and Female. What God did in Gen, 2 was separation of male and female but God has to put Adam in DEEP SLEEP before He could operate on Man. Remember Man was made in God's image and likeness, that's Man is capable of remembering events. So God turned off Man's memory so that the operation of separation on Man can never be reversed.
I know this is deep, but with the help of Holy Spirit. Think of it, Doctors apply the same principles before operating on Man bcos Man's memory is capable of repeating scene/event playing RAMBO.
This is one of deep things of God, but Bishop was correct. -
@samuelagunsoye3594
Nope. Nada. Facepalm. There is a Greek myth that describes the first person in this way and has been trotted out at times to defend transgender identity. But do you know where you won't find this teaching? The Bible. And Bishop Maynard was not trying to refer to this at all.
One last comment I wanted to highlight. This one attempts to prove Bishop right that Adam & Eve were created at the same time. Several people tried it.
Genesis 5:1-2
This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.
Does not work because because it is just doing the same thing Genesis 1:26 does: a summary. Twins and multiple birth siblings are born on the same day but not simultaneously. If Bishop Maynard is indeed referring to Jewish tradition I think it is coming from the medieval Jewish tradition from some fringes that supposes that Genesis Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 are referriing to two separate events instead of Chapte 1 being a general summary and Chapter 2 being a more detailed about the 6th day. He would have been exposed to such an idea in many Seminaries around the world. However the tradition of Historic Christianity (Protestant, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Ethiopian), Judaism, and Islam all hold that Adam was created first and then Eve.
If Maynard was referring to the the Medieval Jewish thought that Genesis 1 and 2 are talking about two separate events, he neglected to take the idea as far as they did. They go on to postulate Adam having a first wife named Lilith in Genesis 1 and Eve being his 2nd wife in Genesis 2. They conflate a Babylonian myth wand mix it into the story to explain why Adam needed a second wife because Lilith refused to submit to him because she cited that she was coequal. By submission they meant that when they had sex she refused to let him always be on top. So she left him and became the mother of all demons. Some people do like to try to put her in other parts of the Bible and even tie Succubi and Incubi demons as her offspring. It gets crazy and no Biblical basis. I can find no ancient example for this. Meaning I do not think any Jew living in Jesus' time would recognize this. But during the medieval period this story was the inspiration of wearing certain amulets to keep Lilith and her children away. In effect, Lilith is often identified as the first Vampire. I can see why Bishop did not go that far in his sermon.
In our society, Free Will is considered almost sacred. People get very angry suggesting that we are not in some way control of our destiny. Our society tells the poor that if they choose to have more and work harder they can raise their station in life. But if you know the challenges of living in our society you know that there is more to life than just your own choices. We put the responsibility for the well-being and opportunities and outcomes of people's lifes on people. I think it is for society to avoid accountability to leave behind people instead of helping everyone thrive and share in the wealth of America. So here is the question: What does scripture say about how your Free Will affects your fate in life? As a Christian, I want to make a distinction between salvation and living life when discussing Free Will. First I will discuss our Free Will in salvation and in living life. "Free Will" is not specifically in the Bible but throughout the Bible but there is a lot about the will of God and the will of individual people. Face it. More times than not your will or my will runs counter to God's Will. When this inevetiability occurs, whose will wins out? Yours? Ours? God's? Obviously, God's will overshadows and shapes reality. We want this. This is best. How could God's will not be best for you? If someone does not like me or hate me, why would I want their will to shape my reality rather than God? I want God's will to shape my life because he knows what is best for me. Let's look at multiple passages to see how scripture handles "will".
In Hebrew, the word "will" conveys the idea of "choosing" or making a "decision" is "חָפֵץ" (chaphets). You can see this word (Strong's 2654) used in Ezekiel 18:23. The NIV renders חָפֵץ as "taking pleasure"
Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
However the Douay-Rheims Bible translates the verse, thusly:
Is it my will that a sinner should die, saith the Lord God, and not that he should be converted from his ways, and live?
The verse is God talking through the prophet Ezekiel telling us that God is not happy when people are destroyed in their sins. Does God want or desire or choose to destroy sinners instead of them repenting? This verse tells us that is not what God likes to do. This Hebrew word conveys emotion and desire not just choice.
Here is a Greek example. In Biblical Greek, there are two words "θέλημα"(thelēma) and "βουλή" (boulē) that get tranlated into "desire", "want", or "purpose" throughout the English translation of the New Testament. The Bible does not tweet the two words as interchangeable. It is interesting to see how it is used. Let's look at four examples. "θέλημα" (Strong's number 2307) is in the following passages as "will" in the NIV:
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12,13
Each of the passages above translates "[βουλή]" as "will" but in John 1:13 the word "θέλημα" is used twice as "human decision" or "human desire" in its first appearance in the verse and "will" in the second. So what of "βουλή" (Strong Number 1012)? Let us look at a couple of examples.
This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan[βουλή] and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. Acts 2:23
50Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51who had not consented to their decision[βουλή] and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Luke 23:50,51
In both cases, βουλή is carrying out the idea of a plan or decision. Yet βουλή and θέλημα are not interchangeable. I wanted a concise distinction. I prompted Microsoft Copilot about the distinction so now I get:
Great question! In Greek, both **"θέλημα" (thelēma)** and **"βουλή" (boulē)** relate to the concept of will, but they have distinct nuances:
**θέλημα (thelēma)**:
- This word generally means "will," "desire," or "purpose."
- It often emphasizes a personal or intentional desire, sometimes divine will.
- Example: **Matthew 6:10** - "Thy kingdom come, Thy will (thelēma) be done on earth as it is in heaven."
**βουλή (boulē)**:
- This term usually means "counsel," "plan," or "intention."
- It can refer to a more deliberate, considered decision or plan, often used in the context of divine or human counsel.
- Example: **Acts 2:23** - "Him, being delivered by the determined counsel (boulē) and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain."
In summary, **"thelēma"** tends to denote a will or desire, while **"boulē"** implies a planned, thoughtful decision or counsel. These distinctions help us understand the depth of intent and purpose in biblical contexts.
So why does this matter? It comes down to salvation. Does God desire and purpose to save us or does God have just a plan and an intention to save us. If it is just a plan and not concrete extension of his will it would change the interpretation of many scriptures. Here are two more examples:
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting[βουλή] anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
I think the distinction matters in this verse. Does God thoughtfully decides for people to perish? Or does God not desire for people to perish? In this case βουλή is in this verse. God is not telling us that he is not happy and not desiring sinners to die in their sins. If Peter had used "θέλημα" would we need to change the way the verse should be translated into English? I think so. θέλημα brings with it a more hands-on drive to bring what is desired into place. What I am getting at if God does not want something liked people perishing in their sin,why does it still happen? If Peter have used "θέλημα", I think Peter would not be allowing space for the fact that people will perish but it is not the fault of God's.
This video does a good job in summarizing the theology that the fruit Adam and Eve ate was symbolic of sex. The video does not go as far as some say that the Eve had sex with Lucifer in the garden and that was what the fruit was and not really a fruit. I think the video is correct that sex was not prohibited when God created Adam and Eve. God told them to be fruitful and multiply before and after the fall. What do you think?
I was recently reminded of one of my favorite memes on the Internet known as the "Distracted Boy" meme. You know the one. The man being distracted by an attractive woman while he is already holding the hand of an attractive girlfriend. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the girlfriend realizes that her boyfriend is distracted. The original meme is pictured on the left. The meme began to go viral in 2017 and has been edited, referred to, and parodied ad nauseum all this time since. The meme has been used to demonstrate betrayal, disloyalty, or to mock a person or idea. It has been popular because the image is so good at illustrating these ideas in a single image. The meme has become so ubiquitous on the Internet it has it's own Wikipedia article. One of my favorite videos on YouTube was posted by channel Funny or Die in which they dramatized what happened after this moment in the meme.
The video is funny and worth a watch. I also wanted to post some of my favorite memes based on the original.
There are websites that lets you make your own versions for free. One of my favorites is imgflip. Of course now it is 2024 and we have generated AI tools that can take a still photo and realistically animate a video that runs 25 frames per second (fps). Below is an example I got from indy100.com where Stablility AI's Stable Video tool was used to animate the meme. It is surreal.
Fortunately, there has been code to generate such videos yourself. Here is the link to the GitHub project. By far, my favorite use of editing this meme is the following.
This video summarizes the theory that the serpent in Garden of Eden told about in the Book of Genesis was not really a snake but a fallen angel - Lucifer. What do you think? The video leaves a lot of questions in the air. Was the fallen angel in the form of a snake? What did Eve see what was talking to her? Some people even assume that all animals talked to Adam and Eve to explain why Eve wasn't concerned about a snake talking to her. The way I understand the passage is that what destroyed human relationship with God was the fact of their disobedience and not just the fruit they ate.
This last Election Season brought my brother's novel back to my mind. He wrote a novel he called War of Independence 2076 by Vincent McElhaney. It came to mind because so many people are so disappointed by Donald J Trump being re-elected, they are considering or out-right planning to move. I think Vincent's suggestion is better. As the descendants of slaves, we live under a system that was not instituted for our benefit. "We the people" was not referring to us. Vincent's suggestion is a new order where black people and those who want to live with us move into the southern United States where our ancestors toiled as slaves and form our own nation. His book, though fiction, it is a great example of world building and possible if we get our stuff together. If you have not reaxd his book, I think you should. Get it here.
I do not agree with Bishop Jennings. I think that he is not taking a lot of things into account. But see if you agree with him. I will point out that he is wrong that the Bible never refers to a woman an "apostle" or a "deaconess". Read it and weep.
"I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:" - Romans 16:1
Where "servant" is translated from διάκονον (diakonon) which is where we get our word "deacon" from.
I have no words! It is rumored that Ryan Reynold is teaming up with Elon Musk to do a hostile take-over of Disney?! All I can say is that I am not happy because Musk's track record with Twitter gives me no hope.
Now that I have defined the terms we are using in the discusion in the previous post here, I want to look at how these terms are used in English Bible translations. I will do this looking at how many times the word is used in the New American Standard and King James Version translations, what Greek and Hebrew words were the words translated from, give the Strong's number, and the definition of the source words from lexicons. My goal is also to make mention of any textual variants.
Responsibility: shows up 418 times in the KJV Bible. Here is a link to all of them. Hebrew is very different than English. I am having the a problem finding a Hebrew word equivalent to the English word "responsibility". Multiple words from Hebrew was translated to "responsibility". The Hebrew word שָׁמַר ("shamar") has Strong's number 8104. It is used in the Hebrew Bible 462 times. This means the word has a broad number of translations. I can tell that the meaning at times can be used to convey "responsibility" such as in Numbers 3:28. Strong's Concordance has:
A primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc. -- beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man).
As for Greek, the word "responsibility" is not used in the New Testament in either the KJV or New American Standard translations but the idea and the command to be a responsible human being, as I have defined it, is throughout the Bible. I never realized that until I actually looked. I thought that of course the Bible would have the word "responsibility" all over it. But the Bible does not teach that we are responsible for our salvation. Jesus takes responsibility for our salvation. I used Microsoft Copilot to see if there are any Greek or Hebrew words for "Responsibility" althought they are not in scripture.
Hebrew:
The term "אחריות" (Echriut) is used to convey responsibility. It emphasizes the idea of being answerable for one's actions.
Biblical Greek:
The word "εὐθύνη" (euthynē) can be used to denote responsibility, implying accountability and being held accountable for one's actions.
Accountability: Amazingly this word is not used in the Bible. Not that Biblical Hebrew and Greek do not have equivalent words but they do not appear in the Bible. I used Microsoft Copilot to try to find the equivalent word in Greek and Hebrew.
In Hebrew, the word for "accountability" is "אחריות" (Echriut). It conveys the idea of responsibility and being answerable for one's actions.
In Biblical Greek, the term often used is "ἀπολογία" (Apologia), which means "defense" or "vindication." However, in a broader sense, it can also imply being accountable or giving an account of one's actions.
Strangely, Hebrew use the same word for "responsibility" and "accountability".
Ability: There are Greek and Hebrew equivalent words for "Strength" or "Ability". I found this from Microsoft Copilot
Hebrew:
The word "כֹּחַ" (koach) means "strength" or "ability." It is often used to describe physical strength or power but can also refer to other types of abilities.
Exodus 15:6: "Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy."
Greek:
The term "δύναμις" (dynamis) translates to "power" or "ability." It is used in the New Testament to describe both physical and spiritual abilities.
Acts 1:8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Predestination: This idea is in the Old Testament but not an equivalent Hebrew word. But in the New Testament does have an equivalent word.
Hebrew:
While the specific term "predestination" is not used in the Old Testament, the concept can be seen in the understanding of God's sovereign plans. The Hebrew word "גָּזַר" (gazar) means "to decide" or "to decree," reflecting God's determined purposes.
Greek:
The Greek term "προορίζω" (proorizo) translates directly to "predestine" or "predetermine." This word appears in the New Testament and is associated with the divine determination of events and outcomes.
Biblical References:
Romans 8:29-30 (Greek: προορίζω - proorizo):
"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."
Ephesians 1:5 (Greek: προορίζω - proorizo):
"He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will."
Ephesians 1:11 (Greek: προορίζω - proorizo):
"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."
Destiny: The concept of Destiny and Purpose is found in Scripture. I found the following in Microsoft Copilot.
Hebrew:
The word "גּוֹרָל" (goral) means "lot" or "fate," and is used in contexts that imply destiny or divine determination.
Proverbs 16:33: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord."
Greek:
The term "πρόθεσις" (prothesis) means "purpose" or "plan," often used to describe God's predetermined plans for individuals or nations.
Ephesians 1:11: "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."
These terms reflect the biblical understanding of destiny as something that is shaped by divine will and purpose.
Providence: Both Hebrew and Greek makes a difference between "providence" and "destiny" because they have different equivalent words. Following I got Microsoft Copilot
Hebrew:
The term "השגחה" (hashgachah) refers to "providence" and specifically divine guidance or oversight. It signifies God's active involvement in the world.
This concept is evident in stories like Joseph’s, where God's providence is seen in his rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 45:5-8).
Greek:
The word "πρόνοια" (pronoia) means "forethought" or "providence." It signifies God's foresight and care.
A related concept can be found in Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
These terms and their biblical contexts reflect the understanding of divine providence as God's continuous involvement and care in the unfolding of human history and individual lives.
Free Will: The concept of "free will" is expressible in Hebrew and Greek. I found the following from Microsoft Copilot.
Hebrew:
The concept of "free will" can be expressed using "רצון חופשי" (ratzon chofshi), which means "free desire" or "free will."
Deuteronomy 30:19 - "I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." This verse emphasizes the ability to choose, reflecting the concept of free will.
Greek:
In Greek, the phrase "ἐλευθέρα βουλή" (eleuthera boule) can be used to convey the idea of "free will."
Galatians 5:13 - "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another." This verse talks about the freedom to choose how to use one's liberty, aligning with the concept of free will.
These passages highlight the biblical basis for the concept of free will, emphasizing the importance of human choice and the responsibility that comes with it.
Choice: The concept of "choice" is very present in Hebrew and Greek. I found the following from Microsoft Copilot.
Hebrew:
The word "בְּחִירָה" (bechirah) translates to "choice" or "selection."
Deuteronomy 30:19: "I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." This verse emphasizes the ability to make choices, a central theme in the Bible.
Greek:
The term "ἐκλογή" (eklogē) means "choice" or "selection," often used in the context of God's choosing or election.
Ephesians 1:4: "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love."
These words and their contexts illustrate the importance of choice in the biblical narrative, reflecting both human decision-making and divine election.
Philosophy: The term is found in the New Testament. In Hebrew, there is no cultural tradition but there is a love and exaltation of Wisdom. And "philosophy" literally means "love of wisdom". I got the following from Microsoft Copilot:
Hebrew:
The concept of "philosophy" isn't explicitly present in the Old Testament. However, the pursuit of wisdom, which can be considered a form of ancient philosophy, is a recurring theme. The Hebrew word for wisdom is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah).
Proverbs 4:7: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
Greek:
The term for "philosophy" in Greek is "φιλοσοφία" (philosophia), which literally means "love of wisdom." This term does appear in the New Testament.
Colossians 2:8: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
The concept of philosophy in the New Testament is generally presented with caution, emphasizing the importance of aligning one’s beliefs with the teachings of Christ rather than human traditions or deceptive philosophies.
There is such thing as Christ-Centered philosophy. I will write a post about the difference in an upcoming post.
Person: The concept of "personhood" is present in both Hebrew and Greek. I found the following from Microsoft Copilot.
Hebrew:
The word "אָדָם" (adam) is used to refer to a person or human being. It appears numerous times throughout the Old Testament.
Genesis 1:27: "So God created man (adam) in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them."
Greek:
The term "ἄνθρωπος" (anthrōpos) is commonly used in the New Testament to mean "person" or "human being."
Matthew 19:26: "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men (anthrōpos) this is impossible; but with God all things are possible
Being: In Hebrew and Greek, "being" and "existence" is a concept that also permeates the scriptures.
Hebrew:
The word "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh) is often translated as "soul" or "being," indicating the essence of life or a living being.
Genesis 2:7: "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (nephesh)."
Greek:
The term "οὐσία" (ousia) refers to "substance" or "being," often used in philosophical contexts but can also denote essence or existence.
While "ousia" itself is more philosophical, the concept of being is expressed through terms like "ψυχή" (psyche), which means "soul" or "life."
Acts 17:28: "For in him we live, and move, and have our being (ousia); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."
These words and passages illustrate the biblical understanding of existence and being, capturing the essence of life and the nature of human beings in relation to God.
Identity: The modern concept of "identity" is NOT in scripture. In the Hebrew and Greek language, does have a concept but it is grounded in God.
Hebrew:
The word "שֵם" (shem), meaning "name," can often convey identity, as names were deeply significant and tied to one's character and destiny.
Isaiah 43:1: "But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."
Greek:
The term "ὄνομα" (onoma) also means "name" and is used in the New Testament to denote identity.
Revelation 3:12: "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name."
While these terms might not translate directly to "identity" in the modern sense, they reflect how identity was understood in biblical times—often tied to one's name, heritage, and relationship with God.
Another good example is how the Scripture illustrates identity is how God changes the names of the patriarchs from "Abram" to "Abraham"; from "Jacob" to "Israel"; from "Sarai" to "Sarah". In all of these examples their names were changed when God radically changed their lives and redirected what they thought their destinies would be. Jacob name's mean "trickster" but when God brought him into his role as the next steward of the promise made to his grandfather Abraham, God marked the change in Jacob's life and purpose - his very identity - by changing Jacob's name to "Israel".
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