The term “Pleroma” is used in the New Testament to refer to the fullness or completeness of God’s divine power and presence. It comes from the Greek word πλήρωμα (plērōma) meaning “fullness” or “that which fills something”. In Colossians 1:19 and 2:9, the Pleroma is used to describe the fullness of God’s nature and divinity that dwells in Christ: “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Col 1:19 ESV) and “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col 2:9 ESV). Through Christ, the fullness of God’s divine attributes such as love, grace,…
Author: Kristal Wheatley
The concept of having a “quiver full” of children comes from Psalm 127:5, which says “Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” In ancient Israel, having many children was seen as a blessing and a source of strength. A quiver full of arrows was a metaphor for having many children who could help defend the family and the nation. When looking at this verse, it’s important to understand the historical and cultural context. Large families were the norm in ancient agrarian…
The story of Hagar in the Bible raises an interesting question – was she Abraham’s wife, or his concubine? A concise reading of Genesis seems to indicate she was Abram’s concubine, while a more careful examination suggests she may have been a type of secondary wife. Let’s walk through the key passages and see what the Bible tells us about the relationship between Abram, Sarai, and Hagar. Genesis 16 – Hagar becomes Abram’s concubine In Genesis 16, Sarai was unable to have children so she gave her servant Hagar to Abram as a concubine so that he could have an…
The biblical proverb “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18 ESV) offers valuable insight into the dangers of pride and arrogance. This article will provide an in-depth look at the meaning of this proverb, examining its biblical context, analysis, and modern-day application. The Meaning and Context of Proverbs 16:18 Proverbs 16:18 states: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This proverb points to the destructive nature of pride and arrogance. When someone is prideful and arrogant, acting as if they are more important than others, it often leads to their…
The topic of speaking in tongues is one that often generates much discussion and debate among Christians. There are differing views on what the gift of tongues refers to, whether it is still applicable today, and what the Bible means when it says that tongues will cease. The most direct verse that addresses the ceasing of tongues is 1 Corinthians 13:8, which says “Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.” To understand what is meant by this, it is helpful to look at the…
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard was a 19th century Danish philosopher and theologian who has been called the “Father of Existentialism”. He was a prolific writer who explored themes of individuality, subjectivity, authenticity, and Christian faith in his philosophical and theological writings. Kierkegaard was born on May 5, 1813 in Copenhagen, Denmark. His father, Michael Pedersen Kierkegaard, was a wealthy hosier and self-made man. His mother, Ane Sørensdatter Lund Kierkegaard, was a former household servant and had grown up in a poor family. Kierkegaard was the youngest of seven children, but only he and his elder brother Peter survived childhood. The early…
The Bible does not directly address whether Christians should have a Christmas tree or not. However, there are some principles and historical context that can help inform our perspective on this tradition. The origin of the Christmas tree The tradition of bringing an evergreen tree into one’s home and decorating it originated in 16th century Germany. It was common for people to decorate with holly, ivy, and evergreens during winter solstice celebrations. These plants that remained green through the winter carried symbolic meaning – the promise that plants would grow again and life would triumph over death. When Christianity spread…
Spiritual darkness refers to a state of being separated from God and lacking knowledge of His truth. It is a condition of lostness and blindness that prevents people from seeing and understanding spiritual realities. The Bible has much to say about spiritual darkness and offers hope and a way out through faith in Jesus Christ. The Nature of Spiritual Darkness According to the Bible, all people are born into spiritual darkness. Ephesians 5:8 says “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” We enter the world separated from God by our sinful nature…
The celebration of Passover is deeply rooted in the history and tradition of the Jewish people. As Christians, it’s important for us to understand the significance of Passover in order to determine if and how we should observe it today. Passover commemorates God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as described in Exodus 12. When the Lord sent the tenth and final plague upon the Egyptians, He instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. The angel of death would then “pass over” the homes marked with blood, sparing the Israelite firstborns.…
En Gedi is a significant place mentioned several times in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. It was an oasis located on the western shore of the Dead Sea, about halfway between the modern cities of Masada and Ein Gedi. The name En Gedi means “Spring of the Kid” in Hebrew. Here are some key things to know about the biblical significance of En Gedi: Ancient Settlement and Agriculture Due to the freshwater springs flowing down from the cliffs above, En Gedi was one of the few places where agriculture was possible in the arid region around…