Tag: anistemi

Romans 15:12 – The Root of Life

Posted on by Will

And again, Isaiah says: "There will be a Root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope."

Truth to Learn

Every Christian’s hope is a result of the resurrection of Christ.

 

Behind the Words

“Root” is from the Greek noun rhiza (from which we get our English horticultural term rhizome), meaning “a root or an offshoot growing up from the root.” When a rhizome is planted in the ground, it produces new life in the form of the shoots that rise up from the life-giving rhizome.

The word “rise” is translated from anistēmi, which is a compound word made up of ana, meaning “again” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” Hence, anistēmi literally means “to stand again.”

“Reign” is translated from archō, meaning “to be first in rank or political position.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul uses yet another reference from the Old Testament to make his point about Gentile praises. This one is from the prophet Isaiah,

And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who stands as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10)

As mentioned above, rhiza can refer to a root or to its offspring. In this case it refers to the offspring of Jesse. If you read through I Samuel 16, you will see that Jesse was the father of King David. So the root of Jesse is a reference to the offspring of David. In the book of the Revelation the Lord Jesus Christ is twice referred to as “the root of David.”

And one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome to open the scroll and its seven seals." (Revelation 5:5)

"I, Jesus, sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." (Revelation 22:16)

So Paul’s quotation here of Isaiah 11:10 is a proclamation that Jesus Christ shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, and in Him shall the Gentiles hope and expect salvation.

One final point: notice in Paul’s quote of Isaiah he said that the root of Jesse “will rise to reign.” Isaiah did not say “rise” by accident. If Christ had not risen from the dead, then He would not be able to reign over the nations. But because He did rise, He is become King of kings and Lord of lords. It is because of the resurrection that we have expectant hope, and it is because of the resurrection that we should continually be praising God.

 

Application

Jesus was “planted” in death and “rose again” with new life so that our sins might be forgiven and we might share in His new life. This is an incredible truth that we should proclaim daily to those around us who are still lost in their sins. When was the last time you shared this blessed truth with someone?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:16 – A Joyful Sound

Posted on by Will

For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Truth to Learn

The rapture is a loud event and a time of celebration.

 

Behind the Words

The word “Himself” is translated from autos, meaning “self.” It is used as an intensifier which sets apart the person from everyone and anything else.

“Come down” is from katabainō, composed of kata, meaning “down” and bainō, meaning “to come” or “to go.”

Ouranos is the Greek word translated “heaven.” It is perhaps based on the obsolete word oros, referring to an elevated spot. Jewish tradition holds that there are three heavens, the atmosphere of the earth (the first heaven), the physical universe (the second heaven), and God’s dwelling place or God’s throne room (the third heaven.)

“Shout” is from keleusma, which refers to a loud cry or a shout. In Classical Greek, writers used this word in reference to the loud war cry of soldiers rushing into battle, both to excite their fellow soldiers into action and to frighten the enemies.

“Archangel” is from archangelos, which is composed of archon, meaning “chief” and angelos, meaning “a messenger.”

Salpinx is the Greek word translated “trumpet.” It can refer to the instrument specifically, or to the sound the trumpet makes.

The word translated “rise” is anistēmi, which we saw in verse fourteen in reference to our Lord’s resurrection. It means “to stand up” or “to rise up.”

 

Meaning Explained

This verse, along with the next one, gives a very succinct description of the rapture of the church. The first thing we learn here is that the Lord (Jesus Christ) will descend from heaven. In verse fourteen we learned that He will be bringing those who “sleep in Jesus” with him when He comes. The next thing that we learn is that He will come with a loud shout, a shout of celebration and enticement, to stir up His saints. This loud cry will be “with the voice of an archangel.” This can be interpreted one of two ways: either a chief among the angels will be the one shouting, or our Lord will shout with a voice like an archangel. Since Jesus is referred to as The Angel of God throughout the Old Testament, He Himself could be the archangel spoken of. And, this loud cry is accompanied by the trumpet of God.

In 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52 there is another description of the rapture. In that verse we are told that it will occur at “the last trumpet.” Because of this, some Christians believe that this is the same as the last of the seven trumpet judgments spoken of in Revelation 11:15. They believe that this seventh trumpet occurs near the middle of the tribulation period; therefore, the rapture will occur “mid-trib.” However, the trumpet sound in today’s verse is “a call to action and celebration” whereas the trumpet sound in Revelation 11:15 is a pronouncement of judgment and woe. Also, a close study of Revelation shows that the seven trumpets occur toward the end of the tribulation, not in the middle. Remember, just because two things are described in a similar manner does not mean they are the same thing.

Once this shout is made and the trumpet blast is sounded, those who are “asleep in Jesus” will be raised up. That is, their bodies will be raised up as perfect, undefiled, eternal bodies and those who have come with Christ will be united with their new perfect bodies.

 

Application

When we hear the trumpet call at the time of the rapture, we will be filled with joy and we will be changed. Rejoice my friends, for the time of celebration is very near.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:14 – Returning With Him

Posted on by Will

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

Truth to Learn

Christians who have died will come with Jesus at the rapture.

 

Behind the Words

There are three classes of conditional clauses (if statements) contained in New Testament Greek based on their grammatical construction. The clause that begins today’s verse is a first-class conditional statement; it assumes that the “if statement” is true. Therefore, in some cases we can substitute the word “since” for “if,” and we could start this verse off with “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again  …”

“Believe” is translated from the Greek verb pisteuō, meaning “to believe in,” “to have faith in,” or “to trust in.” It is expressed as a present tense, active voice, indicative mood verb, indicating present, possibly continuous, action.

The verb “died” is from apothnēskō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from,” used as an intensifier and thnēskō, meaning “to die.” Thus, it literally means “to die off.”

“Rose again” is from the Greek verb anistēmi, composed of ana, meaning “up” and histēmi, which means “to stand.” Hence, it literally means “to stand up” or “to rise up.”

The words “will bring” are translated from the verb agō, meaning “to lead” or “to bring.” It is expressed here in the future tense, thus we translate it as “will bring.”

Koimaō is the Greek word translated “sleep.” It means “to cause to lie down to sleep.” In the New Testament it is often used in reference to the sleep of death. That is the manner in which Paul uses it here.

 

Meaning Explained

Beginning in the previous verse, Paul is teaching the Thessalonians (and us) about end-time events. This particular event is what we commonly refer to as “the rapture.” We will talk more about this word in verse seventeen. The first thing to learn from today’s verse is who is involved in this event. We are told here that it involves those who “believe that Jesus died and rose up.” In other words, this event involves born-again Christians. As we noted in Behind the Words, the word “believe” likely indicates current, continuous belief, that is, a belief that was not simply a one-time event, but something that has become an integral part of a person’s life.

One of my biggest concerns is that when the rapture takes place, many church members won’t notice, because the church will still be filled with “members.” I fear too many so-called Christians have said the “sinner’s prayer” without ever really believing to the point of a total commitment to Jesus. They may have knowledge of salvation but not truly be saved.

The other thing we learn here is that Christians who “sleep in Jesus,” those who have died physically, will return with Him. Since this event involves our Lord coming from the heavenly realms to the earth’s atmosphere (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17), those who “sleep in Jesus” will also be coming from the heavenly realms, from Paradise. In Luke 23:43 our Lord told the thief that on that very day he would be with Jesus in Paradise. From Matthew 12:40 we know that Jesus went into the “heart of the earth” when He died. But from 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 we know that Paradise is now up with the third heaven. In other words, Paradise has been moved! I think that’s what Paul is talking about in Ephesians 4:8 where he said that Jesus “led captivity captive.” In today’s verse Paul tells us that He will bring those who sleep in Jesus (who are now with Him in Paradise) will come with Him.

 

Application

The fact that you are following these daily Bible studies probably indicates that you are genuinely saved. I wonder how many people will miss the rapture because they simply see salvation as a free ticket into heaven rather than a life-changing commitment. They see Jesus simply as their Savior and not as their Lord. However, as Peter points out in 2Peter 3:18, He is both our Savior and our Lord.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:14 – Returning With Him

Posted on by Will

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

Truth to Learn

Christians who have died will come with Jesus at the rapture.

Behind the Words

There are three classes of conditional clauses (if statements) contained in New Testament Greek based on their grammatical construction. The clause that begins today’s verse is a first-class conditional statement; it assumes that the “if statement” is true. Therefore, in some cases we can substitute the word “since” for “if,” and we could start this verse off with “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again  …”

“Believe” is translated from the Greek verb pisteuō, meaning “to believe in,” “to have faith in,” or “to trust in.” It is expressed as a present tense, active voice, indicative mood verb, indicating present continuous action.

The verb “died” is from apothnēskō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from,” used as an intensifier and thnēskō, meaning “to die.” Thus, it literally means “to die off.”

“Rose again” is from the Greek verb anistēmi, composed of ana, meaning “up” and histēmi, which means “to stand.” Hence, it literally means “to stand up” or “to rise up.”

Meaning Explained

Beginning in the previous verse, Paul is teaching the Thessalonians (and us) about end-time events. This particular event is what we commonly refer to as “the rapture.” We will talk more about this word in verse seventeen. The first thing to learn from today’s verse is who is involved in this event. We are told here that it involves those who “believe that Jesus died and rose up.” In other words, this event involves born-again Christians. As we noted in Behind the Words, the word “believe” indicates current, continuous belief, that is, a belief that was not simply a one-time event, but something that has become an integral part of a person’s life.

One of my biggest concerns is that when the rapture takes place, many church members won’t notice, because the church will still be filled with “members.” I fear too many so-called Christians have said the “sinner’s prayer” without ever really believing to the point of a total commitment to Jesus. They may have knowledge of salvation but not truly be saved.

The other thing we learn here is that Christians who “sleep in Jesus,” those who have died physically, will return with Him. Since this event involves our Lord coming from the heavenly realms to the earth’s atmosphere (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17), those who “sleep in Jesus” will also be coming from the heavenly realms, from Paradise. In Luke 23:43 our Lord told the thief that on that very day he would be with Jesus in Paradise. From Matthew 12:40 we know that Jesus went into the “heart of the earth” when He died. But from 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 we know that Paradise is now up with the third heaven. In other words, Paradise has been moved! Perhaps, that’s what Paul is talking about in Ephesians 4:8.

Application

The fact that you are following these daily Bible studies probably indicates that you are genuinely saved. I wonder how many people will miss the rapture, however, because they simply see salvation as a free ticket into heaven rather than a life-changing commitment. That’s something to think about!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Romans 15:12 – The Root of Life

Posted on by Will

Romans 15:12 – The Root of Life

And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a Root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.”

Truth to Learn

Every Christian’s hope is a result of the resurrection of Christ.

Behind the Words

“Root” is from the Greek noun rhiza (from which we get our English horticultural term rhizome), meaning “a root or an offshoot growing up from the root.” When a rhizome is planted in the ground, it produces new life in the form of the shoots that rise up from the life-giving rhizome.

The word “rise” is translated from anistēmi, which is a compound word made up of ana, meaning “again” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” Hence, anistēmi literally means “to stand again.”

“Reign” is translated from archō, meaning “to be first in rank or political position.”

Meaning Explained

Paul uses yet another reference from the Old Testament to make his point about Gentile praises. This one is from the prophet Isaiah,

And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious. (Isaiah 11:10)

As mentioned above, rhiza can refer to a root or to its offspring. In this case it refers to the offspring of Jesse. If you read through I Samuel 16, you will see that Jesse was the father of King David. So the root of Jesse is a reference to the offspring of David. In the book of the Revelation the Lord Jesus Christ is twice referred to as “the root of David.”

But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:5)

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:16)

So Paul’s quotation here of Isaiah 11:10 is a proclamation that Jesus Christ shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, and in Him shall the Gentiles hope and expect salvation.

One final point: notice that Isaiah said that the root of Jesse “will rise to reign.” Isaiah did not say “rise” by accident. If Christ had not risen from the dead, then He would not be able to reign over the nations. But because He did rise, He is become King of kings and Lord of lords. It is because of the resurrection that we have expectant hope, and it is because of the resurrection that we should continually be praising God.

Application

Jesus was “planted” in death and “rose again” with new life so that our sins might be forgiven and we might share in His new life. This is an incredible truth that we should proclaim daily to those around us who are still lost in their sins. When was the last time you shared this blessed truth with someone?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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