Tag: arche

Romans 8:38 – No One and Nothing

Posted on by Will

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,

Truth to Learn

Our salvation is secure!

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “persuaded” is the Greek word peithō, meaning “to persuade or convince someone.” This word is in the perfect tense implying past completed action with a continuing result, but with the emphasis on the result. So, Paul is not saying that this may be true, or that he thinks it is possible, rather he is saying that he has been persuaded and he is now absolutely convinced that this is true.

“Death” is from the Greek word thanatos. It can refer to physical death (the death of our physical bodies) or spiritual death (exclusion from the presence and favor of God). The base meaning of this word implies separation. Regarding physical death, it is the separation of the soul and spirit from the body. With respect to spiritual death is the separation of the soul and spirit from the presence and favor of God.

The word “life” is from dzoē, which refers to “human life.” It can refer to our physical life or to eternal life.

“Angels” is a transliteration of angelos, meaning “messenger.” It is used in reference to any of God’s created spirit beings.

The word “principalities” is from archē, which literally refers to “the beginning point.” Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power of the angelic beings.

“Powers” is from dunamis (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning “a powerful force.” It is used here as a reference to other powerful angels.

The word translated “things present” is enistēmi, meaning “something that exists now.” And “things to come” is from mellō, meaning “something that is about to be or to happen.”

 

Meaning Explained

Back in verse thirty-five Paul asked the question, “What will separate us from the love of Christ, tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” We told you at that time that Paul would answer the question in a few verses. Well, here it is. This is the final explosion in his volcanic eruption of the glorious benefits of being an adopted child of God; in fact, there is so much here that it is spread out over two verses.

Paul starts out this verse with “For I am persuaded.” And what is it that he is absolutely convinced is true? That nothing can separate us from the love of God! You will notice that this list starts out with life and death. We cannot be separated by life or by death. The three words angelos, archē, and dunamis represent all of the angelic host, including faithful angels as well as fallen angels. It even includes Satan. Hence, no angelic being can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus. The list includes things that exist as well as things that have not yet come into being but shall exist some day.

 

Application

We are saved by God and by God alone, and once we have been declared righteous (saved) by God, it cannot be undone!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 2:13 – Believe the Truth

Posted on by Will

But we are obliged to give thanks to God always for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

Truth to Learn

Belief in the truth is of critical importance to everyone.

 

Behind the Words

The word “obliged” is translated from opheilō, which means “to be indebted” or “to owe something to someone.”

“Give thanks” is from the verb eucharisteō, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” and a form of charidzomai, meaning “to give” or “to grant.” It means “to show oneself grateful” or “to be thankful.”

The Greek word translated “beginning” is archē, meaning “the beginning.” When it is used without a definite article (the) or a direct object, as it is here, it nearly always refers to the very beginning (of time).

Haireō is the verb translated “chose.” This word means “to take.” When expressed in the middle voice (subject acting on itself), as it is here, it means “to take to oneself” or “to choose for oneself.”

“Salvation” is translated from soteria, which means “preservation from danger or destruction.”

The word “sanctification” is hagiasmos, which is based on the verb hagiadzō, meaning “to sanctify.” To sanctify something means to set it apart from common usage unto usage devoted to God. Thus, sanctification carries the meaning of being set apart or separated. Sanctification and holiness are often used interchangeably, both indicating separation from sin and dedication to God.

 

Meaning Explained

Discussion among Christians regarding election versus the responsibility of man is often charged with emotion and bias. Those who hold to the doctrine of election will often quote today’s verse or Ephesians 1:4,

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

While those who hold to the doctrine of “free will” will often quote Romans 10:13,

For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

The fact is that both election (God’s choosing of who will be saved) and the responsibility of man (man’s decision to accept Christ as Lord and Savior) are taught in the New Testament and both are true. We can’t understand how they can both be true anymore than we can understand how God can be three persons and still be one God.

In today’s verse Paul very clearly states that from the beginning (of everything) God chose us for salvation. It was not based on anything we would do, for then it would not be His choice, but ours alone. This choice, according to Paul, was accomplished through an act of the Holy Spirit who set us apart (sanctified us) for Himself and through belief in the truth of the Gospel.

Paul’s reason for talking about this here is not to correct any error in the church, but to contrast the “permanent earth dwellers,” about whom he has been talking, with believers. Those who will follow the antichrist will not believe the truth because God will cause them to believe the lie. We who are saved by the Spirit believe the truth because God chose us to do so.

 

Application

The real key to salvation is belief in God’s truth as presented in the Bible. Do you believe the truth?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 6:12 – Spiritual Wrestling Match

Posted on by Will

For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against authorities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world system, against spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places.

Truth to Learn

We are in a spiritual battle against powerful wickedness (but we are on the winning side.)

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “wrestling” is palē. This is derived from the verb pallō, meaning “to shake” or “to vibrate.” Palē refers to “struggling,” “wrestling,” or “hand-to-hand combat.” It is specifically a reference to a struggle between individual opponents rather than entire military forces.

 “Authorities” is from archē, which literally means “a beginning.” However, this word can also refer to persons, indicating their priority or preeminence. It can also refer to a position of authority, indicating the first position in power or dominion. This is how the word is used in today’s verse.

Exousia is the Greek word translated “powers.” It refers to “permission, authority, or power to do something.” When used as it is here it indicates someone with power or authority.

The word “rulers … of this world system” is from kosmokrator, which is made up of kosmos, meaning “world system” and a form of krateō, meaning “to have control by virtue of strength.”

“Spiritual” is from pneumatikos, based on pneuma meaning “a spirit.” It refers to “spirit beings” or “angelic beings.”

The word “evil” is translated from ponēria, which refers to “badness,” “wickedness,” or “malicious evil.”

 

Meaning Explained

Paul now tells us why it is so important for us to put on our battle armor. The opening part of this verse literally reads, “because to us the wrestle is not against …” Word order is very important in Greek, with the most important idea presented first in a sentence. Paul wants our focus in this lesson to be on us and our preparedness, not on the enemy. At the same time, however, he wants us to know what kind of enemy we are battling with.

The descriptive words translated “authorities … powers … rulers of this world system … spiritual powers” indicate an organization of wicked angelic beings, who exist in the spirit world but who have great power and influence in our physical world as well. In his apocalyptic writing, the Apostle John described a vision of Satan (the dragon) gathering one third of all the angels to his side in his battle against God and His people:

And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. (Revelation 12:3-4a)

It is these “fallen angels,” organized by Satan into positions of power and authority, which are bringing the battle to us. It is a spiritual battle and we can either roll over and “play dead” or we can engage the enemy and stand firm with all the power and ability that our God has given us.

 

Application

Every Christian who has ever committed himself or herself to serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has experienced spiritual battles. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, but we must never give up. Remember, we are not fighting for victory, we are fighting from victory! Our leader, our Savior, our God has already overcome the enemy. He is the Victor and we are on His side, the winning side!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 3:10 – Angelic Observers

Posted on by Will

so that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and powers in the heavenly places through the church,

Truth to Learn

Angels learn about God by watching you and me.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “manifold” is an interesting Greek word that appears nowhere else in the New Testament. It is the word polupoikilos, which is made up of polus, meaning “much” or “many” and poikilos, literally meaning “multi-colored” or “various.” Polupoikilos means “greatly diversified” or “that which abounds in variety.”

The word “wisdom” is from the Greek noun sophia, which does in fact refer to “wisdom.” It is used in the New Testament to refer to both earthly and heavenly (spiritual) wisdom.

“Might be made known” is translated from the verb gnōridzō, meaning “to declare” or “to make known.” It is expressed in the rare subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of it happening. In Greek, word order is often used to indicate the importance of ideas and gnōridzō appears before any other of these words. Thus we see that the focus of this verse is on how the rulers and powers learn about God’s wisdom.

“Rulers” is translated from archē, which literally refers to “the beginning point.” Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power. As we will see below, this is a reference to the rulers of the angelic beings.

“Powers” is from dunamis (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning “a powerful force.” It is used here as a reference to other powerful angelic beings.

 

Meaning Explained

Beginning back in verse three of this chapter, Paul explained how the mystery of the Gospel was revealed to him. This included the fact that the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews and partakers of God’s promises regarding the Messiah and salvation.

In the past couple of verses he declared how he has been given the responsibility of revealing this mystery to the church. This mystery, which has been hidden from the beginning of time, is now being revealed to us. In today’s verse he tells us that part of the reason for revealing this mystery to the church is so that it can now be revealed to the angelic beings in Heaven. The Jews had the Old Testament which revealed the God of righteousness and judgment. Today, we have the New Testament which reveals the God of grace and mercy to us undeserving sinners.

The angelic beings, however, do not learn about God’s righteousness, judgment, or grace from the written word. Angels are each individually created beings, however we are procreated, that is, we are descendants of the man, Adam, whom God created. In order for angels to be redeemed, they would each one have to have someone die to pay the price of their rebellion against God. Mankind, on the other hand, can be redeemed as an entire body through faith in the blood of one perfect sacrifice. Since there was only one perfect Lamb of God who was sacrificed, His blood could only be applied to mankind. Therefore, the angels can’t experience or comprehend God’s grace experientially. They learn about God’s multi-faceted wisdom by observing the church.

The Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle, said it this way:

… the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12)

The heavenly angels learn about God by observing Him in action. Therefore, the only way they can understand the wisdom of His actions, particularly His grace toward sinners like you and me, is to observe us!

 

Application

Do you ever have those times when you feel like someone is watching you, even when you’re all alone? It could be the angels watching you to learn what God’s grace and mercy are all about. You and I are heavenly object lessons. That’s something to think about! Now, let’s also show them what gratitude and thanksgiving are all about!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 1:21 – Powerful Proof

Posted on by Will

far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Truth to Learn

Jesus’ resurrection is the proof of God’s resurrection promise.

 

Behind the Words

“Far above” is translated from the Greek adverb huperanō, which is made up of huper, meaning “above or over” and anō, meaning “upward” or “on top.” Thus, we can see that huperanō means “above the top” or “far above.”

Archē is the Greek word translated “principality.” The basic meaning of archē is “beginning” or “commencement.” As it is applied to people, it refers to “the first in a series,” that is, “the chief” or “the leader.”

The word translated “power” is exousia, which is based on exesti, meaning “permissible.” Exousia refers to “someone who has permission, authority, or power to do something.”

“Might” is from dunamis, which we saw in verse nineteen. It refers to “someone who has the capability or power to do something.”

The word translated “dominion” is kuriotēs. It is based on the noun kurios, meaning “lord or master.” Thus, kuriotēs refers to “someone having lordship or civil authority over others.”

“Age” is translated from aiōn, which properly refers to “duration or continuance of time.” Here it refers to “a long period of time.” Aiōn is sometimes translated as “world” where it refers to the time that this world exists.

 

Meaning Explained

In the past couple of verses, Paul has been talking about God’s power, which has been demonstrated toward those of us who have believed His promises. This power was demonstrated when He resurrected Jesus from the dead, giving eternal life to his resurrected body. As we pointed out in the previous verse, not only has Jesus been raised from the dead, He has been seated (a sign of completion of the Father’s work of resurrection) at the Father’s right hand. This is the seat that declares the most honor and prestige among those who are seated.

But Paul is not finished with his description of the glory and honor of our risen Lord. Not only has He been seated in the position of the most honor, this position is above every created being. Not just above, mind you, but “far above” them all. Most biblical scholars agree that the words translated “principality” and “power” are references to angelic beings. Therefore, Paul’s designation of “all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named” is a description of every created being, whether human or spirit (angelic). And, it includes not just all beings that have ever been, but any that might exist in the future.

There is no question that Paul has just described the position of highest honor, power, and authority in all of God’s creation. It might seem obvious that the Son of God should have such a position, but this is a description of the man Jesus Christ.

 

Application

God has demonstrated His awesome power in raising Jesus to the highest position of all to assure you and me that He can, and will, raise us from the dead as well. Do you believe it?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 2:13 – Believe the Truth

Posted on by Will

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

Truth to Learn

Belief in the truth is of critical importance to everyone.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “beginning” is archē, meaning “the beginning.” When it is used without a definite article (the) or a direct object, as it is here, it nearly always refers to the very beginning (of time).

Haireō is the verb translated “chose.” This word means “to take.” When expressed in the middle voice (subject acting on itself), as it is here, it means “to take to oneself” or “to choose for oneself.”

“Salvation” is translated from soteria, which means “preservation from danger or destruction.”

The word “sanctification” is hagiasmos, which is based on the verb hagiadzō, meaning “to sanctify.” To sanctify something means to set it apart from common usage to usage devoted to God. Thus, sanctification carries the meaning of being set apart or separated. Sanctification and holiness are often used interchangeably, both indicating separation from sin and dedication to God.

Meaning Explained

Discussion among Christians regarding election versus the responsibility of man is often charged with emotion and bias. Those who hold to the doctrine of election will often quote today’s verse or Ephesians 1:4,

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

While those who hold to the doctrine of “free will” will often quote Romans 10:13,

For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

The fact is that both election (God’s choosing of who will be saved) and the responsibility of man (man’s decision to accept Christ as Lord and Savior) are taught in the New Testament and both are true. We can’t understand how they can both be true any more than we can understand how God can be three persons and still be one God.

In today’s verse Paul very clearly states that from the beginning (of everything) God chose us for salvation. It was not based on anything we would do, for then it would not be His choice, but ours alone. This choice, according to Paul, was accomplished through an act of the Holy Spirit who set us apart for Himself and through belief in the truth of the Gospel.

Paul’s reason for talking about this here is not to correct any error in the church, but to contrast the “permanent earth dwellers,” about whom he has been talking, with believers. Those who will follow the antichrist will not believe the truth because God will cause them to believe the lie. We who are saved by the Spirit believe the truth because God chose us.

Application

The real key to salvation is belief in God’s truth as presented in the Bible. Do you believe the truth?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

Ephesians 6:12 – Spiritual Wrestling Match

Posted on by Will

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Truth to Learn

We are in a spiritual battle and we are on the winning side.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “wrestle” is palē. This is derived from the verb pallō, meaning “to shake” or “to vibrate.” Palē refers to “struggling,” “wrestling,” or “hand-to-hand combat.” It is specifically a reference to a struggle between individual opponents rather than entire military forces.

 “Principalities” is from archē, which literally means “a beginning.” However, this word can also refer to persons, indicating their priority or preeminence. It can also refer to a position of authority, indicating the first position in power or dominion. This is how the word is used in today’s verse.

Exousia is the Greek word translated “powers.” It refers to "permission, authority, or power to do something." When used as it is here it indicates someone with power or authority.

The word “rulers” is from kosmokrator, which is made up of kosmos, meaning “world system” and a form of krateō, meaning “to have control by virtue of strength.”

“Spiritual” is from pneumatikos, based on pneuma meaning “a spirit.” It refers to “spirit beings” or “angelic beings.”

The word “wickedness” is translated from ponēria, which refers to “badness” or “wickedness.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now tells us why it is so important for us to put on our battle armor. The opening part of this verse literally reads, “because to us the wrestle is not against …” He wants our focus in this lesson to be on us and our preparedness, not on the enemy. At the same time, however, Paul wants us to know what kind of enemy we are battling with.

The descriptive words translated “principalities … powers … rulers of darkness … spiritual hosts” indicate an organization of wicked angelic beings, who exist in the spirit world but who have great power and influence in our physical world as well. In his apocalyptic writing, the Apostle John described a vision of Satan (the dragon) gathering one third of all angels to his side in his battle against God and His people:

And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. (Revelation 12:3-4a)

It is these “fallen angels,” organized by Satan into positions of power and authority, which are bringing the battle to us. It is a spiritual battle and we can either roll over and “play dead” or we can engage the enemy and stand firm with all the power and ability that our God has given us.

Application

Every Christian who has ever committed himself or herself to serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has experienced spiritual battles. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, but we must never give up. Remember, we are not fighting for victory, we are fighting from victory! Our leader, our Savior, our God has already overcome the enemy. He is the Victor!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

Ephesians 3:10 – Angelic Observers

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 3:10  – Angelic Observers

to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

Truth to Learn

Angels learn about God by watching you and me.

Behind the Words

The word translated “manifold” is an interesting Greek word that appears nowhere else in the New Testament. It is the word polupoikilos, which is made up of polus, meaning “much” or “many” and poikilos, literally meaning “multi-colored” or “various.” Polupoikilos means “greatly diversified” or “that which abounds in variety.”

The word “wisdom” is from the Greek noun sophia, which does in fact refer to “wisdom.” It is used in the New Testament to refer to both earthly and heavenly (spiritual) wisdom.

“Might be made known” is translated from the verb gnōridzō, meaning “to declare” or “to make known.”

“Principalities” is translated from archē, which literally refers to “the beginning point.” Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power of the angelic beings.

“Powers” is from dunamis (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning “a powerful force.” It is used here as a reference to other powerful angelic beings.

Meaning Explained

Beginning back in verse three of this chapter, Paul explained how the mystery of the Gospel was revealed to him. This included the fact that the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews and partakers of God’s promises regarding the Messiah and salvation.

In the past couple of verses he declared how he has been given the responsibility of revealing this mystery to the church, the body of Christ. This mystery, which has been hidden from mankind from the beginning of time, is now being revealed to us. In today’s verse he tells us that part of the reason for revealing this mystery to the church is so that it can now be revealed to the angelic beings in Heaven. The Jews had the Old Testament which revealed the God of righteousness and judgment to them. Today, we have the New Testament which reveals the God of grace and mercy to us undeserving sinners.

For some reason, the angelic beings do not learn about God’s righteousness, judgment, or grace from the written word. They learn about God’s multi-faceted wisdom by observing the church. The Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle, said it this way:

… the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12)

The heavenly angels learn about God by observing Him in action. Therefore, the only way they can understand the wisdom of His actions, particularly His grace toward sinners like you and me, is to observe us!

Application

Do you ever have those times when you feel like someone is watching you, even when you’re all alone? It could be the angels watching you to learn what God’s grace and mercy are all about. You and I are heavenly object lessons. Let’s show them what gratitude and thanksgiving are all about!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Ephesians 1:21 – Powerful Proof

Posted on by Will

Ephesians 1:21  – Powerful Proof

far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Truth to Learn

Jesus’ resurrection is the proof of God’s resurrection promise.

Behind the Words

“Far above” is translated from the Greek adverb huperanō, which is made up of huper, meaning “above or over” and anō, meaning “upward” or “on top.” Thus, we can see that huperanō means “above the top” or “far above.”

Archē is the Greek word translated “principality.” The basic meaning of archē is “beginning” or “commencement.” As it is applied to people, it refers to “the first in a series,” that is, “the chief” or “the leader.”

The word translated “power” is exousia, which is based on exesti, meaning “permissible.” Exousia refers to “someone who has permission or authority to do something.”

“Might” is from dunamis, which we saw in verse nineteen. It refers to “someone who has the capability or power to do something.”

The word translated “dominion” is kuriotēs. It is based on the noun kurios, meaning “lord or master.” Thus, kuriotēs refers to “someone having lordship or civil authority over others.”

“Age” is translated from aiōn, which properly refers to “duration or continuance of time.” Here it refers to “a long period of time.” Aiōn is sometimes translated as “world” where it refers to the time that this world exists.

Meaning Explained

In the past couple of verses, Paul has been talking about God’s power, which has been demonstrated toward those of us who have believed His promises. This power was demonstrated when He resurrected Jesus from the dead, giving eternal life to his resurrected body. As we pointed out in the previous verse, not only has Jesus been raised from the dead, He has been seated (a sign of completion of the Father’s work of resurrection) at the Father’s right hand. This is the seat that declares the most honor and prestige among those who are seated.

But Paul is not finished with his description of the glory and honor of our risen Lord. Not only has He been seated in the position of the most honor, this position is above every created being. Not just above, mind you, but “far above” them all. Most biblical scholars agree that the words translated “principality” and “power” are references to angelic beings. Therefore, Paul’s designation of “all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named” is a description of every created being, whether human or spirit (angelic). And, it includes not just all beings that have ever been, but any that might exist in the future.

There is no question that Paul has just described the position of highest honor, power, and authority in all of God’s creation. It might seem obvious that the Son of God should have such a position, but this is a description of the man Jesus Christ.

Application

God has demonstrated His awesome power in raising Jesus to the highest position of all to assure you and me that He can, and will, raise us from the dead as well. Do you believe it?

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Romans 8:38 – No One and Nothing

Posted on by Will

Romans 8:38 – No One and Nothing

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,

Truth to Learn

Our salvation is secure!

Behind the Words

The word translated “persuaded” is the Greek word peithō, meaning “to persuade or convince someone.” This word is in the perfect tense implying past completed action with a continuing result, but with the emphasis on the result. So, Paul is not saying that this may be true, or that he thinks it is possible, rather he is saying that he has been persuaded and he is now absolutely convinced that this is true.

“Death” is from the Greek word thanatos. It can refer to physical death (the death of our physical bodies) or spiritual death (exclusion from the presence and favor of God). The base meaning of this word implies separation. Regarding physical death, it is the separation of the soul and spirit from the body. With respect to spiritual death is the separation of the soul and spirit from the presence and favor of God.

The word “life” is from dzoē, which refers to “human life.” It can refer to our physical life or to eternal life.

“Angels” is a transliteration of angelos, meaning “messenger.” It is used in reference to any of God’s created spirit beings. The word “principalities” is from archē, which literally refers to “the beginning point.” Metaphorically, it is used to refer to the highest in position or power of the angelic beings. “Powers” is from dunamis (from which we get our English word dynamite), meaning “a powerful force.” It is used here as a reference to other powerful angels.

The word translated “things present” is enistēmi, meaning “something that exists now.” And “things to come” is from mellō, meaning “something that is about to be or to happen.”

Meaning Explained

Back in verse thirty-five Paul asked the question, “What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” We told you at that time that Paul would answer the question in a few verses. Well, here it is. This is the final explosion in his volcanic eruption of the glorious benefits of being an adopted child of God; in fact, there is so much here that it is spread out over two verses.

Paul starts out this verse with “For I am persuaded.” And what is it that he is absolutely convinced is true? That nothing can separate us from the love of God! You will notice that this list starts out with life and death. We cannot be separated by life or by death. The three words angelos, archē, and dunamis represent all of the angelic host, including faithful angels as well as fallen angels. It even includes Satan. Hence, no angelic being can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus. The list includes things that exist as well as things that have not yet come into being but shall exist some day.

Application

We are saved by God and by God alone, and once we have been declared righteous (saved) by God, it cannot be undone!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2010 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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