Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Praying 1 Thessalonians – Brothers and Sisters
Praying 1 Thessalonians – “Brothers (and Sisters)
TEXT: 1:4; 2:1,9,14,17; 3:2,7; 4:1,6,10,13; 5:1,4,12,14,25,26,27.
DEVOTIONAL: Facts and figures can be cold and meaningless unless there is a lesson to be learned. I beg your forbearance in listing the following concerning 1 Thessalonians and how often the word for brothers (and sisters) is found:
- 19x the word adelphos is used in either plural or singular from in 1 Thessalonians.
- 17x the word adelphos is used in the plural form indicating both male and female “brethren” or “brothers and sisters”.
- There are 89 verses in 1 Thessalonians with adelphos found in 18 verses which is 20%.
- Only one other Pauline letter has more uses which is 1 Corinthians in 36 verses for a total 38 times.
- There are 437 verses in 1 Corinthians which is 8%.
While possibly an overstatement, knowing how much admiration Paul had for the Thessalonians and how aggravated he was at the Corinthians, it appears possible that Paul’s usage of adelphos grew in use out of both love and frustration! Paul wanted these Gentiles to know that this Jew loved them as family!
Now think about your closest relationship, possibly a family member. Do you ever use the term “dear” or “Mom” with a different tone based upon your level of affection or affliction? May I also suggest the level of frustration and feelings are so high because of the closeness of the relationship. That is what we are to experience with one another because that is what God experiences with us as our Father and Jesus as our Brother. That’s a fact that is not meaningless.
PRAYER: Dear Father and Brother in heaven, may I use the terms brother and sister less like a title, and more like a reality when dealing with our spiritual family, the one you have created. Amen.
Comments