Paul’s Extreme Language

The following three verses are all verses that I have been memorizing—and thus meditating on. There are a number of themes that strike me, but today, one of the primary themes was that of extremes—those blanket statement words such as "all" and "complete" and "everything." So, I pulled out the Strong Dictionary…..

"I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for all those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the FULL riches of COMPLETE understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom is hidden ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:1-3).

FULL: Greek pas, "all, any, every, the whole; - all (manner of, means) always(s), any (one),…as many as…thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever."

COMPLETE: Greek plerophoria, "entire confidence: - (full) assurance."

ALL: Greek pas

 

"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching EVERYONE with ALL wisdom so that we may present EVERYONE
PERFECT in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with ALL His energy which so powerfully works in me" (Col. 1:28-29).

EVERYONE: Greek pas (see FULL above).

ALL: Greek pas

PERFECT: Greek teleios, "complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.)."

POWERFULLY: I had to add this one! Greek is dunamis, which is often used to refer to the Holy Spirit's power. Definition is: "force…specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself): ability, abundance, meaning, might…mighty (wonderful) work." His working in me is a miracle!

 

"May the God of peace…equip you with EVERYTHING good for doing His will and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever" (Heb. 13:20-21).

So, this last verse comes from Hebrews, which is debatable whether Paul wrote it or not. However, the author still uses "EVERYTHING," which is, once again, the Greek pas. He will give you all, any, every, the whole, as many as, and thoroughly what we need for doing His will.

I have also been praying this verses…

• I pray that I may have the full riches of complete understanding through love, and that I may know Christ more and more.
  
• I pray that I may also say of my ministry that I strive with all His energy—not my own, but his miracle-making energy.
  
• I pray that I may grasp hold of everything that He has given me for ministry—my Lord and Master has not left me empty-handed.
  
• May He work in me what is pleasing to Him so that every moment is glorifying to Him.
  
• And I pray an additional ALL from 2 Tim. 3:10-11, "You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, love, and patience, endurance, persecution, and sufferings…"
  I pray that each one of these in my life—my teaching, my purpose, etc.—may exalt God.