Every language and every culture has its own complex system of idioms, metaphors and other bits of figurative language that oftentimes perplex non-native speakers. The same is true in the Bible. However, even some of the most well-educated individuals don’t always know how even the most familiar phrases have come into the vernacular. While I will not be able to present a comprehensive list by any definition, the following summaries explore some of the more popular English-language idioms.

“And all the people in the synagogue were filled with rage as they heard these things; and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to throw Him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, He went His way.” Luke 4:28-30

“Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.” But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.) Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” (Luke 23:13-21)

“Read the Riot Act:” The idea of an “Act” in this idiom references a legal proclamation that did, in fact, exist. Under King George I, the real “Riot Act” was passed in 1714. Read out loud in order to quell gatherings of subjects, the throne tried to keep in check those it considered potentially threatening. Once the reading of the “Act” concluded the “rioters” were given one hour to disperse before getting slapped with penalties such as servitude and imprisonment.

There were times in the Bible where riots broke out — that day at the Synagogue when Jesus told the audience they were unable to hear his words of Grace and Truth, and when the people were calling for the crucifixion of Jesus. I guess we have to agree that people have been people since the beginning of time. I imagine the scene at the building of the Golden Calf started with such a riot.

I find that when I am at my most angry, I turn to the Word of G-d and prayer to calm my anger and soothe my nerves. It doesn’t always work immediately, but it gets me off the things that are upsetting me. It is a model that Jesus gives us — for when he was on the cross, he turned to Psalm 22: “My God, My God, why…….”

Pastor Dave

“I always pray with joy in my every prayer for all of you because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you became partners in Godʼs grace together with me. For God is my witness that I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:3–11

It is common for Paul to begin his letters with an expression of thanksgiving. What is interesting about this statement of thanksgiving is that Paul uses the verb “deomai” which in Greek is translated as “praying” and “prayers”. The verb praying here describes some sort of lack or deficiency, and so by extension means “to request” or “to beseech.”

In this instance, we understand Paul to be praying requests for the people, although he doesn’t tell us immediately what the content of his request is. Paul then adds that he makes these requests “with joy.” This is unparalleled among Paul’s thanksgiving statements. In fact, many scholars point to joy as the hallmark of this letter. Joy, here as in all of Paul’s writings, comes with the gospel of Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit.

Another interesting use of verbiage in this expression of thanksgiving is “koinōnia” (in Greek) here translated as “sharing”. Koinonia is translated differently in various parts of the New Testament, although usually as “fellowship”. Koinōnia is a word that expresses the essence of Christianity — something held in common, as opposed to something held in private; koinōnia refers to the community and its participants. This is the body of Christ — the church — people working together to protect and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul prayed for the church in Philippi — Paul prays for our church today — for his prayer is for all people who gather to share the gospel.

Pastor Dave