Lexical Summary ekteneia: Earnestness, Fervency Original Word: ἐκτενεία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance earnestness, intentnessFrom ektenes; intentness -- X instantly. see GREEK ektenes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ektenés Definition zeal, intentness NASB Translation earnestly* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1616: ἐκτένειαἐκτένεια, ἐκτενειας, ἡ (ἐκτενής), a later Greek word (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 311); a. properly, extension. b. intentness (of mind), earnestness: ἐν ἐκτένεια, earnestly, Acts 26:7. (2 Macc. 14:38; Judith 4:9. Cf. Grimm on 3Macc. 6:41 (where he refers to Cicero, ad Att. 10, 17, 1).) ἐκτενείᾳ conveys the idea of sustained, whole-hearted exertion—an inner “stretching out” that refuses to slacken until the goal is reached. Although the noun appears only once in the New Testament, its cognate forms (e.g., the adjective ἐκτενής and the adverb ἐκτενῶς) color key passages on fervent prayer, brotherly love, and persevering ministry (Luke 22:44; Acts 12:5; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 4:8). Together they portray a life poured out under God’s hand, marked by unflagging intensity. Biblical Setting in Acts 26:7 Paul stands before Agrippa recounting the “promise our twelve tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve God day and night” (Acts 26:7). Here ἐκτενείᾳ describes the constant, vigilant devotion of Israel, generation after generation, as they press toward the fulfillment of God’s covenant pledge. The verse situates Paul’s gospel within the continuous account of this fervent hope, showing Christianity as the consummation—not the contradiction—of Old Testament expectation. Historical and Cultural Background First-century Judaism embraced daily cycles of temple prayers (Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10) and nightly vigils during great feasts. Luke, the author of Acts, highlights that culture of relentless service to underscore Paul’s claim: the risen Messiah fulfills the long-awaited promise. By using ἐκτενείᾳ, Luke links Paul’s message to Israel’s historic pattern of worship, emphasizing continuity between synagogue piety and apostolic proclamation. Theological Themes 1. Promise and Fulfillment—The word binds the hope of the patriarchs to the gospel of Christ (Romans 15:8). Connection with Fervent Prayer Though the noun surfaces only in Acts 26:7, its cognates reinforce the same note of intensity: Each scene illustrates spiritual energy that persists until God’s purpose is accomplished, modeling the attitude voiced by Israel in Paul’s testimony. Implications for Christian Ministry • Intercession—Pastors and believers are called to a prayer life that refuses resignation, trusting God to honor persistent petitions (Luke 18:1-8). Reception in Church History Early fathers such as Chrysostom pointed to Paul before Agrippa to champion unceasing prayer. Medieval monastic communities adopted night offices, citing Israel’s example of persistent service. Reformation commentators held up ἐκτενείᾳ to encourage steadfast preaching amid opposition. Contemporary Application Modern disciples meet a world of distraction and fatigue. ἐκτενείᾳ calls the Church to deliberate, disciplined fervor—stretching the soul toward God’s promises with the same intensity that once animated Israel’s tribes and Christ’s apostles. This posture fuels evangelism, sustains suffering saints, and keeps the hope of resurrection blazing until faith becomes sight. |
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