Lexical Summary anaballó: To delay, to put off, to defer Original Word: ἀναβάλλω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance defer. Middle voice from ana and ballo; to put off (for oneself) -- defer. see GREEK ana see GREEK ballo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ana and balló Definition to put off NASB Translation put...off (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 306: ἀναβάλλωἀναβάλλω: 2 aorist middle ἀνεβαλόμην; 1. to throw or toss up. 2. to put back or off, delay, postpone (very often in Greek writings); in this sense also in middle (properly, to defer for oneself): τινα, to hold back, delay; in a forensic sense to put off anyone (Latinampilare, Cicero, Verr. act. 2, 1, 9 § 26) i. e. to defer heaving and deciding (adjourn) anyone's case: Acts 24:22; cf. Kypke (or Wetstein (1752)) at the passage. Strong’s Greek 306 depicts the intentional act of postponing or deferring a matter. Though it surfaces only once in the New Testament, its single appearance illuminates a recurring biblical tension between human procrastination and divine immediacy. Primary Biblical Occurrence Acts 24:22 records Governor Felix adjourning Paul’s hearing: “Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the hearing. ‘When Lysias the commander comes,’ he said, ‘I will decide your case.’”. The verb translated “adjourned” encapsulates the idea of delay for further convenience, shifting the moment of decision to an undefined future time. Historical and Judicial Background Roman governors possessed broad discretion over provincial legal proceedings. By suspending Paul’s trial, Felix aimed to balance political pressures: placating influential Jewish leaders while avoiding injustice too blatant for Roman sensibilities. This calculated stalling highlights how secular authority can manipulate time to serve self-interest rather than truth. Spiritual Implications of Delay 1. Procrastination before conviction – Felix later trembles under Paul’s teaching on “righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment” (Acts 24:25), yet still defers action. Contrasts with Divine Promptness • “Now is the favorable time; now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) While people often choose delay, God invites immediate response, underscoring the peril of postponing obedience. Ministry Applications • Evangelism – Present the gospel with urgency; deferment may harden hearts as with Felix. Related Biblical Themes Delayed obedience: Jonah 1:3; Matthew 21:28-31 Immediate obedience: Genesis 22:3; Mark 1:18 Imminence of judgment: Acts 17:31; Revelation 22:12 Illustrations from Church History • Augustine recounts delaying repentance through repeated prayers of “Tomorrow,” illustrating the soul’s resistance to surrender until grace overcame procrastination. Summary Strong’s 306, though rare, serves as a vivid reminder: the gospel calls for decisive action today. Human authorities may suspend judgment, but God’s timeframe remains resolute. Believers are therefore summoned to swift obedience, faithful proclamation, and just leadership, trusting that divine purpose transcends every earthly postponement. |
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