Lexical Summary paraggelia: Command, instruction, charge Original Word: παραγγελία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mandate, charge, command. From paraggello; a mandate -- charge, command. see GREEK paraggello HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3852 paraggelía – a command, literally "something announced from close-beside" and therefore fully authorized. 3852 /paraggelía ("fully authorized command") is preeminently used of the Lord – the one who owns all things. Christ speaks His rhēma-word into the believer – giving a command (3852 /paraggelía) that passes on His preferred-will (cf. Ro 10:17, Gk text and 2307 /thélēma). Accordingly, 3852 (paraggelía) and faith (4102 /pístis, "God's inworked persuasions") are directly connected. See 3853 (parangéllō). 1 Tim 1:5: "But the goal of our instruction (3852 /paraggelía) is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (4102 /pístis)" (NASU). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom paraggelló Definition an instruction, a command NASB Translation command (2), commandments (1), instruction (1), strict orders (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3852: παραγγελίαπαραγγελία, παραγγελίας, ἡ (παραγγέλλω), properly, announcement, a proclaiming or giving a message to; hence, a charge, command: Acts 16:24; a prohibition, Acts 5:28; used of the Christian doctrine relative to right living, 1 Timothy 1:5; of particular directions relative to the same, 18; plural in 1 Thessalonians 4:2. (Of a military order in Xenophon, Polybius; of instruction, Aristotle, eth. Nic. 2, 2, p. 1104{a}, 7; Diodorus except p. 512, 19 (i. e. fragment book 26:1, 1).) Topical Lexicon Concept of Authoritative Command The term denotes a formal charge issued by a recognized authority. It carries the sense of a directive that expects obedience because it rests on delegated or inherent power. Throughout the New Testament, it appears in contexts where the speaker’s or institution’s right to command is either asserted or challenged, underscoring the biblical theme that legitimate authority derives ultimately from God. Occurrences in Scripture • Acts 5:28 – The Sanhedrin confronts the apostles: “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” revealing the clash between human authority and the divine mandate to proclaim the gospel. Interplay with Apostolic Authority The apostles issue commands that are more than personal advice; they transmit the risen Lord’s will. Their directives establish doctrine, guard the gospel against distortion, and structure communal life. Because these commands are Spirit-inspired, obedience to them is obedience to Christ Himself (see John 13:20). Ethical and Pastoral Dimensions While authoritative, these commands are pastoral in purpose. In 1 Timothy 1:5 the objective is love, purity, and sincere faith. The authoritative word thus shepherds believers toward holiness, affirming that true obedience produces inward transformation rather than legalistic conformity. Implications for Christian Discipleship Discipleship involves submitting to Christ’s commands as mediated through Scripture. The pattern set by Acts and the Epistles binds believers to apostolic teaching (Acts 2:42). Such obedience is not optional; it is the evidence of genuine faith (John 14:15). Historical Context and Background In the Greco-Roman world, military and civic life revolved around hierarchical commands. The New Testament appropriates this familiar imagery, yet subordinates every earthly order to the supreme command of God. Where human orders conflict with divine instruction, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Theological Significance Commands given in Scripture reveal the character of God—holy, orderly, and redemptive. They function within the covenant framework: grace initiates relationship; command guides response. Thus, commands do not earn salvation but define the life that flows from salvation. Practical Applications for Modern Ministry 1. Preaching and teaching should present biblical directives as binding, while showing their redemptive purpose. Synthesis The New Testament’s use of this term unites authority, love, and mission. Divine commands, delivered through apostolic witness, call the church to faithful obedience that glorifies Christ and advances the gospel in every generation. Forms and Transliterations Παραγγελια παραγγελία Παραγγελίᾳ παραγγελιαν παραγγελίαν παραγγελιας παραγγελίας Parangelia Parangelíāi parangelian parangelían parangelias parangelíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 5:28 N-DFSGRK: λέγων οὐ Παραγγελίᾳ παρηγγείλαμεν ὑμῖν NAS: We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching KJV: Did not we straitly command you INT: saying not by a charge did we warn you Acts 16:24 N-AFS 1 Thessalonians 4:2 N-AFP 1 Timothy 1:5 N-GFS 1 Timothy 1:18 N-AFS Strong's Greek 3852 |
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