Lexical Summary paroxusmos: Provocation, Stirring up, Sharp Disagreement Original Word: παροξυσμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance contention, provoke unto. From paroxuno ("paroxysm"); incitement (to good), or dispute (in anger) -- contention, provoke unto. see GREEK paroxuno HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3948 paroksysmós – a provocation which literally jabs (cuts) someone so they "must" respond. See 3947 (para NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom paroxunó Definition stimulation, provocation NASB Translation sharp disagreement (1), stimulate (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3948: παροξυσμόςπαροξυσμός, παροξυσμου, ὁ (παροξύνω, which see); 1. an inciting, incitement: εἰς παροξυσμόν ἀγάπης (A. V. to provoke unto love), Hebrews 10:24. 2. irritation (R. V. contention): Acts 15:39; the Sept. twice for קֶצֶף, violent anger, passion, Deuteronomy 29:28; Jeremiah 39:37 Strong’s Greek 3948 marks a sudden surge of emotion that moves people to action. The noun can carry either a constructive or a destructive sense, describing a stimulus that provokes, stirs, or irritates. The direction—toward unity or toward division—is determined by the moral and spiritual context in which the stimulus is received. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Acts 15:39 highlights a “sharp disagreement” between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark. The intensity of feeling fractured a missionary partnership, yet the wider narrative of Scripture shows that God later reconciled the parties and redeemed the conflict for kingdom advance (see 2 Timothy 4:11). Theological Significance Paroxusmos illustrates that emotions are not morally neutral; they become either sanctified catalysts or sinful ruptures. Acts 15:39 proves that even mature servants of Christ can succumb to divisive provocation, yet the epistolary record demonstrates that the Lord’s providence overrules human friction. Conversely, Hebrews 10:24 sanctifies the term, directing the church to wield it for love-driven service. Together the passages reveal a redemptive arc: what can fracture fellowship can also forge it when governed by the Spirit. Historical Background and Early Church Context First–century Mediterranean culture valued honor and reputation, amplifying the potential for heated disputes. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) dealt with Gentile inclusion, a watershed issue laden with personal convictions. Paul and Barnabas, returning from the council, were already navigating sensitive terrain; the addition of John Mark’s earlier desertion (Acts 13:13) produced combustible tension. Luke’s concise narration underscores the reality of conflict while refusing to glamorize it. In contrast, Hebrews addresses a community tempted to abandon its Christian confession under pressure. The writer seizes paroxusmos to call for deliberate, strategic provocation—one believer thoughtfully kindling zeal in another. Related Old Testament Concepts Although the Greek term is absent from the Septuagint, the underlying idea of provocation appears in Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another,” and in Psalm 106:32, where Israel “provoked the LORD” at the waters of Meribah. These texts foreshadow both outcomes seen in the New Testament: sharpening fellowship or provoking divine displeasure. Practical Ministry Applications • Discern the Direction of Zeal: Leaders must differentiate between fleshly agitation and Spirit-borne motivation, channeling strong feelings toward constructive ends. Pastoral Reflections Paroxusmos reminds the church that passion must be harnessed. Unchecked, it sunders fellowship; sanctified, it accelerates love. The same emotional energy that once fractured the team of Paul and Barnabas later propelled separate missionary endeavors and, by God’s grace, strengthened the church universal. In every generation the people of God are called to steward their provocations, turning potential discord into a forge for good works. Englishman's Concordance Acts 15:39 N-NMSGRK: ἐγένετο δὲ παροξυσμὸς ὥστε ἀποχωρισθῆναι NAS: And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated KJV: was so sharp between them, INT: Arose therefore a sharp disagreement so that departed Hebrews 10:24 N-AMS Strong's Greek 3948 |
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