Lexical Summary proginosko: to foreknow, to know beforehand Original Word: προγινώσκω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance forewarn, say before From pro and epo; to say already, to predict -- forewarn, say (speak, tell) before. Compare proereo. see GREEK pro see GREEK epo see GREEK proereo Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4277: προεῖπονπροεῖπον (2 aorist active from an unused present (see εἶπον, at the beginning)), 1 person plural προείπομεν (1 Thessalonians 4:6 Griesbach), προείπαμεν, (ibid. R L T Tr WH (see WH's Appendix, p. 164)); perfect προείρηκα; perfect passive προείρημαι (see εἶπον, p. 181a top); from Homer ((by tmesis); Herodotus and Plato) down; to say before; i. e., a. to say in what precedes, to say above: followed by ὅτι, 2 Corinthians 7:3; followed by direct discourse (Hebrews 4:7 L T Tr WH text); Hebrews 10:15 (Rec.). b. to say before i. e. heretofore, formerly: followed by ὅτι, 2 Corinthians 13:2; Galatians 5:21; followed by direct discourse, Galatians 1:9; (Hebrews 4:7 WH marginal reading); καθώς προείπαμεν ὑμῖν, 1 Thessalonians 4:6; (in the passages under this head (except Galatians 1:9) some would give προ( the sense of openly, plainly (cf. R. V. marginal reading)). c. to say beforehand i. e. before the event; so used in reference to prophecies: τί, Acts 1:16; τά ῤήματα τό προειρημενα ὑπό τίνος, Jude 1:17; 2 Peter 3:2; προείρηκα ὑμῖν πάντα, Mark 13:23; namely, αὐτό, Matthew 24:25; followed by direct discourse, Romans 9:29. STRONGS NT 4277: προείρηκαπροείρηκα see προεῖπον. Strong’s Greek 4277 highlights the act of speaking in advance—divine foretelling rather than mere human guesswork. The single New Testament occurrence stands as a vivid example of God’s purposeful disclosure of future events through inspired spokesmen, underscoring the coherence of Scripture from Psalms to Acts. Biblical Context: Acts 1:16 In the Upper Room, Peter addresses one hundred and twenty believers: “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas…” (Acts 1:16). Here, προεῖπεν operates as the hinge between Davidic prophecy and apostolic fulfillment. Peter affirms three foundational truths: 1. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate Author. Old Testament Grounding Peter implicitly references Psalm 41:9; Psalm 69:25; Psalm 109:8—all shaping the early Church’s understanding of Judas. These Psalms, penned nearly a millennium earlier, demonstrate that God’s redemptive timeline accommodates even treachery, weaving it into a greater salvific design. Christological Dimension The advance proclamation about Judas magnifies Christ’s sufferings as both foretold and essential. Jesus Himself affirmed this pattern: “The Son of Man goes as it has been determined” (Luke 22:22). Foretelling validates Jesus as the promised Messiah whose mission was scripted long before Advent. Pneumatological Insight Acts 1:16 attributes the prophecy to the Holy Spirit, confirming that the same Spirit who empowered David also guided apostolic interpretation. This continuity guarantees doctrinal unity across covenants and encourages reliance on Spirit-illumined Scripture for present ministry. Historical Significance for the Early Church At a volatile moment between Ascension and Pentecost, Peter anchors communal decision-making (selecting Matthias) in divinely foretold Scripture. The verb thus becomes a precedent for the Church’s hermeneutic: interpret unfolding events through the lens of what God has already spoken. Ministry Applications 1. Preaching: Faithful proclamation links past prophecies to present realities, helping congregations see God’s unbroken narrative. Eschatological Assurance If God’s word about Judas came to pass precisely, disciples may rest assured that promises concerning Christ’s return (Acts 1:11), resurrection hope (1 Corinthians 15:20-23), and the new creation (Revelation 21:1-5) will likewise be fulfilled. Related New Testament Echoes of Divine Foretelling • Matthew 26:24 – Jesus cites prophetic necessity regarding His betrayal and death. Summary Strong’s Greek 4277, though occurring only once in the New Testament text, illuminates a key biblical conviction: God speaks before events transpire, ensuring that history unfolds according to His immutable word. This foretelling builds confidence in Scripture’s authority, anchors ecclesial decisions, and fuels Gospel proclamation until every promise is brought to completion. Englishman's Concordance Acts 1:16 V-AIA-3SGRK: γραφὴν ἣν προεῖπεν τὸ πνεῦμα INT: Scripture which spoke beforehand the Spirit προεγράφη — 2 Occ. |
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