Lexical Summary agógé: Leading, guidance, conduct Original Word: ἀγωγή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance way of lifeReduplicated from ago; a bringing up, i.e. Mode of living -- manner of life. see GREEK ago NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom agó Definition a carrying away, leading, guiding NASB Translation conduct (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 72: ἀγωγήἀγωγή, (ῆς, ἡ (from ἄγω, like ἐδωδή from ἔδω); 1. properly, a leading. 2. figuratively, a. transitive, a conducting, training, education, discipline. b. intransitive, the life led, way or course of life (a use which arose from the fuller expression ἀγωγή τοῦ βίου, in Polybius 4, 74, 1, 4; cf. German Lebensführung): 2 Timothy 3:10 (R. V. conduct) (Esther 2:20; 2 Macc. 4:16; ἡ ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγωγή, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 47, 6 [ET]; ἁγνή ἀγωγή, ibid. 48, 1 [ET]). Often in secular authors in all these senses. The term reflects a holistic pattern of living that results from deliberate training. It gathers up the ideas of education, formation, discipline, example, and lifestyle into a single word that depicts both inward shaping and outward conduct. Biblical Occurrence 2 Timothy 3:10 stands as its lone appearance in the Greek New Testament: “You, however, have observed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance” (Berean Standard Bible). In pairing “teaching” with “way of life,” Paul signals that doctrine and daily practice are inseparable in authentic ministry. Pauline Model of Discipleship 1. Transparent example. Paul permits Timothy close access to see how truth works in ordinary decisions, suffering, and service (Acts 20:18-35; Philippians 4:9). Historical and Cultural Setting In the Greco-Roman world, the word described the rigorous formation of youth, notably in Sparta where the “agōgē” fashioned citizens through discipline and communal example. Paul redeems the concept, presenting Christ-centered training that shapes character through Scripture, suffering, and the Spirit rather than martial prowess. Ministry Significance • Guards against mere intellectualism by tethering doctrine to visible obedience (James 1:22-25). Contemporary Application Churches cultivate this “way of life” by: 1. Life-on-life mentoring that allows proximity and imitation. Related Themes Discipleship – Matthew 28:19-20 Example – Philippians 3:17 Training in Righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:16 Walking Worthy – Ephesians 4:1 See Also Strong’s Greek 5158 (tropos, “manner”) Strong’s Greek 3956 (pās, “all,” in connection with “all Scripture” in 2 Timothy 3:16) |
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