Aera
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Definition and Etymology:
The term "Aera" does not appear directly in the canonical texts of the Bible. However, it is often associated with the concept of "era" or "epoch," referring to a significant period marked by notable events or characteristics. In biblical contexts, eras are often defined by God's covenants, the reigns of kings, or prophetic timelines.

Biblical Context:
While "Aera" as a term is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of distinct periods or eras is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. The Bible is divided into various dispensations or eras, each characterized by different covenants and divine interactions with humanity. These include the Patriarchal Era, Mosaic Era, and the Era of the New Covenant, among others.

1. Patriarchal Era:
This era is marked by God's covenant with the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a time when God established His promises to make Abraham a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him (Genesis 12:1-3).

2. Mosaic Era:
The Mosaic Era begins with the Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. This period is characterized by the covenant God made with the Israelites, establishing them as His chosen people and giving them the Law to guide their lives (Exodus 19:5-6).

3. Era of the Judges and Kings:
Following the conquest of Canaan, the era of the Judges and Kings unfolds. This period includes the leadership of figures like Samuel, Saul, David, and Solomon. It is a time of fluctuating faithfulness and rebellion among the Israelites, leading to the eventual division of the kingdom (1 Samuel 8:6-7).

4. Prophetic Era:
The Prophetic Era is marked by the ministry of prophets who called Israel and Judah back to covenant faithfulness. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel warned of impending judgment and offered hope for future restoration (Isaiah 1:18-20).

5. Era of the New Covenant:
The New Covenant era is inaugurated by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This period is characterized by the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of a new covenant with humanity through Christ's sacrifice (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20).

Theological Significance:
The concept of eras in the Bible underscores God's sovereign plan and His unfolding revelation to humanity. Each era reveals different aspects of God's character, His expectations for His people, and His redemptive purposes. The progression from one era to another highlights the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Historical and Cultural Context:
Understanding the historical and cultural context of each biblical era is crucial for interpreting Scripture accurately. The customs, political landscapes, and religious practices of each period provide insight into the challenges and experiences of God's people. This context enriches the study of biblical narratives and prophecies, offering a deeper appreciation for God's interaction with humanity throughout history.

Application for Believers:
Recognizing the distinct eras in biblical history encourages believers to appreciate the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises. It also serves as a reminder of the faithfulness required in each era, urging Christians to live in accordance with the teachings of the New Covenant and to anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Aera

[CHRONOLOGY]

Greek
109. aer -- air
... Compare psucho. see GREEK psucho. (aera) -- 5 Occurrences. (aeros) -- 1 Occurrence.
(aer) -- 1 Occurrence. 108, 109. aer. 110 . Strong's Numbers.
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/109.htm - 6k
Library

The Introduction.
... king Cratilinth, about the year 277, who took special care to obliterate every memorial
of them; and from this period we may date the true aera of Christianity ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the introduction.htm

The Early Versions Examined, and Found to Yield Unfaltering ...
... great schism had its beginning, in the native land of the blessed Gospel." The Peshito
is referred by common consent to the iind century of our aera; and is ...
/.../chapter iv the early versions.htm

Hymnus viii. Kalendas Ianuarias
... dignatus orbera viseret. Nam caeca vis mortalium venerans inanes nenias vel
aera vel saxa algida, 35 vel ligna credebat Deum. Haec dum ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/xi hymnus viii kalendas ianuarias.htm

Books Printed for the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge;
... A Discount of 25 per cent to Members s d Aera of Mahomet 1 4 Annals of the Colonial
Church (Fredericton) 1 0 ""- (New Zealand) 3 4 ""- (Toronto) 3 4 ...
/.../murray/kalli the esquimaux christian /books printed for the society.htm

The Founder of Christianity.
... the world under Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, before the death of king
Herod the Great, four years before the traditional date of our Dionysian aera ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 15 the founder of.htm

Chronology of the Life of Christ.
... Our Christians aera, which was introduced by the Roman abbot Dionysius Exiguus,
in the sixth century, and came into general use two centuries later, during the ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 16 chronology of the.htm

The Early Fathers Appealed To, and Observed to Bear Favourable ...
... the text of the Gospels,"on evidence of not quite certain date, and yet (as we all
believe) not reaching further back than to the ivth century of our aera? ...
/.../chapter iii the early fathers.htm

General Review of the Question: Summary of the Evidence; and ...
... and Augustine in the vth, to say nothing of Codices A and C;"the Lectionary of the
Church universal, probably from the second century of our aera, is found ...
/.../chapter xii general review of.htm

The New Crusade --Serampore and the Brotherhood
... time would form an epoch in the history of man,""the time will be ever remembered
by us, and may it be celebrated by future ages as the AEra of Christian ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter v the new crusadeserampore.htm

The Omission of These Twelve Verses in Certain Ancient Copies of ...
... convincing indications of the extent to which the Lectionary practice of the Church
had established itself so early as the second century of our aera. Cod. ...
/.../chapter xi the omission of.htm

Resources
Aeon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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