Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical studies, the term "constitutions" does not directly appear in the Scriptures. However, the concept of constitutions, understood as foundational laws or principles that govern a community, can be explored through the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of God's covenantal laws and decrees given to His people.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides a framework for understanding divine constitutions through the covenants established between God and His people. The most prominent example is the Mosaic Covenant, which includes the Ten Commandments and the broader body of laws given to Israel at Mount Sinai. These laws served as a constitution for the nation of Israel, outlining their religious, moral, and social obligations. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God declares to the Israelites, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This passage highlights the conditional nature of the covenant, which required adherence to God's laws as a means of maintaining their special status as His chosen people. The Book of Deuteronomy further elaborates on these laws, serving as a reiteration and expansion of the covenantal stipulations. Deuteronomy 4:1-2 states, "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. You shall not add to the word that I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of constitutions is transformed through the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant was based on adherence to the law, the New Covenant emphasizes faith in Christ and the internalization of God's laws through the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 8:10 quotes the prophecy from Jeremiah, "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people." This passage underscores the shift from external adherence to a written code to an internalized, spiritual constitution that governs the believer's life. The teachings of Jesus also reflect this new constitutional framework. In Matthew 22:37-40 , Jesus summarizes the law with the greatest commandments: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments." Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the concept of constitutions in the Bible underscores the importance of divine law as a guiding principle for God's people. The transition from the Old to the New Covenant illustrates the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where the law is not abolished but fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 5:17). The biblical narrative presents God's laws as a reflection of His character and will, serving as a moral and ethical foundation for His people. The internalization of these laws through the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant signifies a transformative relationship with God, where believers are empowered to live according to His will. In summary, while the term "constitutions" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is deeply embedded in the covenantal relationships between God and His people, providing a divine framework for living a life that honors Him. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia APOSTOLICAL CONSTITUTIONSSee DIDACHE. Library constitutions of the holy apostles Introductory Notice to Constitutions of the Holy Apostles. constitutions of the holy apostles If any Cleric is Ordained He Ought to be Admonished to Observe the ... Various Precepts. Daily Prayers. Watchfulness; the Coming of the Lord. The Way of Death. Introductory Notice to the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. The Two Ways; the First Commandment. Thesaurus ConstitutionsConstitutions. Constituting, Constitutions. Constrain . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia APOSTOLICAL CONSTITUTIONS. See DIDACHE. ... /c/constitutions.htm - 6k Manasses (1 Occurrence) Constrain (6 Occurrences) Prayer (406 Occurrences) Linus (1 Occurrence) Gaius (5 Occurrences) Fourth (87 Occurrences) Philemon (2 Occurrences) Barber Claudia (1 Occurrence) Resources What items should be included in a church constitution? | GotQuestions.orgIs freedom of speech a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.org What is the Didache? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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