Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, "customs" refer to the traditional practices, rituals, and social norms that were prevalent among the people and cultures described in the Scriptures. These customs often held significant religious, social, and legal implications and were integral to the daily lives of the Israelites and early Christians.Old Testament Customs 1. Religious Practices: The Old Testament is replete with customs related to worship and religious observance. The Israelites were given specific instructions on sacrifices, festivals, and rituals. For example, the Passover (Exodus 12:14-20) was a significant custom commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. The Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11) was another critical custom, emphasizing rest and worship. 2. Social and Legal Customs: The Mosaic Law outlined various customs that governed social behavior and legal matters. These included laws on marriage, inheritance, and property rights. For instance, the practice of levirate marriage, where a man was obliged to marry his deceased brother's widow to produce offspring for the deceased (Deuteronomy 25:5-10), was a notable custom. 3. Cultural Customs: Customs such as hospitality were highly valued. Abraham's reception of the three visitors in Genesis 18:1-8 exemplifies the importance of hospitality. Additionally, mourning customs, such as wearing sackcloth and ashes (Genesis 37:34), were common expressions of grief. New Testament Customs 1. Jewish Customs: The New Testament reflects the continuation of many Jewish customs. Jesus and His disciples observed Jewish festivals and customs, such as Passover (Luke 22:7-20). The Apostle Paul also adhered to certain Jewish customs to reach his fellow Jews (Acts 21:20-26). 2. Christian Practices: As Christianity emerged, new customs developed. Baptism and the Lord's Supper became central practices for Christians. Baptism was a public declaration of faith and repentance (Acts 2:38), while the Lord's Supper commemorated Jesus' sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). 3. Social Customs: The early church navigated various social customs, often challenging prevailing norms. For example, the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community without requiring adherence to all Jewish customs was a significant development (Acts 15:1-29). Customs in the Life of Jesus Jesus often engaged with and sometimes challenged the customs of His time. He upheld the Law but emphasized its spirit over mere ritualistic observance. For instance, He healed on the Sabbath, highlighting the principle of mercy over strict Sabbath observance (Mark 3:1-6). Jesus also critiqued customs that contradicted God's commandments, such as the tradition of Corban, which allowed individuals to neglect their familial responsibilities under the guise of religious devotion (Mark 7:9-13). Customs and the Early Church The early church grappled with the integration of Jewish and Gentile believers, leading to discussions on which customs were essential for salvation. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) addressed these issues, concluding that Gentile converts need not adhere to all Jewish customs, such as circumcision, but should abstain from practices associated with idolatry and immorality. Conclusion Customs in the Bible reflect the dynamic interplay between tradition, law, and faith. They provide insight into the cultural and religious life of biblical times and illustrate the transformative impact of God's revelation through Jesus Christ and the early church. Greek 244. allotriepiskopos -- one who meddles in things alien to his ... ... From allotrios and episkopos; overseeing others' affairs, ie A meddler (specially, in Gentile customs) -- busybody in other men's matters. see GREEK allotrios. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/244.htm - 6k 5442. phulasso -- to guard, watch 5056. telos -- an end, a toll 1485. ethos -- custom, a usage (prescribed by habit or law) 1484. ethnos -- a race, a nation, pl. the nations (as distinct ... 1218. demos -- a district or country, the common people, esp. the ... Strong's Hebrew 4941. mishpat -- judgment... judgment NASB Word Usage arrangements (1), case (5), case* (1), cause (7), charge (1), claim (1), court (2), crimes (1), custom (11), customs (2), decide (1 ... /hebrew/4941.htm - 7k 1697. dabar -- speech, word 2708. chuqqah -- something prescribed, an enactment, statute Library Apprenticeship Customs The Difference of Some Customs of the Galileans from those of ... Jewish Customs. Customs of the Gelones. Let the Ancient Customs in Egypt, Libya and Pentapolis Prevail... Different Customs of Different Countries. Devout Customs and Usages A List Worthy of Study, Given by the Historian, of Customs among ... Justin Justifies his Departure from Greek Customs. Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ... Thesaurus Customs (25 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Customs (25 Occurrences). Matthew ... Simon? From whom do this world's kings receive customs or capitation tax? ... /c/customs.htm - 14k Fasting (34 Occurrences) Fast (157 Occurrences) Semites Revenue (10 Occurrences) Righteousness (442 Occurrences) Persians (6 Occurrences) Semitic Bedstead (1 Occurrence) Stephen (13 Occurrences) Resources What were common marriage customs in Bible times? | GotQuestions.orgAre there parallels between Jewish wedding traditions and our relationship to Christ? | GotQuestions.org What is cultural appropriation? | GotQuestions.org Customs: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Customs (25 Occurrences)Matthew 17:25 Mark 7:4 John 19:40 Acts 6:14 Acts 16:21 Acts 21:21 Acts 26:3 Acts 28:17 Romans 12:2 Romans 13:7 Galatians 2:14 Leviticus 18:3 Leviticus 18:30 Leviticus 20:23 2 Kings 17:8 2 Kings 17:19 2 Kings 17:33 2 Kings 17:34 2 Kings 17:40 Esther 3:8 Esther 9:32 Psalms 106:35 Isaiah 2:6 Jeremiah 10:3 Ezekiel 23:24 Subtopics Related Terms |