The term "expound" refers to the act of explaining or interpreting a text, particularly in a detailed and systematic manner. In the context of the Bible, expounding involves elucidating the meaning of Scripture, often with the aim of making its teachings clear and applicable to the lives of believers. This practice is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and is essential for understanding the depth and breadth of God's Word.

Biblical Instances of Expounding

1. Jesus Christ as the Master Expositor: One of the most significant examples of expounding in the Bible is found in the ministry of Jesus Christ. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they walked, He expounded the Scriptures concerning Himself, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets (Luke 24:27): "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself." This passage highlights the importance of understanding the Old Testament as pointing to Christ and the necessity of expounding Scripture to reveal its full meaning.

2. The Apostles' Teaching: The apostles also engaged in expounding Scripture. In Acts 2, Peter delivers a sermon at Pentecost, expounding on the prophecy of Joel and the Psalms to explain the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2:16-36). Similarly, in Acts 17:2-3, Paul reasoned with the Jews from the Scriptures, "explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead."

3. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch: Another notable instance is found in Acts 8:30-35, where Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading the book of Isaiah. The eunuch is puzzled by the text, and Philip, prompted by the Holy Spirit, expounds the passage to him, revealing that it speaks of Jesus. This act of expounding leads to the eunuch's conversion and baptism.

The Role of Expounding in the Early Church

The early church placed a strong emphasis on the expounding of Scripture as a means of teaching and edification. The apostle Paul, in his letters, often expounded on the doctrines of the faith, providing clarity and instruction to the early Christian communities. In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul exhorts Timothy to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching, underscoring the importance of expounding the Word for the growth and maturity of the church.

Expounding in the Life of the Believer

For believers, the practice of expounding Scripture is vital for spiritual growth and understanding. It involves not only reading the Bible but also studying it with the intent to grasp its meaning and apply its truths. This can be done through personal study, participation in Bible study groups, and listening to sermons where pastors and teachers expound the Word.

The Berean approach to Scripture, as seen in Acts 17:11, where the Bereans "examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true," serves as a model for believers to diligently study and expound the Bible, ensuring that their understanding aligns with the truth of God's Word.

Conclusion

The practice of expounding Scripture is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, enabling believers to comprehend and live out the teachings of the Bible. Through the examples of Jesus, the apostles, and the early church, we see the transformative power of expounding God's Word, leading to deeper faith and a more profound relationship with Christ.1. (v. t.) To explain in detail; to examine closely; as to expound on the meaning of a word.

2. (v. t.) To lay open the meaning of; to explain; to clear of obscurity; to interpret; as, to expound a text of Scripture, a law, a word, a meaning, or a riddle.

1620. ektithemi -- to set forth, fig. to declare
... ay-mee) Short Definition: I put out or expose a child, set forth, explain Definition:
(a) I put out or expose a child, (b) mid: I set forth, expound, explain. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1620.htm - 6k

5419. phrazo -- to show forth, tell
... expound. Probably akin to phrasso through the idea of defining; to indicate (by
word or act), ie (specially), to expound -- declare. see GREEK phrasso. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5419.htm - 6k

1956. epiluo -- to loose, to solve
... determine, expound. From epi and luo; to solve further, ie (figuratively) to explain,
decide -- determine, expound. see GREEK epi. see GREEK luo. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1956.htm - 7k

1329. diermeneuo -- to explain thoroughly, by impl. to translate
... expound, interpret. From dia and hermeneuo; to explain thoroughly, by implication,
to translate -- expound, interpret(-ation). see GREEK dia. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1329.htm - 7k

3718. orthotomeo -- to cut straight
... From a compound of orthos and the base of tomoteros, to make a straight cut, ie
(figuratively) to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message) -- rightly ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3718.htm - 7k

1272. dianoigo -- to open up completely
... to open up completely. From dia and anoigo; to open thoroughly, literally (as a
first-born) or figuratively (to expound) -- open. see GREEK dia. see GREEK anoigo ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1272.htm - 7k

5046. nagad -- to be conspicuous
... bewray, certainly, certify, declare, denounce, expound, fully, messenger,.
A primitive root; properly, to front, ie Stand boldly ...
/hebrew/5046.htm - 6k

874. baar -- to make distinct or plain
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to make distinct or plain NASB Word Usage
distinctly (1), expound (1), inscribe (1). declare, make plainly. ...
/hebrew/874.htm - 6k

The Jews Expound These Signs Jejunely and Feebly, and Take up ...
... Chapter CXII."The Jews expound these signs jejunely and feebly, and take
up their attention only with insignificant matters. "But ...
/.../chapter cxii the jews expound these.htm

Preface to Book ii.
... Rufinus, as we see by his Preface to the former book, considered it unsatisfactory
to expound the Blessing upon Judah apart from those on his brethren. ...
/.../preface to book ii.htm

Foreword to the Second Edition
... Many have notified him of the help and blessing received from a perusal of his
attempts to expound what is admittedly a difficult subject. ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/foreword to the second edition.htm

Attempt to Invalidate this Rule of Faith Rebutted the Apostles ...
... He did, inseparable (from Himself) in their attendance, in their discipleship, in
their society, to whom, "when they were alone, He used to expound" all things ...
/.../the prescription against heretics/chapter xxii attempt to invalidate this.htm

Self-Examination
... First, I shall expound my text; secondly, I shall enforce it; and thirdly, I shall
try and help you to carry it into practice here and on the spot. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/self-examination.htm

Of the Third Consideration of the Sacred Holy Stigmata
... unprofitable servant?" And then, kneeling before St Francis, Brother Leo accused
himself of disobedience to his command, and besought him to expound to him the ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the third consideration of.htm

He Proves that Christ is the Lord of Hosts from Ps. xxiv. , and ...
... xxiv., and from his authority over demons. "Moreover, some of you venture to expound
the prophecy which runs, Lift up your gates, ye rulers; and be ye lift up ...
/.../chapter lxxxv he proves that christ.htm

The Objection that Christ, on the Showing of St. ...
... Let us expound His meaning as best we can; nay, rather let Him expound it Himself.
124. Take notice, then, what He said in an earlier part of His discourse. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter x the objection that.htm

Texts Explained; Sixthly...
... beginning of His ways, for His works [2497] ;' since, however, these are proverbs,
and it is expressed in the way of proverbs, we must not expound them nakedly ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter xix texts explained sixthly.htm

The Mode of the Discussion.
... [1252] For if Peter alone should wish to expound his thought, but you should be
silent as to yours, it is possible that some argument adduced by you might ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter iii the mode of the.htm

Expound (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To explain in detail; to examine closely; as
to expound on the meaning of a word. ...Expound (7 Occurrences). ...
/e/expound.htm - 8k

Commentaries
... It became the custom to expound the Scriptures on Sundays and week-days
in all the pulpits of the Protestant churches. "Luther's ...
/c/commentaries.htm - 57k

Undertook (14 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 1:5 beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, took Moses upon
him to expound this law, saying: (See NAS RSV). Deuteronomy ...
/u/undertook.htm - 11k

Orderly (8 Occurrences)
... noble Theophilus, (See RSV NIV). Acts 11:4 And Peter having begun, did expound
to them in order saying, (See NAS). Acts 21:24 Them take ...
/o/orderly.htm - 9k

Interpret (27 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To explain or tell the meaning of; to expound; to translate orally into
intelligible or familiar language or terms; to decipher; to define; -- applied ...
/i/interpret.htm - 15k

Exposure (1 Occurrence)

/e/exposure.htm - 7k

Expounded (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Expound. Multi-Version Concordance
Expounded (5 Occurrences). Mark 4:34 But without a parable ...
/e/expounded.htm - 8k

Explain (30 Occurrences)
... 2. (v.) To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to expound;
to unfold and illustrate the meaning of; as, to explain a chapter of the ...
/e/explain.htm - 15k

Define (2 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe
accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a ...
/d/define.htm - 7k

Prophesy (96 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To give instruction in religious matters; to interpret or explain Scripture
or religious subjects; to preach; to exhort; to expound. ...
/p/prophesy.htm - 38k

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