Topical Bible: God Speed

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Definition and Usage:
The term "God speed" is a traditional English expression of good wishes to someone about to embark on a journey or endeavor. It is derived from the Middle English phrase "God spede," meaning "may God prosper you." In a biblical context, it is often associated with the idea of divine blessing and guidance for success and safety.

Biblical References:
The concept of wishing someone "God speed" is rooted in the biblical principle of seeking God's blessing and favor. While the exact phrase "God speed" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the sentiment is reflected in various passages that emphasize God's guidance and prosperity.

One relevant passage is found in the New Testament, in the context of hospitality and support for fellow believers. In 2 John 1:10-11 , the apostle John warns against offering a greeting or support to those who do not bring the teaching of Christ: "If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds." Here, the greeting can be understood as a form of endorsement or blessing, which should be reserved for those who are faithful to the truth of the Gospel.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the idea of "God speed" underscores the importance of aligning one's actions and endeavors with God's will. It reflects a desire for divine favor and protection, acknowledging that true success and prosperity come from God. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 : "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Practical Application:
In practice, wishing someone "God speed" can serve as a reminder to both the sender and the recipient to seek God's presence and blessing in their journey or task. It is an expression of faith that God will provide the necessary strength, wisdom, and protection. This aligns with the Christian call to support and encourage one another in love and truth, as emphasized in Hebrews 10:24-25 : "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Cultural and Historical Context:
Historically, the phrase "God speed" has been used in various cultural contexts, often in farewell speeches or letters, to convey a heartfelt wish for success and safety. It reflects a time when travel was perilous, and divine protection was earnestly sought. In contemporary usage, while the phrase may not be as common, the underlying sentiment remains relevant, especially within Christian communities that value prayerful support and encouragement.

Conclusion:
The expression "God speed" carries with it a rich biblical and cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's blessing and guidance. It serves as a reminder of the Christian duty to support one another in truth and love, always seeking to align our paths with God's will.

Greek

5463. chairo -- to rejoice, be glad
... farewell, be glad, God speed, rejoice. A primary verb; to be "cheer"ful,
ie Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5463.htm - 10k

4704. spoudazo -- to make haste, hence to give diligence
... by showing ( applying oneself); acting ( commitment) to accomplish all that God
assigns through ... From spoude; to use speed, ie To make effort, be prompt or ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4704.htm - 7k

Library

The Doctrine of Christ.
... If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not
into your house, neither bid him God speed. For he that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the doctrine of christ.htm

Also Another Aurelius of Chullabi Said: "The Apostle John Has Laid ...
... his epistle the following precept: If there come any unto you, and bring not this
doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 45 88 also.htm

Prefatory Scripture Passages.
... If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not
into your house, neither bid him God-speed. For he that ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/prefatory scripture passages.htm

How John Became a Man
... Go, my boy; and may God speed your footsteps in ways crowned with blessings of success.
I rejoice with you in your calling and shall pray for you. ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter xi how john became.htm

Ask, and Thy Prayer with Arrow's Speed
... 8,8,8,8. Ask, and thy prayer with arrow's speed. Shall bear to God thy present need;
And for thy help from heaven shall bring. Love's best, and gracious offering ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/xxiii ask and thy prayer.htm

Whether it is Permissible to Receive Communion from Heretical ...
... Hence we read in John's Second Canonical Epistle (11) that "He that saith unto him,
God speed you, communicateth with his wicked works." Consequently, it is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is permissible to.htm

Of the Method of Continual Prayer.
... "O God, make speed to save me: O Lord, make haste to help me," [1673] for this verse
has not unreasonably been picked out from the whole of Scripture for this ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter x of the method.htm

Missionary Hymns.
... The hymn was"and should remain"a God-speed to men like William Carey, who had already
begun to think and preach his immortal motto, "Attempt great things ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

When Travail Hours are Spent and O'er,
... To the true heavenly birth? Will ye not say, 'GOD speed the time. When Spirits
pure, to trace. The lines of a more glorious prime,. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cccxiii when travail hours are.htm

Whether Faith is Required of Necessity in the Minister of a ...
... canonical epistle of John (10): "If any man come to you, and bring not this doctrine,
receive him not into the house, nor say to him; God speed you": and ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether faith is required of.htm