Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: The term "Masses" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it is often used in Christian contexts to refer to large groups of people or gatherings. In biblical terms, the concept of masses can be related to crowds or multitudes that are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, particularly in the Gospels, where Jesus often taught and performed miracles among large groups of people. Biblical References: 1. Crowds Following Jesus: The Gospels frequently mention the masses that followed Jesus, drawn by His teachings and miracles. In Matthew 4:25 , it is recorded, "Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan followed Him." These gatherings were significant as they demonstrated the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry and the diverse backgrounds of those who sought Him. 2. Feeding of the Multitude: One of the most notable events involving a large group is the feeding of the 5,000, which is recorded in all four Gospels. In John 6:10 , Jesus instructs, "Have the people sit down," and then proceeds to miraculously feed the multitude with five loaves and two fish. This event highlights Jesus' compassion and divine provision for the masses. 3. Sermon on the Mount: In Matthew 5:1-2 , it is written, "When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them." The Sermon on the Mount is a key moment where Jesus addresses a large assembly, delivering profound teachings that form the core of Christian ethics. 4. Pentecost: In Acts 2:6 , during the event of Pentecost, "When this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language." This gathering marks the birth of the Church, as the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles to preach to the masses, resulting in the conversion of about three thousand people. Theological Significance: The presence of masses in biblical narratives often underscores the universal reach of God's message and the inclusivity of the Gospel. Jesus' interactions with large groups demonstrate His accessibility and willingness to engage with all people, regardless of their social or cultural backgrounds. The gatherings also serve as a backdrop for many of His teachings and miracles, emphasizing the communal aspect of faith and the importance of spreading the Gospel to all nations. Practical Implications: For contemporary Christians, the biblical accounts of masses encourage the Church to engage with society at large, reaching out to diverse communities with the message of Christ. It also serves as a reminder of the power of collective worship and the importance of community in the Christian faith. The examples set by Jesus and the apostles in addressing and ministering to large groups provide a model for evangelism and discipleship in today's world. Strong's Hebrew 7227a. rab -- much, many, great... heavy (1), increased (2), large (6), larger (4), long (8), long enough (2), many (207), many things (1), many times (2), many...things (1), masses (1), mighty ... /hebrew/7227a.htm - 6k Library The Masses. August 4. The Classes and the Masses Sometimes the Masses have Been Driven to Atheism by Science. ... How a Certain Captive's Chains Fell Off when Masses were Sung for ... Of the Mass. Article xxiv (xii): of the Mass. Its Effects. How a Pestilence Ceased through the Intercession of King Oswald. ... Of the Mass. Spiritual Diagnosis Thesaurus Masses (20 Occurrences)...Masses (20 Occurrences). Matthew 5:1 And seeing great masses of people he went up into the mountain; and when he was seated his disciples came to him. (BBE). ... /m/masses.htm - 12k Purposing (21 Occurrences) Hail (42 Occurrences) Grapes (74 Occurrences) Walls (152 Occurrences) Geology Thorn (30 Occurrences) Redeemer (42 Occurrences) Mass (65 Occurrences) Redemption (46 Occurrences) Resources Is religion opium for the masses? | GotQuestions.orgIs the theory of Pangea possible? Does the Bible say that there was once a Pangea / Pangaea? | GotQuestions.org What is sola scriptura? | GotQuestions.org Masses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Masses (20 Occurrences)Matthew 5:1 Genesis 41:47 Exodus 8:14 Exodus 23:2 Numbers 11:31 2 Samuel 6:19 1 Kings 7:10 2 Kings 10:8 2 Kings 19:25 1 Chronicles 12:40 2 Chronicles 31:6 2 Chronicles 31:7 Job 15:28 Job 38:38 Isaiah 5:13 Isaiah 5:14 Isaiah 37:26 Hosea 12:11 Joel 3:14 Nahum 3:3 Subtopics Related Terms |