Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, parties and celebrations are events that often mark significant religious, social, or personal occasions. These gatherings can range from solemn religious feasts to joyous personal celebrations. The Bible provides numerous examples of parties, each with its own purpose and significance.Old Testament Celebrations The Old Testament is replete with examples of parties and feasts, many of which are commanded by God as part of the religious life of Israel. One of the most significant is the Passover, a feast commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. In Exodus 12:14, God commands, "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; as a lasting ordinance, you are to celebrate it for the generations to come." Another example is the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, which is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the harvest. Leviticus 23:39-41 instructs, "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you are to celebrate the feast of the LORD for seven days. On the first day there shall be complete rest, and on the eighth day there shall also be complete rest. On the first day you are to take the branches of majestic trees—palm branches, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook—and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days." New Testament Gatherings In the New Testament, parties and gatherings often take on a more personal or communal aspect. Jesus Himself attended various social gatherings, including the wedding at Cana, where He performed His first miracle by turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). This event underscores the importance of joy and celebration in the Christian life. The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 also highlights the theme of celebration. When the wayward son returns home, the father throws a lavish party to celebrate his return, saying, "Let us eat and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!" (Luke 15:23-24). Christian Fellowship The early church placed a strong emphasis on fellowship and communal gatherings. Acts 2:46-47 describes the early believers: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." These gatherings were not only social but also spiritual, as they provided opportunities for teaching, prayer, and mutual encouragement. The communal aspect of these gatherings is further emphasized in Hebrews 10:24-25, which exhorts believers to "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." Warnings and Cautions While the Bible acknowledges the value of parties and celebrations, it also warns against excess and indulgence. Proverbs 23:20-21 cautions, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." The New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging believers to exercise self-control and moderation. Ephesians 5:18 advises, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." In summary, parties and celebrations in the Bible serve various purposes, from religious observance to personal joy and communal fellowship. They are occasions for rejoicing, thanksgiving, and spiritual growth, provided they are conducted in a manner that honors God and reflects Christian values. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of Party.Greek 1242. diatheke -- testament, will, covenant ... diatheke Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ath-ay'-kay) Short Definition: a covenant, will, testament Definition: (a) a covenant between two parties, (b) (the ordinary ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1242.htm - 7k 3316. mesites -- an arbitrator, a mediator 139. hairesis -- choice, opinion 2644. katallasso -- to reconcile 4224. potos -- a drinking bout 5480. charagma -- a stamp, impress Library Religious Sects and Parties Political Parties in Connecticut at the Beginning of the ... Uch was the Affiliation of Parties Throughout Judea, that The The Card Parties After Having Given Audience to Both Parties, the Emperor Condemned ... I Prefer, He Says, to Receive Christ's Baptism Where Both Parties ... Petilianus Said: "But if These are the Parties... Of the Consistency of the Accounts Given by Matthew, Mark, and ... Continuance of the Arian Controversy. Eusebius' Relations to the ... Of the Calamity of the Second Punic War, which Consumed the ... Thesaurus Parties (13 Occurrences)... (n.) Plural of Party. Multi-Version Concordance Parties (13 Occurrences). Mark 3:25 and if a family splits into parties, that family cannot continue. (WEY). ... /p/parties.htm - 10k Mediator (7 Occurrences) Split (36 Occurrences) Judge (297 Occurrences) Mediation Empire (8 Occurrences) Issue (59 Occurrences) Daysman (1 Occurrence) Mediate (1 Occurrence) Pharisees (86 Occurrences) Resources Should Christians go to parties? What does the Bible say about partying? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Abrahamic Covenant? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian have a bachelor/bachelorette party? | GotQuestions.org Parties: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Parties (13 Occurrences)Mark 3:25 Mark 12:39 Luke 9:14 Luke 12:52 Acts 14:4 Galatians 5:20 1 Peter 4:3 Exodus 18:16 Exodus 22:9 Deuteronomy 19:17 1 Samuel 13:17 1 Samuel 14:15 Job 1:17 Subtopics Related Terms |