Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of privilege can be understood as the special favor, advantage, or rights granted to individuals or groups by God. This privilege is often associated with God's covenant people, Israel, and later extended to the Church through Jesus Christ. The Bible presents privilege not as a means of self-exaltation but as a responsibility to serve God and others.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Israelites are depicted as a privileged people chosen by God to be His special possession. This is evident in Deuteronomy 7:6 : "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." This privilege was not due to their own merit but was an act of divine grace and purpose. The Israelites were called to be a light to the nations, demonstrating God's holiness and justice. The privilege of the Israelites also came with responsibilities, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. They were to live according to God's commandments, which included caring for the poor, the widow, and the foreigner (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). Their privileged status was meant to reflect God's character and to be a blessing to others. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of privilege is expanded through the work of Jesus Christ. The privilege of being God's people is extended to all who believe in Christ, regardless of ethnic or social background. Galatians 3:28 states, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the inclusive nature of the Gospel and the breaking down of barriers that once separated people. The Apostle Paul speaks of the privilege of being adopted as sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ. In Romans 8:15-17 , he writes, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him." Privilege and Responsibility The Bible consistently links privilege with responsibility. Jesus taught that to whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). This principle underscores the idea that privilege is not for personal gain but for the service of God and others. Believers are called to use their gifts, resources, and opportunities to advance God's kingdom and to care for those in need. The early Church exemplified this understanding of privilege and responsibility. In Acts 4:32-35 , the believers shared their possessions and ensured that there was no needy person among them. This communal living was a practical expression of their understanding of privilege as a means to serve and uplift others. Conclusion While the Bible acknowledges the existence of privilege, it consistently frames it within the context of divine purpose and service. Privilege is a gift from God, intended to be used for His glory and the benefit of others. Believers are called to steward their privileges wisely, recognizing that they are accountable to God for how they use the advantages and opportunities they have been given. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A benefit, advantage, or right not enjoyed by others or by all; special enjoyment of a good, or exemption from an evil or burden; a prerogative; advantage; franchise.2. (n.) See etc. 3. (v. t.) To grant some particular right or exemption to; to invest with a peculiar right or immunity; to authorize; as, to privilege representatives from arrest. 4. (v. t.) To bring or put into a condition of privilege or exemption from evil or danger; to exempt; to deliver. Greek 1849. exousia -- power to act, authority ... 1849 (from 1537 , "out from," which intensifies 1510 , ", as a right or privilege") -- authority, power; ("authorization"), operating in a . ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1849.htm - 8k 4442. pur -- fire 2715. katexousiazo -- to exercise authority over 2820. kleroo -- to assign by lot 3804. pathema -- that which befalls one, ie a suffering, a passion 4415. prototokia -- the rights of the first-born 5193. hualinos -- of glass, glassy Strong's Hebrew 4941. mishpat -- judgment... including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary ... /hebrew/4941.htm - 7k Library Privilege and Obligation The Saints' Privilege and Profit; The Indwelling of the Spirit, the Common Privilege of all ... A Believer's Privilege at Death Covenanting a Privilege of Believers. The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God The Blessed Privilege of Seeing God Explained Privilege and Experience Prayer --A Privilege, Princely, Sacred The Privilege of Prayer Thesaurus Privilege (9 Occurrences)... 3. (vt) To grant some particular right or exemption to; to invest with a peculiar right or immunity; to authorize; as, to privilege representatives from arrest ... /p/privilege.htm - 9k Liberty (32 Occurrences) Rehoboam (42 Occurrences) Lapse (9 Occurrences) Grace (277 Occurrences) Faculty (1 Occurrence) Toll (8 Occurrences) Election (6 Occurrences) Desolation (131 Occurrences) Salvation (386 Occurrences) Resources What is the Immaculate Conception? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians view the Black Lives Matter movement? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.org Privilege: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Privilege (9 Occurrences)John 1:12 Romans 3:1 Romans 3:2 1 Corinthians 8:9 2 Corinthians 8:4 Philippians 1:29 Revelation 2:7 Revelation 3:21 Revelation 21:6 Subtopics Related Terms First-begotten (2 Occurrences) |
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