Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Reveling, often referred to as "revelry" in some translations, is characterized by excessive and boisterous festivities, typically involving indulgence in alcohol and immoral behavior. In biblical terms, reveling is associated with sinful conduct and is frequently condemned as contrary to the life of holiness expected of believers. Biblical References: Reveling is mentioned in several passages throughout the New Testament, where it is grouped with other forms of sinful behavior. The Apostle Paul, in particular, warns against such conduct in his epistles. 1. Galatians 5:19-21 : "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." In this passage, reveling is implied in the mention of "orgies" and "drunkenness," highlighting its association with the works of the flesh that are opposed to the fruit of the Spirit. 2. 1 Peter 4:3 : "For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry." Here, Peter admonishes believers to abandon their former ways, which included reveling, as part of their new life in Christ. 3. Romans 13:13 : "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." Paul encourages Christians to live honorably, contrasting the behavior of reveling with the conduct expected of those who walk in the light. Theological Implications: Reveling is seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that believers are called to put to death. It represents a lifestyle that is incompatible with the values of the Kingdom of God. The New Testament consistently urges Christians to live soberly and righteously, avoiding the excesses and moral decay associated with reveling. Moral and Ethical Considerations: From a moral standpoint, reveling is viewed as a surrender to the desires of the flesh, leading to a breakdown in self-control and moral integrity. It is often linked with other sins, such as drunkenness and sexual immorality, which further corrupt the individual and community. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to exercise self-discipline and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in overcoming temptations related to reveling. Christian communities are called to support one another in living lives that reflect the holiness and purity of Christ, avoiding environments and situations that may lead to such behavior. Historical and Cultural Context: In the Greco-Roman world, reveling was a common part of pagan festivals and social gatherings. The early Christians, living in such a context, were often counter-cultural in their rejection of these practices, which set them apart from their contemporaries and sometimes led to persecution. Conclusion: While reveling may have been a common practice in ancient times, the biblical call is for believers to live distinctively, reflecting the character of Christ in all aspects of life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Revel.Greek 2970. komos -- a village festival, revel ... festival, revel. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: komos Phonetic Spelling: (ko'-mos) Short Definition: a feasting, reveling Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2970.htm - 7k 1792. entruphao -- to revel in Library The Supremacy of Christ Introduction. Christ the Only Preservative against a Reprobate Spirit On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In Philippians iii. 18-21 The Moravians. Titus ii. 14-Nov He Restoreth My Soul. The Bible and the French Revolution. The Bible and the French Revolution Thesaurus Reveling (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Revel. Multi-Version Concordance Reveling (3 Occurrences). Romans 13:13 Let us walk ... /r/reveling.htm - 7k Orgies (4 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) Lustful (10 Occurrences) Immorality (38 Occurrences) Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Revel (6 Occurrences) Revelers (4 Occurrences) Revelry (8 Occurrences) Revelings (1 Occurrence) Resources What are revellings in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgReveling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Reveling (3 Occurrences)Romans 13:13 2 Peter 2:13 1 Samuel 30:16 Subtopics Related Terms |