Topical Encyclopedia The term "widely" is not directly found in the text of the Bible; however, the concept of something being widespread or broadly disseminated is present throughout the Scriptures. This entry explores the biblical understanding of ideas, messages, and influences that are spread widely, as well as the implications of such dissemination in the context of biblical teachings.Spread of the Gospel One of the most significant examples of something being spread widely in the Bible is the dissemination of the Gospel. After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His disciples were commissioned to spread His teachings to all nations. In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). This command underscores the importance of spreading the message of salvation widely across the earth. The Book of Acts records the early church's efforts to fulfill this commission. Acts 1:8 states, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, traveled extensively, preaching the Gospel and establishing churches, which led to the rapid and wide spread of Christianity. Influence of False Teachings The Bible also warns against the widespread influence of false teachings. In the New Testament, the apostles frequently caution believers to be vigilant against doctrines that deviate from the truth of the Gospel. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4 , Paul warns, "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." The spread of false teachings can lead to confusion and division within the church, as seen in the letters to the early Christian communities. The apostle John advises believers to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). This highlights the need for discernment in the face of widely spread but erroneous teachings. Wisdom and Knowledge The Bible also speaks to the value of spreading wisdom and knowledge widely. Proverbs 1:20-21 personifies wisdom, stating, "Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech." This imagery suggests that wisdom is not hidden or exclusive but is available and accessible to all who seek it. The dissemination of godly wisdom is encouraged, as it leads to understanding and righteous living. James 1:5 assures believers, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." The wide availability of divine wisdom is a testament to God's desire for His people to live in accordance with His will. Conclusion While the term "widely" itself may not appear in the biblical text, the concept of widespread influence—whether it be the Gospel, false teachings, or wisdom—is a recurring theme. The Bible emphasizes the importance of spreading the truth of God's Word while remaining vigilant against the proliferation of falsehoods. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to participate in the wide dissemination of the Gospel, ensuring that the message of salvation reaches the ends of the earth. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (adv.) In a wide manner; to a wide degree or extent; far; extensively; as, the gospel was widely disseminated by the apostles.2. (adv.) Very much; to a great degree or extent; as, to differ widely in opinion. Greek 4053. perissos -- abundant ... 2), excessive (1), further (1), greater (3), John (1), more (5), more abundant (2), more extremely (1), much more (2), superfluous (1), utterly* (1), widely (1 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4053.htm - 8k 5207. huios -- a son 1310. diaphemizo -- to spread abroad Strong's Hebrew 518. im -- if... A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not ... /hebrew/518.htm - 6k 3820. leb -- inner man, mind, will, heart 269. achoth -- sister 5315. nephesh -- a soul, living being, life, self, person, desire ... 3588. ki -- that, for, when 4725. maqom -- a standing place, place 5674. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on Library I have Cast About Widely to Find a Title for this Section... And Erring Widely from the Meaning of Scripture, He Says that "God ... Henry of Loufenburg Also Wrote and Widely Introduced the Use of ... Another Crusading Song, which was Very Widely Used on Pilgrimages ... So Then in Respect of the Three Points of Our Seal Error Has ... Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ... But Since He Asserts that "You May Hear all those who Differ So ... Whether it is Suitable for Good Men to Wish to Rule More Widely. Concerning the Covetousness of Ninus, who was the First who Made ... Why we Believe the Bible. Thesaurus Widely (11 Occurrences)... 1. (adv.) In a wide manner; to a wide degree or extent; far; extensively; as, the gospel was widely disseminated by the apostles. ...Widely (11 Occurrences). ... /w/widely.htm - 9k Abroad (120 Occurrences) Far (2526 Occurrences) Flesh (468 Occurrences) Frequent (10 Occurrences) Cuttings (5 Occurrences) Christian (41 Occurrences) Queen (59 Occurrences) Cattle (277 Occurrences) Hellenism Resources What is the doctrine of eternal Sonship and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Illuminati conspiracy? | GotQuestions.org What is The City of God? | GotQuestions.org Widely: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Widely (11 Occurrences)Matthew 28:15 Mark 6:14 Mark 7:36 Luke 2:17 John 12:9 Acts 1:19 Acts 19:20 1 Chronicles 4:40 Nehemiah 4:19 Ezekiel 16:15 Ezekiel 17:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |