Words of Current Interest

The words in this issue are related to the Lesson-Sermon in the
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY designated to be read
in Christian Science churches on September 15, 1968.

When he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue (Matt. 13:54)

The Greek word here referred to as the Master's "own country" is patris, which has a double meaning, describing either one's native country or one's native town or city. Strictly, of course, "Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa" (Matt. 2:1); although apparently the greater part of his early life was spent in Nazareth, in the northern province of Galilee. It is evident that the synagogue mentioned in Matthew 13:54 was that of Nazareth itself. The New English Bible reads, "Jesus . . . came to his home town, where he taught the people in their synagogue."

A God of truth (Deut. 32:4)

The term 'emunah (truth) includes the concepts of firmness, steadfastness, fidelity, in addition to faithfulness, security, and honesty. Indeed, in Habakkuk 2:4, the same word is rendered "faith" in the King James Version, a further indication of the deep significance of the word.

As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (I Cor. 2:9)

It will be recalled that the words "as it is written" customarily preface either a reference to or a quotation from the Old Testament, and in this instance the words of the verse present a free rendering of Isaiah 64:4.

Have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons (James 2:1)

In the Greek, the word for "Lord" is omitted before "of glory," leading Moffatt to give the following rendering: "As you believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Glory, pay no servile regard to people." Goodspeed, on the evidence of some early authorities, takes the clause as a question, suggesting, "Do you try to combine faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with acts of partiality?"

His name through faith in his name hath made this man strong (Acts 3:16)

Among the Jews the term "name" often meant "character" or "characteristics"; and since the character or characteristics of Christ Jesus were expressed in his statement, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), it is readily understandable how the faithful acceptance of the meaning of such a "name" could bring healing to the cripple.

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Signs of the Times

September 7, 1968

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