Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 209.  Fri 12-13-91 15:44  (NO KILL)  (RECV'D)  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Bob Whelton
 Subject: Original Bible Words

+-
| How can I get back to the original meaning of specific words in the Bible?
| For instance what does the word "one" mean in Gal 3:20? Or what does
| "spirit" mean in John 4:24 and 2cor 3:17? Does "spirit carry the
| connotation of non-material as we normally think of it? When God is called
| Light what is the basic meaning?
 
Dear Bob,
 
To study important New Testament words, standard reference works are
often all you need:  the New Catholic Encyclopedia, New Jerome Biblical
Commentary, Collegeville Bible Commentary.
 
More information about the original Greek in the New Testament is found
in: William Barclay. New Testament Words.  Paper $9.95. ISBN
0-664-24761-X.  Westminster John Knox Press, 100 Witherspoon Street,
Louisville, KY 40202 -1631 (telephone 1-800-523-1631).
 
On Galatians 3:20, the New Jerome Biblical Commentary says: "  'An
intermediary is not needed for one party' ... Paul thinks of the angel
promulgators of the Law as a plurality and as dealing with Israel,
another plurality.  So they needed a mediator (Moses).  Thus the Law is
inferior to the covenant promises, which God made directly without a
mediator, since God himself is one. 3:20 is a difficult and much argued
text.
 
For the meanings of "spirit/Spirit", consult NJBC.  I recommend also
Pope John Paul II's "On the Holy Spirit in the Life of the Church and
the World".  You can order this from the Daughters of St. Paul, 46
Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94108, tel 415-781-5180. Price is $2.25
plus $2.00 postage and handling.
 
When God is called light in Scripture, we are invited to meditate on
what light is in our experience.  In the light, we walk in confidence
without fear of stumbling or falling and hurting ourselves.  We easily
protect ourselves.  We are not afraid.  God also is our  confidence,
security, protection, and is therefore our light.
 
In the intellectual order we "see" and so reach intelligence and wisdom
through a kind of light.  So in the order of salvation, God is our
wisdom and intelligence.  He delivers us from foolishness and
stupidity.  He heals our blindness, which is unbelief.  His light is
bound up with salvation from sin, which is spiritual darkness.  He
delivers us from the fear of spiritual enemies, which lurk in the
darkness provided by our sins.
 
Thank you for writing.  I notice you have asked five questions.  I
really do better when there is only one question in each message,
because I have a word limit to observe, and a limited time for
research.
 
                                Sincerely in Christ,
 
                                Father Mateo