February 2024 - Page 2 of 2 - Word of Grace Studies

Prepared food (ὀψάριον)

A tidbit (ὀψάριον), or prepared food, is often translated as fish; however, it is not limited to just fish (ἰχθύς). The Apostle John is the only author who uses this word to describe food.

In the story of Jesus feeding five thousand men with five barley loaves and two small fish, recorded by the Apostle John in John 6:9, he writes that it is prepared food that the young boy had. In this sign, after giving thanks to the Father, the five thousand men following Jesus were able to eat until they were satisfied, John 6:11, leaving twelve baskets of barley and tidbits remaining. When Matthew records this event, he uses the word for fish (ἰχθύς), indicating that the prepared tidbits of food the young man had was cooked fish.

After the resurrection of Christ, to show the disciples that He truly was raised from the dead, He ate with them. The disciples had returned to their fishing business when Jesus stood on the shore, asking if they had food (προσφάγιον – food prepared beforehand). He then instructed them to cast their net on the right side, for they had not caught any fish. The results immediately showed the disciples that they were speaking to their Lord, for they had caught more fish than they could draw in the boat, John 21:6. Once they came to land, Jesus had some prepared food on the coals with bread, John 21:9-10. After setting down to eat breakfast, Jesus partakes of the food to show them He is human, not a spirit. This is the third time Jesus appeared to them after His resurrection, John 21:14.

Different (διάφορος)

Different (διάφορος) focus on the distinctiveness and, therefore, can express something outstanding or excellent in comparison.

Paul uses “difference” to describe the distinctions between Spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6 according to the grace given to us, and therefore, we are to use the gift we received to its fullest while not seeking to do more than what God has laid out for us. Although there are diversities (διαίρεσις), the sign gifts, revelatory gifts, and edifying gifts all have their purpose, for we are part of one body. God has set each member within the body according to His desire, 1 Corinthians 12:18. This is especially important to understand concerning the use of Spiritual gifts today, for the sign and revelatory gifts have ceased due to fulfilling their purpose. Therefore, let us focus on the edification of the assembly, not an individual, 1 Corinthians 14:4.

Christ is different than the angels, for He is the Son of God, the exact image of God the Father, and has therefore obtained a different name than they, Hebrews 1:2. At no time did God say to an angle, “You are My Son, Today I have begotten you.” Rather, the angels are to worship Christ, showing that He truly is God in the flesh, Hebrews 1:6. To the Son, He said, “Your throne, O God, is into the ages of the ages.”

The Tent that Moses was instructed to build was to be precisely completed in the manner in which He was shown, for it is a shadow of the heavenly things, Hebrews 8:3. Through the Holy Spirit, Hebrews 9:12, Christ entered the Holy of Holies in the heavens and through His blood obtained a more excellent (different) ministry in […]