Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

WAY

In the concrete sense, a road (Deut. 1:2; Ruth 1:7) or a movement along a particular path, i.e., a journey (Exod. 13:21; 1 Kgs. 19:4). However, Heb. dereḵ was also employed more broadly. To walk in the ways of God meant to live according to his will and commandments (Deut. 10:12-13; 1 Kgs. 3:14). In Isaiah “the way of the Lord” can refer to God’s provision of deliverance from enslavement or exile (Isa. 40:3; 43:16-19). The word was often used to identify the overall direction of a person’s life, whether righteous or wicked (Judg. 2:17-19; Ps. 1:6; cf. Matt 7:13-14), wise or foolish (Prov. 4:11; 12:15).

In the NT Gk. hodós has a similar range of meanings. In Mark’s Gospel it is used repeatedly to present Jesus as “on the way,” i.e., on his journey to Jerusalem (Mark 8:27; 9:33-34; 10:32). The broader context adds a deeper significance to these more literal references, since Jesus’ willingness to go the way of suffering provides an example for his followers who must also prepare to suffer (Mark 8:31-34). In John 14:6 Jesus claims to be “the way,” i.e., the only means of access to God (cf. Heb. 9:8; 10:19-20). In Acts “the Way” functions as a title for the Christian message (Acts 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:22) or the Christian community (9:2; 24:14).

Joel F. Williams

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

WAY

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)