Topical Encyclopedia
The term "afforded" in the context of the Bible often relates to what is provided, granted, or made available by God or through His creation. It encompasses the divine provision and the opportunities given to humanity to fulfill God's purposes.
Divine ProvisionThroughout Scripture, God is depicted as the ultimate provider, affording His people what they need both physically and spiritually. In
Genesis 22:14, Abraham names the place "The LORD Will Provide" (Yahweh Yireh) after God provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac. This act of provision is a profound example of God's ability to afford what is necessary for His plans to unfold.
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about God's provision in
Matthew 6:26, where He says, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This passage highlights the assurance that God affords His care and sustenance to His creation, emphasizing trust in His provision.
Opportunities for ServiceThe Bible also speaks of opportunities afforded to believers to serve and glorify God. In
Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." Here, the term "afforded" can be understood in the sense of God providing opportunities for believers to engage in good works, which He has prepared beforehand.
Spiritual GiftsThe concept of being afforded spiritual gifts is addressed in
1 Corinthians 12:7, where Paul states, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." The Holy Spirit affords believers various gifts to edify the church and advance the Kingdom of God. These gifts are not earned but are graciously provided by God to equip His people for ministry.
Grace and SalvationThe ultimate provision afforded by God is His grace and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores the unmerited favor afforded to humanity, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God, not something that can be achieved through human effort.
Protection and GuidanceGod's protection and guidance are also afforded to His people.
Psalm 23:1-3 illustrates this beautifully: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake." The imagery of the shepherd affords a sense of security and direction, assuring believers of God's constant care and leadership.
ConclusionThe concept of "afforded" in the Bible encompasses the manifold ways in which God provides for, equips, and guides His people. Whether through physical sustenance, spiritual gifts, or the grace of salvation, God's provision is a central theme that underscores His sovereignty and love for His creation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Afford.
Library
Additional EvidenceAfforded to us in the Acts of the Apostles.
... Chapter XXXIX."Additional EvidenceAfforded to Us in the Acts of the Apostles.
The Acts of the Apostles, too, attest [7535] the resurrection....
Whether the Pleasures of Touch are Greater than the Pleasures...
... OF DELIGHT CONSIDERED IN ITSELF [*Or, Pleasure] (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether the pleasures
of touch are greater than the pleasuresafforded by the other senses?...
A Presumption that all Things were Created by God Out of Nothing...
... Chapter XXXIV."A Presumption that All Things Were Created by God Out of Nothing
Afforded by the Ultimate Reduction of All Things to Nothing....
Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
... examples of Covenant engagements made by individuals, to be performed by themselves,
or by others, according to the will of God, and which heafforded grace to...
Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
... The argument for the service that isafforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though
corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent....
Infants are not Judged According to that which they are Foreknown...
... in argument, that the grace of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, by which alone
after the fall of the first man, in whom we all fell, help isafforded to us...
That the Miseries Still Grew Worse; and How the Romans Made an...
... 2. And now the banks were finished, theyafforded a foundation for fear both to
the Romans and to the Jews; for the Jews expected that the city would be taken...
To Enter into a Full Examination, as to what Would Constitute...
... it is not difficult to suppose that convincing evidence, as to the truthfulness
of what he might say, or write about it, might readily beafforded to those who...
Why Has Only one Apocalypse Been Able to Keep Its Place in the New...
... Can we imagine a more striking contrast than thatafforded by this later
stage and the first beginnings of the history of the Canon!...
The Siege and Taking of Gamala.
... The people of Gamala supposed this to be an assistanceafforded them by God, and
without regarding what damage they suffered themselves, they pressed forward...
Thesaurus
Afforded (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Afforded (2 Occurrences). Romans 7:8 But sin, finding
occasion through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of coveting.
...Tarsus (5 Occurrences)
... About 6 miles below the city the river broadened out into a considerable lake called
Rhegma (Strabo xiv.672), whichafforded a safe anchorage and was in great...
Afford (12 Occurrences)
Damascus (58 Occurrences)
... The disruption of the Hebrew kingdomafforded the Arameans an opportunity of playing
off the rival Hebrew states against each other, and of bestowing their...
Jaw-bone (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Of an assafforded Samson a weapon for the great slaughter
of the Philistines (Judges 15.15), in which he slew a thousand men....
Juniper (7 Occurrences)
... very desert, a day's journey from Beersheba, that the prophet Elijah lay down and
slept beneath the same shrub" (1 Kings 19:4, 5). Itafforded material for fuel...
Jawbone (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Of an assafforded Samson a weapon for the great slaughter
of the Philistines (Judges 15.15), in which he slew a thousand men....
Laying (87 Occurrences)
... No ground isafforded by this symbolical action for a sacrament of "Orders."
See SACRIFICE; MINISTRY; ORDINATION. James Orr. LAY; LAYING....
God (45911 Occurrences)
... The arguments generally adduced by theologians in proof of the being of God are:
(1.) The a priori argument, which is the testimonyafforded by reason....
Goat (92 Occurrences)
... They had an important place in their rural economy on account of the milk
theyafforded and the excellency of the flesh of the kid....
Resources
How can an unmarried person relieve sexual tension in a non-sinful way? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that we have eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11)? | GotQuestions.orgHow old was the apostle Paul when He died? | GotQuestions.orgAfforded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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