Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "apt" generally refers to being suitable, appropriate, or having a natural tendency to do something. In a biblical context, it often relates to the qualities or characteristics that are fitting for a particular role or action, especially in spiritual or moral terms.
Biblical Context:While the specific word "apt" may not frequently appear in the Bible, the concept is prevalent throughout Scripture, particularly in the qualifications for leadership and teaching within the church. The idea of being "apt" is closely associated with being prepared, capable, and possessing the necessary qualities to fulfill God's purposes.
Aptness in Leadership:In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul outlines the qualifications for church leaders, emphasizing the importance of being "apt" to teach. In
1 Timothy 3:2, Paul writes, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach" . Here, "able to teach" implies an aptitude for instructing others in sound doctrine and guiding them in the faith.
Similarly, in
2 Timothy 2:24, Paul advises Timothy, "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and patient when wronged" . This passage highlights the necessity for those in ministry to possess the aptitude for teaching, coupled with a gentle and patient demeanor.
Aptness in Wisdom and Understanding:The concept of being apt is also related to wisdom and understanding, which are highly valued in Scripture.
Proverbs 15:23 states, "A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!" . This verse underscores the importance of having the right words at the right time, a skill that requires discernment and insight.
Aptness in Speech:Aptness in speech is another significant theme in the Bible.
Colossians 4:6 advises believers, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" . This instruction calls for an aptitude in communication that reflects grace and wisdom, enabling believers to respond appropriately in various situations.
Aptness in Spiritual Gifts:The New Testament also speaks to the aptness of using spiritual gifts for the edification of the church. In
Romans 12:6-8, Paul encourages believers to use their gifts according to the grace given to them, whether it be prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, or showing mercy. Each gift requires an aptitude that aligns with God's purposes and the needs of the body of Christ.
Conclusion:The biblical concept of being "apt" encompasses a range of qualities and abilities that are essential for effective ministry and Christian living. Whether in teaching, leadership, communication, or the exercise of spiritual gifts, aptness involves a readiness and suitability that align with God's will and the edification of His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Fit or fitted; suited; suitable; appropriate.
2. (a.) Having an habitual tendency; habitually liable or likely; -- used of things.
3. (a.) Inclined; disposed customarily; given; ready; -- used of persons.
4. (a.) Ready; especially fitted or qualified (to do something); quick to learn; prompt; expert; as, a pupil apt to learn; an apt scholar.
5. (v. t.) To fit; to suit; to adapt.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
APT(Literally, "fitted"): Applied to one distinguished for readiness in meeting demands of some special situation, or emergency. For this, there is no specific Biblical word in either Old Testament or New Testament. It occurs always in the English translations in paraphrases, as "apt for war" (2 Kings 24:16), "apt to teach," Greek "didaktikos" (1 Timothy 3:22 Timothy 2:24).
Greek
1317. didaktikos --apt at teaching...apt at teaching. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: didaktikos Phonetic
Spelling: (did-ak-tik-os') Short Definition: able to teach,
apt to teach
...1860. epaggelia -- a summons, a promise
... 1860 (a feminine noun comprised of 1909 , "appropriately " and , "announce") --
a which literally "announces what is fitting" (apt, appropriate)....
1967. epiousios -- for the coming day, for subsistence
... 1967 (from 1909 , ", fitting" and 3776 , "being, substance") -- properly, aptly
substantive, appropriate to what is "coming on" (happening), ie (apt) for the...
1921. epiginosko -- to know exactly, to recognize
... Both uses of 1921 () work in conjunction with the Greek adverb, 2531 ("to the extent
of)." The "appropriate (apt)" knowledge matches the envisioned "contact...
1867. epaineo -- to praise
... Cognate: 1867 (from 1909 , ", fitting" which intensifies 134 , "to praise") -- to
praise in a fitting (apt) manner, ie as appropriate (adequate) to the...
1982. episkiazo -- to overshadow
... envelop. 1982 (from 1909 , "upon" and , "to cast shade") -- properly, to
cast a shadow ; , which leaves a natural (apt) result. 1982...
1909. epi -- on, upon
... 1909 ("upon") naturally looks to the response (effect) that goes with the
envisioned , ie itsapt result ("spin-offs," effects)....
1949. epilambanomai -- to lay hold of
... fitting" intensifying 2983 , " take") -- properly, lay hold of something, showing ("
resolve") that "matches" the seizing (ie laying hold of what is "apt, meet...
2026. epoikodomeo -- to build upon
... 2026 (from 1909 , "apt, fitting ," which intensifies 3618 , "to build up, edify") --
properly, build on, following a with () specifications....
2024. epichoregia -- a supply
... supply, provision, equipment, support. Cognate: 2024 --apt, lavish resources,
making an event a . See 2023 (). Word Origin from...
Strong's Hebrew
6213. asah -- do, make... do, make. Transliteration: asah Phonetic Spelling: (aw-saw') Short Definition:
accomplish. accomplish, advance, appoint,
apt, be at, become, bear, bestow,
...6310. peh -- mouth
... root Definition mouth NASB Word Usage accord (1), accordance (1), accordance* (1),
accorded (1), according (9), according* (2),apt (1), beak (2), boast* (1...
Library
How we are RenderedApt for the Perception of Truth through the...
... Book IV. Chapter 2."How We are RenderedApt for the Perception of Truth
Through the Incarnate Word. 4. But "the light shineth...
Whether the Body of Man was Given anApt Disposition?
... THE PRODUCTION OF THE FIRST MAN'S BODY (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the body
of man was given anapt disposition? Objection 1: It would...
The Marcionites Depreciate the Creation, Which, However, is a...
... the Creation, Which, However, is a Worthy Witness of God This Worthiness Illustrated
by References to the Heathen Philosophers, Who WereApt to Invest the...
The Eternal Home in Heaven Beautiful Exposition by Tertullian of...
... Chapter XII."The Eternal Home in Heaven Beautiful Exposition by Tertullian of the
Apostle's Consolatory Teaching Against the Fear of Death, SoApt to Arise...
Impossible that Marcion's Christ Should Reprove the Faithless...
... XXIII."Impossible that Marcion's Christ Should Reprove the Faithless Generation
Such Loving Consideration for Infants as the True Christ WasApt to Shew...
Of the Four Living Creatures in the Apocalypse, which have Been...
... I. Chapter VI."Of the Four Living Creatures in the Apocalypse, Which Have Been Taken
by Some in One Application, and by Others in Another, asApt Figures of...
Of Meditation: the First and Lowest Degree of Internal Prayer. ...
... Sec. Sec. 1, 2. Of Meditation: the first and lowest degree of internal prayer.
Sec. Sec. 3, 4. Who areapt or unapt for Meditation. Sec. Sec....
Providence
... Now, when we look abroad into the world we see, as we think, such abundant proofs
that there is a God, that we areapt to treat a man who denies the existence...
'It is the Lord!'
... of that former event by which the commencement of their ministry had been signalised,
when He called them to become 'fishers of men.' We areapt to suppose...
An Earnest Warning About Lukewarmness
... May God grant that it may tend to the arousing of us all. I. My first point
will be THE STATE INTO WHICH CHURCHES ARE VERYAPT TO FALL....
Thesaurus
Apt (7 Occurrences)... 4. (a.) Ready; especially fitted or qualified (to do something); quick to learn;
prompt; expert; as, a pupil
apt to learn; an
apt scholar.
...APT.
...Retribution (14 Occurrences)
... the influence of the kindly sentiments engendered thereby, and with a view of God's
gracious character as revealed in salvation, that we areapt to overlook...
Behoveth (75 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:2 it behoveth, therefore, the overseer to be blameless, of one wife
a husband, vigilant, sober, decent, a friend of strangers,apt to teach, (YLT)....
Quarreling (17 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Quarrel. 2. (a.) Engaged in a quarrel;apt or disposed to quarrel;
as, quarreling factions; a quarreling mood. Multi-Version Concordance...
Quarrelsome (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.)Apt to argue; given to contention; easily irritated
or provoked to contest; irascible; choleric. Multi-Version Concordance...
Vigilant (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant,
sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality,apt to teach; (KJV WBS YLT)....
Neck (97 Occurrences)
... 20 Acts 20:37). In moments of great emotion such salutation isapt to end
in weeping on each other's neck. Readiness for work is...
Neighbor (123 Occurrences)
... to love one's neighbor as one's self must not be interpreted as if it implied that
we are to hate our enemy (an inference which the jews wereapt to make...
Narrative (2 Occurrences)
... or transaction. 2. (a.)Apt or inclined to relate stories, or to tell
particulars of events; story-telling; garrulous. 3. (n.) That...
Orderly (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 3:2 The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one
wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality,apt to teach; (ASV...
Resources
What is the significance of Lo Debar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view global warming? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian be opposed to globalization? | GotQuestions.orgApt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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