Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical study, the term "concluding" refers to the act of bringing a discourse, narrative, or event to its end. This concept is significant in Scripture as it often marks the culmination of divine revelation, prophetic fulfillment, or the completion of a particular phase in God's redemptive plan.
Biblical Examples of Concluding Events:1.
Creation Week: The creation account in Genesis concludes with the seventh day, a day of rest, signifying the completion of God's creative work. "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work" (
Genesis 2:2).
2.
The Law and the Prophets: The Old Testament concludes with the prophetic books, which anticipate the coming of the Messiah. Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, ends with a promise of Elijah's return before the "great and dreadful day of the LORD" (
Malachi 4:5).
3.
The Ministry of Jesus: Jesus' earthly ministry concludes with His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. His final words on the cross, "It is finished" (
John 19:30), signify the completion of His atoning work.
4.
The Great Commission: The Gospel of Matthew concludes with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (
Matthew 28:19), marking the transition from His earthly ministry to the mission of the Church.
5.
The Book of Revelation: The Bible concludes with the Book of Revelation, which provides a vision of the end times and the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan. The final verses offer a benediction and a promise of Christ's return: "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (
Revelation 22:20).
Theological Significance:The concept of concluding in the Bible often carries theological weight, as it underscores the faithfulness of God in bringing His purposes to completion.
Philippians 1:6 assures believers of this truth: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Practical Implications:For believers, the idea of concluding serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and faithfulness. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, reflects on his own life as he approaches its conclusion: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (
2 Timothy 4:7). This encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith journey, trusting that God will bring their lives to a purposeful conclusion.
Conclusion in Worship and Liturgy:In Christian worship, the concept of concluding is reflected in the benediction, a traditional closing blessing that sends the congregation forth with God's peace and guidance. This practice echoes the biblical pattern of concluding with a word of hope and assurance.
In summary, the theme of concluding in the Bible highlights the completion of God's work, the fulfillment of His promises, and the assurance of His continued presence and guidance in the lives of believers.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Conclude.
Greek
4822. sumbibazo -- to join together, hence to consider, by ext. to...... to teach NASB Word Usage concluded (1),
concluding (1), held (1), held together
(1), instruct (1), knit together (1), proving (1), together* (1).
...1985. episkopos -- a superintendent, an overseer
... 1985 (a masculine noun, derived from 1909 , "fitting contact," which intensifies
4649 , "look intently," like at an end-markerconcluding a race) -- properly...
Library
Concluding Appeal.
... Chapter XXXVIII."Concluding appeal. But since, ye men of Greece, the matters
of the true religion lie not in the metrical numbers...
Concluding Remarks on the Importance of Orthodoxy
... XX.Concluding Remarks on the Importance of Orthodoxy. Whether the human
mind can advance or not, is a question too little discussed...
Concluding Salutations and Instructions.
... Chapter IX."Concluding salutations and instructions. Salute Cassian, my
host, and his most serious-minded partner in life, and...
Appendix (E). Text of theConcluding Scholion of victor of...
... APPENDIX (E). Text of theconcluding Scholion of VICTOR OF ANTIOCH'S Commentary
on S. Mark's Gospel; in which Victor bears emphatic testimony to the...
Concluding Statement as to the Author.
... Chapter XLII."Concluding Statement as to the Author. These things, O Greeks, I Tatian,
a disciple of the barbarian philosophy, [516] have composed for you....
St. Ambrose, inConcluding the Second Book, Ascribes any Good...
... Book II. Chapter VI. St. Ambrose, inconcluding the second book, ascribes
any good there may be in it? St. Ambrose, inconcluding...
Concluding Admonition.
... Book IV. Chapter 39."Concluding Admonition. If, as may possibly be the case,
you desire to know whether there are many other points...
Concluding Word of Consolation. Doxology.
... The Homily. Chap. xx."concluding word of consolation. doxology. But neither
let it trouble your understanding, that we see the...
Concluding Reflections. Faith and Criticism.
... CHAPTER XII. THE NEW TESTAMENT. Section 102.Concluding Reflections. Faith
and Criticism. There is no necessary conflict between...
The Author'sConcluding Address.
... Book X. Chapter XXX."The Author'sConcluding Address. Such is the true
doctrine in regard of the divine nature, O ye men, Greeks...
Thesaurus
Concluding (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Concluding (2 Occurrences).
... (WEB ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV).
Hebrews 11:19
concluding that God is able to raise up even from the dead.
...Galatians (2 Occurrences)
... I have written with mine own hand." It is implied that this was different from his
ordinary usage, which was simply to write theconcluding salutation with his...
Joel (22 Occurrences)
... of 4 chapters, which, however, are in our version reduced to 3, by making the portion
which constitutes chapter 3 in the Hebrew theconcluding portion (3:28-32...
Micah (54 Occurrences)
... 6-7, in which Jehovah is represented as holding a controversy with his people: the
wholeconcluding with a song of triumph at the great deliverance which the...
Conclusion (10 Occurrences)
Concluded (11 Occurrences)
Pentateuch
... The fourconcluding books contain masses of legislation mingled with the narrative
(for special contents, see articles on the several books). II....
Gather (251 Occurrences)
... as the translation of sumbibazo, "to bring together" (here, in mind), "assuredly
gathering," the Revised Version (British and American) "concluding" (compare 9...
Figuratively (4 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Hebrews 11:19concluding that God is able to raise up even from the dead.
Figuratively speaking, he also did receive him back from the dead....
Fourth (87 Occurrences)
... But there are cogent reasons forconcluding that the Greek version implied in the
Latin itself implies a Hebrew original, and the proof is similar to that of a...
Resources
Why is the book of Psalms divided into five books? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the marriage bed is undefiled (Hebrews 13:4)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about a Christian's responsibility? | GotQuestions.orgConcluding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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