Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:The term "Masses" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it is often used in Christian contexts to refer to large groups of people or gatherings. In biblical terms, the concept of masses can be related to crowds or multitudes that are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, particularly in the Gospels, where Jesus often taught and performed miracles among large groups of people.
Biblical References:1.
Crowds Following Jesus: The Gospels frequently mention the masses that followed Jesus, drawn by His teachings and miracles. In
Matthew 4:25 , it is recorded, "Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan followed Him." These gatherings were significant as they demonstrated the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry and the diverse backgrounds of those who sought Him.
2.
Feeding of the Multitude: One of the most notable events involving a large group is the feeding of the 5,000, which is recorded in all four Gospels. In
John 6:10 , Jesus instructs, "Have the people sit down," and then proceeds to miraculously feed the multitude with five loaves and two fish. This event highlights Jesus' compassion and divine provision for the masses.
3.
Sermon on the Mount: In
Matthew 5:1-2 , it is written, "When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them." The Sermon on the Mount is a key moment where Jesus addresses a large assembly, delivering profound teachings that form the core of Christian ethics.
4.
Pentecost: In
Acts 2:6 , during the event of Pentecost, "When this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language." This gathering marks the birth of the Church, as the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles to preach to the masses, resulting in the conversion of about three thousand people.
Theological Significance:The presence of masses in biblical narratives often underscores the universal reach of God's message and the inclusivity of the Gospel. Jesus' interactions with large groups demonstrate His accessibility and willingness to engage with all people, regardless of their social or cultural backgrounds. The gatherings also serve as a backdrop for many of His teachings and miracles, emphasizing the communal aspect of faith and the importance of spreading the Gospel to all nations.
Practical Implications:For contemporary Christians, the biblical accounts of masses encourage the Church to engage with society at large, reaching out to diverse communities with the message of Christ. It also serves as a reminder of the power of collective worship and the importance of community in the Christian faith. The examples set by Jesus and the apostles in addressing and ministering to large groups provide a model for evangelism and discipleship in today's world.
Strong's Hebrew
7227a. rab -- much, many, great... heavy (1), increased (2), large (6), larger (4), long (8), long enough (2), many
(207), many things (1), many times (2), many...things (1),
masses (1), mighty
...Library
TheMasses. August 4.
... TheMasses. August 4.... They affectmasses too large, interests too serious,
not to make themselves bitterly felt some day. . . ....
The Classes and theMasses
... CHAPTER IX The Classes and theMasses. "We speak of work done against the
force of gravitation. If the magnitude of a force can be...
Sometimes theMasses have Been Driven to Atheism by Science. ...
... VIII. Sometimes themasses have been driven to Atheism by science.? Sometimes
themasses have been driven to Atheism by science....
How a Certain Captive's Chains Fell Off whenMasses were Sung for...
... BOOK IV CHAP. XXII. How a certain captive's chains fell off whenMasses were
sung for Him. [679 AD]. IN the aforesaid battle, wherein...
Of the Mass.
... But it is evident that for a long time this also has been the public and most grievous
complaint of all good men thatMasses have been basely profaned and...
Article xxiv (xii): of the Mass.
... For among usmasses are celebrated every Lord's Day and on the other festivals,
in which the Sacrament is offered to those who wish to use it, after they have...
Its Effects.
... (See Galatians 5:19-21.). 3. Reaching themasses. Another effect of a
Spirit-baptized Church would be that themasses would be reached....
How a Pestilence Ceased through the Intercession of King Oswald....
... concerning which thou art troubled; for this day we will bring thee to the kingdom
of Heaven; but first thou must needs wait till theMasses are celebrated...
Of the Mass.
... Since such innumerable and unspeakable abuses have arisen in the whole world from
the buying and selling ofmasses, the Mass should by right be relinquished...
Spiritual Diagnosis
... remembrance.". The past has indeed nomasses. Men, notmasses, have done
all that is great in history, in science, and in religion....
Thesaurus
Masses (20 Occurrences)...Masses (20 Occurrences). Matthew 5:1 And seeing great
masses of people he went up
into the mountain; and when he was seated his disciples came to him. (BBE).
...Purposing (21 Occurrences)
... long past? Now I have given effect to my design, so that by you strong towns
might be turned intomasses of broken walls. (BBE). Job...
Hail (42 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) Small roundishmasses of ice precipitated from
the clouds, where they are formed by the condensation of vapor....
Grapes (74 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 6:19 And he gave to every man and woman among all the people, among all
themasses of Israel, a cake of bread and a measure of wine and a cake of dry...
Walls (152 Occurrences)
... long past? Now I have given effect to my design, so that by you strong towns
might be turned intomasses of broken walls. (BBE). 2...
Geology
... Relatively smallmasses of Tertiary strata (not shown on the map) are found on the
coast at the mouths of the principal streams of Lebanon, showing that while...
Thorn (30 Occurrences)
... Before kindling one of these latter the fellahin gather enormous piles of this
plant-carried on their heads inmasses much larger than the bearers-around the...
Redeemer (42 Occurrences)
... The object of redemption is not humanity, or mankind, or themasses.... Vastmasses
of them seem to be here as the outworking of impulses almost blind....
Mass (65 Occurrences)
... 10. (vt) To form or collect into a mass; to form into a collective body; to bring
together intomasses; to assemble. Multi-Version Concordance...
Redemption (46 Occurrences)
... The object of redemption is not humanity, or mankind, or themasses.... Vastmasses
of them seem to be here as the outworking of impulses almost blind....
Resources
Is religion opium for the masses? | GotQuestions.orgIs the theory of Pangea possible? Does the Bible say that there was once a Pangea / Pangaea? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is sola scriptura? | GotQuestions.orgMasses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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