Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of a Bible Encyclopedia or Topical Bible, the term "stamps" does not directly appear in the biblical text. However, the concept of stamps, as understood in modern times, can be related to the broader biblical themes of communication, authority, and the dissemination of messages.
Historical Context and CommunicationIn ancient times, communication was primarily conducted through oral traditions, written scrolls, and letters. The Bible itself is a compilation of texts that were meticulously copied and preserved over centuries. While the modern concept of postage stamps did not exist, the importance of written communication is evident throughout the Scriptures. For instance, the Apostle Paul frequently wrote letters to early Christian communities, which were then delivered by trusted messengers. In
Romans 16:22, Tertius, who transcribed the letter, sends his own greetings: "I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord."
Seals and AuthorityThe closest biblical parallel to stamps might be the use of seals. Seals were used to authenticate documents and convey authority. They were often made of clay or wax and impressed with a unique design, usually from a signet ring. This practice is seen in several biblical accounts. For example, in the Book of Esther, King Ahasuerus gives his signet ring to Haman, allowing him to issue decrees in the king's name (
Esther 3:10). Later, the king's seal is used to reverse Haman's edict (
Esther 8:8). The use of seals signified the authority and authenticity of the message, much like a stamp on a letter today.
Symbolism and ProphecySeals also carry symbolic significance in biblical prophecy. In the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John describes a vision of a scroll with seven seals, which only the Lamb (Christ) is worthy to open (
Revelation 5:1-5). Each seal represents a different aspect of God's judgment and plan for the end times. This imagery underscores the authority and divine origin of the message contained within the scroll.
Cultural and Spiritual ImplicationsWhile stamps as a physical object are not mentioned in the Bible, the principles of communication, authority, and the transmission of important messages are deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. The delivery of God's Word, whether through prophets, apostles, or the written Scriptures, is central to the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of spreading the Gospel in
Romans 10:14-15: "How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'"
In summary, while the Bible does not mention stamps, the underlying themes of communication, authority, and the faithful transmission of messages are integral to its teachings. These concepts continue to resonate with believers as they seek to share the Gospel and uphold the authority of Scripture in their lives.
Greek
5480. charagma -- a stamp, impress... unique "brand-mark"). [Ancient documents were validated by such
stamps or
seals (see Plutarch, , 15:6; 16:2, , 2, 574).]. Word Origin
...Library
Entering the Gospel Field
... Before starting from home, Mother had said to me, "Mary, here is a little change
to buy yourstamps and envelopes." As I reached out my hand, my brother said...
Introduction
... How selfish is the parent whostamps his religious ideas into a child's receptive
nature, as a moulderstamps the hot iron with his model!...
Knox's Intrigues, and his Account of Them, 1559
... To prove this she says that they daily receive messengers from England and send
their own; and they have seized thestamps in the Mint (a capital point as...
Is The Young Man Absalom Safe?
... CHURCH THE PARSONAGE THE BRONTE GROUP THE INTERIOR OF OLD CHURCH. 1s. each.
Post 13stamps. R. BROWN,. Stationer, Kirkgate, Haworth....
The Angel's Greeting
... The earth cannot flee from heaven: whether it flee up or down, the heaven rains
its influence upon it, andstamps its impress upon it, and makes it fruitful...
How it Often Happens that a Discourse which Gives Pleasure to the...
... But, again, it is not in our power to bring out those impressions which the
intellectual apprehensionstamps upon the memory, and to hold them forth, as it...
The Christian Has Sure and Simple Knowledge Concerning the Subject...
... forms and conditions; sometimes makes them common and public, sometimes appropriates
them to private use; on certainties she capriciouslystamps the character...
Love Increased by Suffering
... In gulfs of awful night we find. The God of our desires; 'Tis there hestamps the
yielding mind,. And doubles all its fires. Flames of encircling love invest,....
Who is to Come
... This againstamps this prophecy as having to do with Christ as God, who "is" (essential
being), and "was" (in eternity past), and is "the coming one" (time...
He that Hath an Ear
... The first use of the expression in Matthew 11:15 is most significant, andstamps
it as belonging to the setting up of the kingdom with power and glory....
Thesaurus
Stamps (4 Occurrences)...Stamps (4 Occurrences).
... (BBE). Revelation 5:2 And I saw a strong angel saying in
a loud voice, Who is able to make the book open, and to undo its
stamps? (BBE).
...Undo (9 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEY DBY). Revelation 5:2 And I saw a strong angel saying in a loud voice,
Who is able to make the book open, and to undo itsstamps? (BBE)....
Stamping (11 Occurrences)
Undid (2 Occurrences)
... Revelation 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb undid one of thestamps, and the voice of
one of the four beasts came to my ears, saying as with a voice of thunder...
Wax (32 Occurrences)
... Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the high seat,
a book with writing inside it and on the back, shut with sevenstamps of wax...
Imprint (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To stamp or mark, as letters on paper, by means of type, plates,stamps,
or the like; to print the mark (figures, letters, etc., upon something)....
Printed (2 Occurrences)
... Both in South America and in Neolithic Liguria, some of thesestamps were cylindrical
and "were used like a printer's roller" (Mosso, The Dawn of Mediterranean...
Print (3 Occurrences)
... Both in South America and in Neolithic Liguria, some of thesestamps were cylindrical
and "were used like a printer's roller" (Mosso, The Dawn of Mediterranean...
Printing
... Both in South America and in Neolithic Liguria, some of thesestamps were cylindrical
and "were used like a printer's roller" (Mosso, The Dawn of Mediterranean...
Stanched (1 Occurrence)
Resources
Should a Christian go on welfare? | GotQuestions.orgWho will go to heaven? | GotQuestions.orgStamps: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
