Topical Encyclopedia
The term "courteously" refers to the act of showing politeness and respect in one's behavior and speech. In the context of biblical teachings, acting courteously is an expression of Christian love and humility, reflecting the character of Christ in interpersonal relationships.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. Although the specific term "courteously" is not frequently used in most translations, the concept is deeply embedded in the teachings of Scripture. For instance, the Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often encourages believers to exhibit gentleness and respect towards one another. In
Ephesians 4:2 , Paul writes, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." This verse underscores the importance of humility and patience, which are foundational to courteous behavior.
Old Testament InsightsThe Old Testament provides numerous examples of courteous behavior. Abraham, for instance, demonstrated hospitality and respect when he welcomed three visitors by the oaks of Mamre, as recorded in
Genesis 18. His actions exemplify the courteous treatment of strangers, which was a significant cultural and religious duty in ancient Israel.
Proverbs also offers wisdom on the subject, highlighting the value of gentle and respectful speech.
Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This proverb illustrates the power of courteous communication in maintaining peace and harmony.
New Testament TeachingsIn the New Testament, Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate model of courteous behavior. His interactions with individuals from various walks of life, including those marginalized by society, were marked by compassion and respect. In
John 4, Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well is a profound example of courteous engagement, breaking social norms to offer her dignity and truth.
The Apostle Peter also instructs believers to maintain a courteous demeanor. In
1 Peter 3:8 , he writes, "Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble." This exhortation calls Christians to embody a spirit of unity and compassion, essential components of courteous conduct.
Practical ApplicationFor Christians, living courteously involves more than mere politeness; it is an outward expression of the inward transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. Courteous behavior is a testimony to the love of Christ and serves as a witness to the world. Believers are encouraged to practice courtesy in all areas of life, including family, church, workplace, and community interactions.
In summary, while the Bible may not frequently use the word "courteously," the principles of respect, kindness, and humility are woven throughout its teachings. Christians are called to reflect these virtues, demonstrating the love and grace of God in their daily lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) In a courteous manner.
Greek
5390. philophronos -- kindly... Cognate: 5390 (an adverb) --
courteously; literally, acting from a of .
... Word Origin
from philophron Definition kindly NASB Word Usage
courteously (1).
...5364. philanthropos -- humanely, kindly
...courteously. Adverb from a compound of philos and anthropos; fondly to man
("philanthropically"), ie Humanely --courteously. see GREEK philos....
Library
"All that is Speedful for us to Learn and to Know, Full...
... THE THIRTEENTH REVELATION CHAPTER XXXIV "All that is speedful for us to
learn and to know, fullcourteously will our Lord shew us"....
Acts xxvi. 30-32
... "And Juliuscourteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto
his friends to refresh himself. Julius gave Paul liberty...
The Life of St. Silvester.
... And when he was awaked he did do call his knights and commanded them to go to that
mountain and bring the Pope Silvester to himcourteously and fair, for to...
Acts xxviii. 1
... "In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name
was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three dayscourteously....
The Voyage and Shipwreck
... Here Julius, the centurion, "courteously entreated Paul," and being informed that
there were Christians in the place, "gave him liberty to go unto his friends...
And in those Days, that Is, at the Time of Her First Coming into...
... Accordingly, going in, he filled the chamber where she was with a great light;
and mostcourteously saluting her, he said: Hail, Mary!...
The First Year --Society and Climate.
... Missionaries were looked on as sufficiently in society to be admissible everywhere,
and were treatedcourteously by their European brethren when they met...
The Classes and the Masses
... They will always listencourteously to what we say, and this constitutes an open
door for the Gospel, but of conscious need and hungering for the Gospel there...
Preface to First Edition
... Permission has usually been mostcourteously asked: though in some few cases, whole
Hymns have been taken without the slightest request for leave, or...
Acts XXVIII
... 7) "In the regions around that place were the estates of the chief man of the island,
Publius by name, who received us and entertained uscourteously three days...
Thesaurus
Courteously (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Courteously (2 Occurrences).
... And Julius
courteously entreated
Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
...Publius (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary "the chief man of the island" of Malta (Acts 28:7), who
courteously entertained Paul and his shipwrecked companions for three days...
Quarters (17 Occurrences)
... Acts 28:7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island,
whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three dayscourteously....
Neighbourhood (9 Occurrences)
... in the neighbourhood of that place were lands of the principal man of the island,
by name Publius, who, having received us, three days didcourteously lodge 'us...
Neighborhood (7 Occurrences)
... 28:7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man
of the island, named Publius, who received us, andcourteously entertained us...
Nabal (18 Occurrences)
... She socourteously and persuasively pled her cause that David's anger was appeased,
and he said to her, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel which sent thee this...
Official (45 Occurrences)
... 28:7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man
of the island, named Publius, who received us, andcourteously entertained us...
Julius (5 Occurrences)
... 43). He entreated Paul "courteously," showing in many ways a friendly regard
for him. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JULIUS. joo...
Lands (226 Occurrences)
... 28:7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man
of the island, named Publius, who received us, andcourteously entertained us...
Lodged (35 Occurrences)
... Acts 28:7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island,
whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three dayscourteously....
Resources
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