Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of privileges often relates to the special rights, advantages, or immunities granted by God to individuals or groups. These privileges are not earned by human merit but are bestowed by divine grace and purpose. Throughout Scripture, privileges are closely tied to God's covenantal relationships with His people and His sovereign plans for humanity.
Old Testament Context1.
Israel as God's Chosen People: One of the most significant examples of divine privilege in the Old Testament is the selection of Israel as God's chosen nation. In
Deuteronomy 7:6 , it is written, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth." This privilege was not due to Israel's size or strength but was a result of God's love and faithfulness to His promises to the patriarchs.
2.
Priestly Privileges: The tribe of Levi was granted the privilege of serving as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle.
Numbers 18:7 states, "But only you and your sons may perform the duties of the priesthood, for everything at the altar and inside the veil, and you are to serve. I am giving you the priesthood as a gift." This privilege came with responsibilities and was a unique honor among the tribes of Israel.
3.
Prophetic Privileges: Prophets in the Old Testament were granted the privilege of receiving and conveying God's messages to His people.
Amos 3:7 declares, "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets." This privilege was accompanied by the responsibility to speak truthfully and courageously.
New Testament Context1.
The Privilege of Sonship: In the New Testament, believers in Christ are granted the privilege of becoming children of God.
John 1:12 states, "But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." This privilege is a result of faith in Jesus Christ and signifies a new identity and relationship with God.
2.
The Privilege of the Gospel: The early church was entrusted with the privilege of spreading the Gospel. In
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 , Paul writes, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation." This privilege involves the responsibility to share the message of salvation with the world.
3.
The Privilege of Suffering for Christ: Believers are also granted the privilege of suffering for the sake of Christ.
Philippians 1:29 states, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him." This privilege is seen as a participation in Christ's sufferings and a means of spiritual growth and testimony.
Theological ImplicationsPrivileges in the biblical sense are deeply intertwined with God's grace and sovereignty. They are not a result of human effort or entitlement but are gifts from God that come with specific responsibilities. The privileges granted to God's people serve His greater purposes and are meant to reflect His glory and advance His kingdom. Throughout Scripture, the response to divine privilege is expected to be one of gratitude, obedience, and faithful stewardship.
Greek
59. agorazo -- to buy in the marketplace, purchase... Indeed, Christ purchases all the
privileges and responsibilities that go with
(being ). [See also the intensified, compound (1805 ).].
...165. aion -- a space of time, an age
... It is characterized by , ie engrafting all believers (OT, NT) (1 Cor 12:13) with
all the marvelousprivileges that go with that (Gal 3:23-25; 1 Pet 2:5,9)....
3106. makarizo -- to bless
... happy. Cognate: 3106 -- pronounce , as the result of enjoying the benefits
(privileges) that (literally) from God. See 3107 ()....
Library
GospelPrivileges.
... II. ORDINANCES. Hymn 46 Gospelprivileges. John Newton 8,6,8,6. Gospelprivileges.
O happy they who know the Lord,. With whom he deigns to dwell!...
GospelPrivileges.
... II. ORDINANCES. Hymn 47 Gospelprivileges. John Newton 8,6,8,6. Gospelprivileges.
Happy are they, to whom the LORD. His gracious name makes known!...
ThePrivileges of the Living Above the Dead.
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:46. [Supplement.] Theprivileges of the living above
the dead. 1 Awake, my zeal, awake, my love, To serve...
NationalPrivileges
... SERMON XXII. NATIONALPRIVILEGES. LUKE, x.23. "Blessed are the eyes which
see the things which ye see: for I tell you, that many...
Part 2 thePrivileges of the Living Above the Dead. Isa. 38:18,19.
... HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS IN THREE BOOKS. HYMN 46 PART 2 Theprivileges of the living
above the dead. Isa.... LM Theprivileges of the living above the dead....
Privileges of the Baptized.
... Homily VIII. Chapter XIX."Privileges of the Baptized. "For God is almighty.
For He is good and righteous, now long-suffering to...
What are the SpecialPrivileges of the visible Church?
... Question 63: What are the specialprivileges of the visible church? Answer:
The visible church has the privilege of being under...
Christianity, by Its Provision for the Flesh, Has Put on it the...
... Chapter VIII."Christianity, by Its Provision for the Flesh, Has Put on It the Greatest
Honour ThePrivileges of Our Religion in Closest Connection with Our...
Corinthians iii. 21-23.
... that we also might reign with you." It would seem, however, that it would be good
for us to dwell on the greatness of our condition andprivileges, because St....
Political and Religious Life of the Jewish Dispersion in the West...
... [327] The Seleucidic rulers of Syria had previously bestowed kindred
privileges on the Jews in many places. Thus, they possessed...
Thesaurus
Privileges (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Privileges (2 Occurrences). Acts 24:23 He ordered
the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody, and
...Adoption (5 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The giving to any one the name and place and
privileges of a son who is not a son by birth. (1.) Natural....
Citizenship (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The rights andprivileges of a citizen in
distinction from a foreigner (Luke 15:15; 19:14; Acts 21:39)....
Alien (102 Occurrences)
... A foreigner, or person born in another country, and therefore not entitled
to the rights andprivileges of the country where he resides....
Circumcision (98 Occurrences)
... home-born or purchased, were circumcised (17:12, 13); and all foreigners must have
their males circumcised before they could enjoy theprivileges of Jewish...
Firstborn (119 Occurrences)
... Sons enjoyed certain specialprivileges (Deuteronomy 21:17; Genesis 25:23, 31, 34;
49:3; 1 Chronicles 5:1; Hebrews 12:16; Psalm 89:27). (see BIRTHRIGHT.)....
Proselyte (2 Occurrences)
... etc.). The Kenites, the Gibeonites, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites
were thus admitted to theprivileges of Israelites. Thus...
Interdict (6 Occurrences)
... nations. 2. (n.) To lay under an interdict; to cut off from the enjoyment of
religiousprivileges, as a city, a church, an individual. 3...
Firstling (8 Occurrences)
... The firstborn possessed definiteprivileges which were denied to other members of
the family.... Israel was Yahweh's firstborn (Exodus 4:22privileges....
Birthright (10 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary. (1.) This word denotes the specialprivileges and
advantages belonging to the first-born son among the Jews....
Resources
What is the biblical view of white privilege? | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus is God, why did He not know when He would return? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian see a psychologist / psychiatrist? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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