The Greek word “parousia” is becoming common in English as a technical term for the Second Coming of Christ. The use of the word in the secular Greek contemporary with the New Testament is extremely interesting.
In classical Greek it means quite simply the “presence” or the “arrival” of persons or things. It can be used in such phrases as the “presence” of friends or the “presence” of misfortunes. Quite often Paul uses “parousia” in that simple non-technical sense. He rejoices at the “parousia” (the “arrival”) of Stephanas (1 Corinthians 16:17). He is comforted by the “parousia” of Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6). He urges the Philippians to be as obedient in his absence as they were during his “parousia” with them (Philippians 2:12). The Corinthians fling the taunt at him that, however impressive his letters may be, his bodily “parousia” is weak (2 Corinthians 10:10).
It is the occasional “classical” use that has led some to assume mistakenly that the word may describe some sort of mystical, invisible “presence” or “essence” of Christ dwelling with believers.
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Author: George Booker
Keywords: Second coming, 2nd coming, Parousia, Advent, Advent of Jesus, Return of Jesus, Coming of Jesus, The Coming
Bible reference(s): 1 Cor. 16:17, 2 Cor. 7:6, 2 Cor. 10:10, Phil. 2:12, Dan 7:13, Mat 16:27, Mat 24:3, Mat 24:27, Mat 24:37, Mat 24:39, Mat 25:6, Mat 25:31, Mat 26:64, Mar 13:26, Luk 12:36-37, Luk 12:43, Luk 12:45-47, Luk 17:30, Luk 18:8, Luk 19:12, Luk 19:15, Luk 21:27, Joh 14:3, Joh 14:28, Act 1:11, 1Th 2:19, 1Th 3:13, 1Th 4:15-16, 1Th 5:2, 1 Thes 5:23, 2Th 1:10, 2Th 2:1, 2Th 2:8, 2Ti 4:1, 2Ti 4:8, Heb 9:28, Heb 10:37, James 5:7-8, 2Pe 1:16, 2Pe 3:4, 2Pe 3:12, 1Jo 2:28, Rev 3:11, Rev 22:7, Rev 22:20
Source: “Parousia”, The Agora.
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