hUIOQESIA (Eph 1:5, etc.)
Randy Leedy
Rleedy at bju.edu
Mon Jan 17 14:45:22 EST 2000
In my circles, it is fairly common for "adoption" (hUIOQESIA) to be
explained along lines other than one's taking as his own son someone
born to another. Since Romans 8 equates "adoption" with "the
redemption of the body," adoption is viewed as restricted to the
believer's final glorification rather than something associated with
his regeneration. I have heard it said that the Roman custom of
adoption involved the entry of a son into the fullness of the family
privileges upon his reaching adulthood. This view is theologically
significant in that it allows a strict insistence on the believer's
being BORN, not adopted, into God's family, adoption then being
something reserved for naturally born children.
I don't see this viewpoint reflected in the several commentaries I
have consulted on Eph. 1:5 and Rom. 8:23, and, furthermore, I see from
minimal searching for the word "adoption" in the Fathers that
Augustine treats it as a man's taking as his own son one born to
another.
If anyone knows anything about the origin of this view or where I
might find it presented in print with historical support, I'd
appreciate knowing it. Perhaps I should be more specific, to forestall
unnecessary replies. I am adequately acquainted with some points of
discussion regarding adoption: whether it is present or future;
whether it is Jewish or Graeco-Roman. What I'm inquiring about here is
this idea that there existed such a Roman custom as I described above.
Does hUIOQESIA (or a Latin equivalent) ever demonstrably refer to such
a thing?
If it's not too much trouble, I'd appreciate being cc'ed on any
replies, since I get the list only in digest form.
Blessings in Christ (Acts 3:26)!
Randy Leedy
Bob Jones University
RLeedy at bju.edu
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