[B-Greek] 1Tim.4:1 To Pneuma = “The Inspired Utterance”
yancywsmith at sbcglobal.net
yancywsmith at sbcglobal.net
Wed Jun 17 18:50:41 EDT 2009
Apoc. 19:10 is also an instance of the use of TO PNEUMA (article and
all) that seems to be less than personal in its assumptions about the
Spirit. Also, the Spirit is symbolized by a lampstand and referred to
in the plural. I might add that Hippolytus moves (uncomfortably for us
post-Niceans) between an impersonal and a personal view of both Spirit
and Logos. Pre-creation LOGOS is the potential expression of the NOUS
of the Father. For him only at creation does the Logos achieve quasi
personal dimensions (i.e. becomes a PROSWPON), but does not become
"perfect Son" until the incarnation (which culminates in the cross).
All that to say, that there may be a mismatch between what theologians
now think of person and ancient definitions of person. Personhood, for
example, could be denied to a servant-slave (a PAIS) in some contexts.
The slave might be considered merely a living tool and an extension of
the master's person, while in others the personhood of the slave could
be affirmed. A society with slavery has different definitions of
"personhood" and, to the extent that the Spirit is thought of as a
servant of divinity, or the presence of divinity in creation, it could
be thought of either in personal or impersonal terms.
Yancy Smith, PhD
yancywsmith at sbcglobal.net
5636 Wedgworth Rd.
Fort Worth, TX 76133
817-361-7565
I suppose it is impossible to write any 'story' that is not
allegorical in proportion as it 'comes to life'; since each of us is
an allegory, embodying in a particular tale and clothed in the
garments of time and place, universal truth and everlasting life.
J.R.R. Tolkien (7 June 1955)
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