Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 3, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 49.

1291.—Grace or Caress.

Does not the word caress express the meaning of the Greek word charis in many places where it occurs better than either grace or favor? Sometimes no other word but “grace” would do, except “loving-kindness,” which I think would be a good rendering in any case. J. B.

In neither the classical nor Biblical Greek lexicons is any such meaning as “caress” given to the Greek word charis. It is defined to mean, “pleasing show, charm, beauty, gracefulness, kindly bearing, graciousness, benefit, favor, free gift, grace, kindness, loving-kindness,” etc., etc. The Hebrew word rendered “grace,” means “to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior.” Our English word “caress” comes from the Latin carus, meaning dear. It is but an outward expression of an inward feeling, and is a much weaker word than grace. Grace might be expressed in caressing, and so also might unholy lust.

1292.—Meaning of Pharisee. Acts 23:6.

What did Paul mean by saying he was a Pharisee? Acts 23:6.

The word “Pharisee” comes from the Hebrew word parash, meaning to separate. “They were so called because of their attempt to separate themselves from all other classes, as the particularly favored ones of heaven, the especially chosen of God.”—“Practical Lessons from the Experience of Israel,” by Gilbert. Paul belonged to that sect. Acts 26:5. Many evidently did this from good motive at first, but in general it degenerated into mere form. But they held much more truth than the Sadducees, the infidel higher critics of that day. It was to call their attention to what they held of truth and so to Christ, that Paul declared himself to be a Pharisee. That is, he had been brought up in that sect, and with them believed in the resurrection of the dead.

1293.—Whom God Will Not Destroy.

I have recently heard the idea advanced that so long as a man was truly in search of the truth God would not destroy him, and consequently that in St. Pierre there could not have been any, except perhaps Christians and those who had utterly rejected Christ, and could have no further hope of salvation. Has that any foundation in Scripture? C. W. S.

We do not know anything about the character of the people in St. Pierre. Their cases are in the hands of the Judge who will do absolutely right. This we do know, for God declares it, that no soul earnestly seeking to know God’s will that he may do it, will be rejected of the Master: “for the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.” 2 Chron. 16:9. It is not a matter of great or little light; it is wholly a matter of purpose.