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ELEMENTAL SPIRITS

A term (Gk. stoicheía) meaning: (1) a series of letters or sounds; (2) basic constituent elements or guiding principles; (3) the stars as elemental heavenly bodies; or (4) angels, spirits, or elemental spirits. Paul appears to have either the second or fourth meanings in mind in Gal. 4:3, 9; Col. 2:8, 20. His usage of the term, however, is not clear. The close connection of these elemental spirits with the law in Galatians and philosophy in Colossians suggests that the elemental principles of human teaching may be intended. These elemental spirits might also be active spiritual powers ruling the universe and potentially worshipped by the Galatians and Colossians. This meaning appears intended in Heb. 5:12, where the author refers to the “elements of the oracles of God.” In 2 Pet. 3:10, 12 the classical four elements of matter (earth, air, fire, water) are clearly intended by the suggestion that the “elements will dissolve” at the Parousia.

Matthew S. Collins






Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)

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Prayer Tents is a Christian mission organization that serves Christians around the world and their local bodies to make disciples ("evangelize") more effectively in their communities. Prayer Tents provides resources to enable Christians to form discipleship-focused small groups and make their gatherings known so that other "interested" people may participate and experience Christ in their midst. Our Vision is to make disciples in all nations through the local churches so that anyone seeking God can come to know Him through relationships with other Christians near them.

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