[Greek] παρουσία (parousia), [Latin] adventus, [Latin] praesentia, [French] arrivee: presence, coming, arrival, advent, being in person, being beside, official visit; Mt.24:3,27,37,39, 1Cor.15:23, 1Cor.16:17, 2Cor.7:6-7, 2Cor.10:10, Php.1:26, Php.2:12, 1Thess.2:19, 1Thess.3:13, 1Thess.4:15, 1Thess. 5:25, 2Thess. 2:1,8,9, Jms.5:7-8, 2Pet.1:16, 2Pet.2:4,12, 1Jn.2:28
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means presence, arrival, occasion, advent, and assistance. This term is found in the arrival and celebration of an emperor, ruler, or military leader. Localities sometimes would undertake infrastructure building projects in preparation for this event. Advent coins were produced in commemoration of the visit of this leader.
New Testament: This term means coming, arrival, manifestation, and arrival. This term generally refers to the second coming (advent) of Christ. This term is never used for the coming of Christ in the flesh. The evangelists distinguish between the judgment and the Parousia. The idea of the coming of Christ in Messianic glory seems to have made its way into primitive Christianity with Paul. It was only until the the 6th to 7th century A.D that Advent was focused on the anticipated first coming of Jesus at Christmas.
Scripture:
Mt.24:3: What sign will there be of Your coming
1Cor.16:17: The arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus
2Cor.10:10: Paul’s bodily presence is weak
Conclusion:
Advent, arrival, arrive, present, presence
It was interesting to discover that this term has its beginnings with the arrival emperors, rulers, and military leaders. This takes on a quasi religious/secular sense regard the visit of the emperor. One can only imagine vendors, concession stands, merch, and commemorative coins.
Christians (and Paul) assumed that the 2nd coming of Jesus would happen in their lifetime. This was to be an unexpected event. It was necessary to be prepared for this event.
Pope Gregory the Great (590-604 A.D) wrote a homily on Advent. Just as the people prepared and celebrated the arrival of the emperor, we also prepare for and celebrate the arrival of Jesus.
Next post: to prepare and to make ready