[Greek] πράσσω (prassō), [Latin] exigere, [Latin] agere, [Latin] recipere, [Latin] observare: to practice, to commit, to perform repeatedly, to do, to exact something, to undertake, to work, to exhort, to bring something about, to carry out a political activity; Act. 3:17, Act. 26:26, Lk.3:13, Lk.19:23, Eph.6:21
Background Information:
New Testament: This Greek term, quite frequently found in the New Testament, is used in three basic ways: to do, to receive, and to experience. The sense of doing involves the carrying out of an action for some reason or purpose. This focus is often on actions or reasons involved. These actions can be of a repetitive nature. The sense of receiving involves experience and collecting. Interest is received and taxes are collected. The sense of experience involves being informed and being engaged. Sometimes this involves just being true to yourself.
This is mostly depicted in a negative sense, illustrating man’s sinful and fallen nature. This is illustrated by collecting more taxes than is required or failing to properly invest in monetary resources. In addition, this is shown as acting out of ignorance. The other use involves experience and recognition of an event. The related noun praxis (practice) interestingly also takes on mostly a negative sense. These examples are presented in abstract ways such as one’s way of acting, living according to the Spirit, living according to the flesh, and the old self. This term can also mean function or task. The Greek pragma means thing, matter, or business.
Scripture:
“Now, I know, brothers, that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did.” Act. 3:17
Just as Jesus healed, Peter has just healed a lame man. The people were filled with ignorance and amazement. Peter claimed that the people also acted out of ignorance in crucifying Jesus.
“He answered them, ‘Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.’” Lk.3:13
The crowds asked the John the Baptist what they must to do seek salvation. John the Baptist claimed that the tax collectors must take only what is prescribed.
“So that you also may have news of me and of what I am doing, Tychius, my beloved brother and minister in the Lord, will tell you everything.” Eph. 6:21
Paul is concluding his letter to the Ephesians. Paul promises Tychius will be informed and engaged with the events of Paul.
“Not done in a corner”: This is a Greek proverb presented by Luke in Acts 26:26. Luke was expressing that he is presenting a story about Jesus and the Church that is already well known. The entire history of Christianity is public knowledge and undeniable. These Christian practices have been in existence for some time. Luke presents his story in this way to provide certainty to his readers. This makes reference to Lk.1:4.
Conclusion:
Pragmatic, practice, practical, exigent, agree, recipient, observe
Here’s the thing (pragma)…. Not every term I look at is going to have a “cool” or “glamorous” backstory. This term seemed like a common and mundane verb. So what? Instead, I discovered various nuanced meanings of doing in the scriptures. I would have never considered that this term also deals with collecting or extorting money. Some of these people “practically” took advantage of others.
In several situations, the characters in the scriptures failed to live up to their potential. They failed to practice these qualities and capabilities. Or sometimes these characters were unwilling to practice such virtues. Let’s be honest. Sometimes, it can be difficult to practice what we preach.