[Greek] αὐξάνω (auxanō), [Latin] crescere, [Latin] incrementum: to grow, to increase, to wax, to enlarge, to grow up, to become greater; Col.1:10, Act.19:20, 2Cor.9:10, Lk.2:40, Lk.12:27,Col.2:19, Mt.6:28, Jn.3:30, 2Cor.10:15, Col.1:6
The New Testament continues the Old Testament themes of gardening, planting seeds, bearing fruit, and growing, and multiplying.
Background Information:
Greco-Roman culture: This term is rarely used in reference to the physical growth of persons, crops, or plants. This term is primarily used in reference to political power and influence. The political leaders and prominent patrons readily sought to promote and elevate their family, position, authority, status, and influence. The Roman Empire constantly sought to increase its political authority over its citizens. At first glance, it would seem that power and influence will just be in the political realm. However, the emperor was also perceived as a god. Therefore, the emperor had both political and spiritual power.
Old Testament: In contrast to Greco-Roman culture, this Greek term is used in a variety of ways. God is shown making Ephraim fruitful (Gen.41:52). Isaac’s natural growing up is shown (Gen.21:8). God is shown exalting and making Joshua great (Jos.4:14). God will elevate David as He builds a house for David (1Chr.17:10). Other examples include extending, causing to grow, renewing, multiplying, and succeeding. These themes of gardening, planting, bearing fruit, growing, and multiplying are readily understandable for many people. References to plants, seeds, and fruits will continue in the New Testament. As part of His divine Providence, God even allowed some of His leaders to wield political power.
New Testament: The New Testament provides numerous examples of growing/increasing through images of seeds, gardening, nourishment, and influence. The Gospel is likened to a seed. God is likened to a gardener. Physical and spiritual nourishment is needed for the new Christians. There also continues the Hellenistic sense of influence. The Sadducees, Pharisees, scribes, and King Herod also sought to exert political influence against Jesus and His followers.
Scripture:
“Of this you have already heard through the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing…to lie in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God.” Col.1:6,10
This scripture harkens back to Gen.1:28, with the idea of being fruitful and multiplying. The Gospel is the seed. Those who spread the gospel bear good fruit and are growing in their faith.
“The one supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” 2Cor.9:10
God is like a gardener who will provide the seed. God is capable of overwhelming generosity. He will provide in abundance.
“Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that you may grow into salvation.” 1Pet.2:2
The Christians are like infants in need of spiritual nourishment so that they may grow up in their faith.
“We are not boasting beyond measure, in other people’s labors; yet our hope is that, as your faith increases, our influence among you may be greatly enlarged, within our proper limits.” 2Cor.10:15
God provides the impetus for the growth of the Christian community. The faith which grows becomes an active faith.
“He must increase, I must decrease.” Jn.3:30
John is only the messenger. John comes into the picture with some degree of spiritual authority, setting the stage for Jesus. This scripture passage touches upon the Hellenistic notion of authority and influence, but with little concern for the political realm.
Waxing: Waxing means to increase one’s effectiveness or intensity. The moon waxes when it moves from new moon to full moon. Waxing nostalgic means reminiscing more and more on the past and recalling how things were then.
Conclusion:
Wax, auxiliary, crescent, increment
It was interesting to see that Greco-Roman culture’s primary focus was on political influence and power. Politicians and political factions were constantly striving for power and influence. Not much has changed over time regarding this practice. It is interesting to how often power and influence intersected both the political and spiritual realm throughout history. This also continues today. The New Testament continues the Old Testament notion of being planting and growing. These cultural values provide greater insight as to why Jesus used such parables to convey His message to the disciples.