[Greek] στρατεύομαι (strateuomai), [Latin] interrogare, [Latin] militaris: to serve in a military campaign, to wage war, to engage in war, to fight, to be a soldier, to make war, to undertake a campaign, to go to war, to engage in spiritual warfare, to execute apostolate enemies; 2 Cor. 10:3, 1 Tim. 1:18, Jas. 4:1, 1 Pet. 2:11, Lk. 3:14, 1 Cor.9:7, 2 Tim.2:4
The Battle of Mycale (79 B.C): the Greeks attack the Persians’ encampment
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term takes on a sense of undertaking a campaign or doing military service. Used primarily in a military sense, this term refers to an army or group of soldiers. Rarely used for an individual soldier, this means to undertake a campaign, to do military service, to become a military officer, and to spread out camp. Historically, the army was composed of either citizen soldiers or professional solders. Since the beginning of the Peloponnesian War (431 – 404 B.C.), long service professional soldiers were found to be superior to citizen soldiers. From these professional soldiers came career soldiers, soldiers of fortune, and mercenaries. Later, the Roman army developed the reputation of such efficiency and ruthless qualities. In its non-military use, it makes reference to higher beings (gods), who undertake missions to intervene for man.
Old Testament: The Old Testament is filled with frequent examples of wars, conflicts, and struggles. However, this term is only found three times. The horde of all nations who make war against Mount Zion (Isa. 29:7). makes reference to the horde of all the nations making war against Zion. He told his son-in-law to fortify himself for the journey (Judg.19:8). Everyone twenty-five years old shall perform the required service in the meeting tent (Num.8:24). The father, whenever he went on campaigns, would name his successor (2 Macc.9:23). The just Providence of our ancestors may take vengeance on the accursed tyrant (4 Macc.9:24). Interestingly, a significant number of this term’s related nouns (army, soldier, etc. ) are found the Books of Maccabees.
New Testament: The Christian communities of the New Testament period were often subject to abuse or persecution from the Roman military. Jesus foretold and encouraged a readiness to prepare for such persecution. Although there was constant tension between the Roman Empire and Christians, both understood the importance of obedience to authority. While the Christians were obedient to the authority of Jesus, the Roman soldiers understood the importance of following orders from superior officers. Paul recognizes a Christian may need the discipline of a good soldier to endure the struggles and to carry out the mission of the gospel. James points out the individual may experience an internal struggle (battle) within oneself as one faces temptation and the enticements to sin.
Scripture:
“To satisfy the one who recruited him, a soldier does not become entangled in the business affairs of life.” 2Tim.2:4
The Christian life can be filled with obstacles and struggles. Christians sometimes must act like soldiers engaged in active service for Christ.
“Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? Jas.4:1
Christians may often finding themselves with their own internal struggles (battles) against temptation to sin.
“Soldiers also asked Him, ‘And what is it that what we should do?’ He told them, ‘Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.’” Lk.3:14
Since the beginning of the Christian movement, there has historically been tension between the Roman soldiers and the Christians. Soldiers have been known to take advantage of the Christians.
Conclusion:
Strategy, strategize, strategic, interrogate, interrogation, military
To be honest, I was just expecting to find the traditional military sense of this term throughout history. I was also surprised that this military sense is rarely found in the Old Testament. When one has empires to defend and uphold, it is not surprising that there would be a need for an army. I did not expect to see the various nuanced meanings of this term in both the Old Testament and New Testament. In life outside the army, there is always the need for making preparations, protecting oneself, and encountering obstacles. Sometimes I think the same can said for spreading the gospel message.