[Greek] αἰών (aiōn), [Latin] aeon: age, world, period of time, system, era, past, state of things, universe, world system, long ago, forever, eternal, the Devil, non-religious people; Mt.12:32, Heb.1:2, 1Cor.3:18, Lk.1:70, Rev.22:5, 2Cor.4:4, Lk.16:8. Mt.13:39, Heb.9:26, 1Cor.10:11, Heb.13:8, Rom.16:26
Background Information:
Secular Greek: This term can mean vital force, lifetime, age (generation), space of time, and eternity. Philosophers have made use of this term in discussions of the problem of time. The commonly held Greek view holds the world and creation, having an almost eternal nature, has a finite time and duration. In Hellenism this term becomes the name of a god of eternity.
Old Testament:
Time of the World (Creation): Remarkably, this term begins to define two competing notions of time: the eternity of God and the duration of the world. At first, these ideas seem to be at odds with each other. However, the duration of the world becomes part of the larger eternal nature of God. These ideas serve to provide some context in understanding the later New Testament notion of the finite current world and the later eternal future kingdom of heaven.
Eternity of God: This term attains its full significance when it is linked with the eternal nature of God. The being of God reaches back into times past. In contrast the mortal man, subject to death, God is immortal. Abraham invoked by name the Lord, God the Eternal (Gen.21:33). My Spirit shall not remain in human beings forever (Gen. 6:3). As surely as I live forever (Deut.32:40). For the Lord is an eternal Rock (Isa. 26:4). You forget the eternal God who nurtured you (Bar. 4:8).
New Testament: This term, illustrated and defined in various and nuanced ways, can mean an era, the universe, a world system (of beliefs), long ago, eternity, the Devil, and non-religious people. As in the Old Testament, eternity (infinite) is differentiated from cosmic (finite) time. The present and future are both mentioned throughout scripture. A new development occurs when God’s eternal nature is extended to Christ. This context also presumes the pre-existence of Christ.
Scripture:
“And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” Mt.12:32
This term speaks to a finite time as a particular stage of history.
“Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you considers wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise.” 1Cor.3:18
This term is used to describe the beliefs, attitudes, and practices of secular world outside of God. Those who seek become wise in this culture actually become foolish according to God.
“Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Heb. 13:8
This speaks to the eternal and pre-existent nature of Jesus.
Conclusion:
Aeon
Perhaps it is not surprising, that in an era of intellectuals and philosophers, time would be already be thought of in two different contexts (timeless and finite). I did not realize that there would be a god of eternity in Hellenistic thought. Although this idea was considered foreign in the New Testament culture, this may have contributed to the idea of the Devil as the god of the world opposed to Christianity.
In the Old Testament, God makes very present and concrete the idea of timeless eternity. God is eternal. I was surprised by the many varied uses of this term in the New Testament. The eternal aspects of Jesus sheds some light on Jesus’ pre-existence. This is a quality that is perhaps not fully understood.