[Greek] στέλλω (stellō), [Latin] deviare, [Latin] subtrahere: to avoid, to keep away from, to withdraw from, to dissociate from, to abstain from, to restrain, to send; 2 Cor.8:20, 2 Thess.3:6
Replica of the HMS Bounty (with furled sails) in a stationary position
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term can mean to place, to set aside, to make ready, to put something in the right place, to provide with something, to set out, and to prepare for. These actions involve a willful act in sight of a fixed goal. This can involve making ready for battle for ships and troops. In a nautical sense, this term means to unfurl (unwrap) the ship’s sails in order for the ship to move. In a medical sense, Hippocrates speaks of avoiding overeating and excess exercise as a means to live a healthy life. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus speaks of public citizenship and isolation.
Old Testament: This term means to place oneself at disposal, to be available, and to prepare for something. Examples include priestly service and personal attributes. She is clothed with strength and dignity (Prov. 31:25). Bestowing mercy down to the thousandth generation (Exod. 20:6). For to men, she is an unfailing treasure (Wis. 7:14). Those women who had recently been arrayed for marriage abandoned the bridal chambers, and in neglected proper modesty, in a disorderly rush flocked together in the city (3 Macc. 1:19)
New Testament: Only found twice, this term primarily means to avoid, shun, or to keep away from an activity. In Thessalonica, Paul warned the Christians to avoid any association with those who neglect work and act disorderly. These people did not act in the tradition received from Paul. In Corinth, there evidently appeared to be some confusion of the management (custody) of the collection for the poor. Paul was warning them to avoid any temptation concerning the collection.
Scripture:
“This we desire to avoid, that anyone blame us about this lavish gift administered by us.” 2 Cor.8:20
Paul warns others to avoid the temptation about keeping these collections for the poor.
“We instruct you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us.” 2 Thess.3:6
Paul warns other who neglect work and act disorderly.
Conclusion:
Apostle, diastole, deviate, subtract
I was surprised by the wide range of uses of this term in the Greek Hellenistic culture. Such examples ranged from the obvious to the mysterious. It was interesting to learn what furling (unfurling) means in the operation of a ship. It is probably not surprising that Hippocrates would give such advice in light of the excess drinking and eating among some wealthy and influential Greeks. Even still good medical advice today: moderation.
Perhaps the priestly role provides the best illustration of what it means in one being set aside. This provides a further glimpse of this and other vocations. Paul considered himself as a spiritual father to his followers in many cities. Paul was constantly concerned about his spiritual children.
An apostle is one who has been sent out. The preposition apo- means away. Essentially, an apostle is one sent away. Diastole refers to the relaxed condition of the heart when it is fully dilated with blood. The preposition dia- means apart. Diastole means a drawing apart, distinction, or separation.
Furling a ship’s sails means to wrap the sails. This is done to prevent damage from a storm. On the other hand, unfurling the sails means to unwrap the sails in order for the ship to sail. So, it is now time to depart with sails unfurled.