[Greek] στοιχέω (stoicheō), [Latin] ambulare, [Latin] sequere, [French] marcher, [French] voyager: to walk by rule, to follow, to be stoic, to walk orderly, to conform to, to adhere to a standard of life, to imitate, to walk in a straight path, to walk in line, to behave, to follow the same path; Acts 21:24, Rom.4:12, Gal.5:25, Gal.6:16, Php.3:16
Background information:
Stoicism: This is a school of Hellenistic philosophy which was heavily influenced by certain teachings of Socrates. Stoicism gets its name from the heavily fortified stoa (covered walkway or portico) in Athens. It is here where the followers gathered to learn these teachings. Stoicism is predominately a philosophy of personal ethics. According to its teachings, man must accept the moment as it presents itself. Man also must not let himself be overcome by his desires (for pleasure) or his fears. In order to live a good life, one must understand the rules of the natural order.
Greek Hellenism: This term means to belong in a series, to be in rank, to act in harmony, to come to an agreement, and to assent to. Such illustrations (examples) include botany, armies, philosophy, astronomy, conduct, speeches, and contracts. Xenophon Cyropaedia 6.3.34 states “you officers (of the chariots), one shall take its place in line upon the right flank of the army, the other on the left, and follow the phalanx each in single file.” Polybius Histories 2 states “I will now relate the events which immediately succeed these, touching upon summarily upon each in accordance with my original plan.”
Old Testament: This term is related to the Hebrew term kasher, which is rarely used in the Old Testament. Kasher means to be straight, to be right, to be acceptable, to succeed, or to prosper. In the Old Testament, the imagery of walking with God is quite often associated with a code of conduct and adherence to rules (laws) in accordance with God. This essentially means walking on the right path. This idea will be later very important for those Jews of the Diaspora who sought to maintain their Jewish ethical and moral principles while in foreign lands. If it seems good to the king and if I have found favor with, if the thing seems right to the king (Esth.8:5). But the advantage of wisdom is success (Eccl.10:10). For you do not know which of the two will be successful (Eccl.11:6).
New Testament: This term means essentially to behave or to imitate. Not surprisingly, this term continues the Old Testament imagery of walking. This sense of walking is conveyed by being in agreement with someone, in being in step with, and in following someone. Such illustrations include observing the Law, following Abraham’s path, following the Spirit, conforming to the Cross of Jesus, and continuing on the same course.
Scripture:
“But also follow the path of faith that our father Abraham walked while still uncircumcised.” Rom.4:12
Abraham was justified by faith. Abraham’s faith involved receipt of forgiveness of sins. All believers benefit as he did through faith.
“Only, with regard to what we have attained, continue on the same course.” Php.3:16
The imagery of walking conveys the sense of moving on the right path (direction).
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit” Gal.5:25
This involves following the Truth of the Spirit.
Conclusion:
Stoic, stoicism, ambulance, sequence, march, voyage, voyager
The philosophy of Stoicism declined when Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire. Stoicism had flourished in the Greco-Roman world. Upon learning aspects of Stoicism, I found that there seem to be some admirable principles in this secular philosophy. The four cardinal virtues of Stoicism are wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. It is interesting to note that the idea of following into line is clearly illustrated in military (army) imagery.
It is significant to note that the Old Testament culture develops the idea of walking imagery to convey a code of conduct and adherence to the Law. This important imagery continues into the New Testament culture. It is also interesting to note that the vast majority of Christian follow natural law (God’s law).
It is important to acknowledge that both Jews and Christian had to follow the correct path in order to be faithful in their respective faiths. The Jews were confronted with either keeping their Jewish traditions or with following the new path of Christianity. In other situations, other groups followed a hybrid (mixture) of Jewish and Christian beliefs. One such example refers to the God-fearers.
It is interesting in how that the current meaning of stoicism comes from the the Stoics’ code of conduct rather than from the stoa (covered walkway). That about covers it for now. ( I hope you were able to heroically and stoically endure that pun in the present moment). :-J