[Greek] διαστολή (diastolē), [Latin] distinctio: separation, distinction, difference; Rom.3:22, Rom.10:12, 1Cor.14:7
Empedocles (490-430 BC) , a pre-Socratic naturalist, viewed the cosmos as a living and breathing organism with a disastole and systole
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, primarily found in the medical sciences, occurs infrequently in other areas. In a medical sense, this term means separation, division, indentation, or incision. Aristotles’ Book of Problems states, “The first motion is called the Diastole, that is the extending the breast or heart.” Plutarch, biographer and essayist, states, “the disparity (diastole) of fortune between rich and poor had reached its height so that the city, so that the city seemed to be in a dangerous condition, and no other means for freeing from disturbances seemed possible but despotic power.” Empedocles (490-430 B.C) , a pre-Socratic naturalist, viewed the cosmos as a breathing organism with a diastole and systole.
Old Testament: This term plays both a role in general and specific terms. This term plays a more prominent role in illustrating that God has elected Israel as His Chosen People. God has given His people His revelation (will) at Mt. Sinai. In a specific sense, this term references some things set aside. Examples include animal sacrifices, pledges, and tributes. Tell the Israelites to procure for you a red heifer that is free from every blemish and defect (Num.19:2). Then the vow or pledge she had made remains valid (Num.30:7). They had taken him alive and obliged him and the kings to pay a heavy tribute (1Macc.8:7).
New Testament: This term refers to this distinction (between Israel and the Gentiles). Christ’s appearance abolishes this distinction. There is no further distinction as Israel and the Gentiles are both sinful. Now Gentiles too are called to the faith and to follow it. The universal reign of Christ removes this distinction between Israel and the Gentiles.
Scripture:
“The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction.” Rom.3:22
Christ removes this distinction between Jew and Gentile
Conclusion:
Diastole, diastolic, distinct, distinction
Not surprisingly, this term’s meaning develops from the medical sciences in their attempts to understand the heart’s anatomy and function. It is interesting in how this term is later used in a sociological sense in illustrating the differences between the rich and the poor. In their attempt to understand the cosmos, philosophers described the cosmos as a living organism with a diastole and systole. Plato refers to this as the cosmos’ expansion and contraction.
Diastole is the phase of the heart when the heart muscle relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood. One could say this a distinct part of the functioning of the heart.
This term plays a much more significant role in illustrating the chosen status of Israel. Yet with the advent of Christ, this distinction is abolished. Yet, ironically, the Jews further distinguish themselves when they eventually do not accept Jesus as the Messiah. I guess you can say this becomes the ‘heart’ of the matter.