[Greek] στερεός (stereos), [Latin] firmus: firm, steadfast, strong, hard, solid, sure; 2Tim.2:19, Heb. 5:12,14, 1Pet.5:9
This idea echoes the notion that the informed Christian has the means to discern good and evil.
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, taking on various and nuanced meanings, means firm, solid, tough, full, fullness, stiff, stubborn, hard, cruel, steadfast, dependable, and difficult. Such examples include firmness in spirit, solid gold, dangerous hounds, harsh words, steadfast conscience, and a solid form. Homer’s Odyssey 23.100 states, “No other woman would harden her heart as thou dost, and stand aloof from her husband.” Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 174 states, “Not by persuasions honeyed by enchantments will he charm me.” Epictetus’s Discourses 2.16.39 states, “Will you not be weaned now like little children, and take more solid food, and not cry after mamas and nurses, which are the lamentation of old women?”
Old Testament: This term, not associated with the firmament in the creation story of Genesis, describes men (mostly negative sense), God, and God’s chastisement. God confirms His constancy and firmness in both a good and bad sense. God confirms the righteous. God visits His people with a hard chastisement. This term is also used for hardening. Philo, the Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, also demands instruction of sound child education and adult instruction of the virtues.
I struck you as an enemy would strike, punished you cruelly (Jer.37:14). He poured out his wrath like fire (Lam.2:4). My heart exults in the Lord, my horn is exalted in my God (1Kgs.2:1). Or Rock, you have readied him for punishment! (Hab.1:12). He shall be strong and powerful, bring about fearful rein (Dan.8:24). He rescued me from my mighty enemy, from foes too powerful for me (Psa.17:18). Hard of face and obstinate of heart are they to whom I am sending you (Eze.2:4). My salvation shall remain forever and My justice shall never be dismayed (Isa.51:6).
New Testament: This term means being solid and being firm (steadfast). In the book of Hebrews, the Jewish Christians have failed to understand the basic teachings. These Christians are like spiritual infants needing milk rather than solid food (revelation). They need to be taught again. Solid food is for the mature Christians. God provides a solid foundation for faith, which provides constancy and faithfulness for His community. Peter calls upon the Christians to be steadfast in faith, resisting the devil.
Scripture:
“Although you should be teachers by this time, you need to have someone teach you again the basic utterances of God. You need milk, and not solid food.” Heb. 5:12
These Christians failed to learn the faith. They are spiritual infants who need milk, not solid food.
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands, bearing this inscription, ‘The Lord knows those who are His.’” 2Tim.2:19
God provides faithfulness for the community to grow in faith.
“Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.” 1Pet.5:9
Christians and clergy are called to stand firm in resisting the devil.
Conclusion:
Stereo, stereophonic, firm
It is not surprising that this term takes on varied and nuanced meanings. These meaning can be understood in any age in history. It is important to note that Paul was influenced by Hellenism. It is also interesting to note that the Stoic philosopher Epictetus echoes views similar to Paul and Heb.5:12,14. These secular statements relate to spiritual infants still needing milk. It is interesting how ‘soundness’ can lead to freedom. Sound teachings provides one with the education and freedom needed to make the right choices.
The Old Testament culture introduces the idea that God provides a strong foundation of faith. With this God confers correction or hard chastisement. The Jewish philosopher Philo advocates firm education and instruction.
The New Testament presents this term in a narrower context. The Hebrew Christians should already have understood the basic teachings. However, in their failure they have become like spiritual infants requiring milk. Peter echoes a timeless call in being steadfast in faith in resisting the devil.
This message is very timely in light of the sexual abuse scandal in the Church where the clergy (priests, bishops, and cardinals) have failed to live up to their vocation calling. It has to be acknowledged the devil may be at work in the clergy’s moral failings (sinful actions and failing to confront evil).
Stereophonic sound gets its firm, strong, and deep sound from multiple audio signals. That’s why stereo music always sounds good.
If you can “do me a solid,” please pray that the Church will be strengthened, be firm (in its teachings) and be purified!