[Greek] σκοπός (skopos), [Latin] destinatio: watchman, mark (on which to fix the eye), watcher, goal, spy, prophet, scout; Php.3:14
Painting of Ezekiel holding an open scroll of prophecy (Painting by on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo)
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means watcher and a mark (target). Examples include one who watches (looks at something), overseer, guardian, scout, spy, messenger, mark, target, object, healing, and a contest in shooting at a mark. Aeschylus’ Suppliant Women 381 states, “Look to him who looks down from above.” Homer’s Odyssey 22.156 states, “No other is to blame, for I left the close-fitting door at the storeroom open. Their watchers was better than I.” Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 613 states, “Like a master bowman you have hit the mark.” Plato’s Gorgias 507d states, “This, in my opinion, is the mark on which a man should fix his eyes throughout life; he should concentrate all on his own and his city’s efforts on this business of providing.”
Old Testament: This essentially means a watcher, the act of watching, mark, target, and image. Watchers can take the roles of prophets, sentries, spies, scouts, and guards. Marks and targets include idols, pictures, figures, figurines, and images. Scouts viewed and monitored enemy camp movements against the king’s (or leader’s) base. Prophets, like Ezekiel and Jeremiah, act and speak on Yahweh’s behalf, while watching over the people. Spies and guards often would attack or ambush enemies. Man sees himself as the mark or target upon whom God sends His wrath.
The lookouts of Saul and Geba of Benjamin saw that the enemy camp had scattered and were running about in all the directions (1Kgs.14:16). When I raised up watchmen for them: “Hearken to the sound of the trumpet”(Jer.6:17). Thus the word of the Lord came to me: Son of ma, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel (Exek.3:17). The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the bad (Prov.15:3). The wicked spy on the just and seek to kill them (Psa.37:32). He has set me up for a target (Job.16:12).
New Testament: This term, occurring only once, means goal (that toward which something is directed). Paul encourages the Philippians to pursue the goal of following Christ. The prize is Jesus Christ. This notion parallels Paul’s image of the Christian running the Christian race and seeking the prize of salvation. The Christian is like that athlete requiring discipline and perseverance in finishing this race. By uniting his will with God, Paul pursues God’s goal by believing.
Scripture:
“I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.” Php. 3:14
Paul calls upon others to follow in the path of Christ.
Conclusion:
Scope, episcopal, telescope, horoscope, destination
I suppose, that in any age in history, there would always be a need for spies, scouts, and watchmen. The Greco-Roman era also had overseers and guardians who looked over others. However, it was interesting to note that I did not see any mention of overseers as they specifically pertained to the gods. Yet, the overseer (episkopos) becomes the precursor to the modern day bishop.
In the Old Testament culture, with conflicts and wars, there still was the need for spies and scouts. Prophets fulfill an important role as watchers (spiritual sentinels) looking over Yahweh’s people and speaking for Yahweh. Ezekiel becomes an important prophet fulfilling these roles. It is also interesting to note that this term referred to idols, figurines, and images (contrary to the ways of God).
In the New Testament culture, this term is more narrowly defined as the goal to follow Jesus. This idea relates to the Christian who runs the race (Christian life) to the finish (salvation). The Christian who runs the race to victory (even unto martyrdom), wins the ultimate crown of salvation. It also interesting to note that the bones (relics) of a Christian martyr are referred to as trophies.
Here is to all of us finishing our race! (On your mark…I hope you reach your destination.)