[Greek] παράπτωμα (paraptōma), [Latin] transgressio, [Latin] lapsi; false step, transgression, error, fault, offense, sin, blunder; Mt.6:14-15, Mt.18:35, Mk.11:25-26, Ron.4:25, Rom.5:15-17,18,20, Rom.11:11, 2Cor.5:19, Gal.6:1, Eph.1:7, Eph.2:1,5, Col.2:13, Jas.5:16
The Lapsi were early Christians who had fallen (lapsed) in their faith. The Traditories were early Christians who handed over their scriptures and fellow Christians to the Roman authorities.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means false step, slip, and blunder. Polybius’ Histories 15.23 states “Just when Phillip’s ambassador was defending his master before the Rhodians, a man entered and brought the news of the enslavement of the Clans and the cruelty which Phillip exercised on them. The ambassador then had been betrayed himself, and so blind or misguided to the principles of right and wrong.” Polybius’ Histories 16.20 states “These and similar blunders appear to me to reflect very great discredit upon writers. It is necessary to endeavor to make one’s self master of all departments of history alike. If I am ever deflected in making a deliberate misstatement, and disregarding truth in any part of my history, to criticize me unmercifully. But If I do so from lack of information, to make allowances.”
Old Testament: This term is related to several Hebrew terms. This term can mean lamenting, mourning, wickedness, treachery, sin, transgression, moral mistake, neglect, and rebellion. Who can detect heedless failings? Cleanse me from my unknown faults (Psa.18:13). Then he makes known to them what they have done and their sins of boastful pride (Job.36:9). Beware of being negligent in carrying out this matter (Ezr.4:22). But Haman hurried home, mourning, with his head covered (Gen.37:35). Thus I will make the land desolate, because they have acted unfaithfully, declares the Lord God (Eze.15:8). So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the Lord (1Chr.10:13). Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults (Psa.19:12). Then these mean said to themselves, ‘We shall find not grounds for accusation against Daniel unless by way of the law of his God (Dan.6:5).
New Testament: This term essentially means transgression and trespass. Transgressions can occur between man and man and between God and man. Being caught up (dead) in transgressions follows the ways of the world. One must correct a person (caught in transgressions) with a gentle spirit. Jesus was handed over for our transgressions. The Jews’ unbelief (transgressions) has made it possible for the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles outside the confines of the Jewish culture. Jesus’ grace, mercy, and redemption far surpass our transgressions.
Scripture:
“Jesus was handed over for our transgressions and was raised for our justification.” Rom.4:25
Jesus’ grace and redemption far surpasses our transgressions.
“Hence I ask, did they stumble so as to fall? Of course not! But through their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make them jealous.” Rom.11:11
God’s providence foreknew the Jews’ unbelief. God allows for a greater access and acceptance of the gospel outside the confines of the Jewish culture. Paul hopes to fill the Jews with jealously. Israel is also called to accept the gospel message.
“You were dead in your transgressions and sins.” Eph.2:1
Transgressions in sin are part of the culture of the world (culture of death). God comes to be bring life to those in the world. This world is ruled by the lies and deception of the evil one.
Lapsi: The Lapsi were apostates in the early Church who renounced their faith under persecution of the Roman authorities. These people were essentially those whose faith had lapsed or fallen away. Fearful of persecution, these Christians complied with the Roman demands that they give their allegiance to pagan gods and to the emperor. The Decian persecution (250 AD) forced Christians to make sacrifices. Upon completion of these sacrifices, one received a libellus (legal document proving conformity with Roman religion). Traditores were those who handed over their sacred scriptures to the authorities. The Greek word trader means to hand over. Christianity also was handed over to younger generations through tradition.
Ptomaine: Ptomaine is any of a group of organic (amine) compounds of unpleasant taste and odor formed in putrefying animal and vegetable matter. This is the process of bacterial decomposition of organic patter. Ptomaine poisoning is caused by bacteria.
Etymology: This term means a falling beside (para-) of one’s intended or proposed way. This term is related to the Greek verb pipto, meaning to fall down. This term means to trespass into a wrong area, to make a mistake, to make an offense, to lapse, to slip, to make a transgression, and to make a trespass. Essentially, this term means to be like a fallen one. The Latin verb tradere means to hand over or to deliver. Handing over values, faith, books, stories, etc. to subsequent generations becomes a practice of tradition.
Conclusion:
Ptomaine, transgress, transgression, lapse, relapse, traitor
It is not surprising that trespassing and transgressions are related to falling down. Transgressing means falling into trouble, danger, and temptation. Lapsing (relapsing) means falling down in discipline. Temptation means falling into questionable behavior. In the Greek Hellenistic era, this term is often used in geopolitics. In the Old Testament, this term is also used quite extensively.
Jesus was handed over (and betrayed by Judas) to the Jewish authorities by man’s transgressions. In God’s providence, He knew and permitted the Jews’ unbelief for a greater good. Because of the Jews’ unbelief, God allows for a greater access and receptivity for the Gentles to accept the gospel message. Ultimately, the gospel would also be available to the Jews. It is interesting to note that being dead in transgressions is a sign of the world. This idea leads further credence to the notion of the culture of death. Of course, we are all familiar with temptation and transgressions from the Our Father prayer.
Many Christians fell in their faith in becoming a Lapsi. Others handed over their scriptures to the Roman authorities.
I hope this post helps lead us not into complacency but delivers us from ignorance (about transgressions and trespasses).