[Greek] διαλύω (dialuō), [Latin] diluere, [Latin] dispergere, [French] disperser: to break up, to disperse, to dissolve, to scatter; Acts 5:36
A statue of St. Gamaliel appears on the upper niche of the altarpiece in Chapelle Saint Nicodeme en Plumeliau (Brittany region in northwest France). St. Gamaliel, a Sanhedrin official along with Nicodemus, told the authorities to do nothing against the Christians.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to disperse, to break up, to dismiss, to dissolve, to put an end to, to reconcile, to solve a difficulty, to relax, to weaken, to loosen, and to pay off. Herodotus’ The Histories 1.128 states “Thus the Median army was shamefully scattered.” Herodotus’ The Histories 8.56 states “Night fell, and they dissolved the assembly and boarded their ships.” Isocrates’ Panegyricus 4.40 states “This is apparent from the fact that those who in the beginning brought charges charges of homicide and desired to settle their mutual differences by reason and not by violence.” Herodotus’ The Histories 4.154 states “Etearchus made Themsion his guest and friend, and got him to swear that he would do him whatever service he desired. Then he gave the man his own daughter to be thrown into the sea. But Themison was very angry at being tricked on his oath and renounced his friendship.”
Old Testament: This term is related to several Hebrew terms, having several meanings. However, these various meanings convey the sense of separation or breaking apart. These terms mean to let loose, to undo, to set free, to be free, to tear apart, to break away, to deliver, to break, to dissolve, and to rest. Loosing the sandals and loosing the tied up animals implies rest and abiding. You bring darkness and night falls, then all the animals of the forest wander about (Psa.105.20). Even that God would decide to crush me that he would put forth His hand and cut me off (Job.6:9). Servants rule over us, with no one to tear us from their hands (Lam.5:8). If even after this you do not obey me, I will increase the chastisement for your signs sevenfold to break your proud strength (Lev.26:19). And may wickedness be broken like a tree (Job.24:20). Because this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazar, has shown an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and insight in interpreting dreams, explaining riddles and solving problems (Dan.5:12).
New Testament: This term, found only once, refers to Theudas’ loyal followers’ being disbanded. Theudas was viewed by the Jewish authorities as a rebel and insurrectionist. The Sandhedrin, concerned about the influence of Peter (and the Apostles), had forbidden this group to spread their teachings. Peter refused, insisting that they must obey God rather than men. Gamaliel, a member of the Sanahedrin, told the authorities to do nothing with these men. If this activity is of human origin it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, no one will be able to destroy it.
Scripture:
“Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing.” Acts 5:36
Theudas was a Jewish rebel and an insurrectionist. Upon his death, his group eventually disappeared.
Conclusion:
Dialysis, dilute, dilution, disperse, dispersal, dialyze
I was surprised at how frequently this term was used in various contexts outside the medical (biochemical) arena. One such meaning can refer to a dissolution of a marriage (divorce) or a friendship. Interestingly, solving a problem by “dissolving” it into its smallest parts is called analysis. What becomes separated is called dialysis. Understanding these parts becomes the solution.
In the Old Testament, this term is also used in various ways denoting the sense of separation. Loosing one’s sandals infers resting and abiding.
In the New Testament, this term is used only once in a secular sense. Gamaliel provides timeless wisdom about the lasting effect of an activity either coming from man or God. If it comes from God, it will not be stopped. History bears this out in the time of Christian persecution. Counterintuitively, Christianity rapidly spread even in times of the persecution and martyrdom of Christians during the Roman empire.
In a medical sense, dialysis is the process of removing excess water, solutes, and toxins from the blood for people whose kidneys cannot perform these functions.
In the final analysis, no matter how many ‘likes’ one has, God will always have more followers. There is no other way to separate this fact.
Update: March 24, 2020: There will continue to be speculation as to the cause of this Corona virus pandemic. (Was it caused by man or was it caused by nature?). Whatever the case, in His Providence God will use this pandemic for a greater good. Only God knows why He will allow this pandemic to continue (in spite of our prayers). We will be praying more. We will be together with our families more. We will be forced to slow down.
And we will continue to pray for God to dissolve, dilute, and remove this pandemic. As we always will figure it out, God will be provide the solution!