[Greek] συμβασιλεύω (symbasileuō), [Latin] conregnare: to reign with, to be king with; 1Cor.4:8, 2Tim.2:12
Triumph of Faith: Christian Martyrs in the Time of Nero, 65 AD: painting by Eugene Romain Thirion (1839-1910)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to rule with or to reign together. “Polybius’ Histories 30.2.4 states “Eumenes represented to Attalus that he was already practically joint king with his brother, and only differed from him in the fact that he wore no diadem, and was not called king, though in everything else he possessed an equal and identical authority.” Plutarch’s Lycurgus 5 states “Among the many innovations which Lycurgus made, was his institution of a senate (Council of Elders), being blended with the feverish government of the kings, and by having an equal vote with them in matters of the highest importance. This brought safety and due moderation into counsels of state.”
New Testament: This term means to reign (rule) together. This idea implies service, obedience, and patience. Reigning with Christ means following, witnessing, enduring, and suffering for Christ’s sake. Paul criticizes the Corinthians for being full of themselves for being “puffed up” and inflated with a sense of their own self- importance. This exaltation of their teachers was really a gratification of their own pride. Rather, Paul calls upon the Corinthians to look upon him and Apollos as examples of servants. The Corinthians were experiencing self-deception and complacency in their faith. If we endure, persevere, and suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with Him. Being united with Him, we will share in His triumphs and blessings. Likewise, if we deny Christ, He will deny us. The faithless and unbeliever will not have a share in the glories of the life to come.
Scripture:
“You are already satisfied; you have already grown rich; you have become kings without us! Indeed, I wish that you had become kings, so that we also might be kings with you.” 1Cor.4:8
Paul was criticizing the Corinthians for their complacency, inflated self-importance, and self-deception. The Corinthians were getting caught up in the world’s ways and values.
“If we persevere we shall also reign with Him. But if we deny Him, He will deny us.” 2Tim.2:12
Christ gives each of us the opportunity to witness and reign with Him. He will also deny us if we choose not to follow Him.
Trophies: The term martyr comes the Greek verb martureo, meaning to witness. A trophy was viewed as a monument to the defeat of one’s enemy. Caius, a presbyter of the Roman Church who lived during the reign of Pope Zephyrinus (198-217 AD), states “I can point out the trophies (relics and bones) of the Apostles.” Eusebius later records, “It is recorded that Paul was beheaded in Rome, and Peter, likewise was crucified during the reign of Nero.” Tradition later developed where churches were built upon the relics of these martyrs. Yet paradoxically, these martyrs (witnesses) achieved ultimate victory by being faithful (even unto death) to Christ.
Conclusion:
Basilica, reign
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it is not surprising how this term is used in a governmental (ruling) sense.
To be honest, I was not very familiar with this notion of reigning with (or ruling with) in a religious sense. Paul points out that this reigning together must have a service aspect in focusing on Christ. Yet, the Corinthians became complacent, satisfied, and “puffed up”, exalting themselves and their leaders. (Yet, today we have preachers, pastors, and ministers who have multi-million dollar empires (corporations) with jets, mansions, and massive book sales). Like the Corinthians, we often can get caught up in the world with possessions, things, and other “stuff”. Many of us, including me, love our technological gadgets. Reigning or ruling with means standing, witnessing, persevering, or even suffering with Christ. Ultimately, this a choice we must make, to be with Christ or not.
I think we all need to be mindful that there are still many Christians around the world (China, Africa, Asia, Islamic countries, etc.) who continue to face persecution today. In their struggles, they are already reigning (witnessing) with Christ (even up to death).
Allow God to have free rein over your life, allowing Him to give you the freedom to reign with Him. Then we all can gallop our way into heaven, but not like a horse… of course!