[Greek] καταπαύω (katapauō), [Latin] cessare, [Latin] desistere:

[Greek] καταπαύω (katapauō), [Latin] cessare, [Latin] desistere: Acts 14:18, Heb.4:4,8,10; to cause to cease, to resist, to desist, to settle down, to restrain, to stop

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra: painting by Johann Heiss (1678). Despite Paul’s pleas, the crowd offered pagan sacrifices

Background information:

Greek Hellenism: This term means to cease, to bring to a close, to keep in check, to depose, to put down, to give rest (from something), to reach the next place, to prevent, to hinder, and to provide comfort. Homer’s Odyssey 4.583 states “But when I had stayed the wrath of the god that are forever, I heaped up a mound to Agamemnon, that his might be unquenchable.” Homer’s Odyssey 24.457 states “Through your own cowardice, friends, have these deeds been brought to pass, for you would not obey me, nor Mentor, the shepherd of the people, to may your sons cease from their folly.” Euripides’ Hellen 1154 states “You are fools, who try to win a reputation for virtue through war and marshalled lines of spears, senselessly putting and end to mortal troubles.” Herodotus’ The Histories 5.38 states “After doing away with the tyrants, Aristogoras of Milets ordered all the people to set up governors in each city.”

Old Testament: This term is related to several Hebrew terms. This term can mean to gather, to sustain, to dwell (abide), to give rest, to settle down, and to refresh. I Myself, the Lord answered, will go along, to give you rest (Exo.33:14). The Lord, your God, will give them on the other side of the Jordan (Deu.3:20). The Lord, your God, will permit you to settle in this land (Jos.1:13). Jacob was gathered to His people (Gen.49:33).

New Testament: This term means to rest, to cause to rest, and to make stop. God had rested on the seventh day from all His works. Whoever enters into God’s rest, rests from his own works. After Paul heals a crippled man in Lystra, the people view Paul and Barnabas as gods. The people intended to offer sacrifices to Zeus. Paul tried to convince the people to stop this activity. Instead, the people scarcely restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice. Joshua provided an incomplete for the Jews in the promised land. This rest foreshadows Jesus’ heavenly rest given to Christians.

Scripture:

“Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them.” Acts 14:18

In their ignorance of Paul’s healing, the crowd continue to offer pagan sacrifices. The crowd did not oppose these actions.

“Now if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoked afterwards of another day.” Heb. 4:8

Joshua leads his people in the Promised Land.  Joshua provides an incomplete rest.

Conclusion:

Pause, cease cessation, desist

The kata- prefix in this term intensifies the meaning of ceasing. It was interesting to discover the more nuanced meanings of this term. Such examples include to overthrow, to ending one phase (and leading into the next), to stop what one is doing, and to do away with.

It is not surprising that this term is used extensively in the Old Testament. It is important to note that God serves primarily to provide or offer rest. Joshua provides an incomplete rest as he leads his people to the promised land (place of rest). This becomes a precursor to the rest that Jesus will provide. The Greek name for Jesus is Joshua.

In the New Testament, God rests on the seventh day. Jesus calls Christians to come into His rest. The crowd does not understand the meaning of Paul’ healing of the crippled man. Instead, they offer sacrifices to Zeus. In spite of Paul’s pleas, the crowd does not cease to offer sacrifices.

It is now time for me to take a rest. I need to refresh myself for my next post.