[Greek] συνεργέω (synergeō), [Latin] cooperare, [German] mitwirken: to work together, to be a fellow worker, to help in the work, to co-operate, to collaborate, to be a co-worker; Mk.16:20, Rom.8:28, 1Cor.16:16, 2Cor.6:1
Sacrifice of Isaac: painting by Caravaggio (1603). Abraham’s faith was made active in his offering to sacrifice his son Isaac to the Lord.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to work together, to assist, to co-operate, to contribute, to do a fitting service for others, and to facilitate. Euripides’ Helen 1427 states “Would you like me to send out the equipment in person? Not at all! Do not become a slave to your slaves, lord.” Xenophon’s Memorabilia 2.2.21 states “Some elements in man’s nature make for friendship, men need one another, feel pity, work for the common good, and are grateful for one another.” Xenophon’s Memorabilia 2.3.18 states “What if a pair of hands refused the office of mutual help for which God made them, and tried to toward each other; or if a pair of feet neglected the duty of working together, for which they are fashioned, and took to hampering each other? That is how you two are behaving at present.”
Old Testament: This term, only used once in the Old Testament, is frequently mentioned by the Jewish Hellenistic philosopher Philo. Philo makes reference to recollection as a helper, co-operation of reason, coadjutors in wickedness (sin), no human helpers on the way to virtue, and plastic arts (idolatry) as deceitful helpers. Then Tattenai, the governor of West-of-Euphrates, and Shethar-bozenai, and their fellow officers carried out with all diligence the instructions of King Darius had sent them (Ezr.6:13).
New Testament: This term means to work together, to work with, being active with, and being a fellow-worker. Paul instructs the Corinthians to be deferential (supportive) of those servants who devote themselves to the holy ones. These servants are bestowed a position of spiritual authority. James points out Abraham’s faith was active along with his works in his offering to sacrifice his son Isaac to the Lord. God makes everything work all for good in His Providence. After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples preached everywhere while God worked with them and confirmed the Word with accompanying signs.
Scripture:
“Be subordinate to such people and to everyone else who works and toils with them (holy ones).” 1Cor.16:16
Paul instructs other to support and defer to the service of the holy ones. These workers are deserving of others respect or obedience.
“You see that faith was active along with Abraham’s works, and faith was completed by the works.” Jas. 2:22
Abraham’s faith was exemplified and carried out by actions in offering to sacrifice his son Isaac to the Lord. Faith must be active.
“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” Rom.8:28
God makes everything work for the good in His Providence
Synergy: This involves the interaction or cooperation of two or organizations, substances, or agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Conclusion:
Work, synergy, synergism, synergistic, cooperate, cooperation
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover the more nuanced meanings of this term. Such examples include facilitating and providing a fitting service to others. Even an affluent person helping someone else is viewed as an activity only fit for a slave! Xenophon, as a philosopher, historian, and playwright, had some insight into the human condition. Xenophon senses man’s nature in working or helping others. Xenophon also senses that God made man in this way.
I was surprised that this term in rarely found in the Old Testament. The Greek Hellenistic philosopher Philo makes frequent mention of working together in various aspects of life.
In the New Testament, this term plays an important role in the working together of faith and work (actions). Faith is exemplified and realized by actions. Faith without work (actions) can be dead. James illustrates that Abraham provides a wonderful example of faith becoming active and alive with works. Abraham illustrated his faith by offering to sacrifice his son Isaac to the Lord. Paul points out that those who work in service (ministry) are accorded support and deference in their ministry. God works with and confirms the disciples with accompanying signs.
Once Saved, Always Saved? It would be very easy to just sling back and forth scripture passages supporting each others’ opposing positions. I do not want to work that way in addressing this issue. I think that both sides can acknowledge that salvation is a past, present, and future event. How is it possible to have faith without acting upon it? (How can one have faith in a vacuum?) This seems like an inactive (or even lazy) faith. A faith without it being manifested or acted upon is only a faith in name. Faith becomes alive by its work (actions).
Cornonavirus pandemic: Even during this pandemic, God will make all things work for the good in His providence (Rom. 8:28). (Yet at times like this, many of us feel like that God has this “annoying” habit of working very slowly. “God, why are you taking so long!” I will talk about this in my next post.) In times like this, it is a mystery in why God permits this pandemic, suffering, and struggles to continue. In our nation’s efforts to get back to work, the govt. leaders (at the federal, state, and local level) should be accorded some respect, deference, and support from the people. However, we must be vigilant in not allowing these leaders to over-reach in their actions (authority). In some cases, some will need to work with the judicial system to work out these legal issues. Ultimately, we need to work together so we can all get back to work.
Along with our faith, trust, and prayers, God will make everything work for good. (What a great synergy!)