[Greek] στοιχέω (stoicheō), [Latin] ambulare, [Latin] sequere, [French] marcher [French] voyager to walk by rule, to follow, to be stoic, to walk orderly, to conform to, to adhere to a standard of life, to imitate, to walk in a straight path, to walk in line, to behave, to follow the same path; Acts 21:24, Rom.4:12, Gal.5:25, Gal.6:16, Php.3:16
The National Walk for Life in Washington D.C. will occur on January 22. This year’s theme is “Equity Begins in the Womb.”
Greek Hellenism: This term means to be in sequence, to correspond, to be in line with, to come to an agreement, and to assent to. Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 6.3.34 states “You officers (of the chariots, one shall take its place in line upon the right flank of the army, the other on the left, and follow the phalanx each in single file.” Polybius’ Histories 2 states “I will now relate the events which immediately succeed these, touching upon summarily upon each in accordance with my original plan.” Polybius’s Histories 28.5 states “After these speeches, Gaius and his colleague, seeing that the populace disliked the idea of having garrisons, and wishing to follow the line of policy marked out by the Senate, expressed their adherence to the view of Diogenes.”
Stoicism: This is a school of Hellenistic philosophy which was heavily influenced by certain teachings of Socrates. Stoicism gets its name from the heavily fortified stoa (covered walkway or portico) in Athens. It is here where the followers gathered to learn these teachings. Stoicism is predominately a philosophy of personal ethics. According to its teachings, man must accept the moment as it presents itself. Man also must not let himself be overcome by his desires (for pleasure) or his fears. In order to live a good life, one must understand the rules of the natural order. The name derives from the porch (stoa) in the Agora at Athens.
Old Testament: This term, rarely used in the Old Testament, means to be straight, to be right, to be acceptable, to succeed, or to prosper. In the Old Testament, the imagery of walking with God is quite often associated with a code of conduct and adherence to rules (laws) in accordance with God. This essentially means walking on the right path. This idea will be later very important for those Jews of the Diaspora who sought to maintain their Jewish ethical and moral principles while in foreign lands. If it seems good to the king and if I have found favor with, if the thing seems right to the king (Esth.8:5). But the advantage of wisdom is success (Eccl.10:10). For you do not know which of the two will be successful (Eccl.11:6).
New Testament: This term means essentially to behave or to imitate. Not surprisingly, this term continues the Old Testament imagery of walking. This sense of walking is conveyed by being in agreement with someone, in being in step with, and in following someone. Such illustrations include observing the Law (and customs), following Abraham’s path, following the Spirit, conforming to the Cross of Jesus, and continuing on the same course.
Scripture:
“But also follow the path of faith that our father Abraham walked while still uncircumcised.”
Abraham walked with God in faith. Abraham was justified by faith. Abraham’s faith involved receipt of forgiveness of sins. All believes benefit as he did through faith.
“Take these mean and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses that they may have their heads shaved. In this way everyone will know that there is nothing to the reports they have been given about you but that you yourself live in observance of the law.” Acts 21:24
These actions can indicate observance of the law.
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.”
This involves walking in faith in accordance with the Spirit
Conclusion:
Stoic, stoa, ambulate, ambulance, sequence, voyage, voyager, march
The philosophy of Stoicism declined when Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire. Stoicism had flourished in the Greco-Roman world. Upon learning aspects of Stoicism, I found that there seem to be some admirable principles in this secular philosophy. The four cardinal virtues of Stoicism are wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. It is interesting to note that the idea of following into line is clearly illustrated in military (army) imagery. The name is derived by the covered porch (stoa) where this philosophical school originated.
It is significant to note that the Old Testament culture develops the idea of walking imagery to convey a code of conduct and adherence to the Law. This important imagery continues into the New Testament culture. It is also interesting to note that the vast majority of Christian follow natural law (God’s law).
It is important to acknowledge that both Jews and Christian had to follow the correct path in order to be faithful in their respective faiths. The Jews were confronted with either keeping their Jewish traditions or with following the new path of Christianity. In other situations, other groups followed a hybrid (mixture) of Jewish and Christian beliefs. One such example refers to the God-fearers. It is interesting to note that walking in faith and following someone involves being “in step with”.
Many continue to walk in faith in support of the Pro-Life movement. Even Nick Sandman provided us with a wonderful example of his faith and how he conducted himself in difficult situations.
Have a good walk (in faith) !