[Greek] παράκλησις (paraklēsis), [Latin] exhortatio, [Latin] exhortare, [Latin] solacium: consolation, encouragement, comfort, earnest request, appeal; 29 scriptures
Simeon the Godreceiver: painting by Alexei Yegorov (1830)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term refers to the act of calling someone to oneself. This is a request for help, consolation, encouragement, and exhortation. Such examples include military assistance, legal support, affirmation (encouragement) from the gods, advice (support), and skills.
Xenophon Anabasis 3.1.32: “Whenever a general was left alive, they would invite him to join him.”
Polybius Histories 4.29.3: “Phillip, in securing his frontier on the side of barbarians, discussed with Scerdilaidos terms of friendship and alliance. Phillip persuaded to assent to his proposals.”
Plato’s Laws 11.916e: “No man calling the gods to witness, shall commit, either by word, deed, falsehood, fraud, or adulteration. He will be most hated by the gods.”
Strabo’s Geography 13.1.1: “I should ask the pardon of my readers and appeal to them not to fasten blame for me the length of my discussion upon me.”
Isocrates’ To Demonicus 1.5: “I am going to counsel you on the objects to which young men should aspire and from what action they should abstain.”
Old Testament: This term, having both divine and human qualities, means counsel and consolation. True consolation comes from God alone. The duty of human comforting falls upon close relatives, pupils, colleagues, teachers, neighbors, prominent citizens, and leaders. Forms of comforting etiquette include visits, burials, houses of mourning, trips, letters (when traveling is not feasible).
New Testament: This term means exhortation, encouragement, comfort, and consolation. Simeon was awaiting the consolation of Israel with the coming of Jesus. Jesus conveys sorrow (woe) to the rich who have already received their consolation. The church grows from the consolation of the Holy Spirt. The scripture was written for our instruction and encouragement. God is source of endurance and encouragement. Jesus’ and Paul’s suffering and encouragement flow to us so that we may able to share in this suffering and encouragement.
Notable scriptures:
Lk.2:25: Simeon awaits the consolation of Jesus
Lk.6:24: Woe to the rich who already have their consolation
Acts 9:31: The churches grow with the consolation of the Holy Spirit
Rom.15:4: The God of endurance and encouragement
Rom.15:5: By endurance and encouragement of the scripture we have hope
2Cor.1:5: As Christ’s sufferings overflow to us, so does our encouragement
2Cor.1:6: If we [Jesus and Paul] are afflicted, it is for your encouragement
2Cor.1:7: As you share in the sufferings, you also show in the encouragement
2Cor.7:4: Paul is filled with encouraged and joyful all the more because of our afflictions.
Paraclete: The Holy Spirit is also referred to as the Paraclete. It is often time that we can call upon (ask) the Holy Spirit to intercede for us. Paraklesis is used in the prayer of intercession addressed to the Virgin Mary.
Conclusion:
Paraclete, consolation, console, exhortation, solace
In Greek Hellenism, the gods were often called to intercede for the people’s requests. This idea can extend to providing experience and experience in a given field or science. The philosopher was called upon to provide wisdom and guidance. The lawyer, as a legal advocate, represents the interests of the defendant in the courtroom.
The coming of the Messiah was very important in providing the consolation of the Jewish people. The scriptures were also a source of comfort for the Hebrews. The bible also speaks of a fleeting and futile comfort in goods and riches. Alms can become a great comfort before God.
Jesus out of pity states that those who are rich are only satisfied with fleeting earthly treasures. They have no desire to seek long lasting heavenly treasures.
Paul states that even with encouragement one can be joyful even during times of suffering and persecution. Joy in affliction is in how one respond in difficulties. This temporary light affliction is greatly exceeded by the eternal weight of glory that is to come. (2Cor.4:17)
Update: Christians and Catholics, suffering and martyred for their faith, can provide a great source of encouragement and inspiration, and grace for others.
History repeatedly shows that Christianity actually flourishes after persecutions and martyrdom of faithful followers. Ex. Africa
Understanding that joy can found in persecution and suffering can be a great source of encouragement to others.
Understanding that (suffering that can be offered up for others) can become another source of encouragement to others.
It is a very sad commentary that the younger generation have lost how to behave maturely. (There are too many examples of such violent behavior).