[Greek] ἀπώλεια (apōleia), [Latin] perditio, [Latin] destructio, [Latin] devastatio, [Latin] luxurius: loss, destruction, waste, ruin, disaster, squander; Mt.7:13, Mt.26:8, Mk.14:4, Jn.17:12, Acts 8:20, Acts 25:16, Rom.8:22, Php.1:28, Php.3:19, 2Thess.2:3, 1Tim.6:9, Heb.10:39, 2Pet.2:1-3, 2Pet.3:7,16
The Narrow Gate to Heaven and the Wide Gate to Hell (painting by Cornelius de Bie). This two way metaphor (Narrow gate/wide gate) is found in pagan philosophy. Interestingly, our current post-Christian society is continually influenced by pagan ideas.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means destruction, ruin, wearing out, squandering, and loss.
Polybius’ Histories 6.11.1: “I will endeavor to describe that of Rome of the period of their disastrous defeat at Cannae.”
Plato’s Phaedo 70a: “When the soul leaves the body it no longer exists anywhere, on that day is destroyed and perishes.”
New Testament: This term means destruction and waste. The wide gate and broad road leads to destruction. The disciples claimed that women wasted the costly perfume. It was not permitted that a Roman citizen (Paul) be handed (to loss) before he faces his accusors. God shows much patience with vessels of wraths (persons) made for destruction. Being steadfast in faith against your opponents is proof of their destruction (end). Many foolish and harmful desires will plunge rich people into destruction. False prophets and teachers will come among you, bring destructive heresies and bringing destruction on themselves.
Notable scriptures:
Mt.7:13: Many will travel the wide gate, leading to destruction
Mt.26:8: The disciples wonder why would the woman “waste” perfume for Jesus
Acts 25:16: It was not Roman practice to allow Paul to be handed over (to a loss) his accusers
Rom.9:22: God endures much patience with vessels (persons) made for destruction
Php.1:27-28: Being steadfast in faith against opponents is proof of their destruction
Php.3:19: [Enemies of the cross] their end is destruction
1Tim.6:9: Foolish and harmful desires leading one into ruin and destruction
2Pet.2:1: False prophets and false teachers introducing destructive heresies will bring swift destruction upon themselves
2Pet.2:2: Many will follow their ways and the truth will be reviled
2Pet.3:3: [False prophets and false teachers]: Their destruction does not sleep
Conclusion:
Perdition, destruction, destructive, devestation, devastating, luxurious, luxury
The two-way metaphor (narrow gate/wide gate) contrasts two kinds of life within Christianity: obey or disobey Jesus’ words.
When Jesus says, ‘Amen, I say to you…’, He is making an important declaration that the whole world will know what this woman did for Jesus in anointing Him with perfumed oil.
Judas can also be considered as a son of perdition.
As a Roman citizen, Paul was allowed certain rights such as being allowed to face his accusers.
In Phillipi pagans opposed the Christians and the gospel message.
The enemies of the cross worship their own appetites (self-indulgence and self-gratificiation). In a sense their god is their stomach.
Some seeking riches may fall into destruction and may stray from the faith.
Update: It is not surprising that many of us now continue to live like little pagans worshipping such gods as money, wealth, fame, social media clout, technology, etc.
Scripture shows that it is not supposed to be easy to get into heaven. It seems many have chosen to take the broad (easy) road leading to destruction.
Bishop Alvaraz in Nicaragua, refusing to go into exile, has lost his freedom by being arrested.
God has endured with much patience with all those who have advocated and promoted abortion, resulting in the deaths of many babies.
In England a priest was found not guilty of praying before an abortion center. The secular culture’s contention that praying is a crime fell apart in court.
Catholics and Christians are often viewed as hateful or extreme because of their faith.
Many, seduced by the world’s values, have lost their faith and values.
European Cardinals and Bishops (and others) are attempting to change Church teaching, advocating destructive heresises such as blessing gay unions, normalizing homosexuality, accepting transgenderism, and removing celibacy.
The Church and society have suffered greatly due to the licentious sexual activity of some cardinals, bishops, and priests over many years.