[Greek] ἀφορίζω (aphorizō), [Latin] separare, [Latin] segregare, [French] isoler: to separate, to exclude, to appoint, to set apart; Mt.13:49, Mt.25:32, Lk.6:22, Acts 13:2, Acts 19:9, Rom.1:1, 2Cor.6:17, Gal.1:15, Gal.2:12
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to mark off, to establish, to border on, to define, to separate, to exclude, to bring to an and, and to banish.
Isocrates’ To Phillip 5.120: “What opinion must we expect the world will have if you actually do this undertaking to establish cities in this region.”
Plato’s Timaeus 24a: “You see how the priestly class is separated from the rest: craftsmen, shepherds, and farmers, each distinguished and separate.”
Plato’s Greater Hippias 298d: “Did you make the distinction that in the category of the pleasing that which is beautiful, whereas, you say that that which is pleasing according to other senses.”
Old Testament: This term means to separate, to divide, and to cleave. Israel is separated from the world. The lepers, unclean, and the unholy are to be separated from the community. The Levites are to be a separated priesthood.
New Testament: This term means to separate, to disperse, to exclude, and to set apart.
Mt.25:32: “The Son of Man will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” (The criterion of judgment is ultimately the acceptance or rejection of Jesus. The Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne and assemble all the nations [Gentiles and Jews] before Him. The criterion of judgment will be deeds of mercy.)
Lk.6:22: “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man.” (Being excluded: persecution, being deposed, being marginalized, and being excommunicated. Being insulted: being accused as heretics, apostates, and enemies [to the law or the Jews]. Being denounced as evil: being perceived as hateful and intolerant, being countercultural, and being monsters.)
Acts 19:9: “When some in their obstinacy and disbelief disparaged the Way before the assembly, Paul withdrew and took his disciples with him and began to hold daily discussions in the Tyrannus lecture hall.” (The truth had no impression on their opponents as they were not persuaded by the Way’s message. Therefore, it was necessary for Paul to find another place to hold daily discussions.)
Gal.1:15: “But when God, who from my mother’s womb had set me [Paul] apart and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son to Me.” (Paul makes reference to revelation, not conversion. This language echoes the Old Testament prophetic call of Jeremiah.)
Gal.2:12: “Peter used to eat with the Gentiles; but when the Jewish Christians came, Peter began to draw back and separated himself, because he was afraid of the circumcised.” (Because of peer pressure, Peter walked away from the Gentiles. Since Peter’s actions were in public, Paul rebuked Peter in public. The Jerusalem Council recognized the freedom of Gentile Christians from the Jewish law.)
2Cor. 6:17: “Therefore, come forth from them and be separate, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will receive you.” (This phrase calls for a distinct separation from the practices and influences of the world contrary to God. This call is not about physical withdrawal but a moral and spiritual distinction. Jesus, while engaged with sinners, remained untainted by sin.)
Background information: