Choice
Choice
CHOICE.In the Gospels, choice is always expressed by one small group of closely connected words, viz. , , . And these at once define the nature of the choice, which is not that of decision, but that of selection. Perhaps the English term which more precisely than any other answers to is to cull, to choose here and there one, that is to say, out of a larger number laid out in view. And this force of the word is rather emphasized by the fact that in the NT the active voice of the verb is not employed, but only the middle or passive, with derivatives which are passive in character. It is not, then, the action of choosing which is prominent, but its result; or else the status or nature of that which is chosen. And this point is of some importance in view of the use to which some passages of the NT have been put by those who have attempted to elaborate from them doctrines of election or predestination. Stress is never laid chiefly on the election or predestination of the Almighty, but on the fact that such and such are actually found among those whom God has culled for Himself, and who constitute His own people. It would be an advantage to accurate Christian thought if the rendering elect were eliminated from the NT, and were replaced by chosen or select, although it is a direct derivative of the original.
The central meaning of the terms employed is well shown in the following cases:He marked how they chose out the chief seats (Luk 14:7); Mary hath chosen the good part (Luk 10:42); He called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom also he named apostles (Luk 6:13), with which other passages relating to the choice of the Twelve should be compared, viz. Joh 6:70; Joh 15:16; Joh 15:19; Joh 13:38, Act 1:2, and, as essentially the same, Act 1:24; cf. also 1Co 1:27-28, Jam 2:4. A further selection for some special service is indicated in such passages asGod made choice among you that by my mouth (Act 15:7, cf. Act 6:3; Act 15:22; Act 15:25); Many are called, but few chosen (Mat 22:14). And by an almost insensible gradation the use of the word passes on to such instances as the choice of Saul, a chosen vessel (Act 9:15), the Christ of God, his chosen (Luk 23:35; cf. Luk 9:35), and the chosen people of God (Act 13:17, Eph 1:4; 1Pe 2:4; 1Pe 2:6; 1Pe 2:9). The last named appear in a group of passages in the Gospels (on the lips of Christ Himself) which are of apocalyptic character, and in all which the English rendering is unfortunately elect; e.g. Shall not God avenge his chosen? (Luk 18:7); For the sake of his chosen whom he chose, he shortened the days (Mar 13:20; Mar 13:22; Mar 13:27 || Mat 24:22; Mat 24:24; Mat 24:31). To these there are many similar instances in the Epistles (Rom 8:33; Rom 11:5; Rom 11:7; Rom 11:28, Col 3:12, 2Ti 2:10, Tit 1:1; 1Pe 1:1; cf. Rev 17:14). Individuals are spoken of as chosen (Rom 16:23; 1Pe 5:13, 2Jn 1:13), and also angels (1Ti 5:21); while Gods purpose of selection is mentioned (Rom 9:11), and the status of those selected (1Th 1:4; 1Pe 1:10).
From the foregoing it is clear that in the Gospels, and in the NT generally, choice expresses a selection of some among other alternatives, and commonly selection for some special service; Gods people being selected that they may become His servants who serve Him and so serve all in the furtherance of His purposes of love, rather than on their own account alone. Moreover, Gods choice is always viewed as an actual fact seen in its results, and never as an intention in advance; except perhaps in reference to St. Pauls apostolate and Jacobs destiny, both of which are, however, so referred to only when seen in retrospect. See Elect, Freewill.
E. P. Boys-Smith.
Fuente: A Dictionary Of Christ And The Gospels
Choice
chois. See CHOOSE; WILL.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Choice
Between judgments, by David
2Sa 24:12; 1Ch 21:11-13
The sinner’s
Deu 30:19-20; Jos 24:15-18; 1Ki 18:21 Contingencies; Blessing, Contingent upon Obedience
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Choice
(a) In ethics the term choice refers to an agent’s act of volition in deciding between two or more alternatives. Sometimes it is said that we may choose only between alternative courses of action, sometimes that we may also choose between alternative ends of action. In either case it is said that choice is deliberate and knowing, as compared with preference, which may be spontaneous; and that it is one’s choices which both determine and express one’s moral character. Two further questions arise (a) Are our choices free in the sense of not being determined by previous events’ and (b) Are our choices simply the determinations of our strongest desires? — W.K.F.
See Cause, Determinism, Will.
Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy
CHOICE
(1) Evil
Pro 1:29; Isa 65:12; Isa 66:3; Mat 27:21
(2) Wise Choice, Examples of
Joshua
Jos 24:15
Ruth
Rth 1:16
Solomon
1Ki 3:9
The Psalmist
Psa 119:30; Psa 119:173; Mic 4:5
Mary
Luk 10:42
Moses
Heb 11:25
–SEE Choose, SPECIAL
—of God by Men. SEE JEHOVAH CHOSEN
Fuente: Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
Choice
1Sa 9:2 (a) This word indicates that this young man was bright, attractive, talented, brave, lovable, tender-hearted, and thoroughly trustworthy.