Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "pleroma" is derived from the Greek word πλήρωμα, meaning "fullness" or "that which is filled." In the context of the New Testament, it is used to convey the idea of completeness or totality. The concept of pleroma is significant in understanding the fullness of God's nature and His redemptive work through Christ. Biblical Usage: The word "pleroma" appears several times in the New Testament, primarily in the writings of the Apostle Paul. It is used to describe the fullness of God, the completeness of Christ, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. 1. Fullness of God in Christ: In Colossians 1:19, Paul writes, "For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him." Here, "pleroma" refers to the divine nature and attributes of God being fully present in Jesus Christ. This emphasizes the deity of Christ and His role as the complete revelation of God to humanity. 2. Fullness of Christ's Body: Ephesians 1:22-23 states, "And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." In this passage, the church is described as the "fullness" of Christ, indicating that believers collectively embody the presence and work of Christ on earth. 3. Fulfillment of Time: In Galatians 4:4, Paul speaks of the "fullness of time," saying, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law." The use of "pleroma" here signifies the perfect timing of God's plan for redemption through the incarnation of Jesus. 4. Fullness of Blessings: Romans 15:29 mentions, "I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ." This indicates the abundance and completeness of spiritual blessings available to believers through their relationship with Christ. Theological Significance: The concept of pleroma is central to understanding the nature of Christ and His work in salvation. It underscores the belief that Jesus is fully God and fully man, possessing the complete nature of God while also being the perfect mediator between God and humanity. The fullness of God dwelling in Christ assures believers of the sufficiency of His atoning sacrifice and the completeness of their salvation. Furthermore, the idea of pleroma extends to the church, which is seen as the body of Christ, filled with His presence and empowered to carry out His mission on earth. This highlights the importance of unity and spiritual growth within the body of believers, as they collectively manifest the fullness of Christ to the world. Relation to Gnosticism: In early Christian history, the term "pleroma" was also used by Gnostic sects to describe a complex system of divine emanations. However, orthodox Christianity rejects the Gnostic interpretation, maintaining that the fullness of God is found solely in Christ, as revealed in Scripture. The New Testament usage of pleroma serves to affirm the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ over any speculative or heretical teachings. Conclusion: The biblical concept of pleroma enriches the understanding of God's complete and perfect nature as revealed in Christ. It assures believers of the totality of their redemption and the abundant spiritual blessings available through their union with Him. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PLEROMAple-ro'-ma. Greek 4138. pleroma -- fullness, a filling up ... 4137, 4138. pleroma. 4139 . ... see GREEK pleroo. (pleroma) -- 11 Occurrence s. (pleromata) -- 2 Occurrences. (pleromati) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4138.htm - 7k Library The Strange Jumble of the Pleroma the Frantic Delight of the ... The Relative Positions of the Pleroma the Region of Achamoth, and ... The Bythus and Pleroma of the Valentinians, as Well as the God of ... The Creator of the World Either Produced of Himself the Images of ... Created Things are not a Shadow of the Pleroma. The Mother Achamoth, when all Her Seed are Perfected, Shall Pass ... Created Things are not the Images of those ??ons who are Within ... Formation of the Demiurge; Description of Him. He is the Creator ... The Adventures of Achamoth Outside the Pleroma the Mission of ... First Part of the Subject, Touching the Constitution of the ... Thesaurus PleromaPleroma. Plenty, Pleroma. Plight . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PLEROMA. ple-ro'-ma. See FULLNESS. Plenty, Pleroma. Plight . Reference Bible. /p/pleroma.htm - 6k Epistle (13 Occurrences) Fullness (31 Occurrences) Colossians (1 Occurrence) Plight (4 Occurrences) Plenty (43 Occurrences) Fulfil (60 Occurrences) Aeon Logos Resources What is the Pleroma? | GotQuestions.orgMysticism ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Questions about False Doctrine (All) | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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