PAULINE DOXOLOGY - PART 1

THURSDAY 02 NOVEMBER 2023

I am introducing a new topic known as "Pauline Doxology." And I'm delighted to do so because one of the ways to appreciate being born again is to write, verbalise or sing a doxology, in a world, sometimes, full of turmoil and negativity.

What is a doxology? According to English dictionary, it is a hymn or form of words containing an ascription of praise to Supreme Deity. Furthermore, it is an expression of praise to the Almighty, which can be put together in a musical setting and other praise-wise settings such as psalm, plaudit, exaltation, glorification, paean, extolment, encomium, panegyric, accolade, acclamation, and commendation.

Doxology is a devised term from Medieval Latin "doxologia", which is rooted in the Greek usage, "doxa", denoting "one's special opinion full of glorifying attributes." The suffix, "logia" implies an oral or written expression of someone's approval or glorification. More below!

Reference: Romans 16:25-27 New International Version (NIV) "Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith— to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen."

According to Pauline doxology in the above versified reference, we can cogitatively grasp or perceive his enriching and valuable thoughts, expressed in words - concerning God's gift of grace upon his life and calling in relation to his gospel message, bearing in mind that he was called to be a servant and an apostle of Christ, set apart for the remarkable journey of preaching the glorious gospel to the Gentiles and explaining to them, the knowledge of the mystery, namely Christ.

When you read the entire chapter, you'll notice that his doxology ended the chapter, meaning that it is a connotation that apostle Paul used in summing up his heartfelt gratitude, praise and honour to God at the end of his commendation and admonition. Having considered its Greek Grammar, "Doxologia" which signifies a hymn or verse containing a form of "praise or glory" in Christian liturgy, utterly glorifying God, we can come to the accurate understanding that apostle Paul was grateful to God for the effectiveness of his message concerning the revelation of the mystery, namely Christ, which was hidden for long ages past, but is now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God. Got it?

Since doxologia in a Greek term, is the combination of "doxa", (which means "glory"), and "logos", (which means the "written Word"), our doxology must be replete with original biblical perspective in its literal interpretation, so that it won't lose its spiritual meaning or become a worthless impact in our spiritual lives. Having this purpose in mind, you'll notice that Paul himself presented his doxology, full of godly reasons, to the only wise God through our Lord Jesus Christ, which is spiritually sound, grounded and inspired. Stay tuned for the successive parts of this topic. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 57:5; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Psalm 150:1-6; Romans 11:33-36.

Exuberant Declaration: To God, who answers my prayer swiftly, be the glory and honour forevermore. Amen!