The concept of Work in Christianity
Synonyms: Employment, Job, Task, Duty, Effort, Occupation, Profession, Activity, Chore
In French: Travail; In Dutch: Werk; In Finnish: °Õ²âö; In Spanish: Trabajar; In German: Arbeiten; In Swedish: Arbete; In Malay: Kerja
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Work'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This is influenced by communion with God, bringing new motives, making it less oppressive, tedious, or monotonous for the individual.[1] (2) This is the eternity of the work and of the praise, which is expressed by accumulated synonyms, and it is the kindred thought of its eternity, and consequently of the ceaseless duration of the resulting glory.[2] (3) The efforts of the servants, which the risen Lord shares in, directs, and crowns with His blessing, leading to fulfillment and joy.[3] (4) The activities and efforts undertaken by Christians, and it should not be done reluctantly, and the joy of service comes from giving all of love and effort.[4] (5) The tasks that Jesus completed, including his suffering, death, and the fulfillment of prophecy, as indicated in the text.[5]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) Activities that occupy an individual's time throughout the day, and that involve beneficial and kind acts for others.[6] (2) This refers to a specific action or endeavor, which is considered divine, indicating its importance and significance in a particular context.[7] (3) This is an action.[8] (4) Works should be displayed, with the intent to illuminate the divine nature of the teachings, acting as evidence of their validity and influence.[9] (5) To perform a task, and contribute efforts, even if they appear insignificant.[10]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This work, while inaccurate at many points, and full of a tendency to present the actions of the Jews in as favorable a light as possible, is of inestimable value.[11] (2) This refers to a series of actions that is associated with the Holy Spirit and is connected to sanctifying changes in the soul.[12] (3) The completion of this work is described in a Hebrew inscription found close to the lower opening of the tunnel.[13] (4) This is the work of the compiler, and the familiar style of Deut. appears in Exodus 23:23, which seems to be the case.[14] (5) The works are the subject of a statement in the Gospel of the Egyptians, where it is stated that the Saviour Himself said, “I came to destroy the works of the female,� the female being lust, and the works birth and corruption.[15]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) Works are the actions that demonstrate faith, serving as evidence of a person's belief and illustrating the working reality of faith, and should be present.[16] (2) This refers to the work.[17] (3) The term works, along with tribulation, poverty, and the spoiling of goods, are considered to be the marks of Smyrna, as they are part of its characteristics.[18]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The work of re-erecting the sacred edifice, despite of every combination against them, which the prophet assures them of success in.[19] (2) This refers to the task that Paul had begun, which Titus was commissioned to carry forward, implying a continuation of effort and purpose.[20] (3) The office of the Holy Spirit is not ministerial, but it is the peculiar work in the salvation of man which he performs, as sent by the Father and the Son.[21]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This is completed, indicating the importance of faith and immediate action.[22] (2) The creation or product of a mortal, specifically referring to an idol or object made by human hands, emphasizing its impermanence and the lack of inherent value.[23] (3) This refers to the actions or the creations which are under consideration.[24] (4) This word refers to the actions and deeds of a divine being, particularly those that taught men to disregard death, which is a significant achievement.[25] (5) This refers to the Recognitions, which is attributed to different individuals.[26]
From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary
(1) This is what is being done, and the harvest is the context of the work, with the need for labourers to participate and complete it.[27]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The Holy Ghost makes use of the human tongue as of an instrument to effect this, but He it is Who perfects this within, according to the text.[28] (2) Men, neither by attending to these, have acknowledged who was the workman, but have imagined elements to be gods that rule the world.[29] (3) This term refers to the actions or deeds performed by Jesus, which were considered to be extraordinary and evidence of his divine power, as explained in the text.[30] (4) These are the actions that are considered instruments for gaining merit, and the aureole is connected to them.[31]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) This was accomplished by the united natures of Christ, that the Divine nature should perform that part of this needful for man’s restoration which the human nature could not do.[32] (2) The subject will perform many of these, which necessitates the highest wisdom and understanding, which he possesses.[33]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) This is what the people are, and it's the work of His hands, emphasizing origin and the relationship with the Lord.[34]
From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures
(1) This refers to the compendious history of the world, known as the "Cave of Treasures," and its Syriac composition is attributed to Ephrem Syrus.[35]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) Actions or deeds, which the text contrasts with the condition of faith, are not demanded for redemption, which would allow the creature to ascribe anything to himself.[36]
Gnostic concept of 'Work'
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) This refers to the work of the masons, that they must not disparage the work of another.[37]
The concept of Work in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Work" encompasses the effort of spreading the Gospel, exemplified by Cedd, and the Divine Goodness’s endeavors, which are opposed by the Devil’s jealousy, reflecting the spiritual struggle between good and evil.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The project or undertaking that is the focus of the letter, and for which funds were raised, and hands are ready to assist.[38] (2) The text emphasizes the need for work rather than lecturing, signifying the importance of action and practical efforts to improve conditions in India.[39] (3) This is the general term for the author's activities, which is going on splendidly, indicating progress.[40] (4) It is hard work wading through sands.[41] (5) The author mentions that this is growing silently yet surely in England, and that almost every other man or woman came to him and talked about it.[42]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The effort of spreading the Gospel, which prospered in the hands of Cedd.[43] (2) The works are the works of the Divine Goodness, which the Devil is the jealous foe of, according to the letter's teachings.[44]