Texts in Conversation
Sirach describes God as the power that holds everything together, calling him “the all.” Paul uses similar language in 1 Corinthians, imagining a future time when everything will be brought into complete harmony under one divine rule.
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Sirach 43:27
Ben Sira, Ecclesiasticus
Deuterocanon
24 Those who sail the sea tell of its dangers, and we marvel at what we hear. 25 In it are strange and marvelous creatures, all kinds of living things, and huge sea-monsters. 26 Because of him each of his messengers succeeds, and by his word all things hold together. 27 We could say more but could never say enough; let the final word be: "He is the all." 28 Where can we find the strength to praise him? For he is greater than all his works. 29 Awesome is the Lord and very great, and marvelous is his power.
Date: 195-175 B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
Source
1 Corinthians 15:28
New Testament
26 The last enemy to be eliminated is death. 27 For he has put everything in subjection under his feet. But when it says “everything” has been put in subjection, it is clear that this does not include the one who put everything in subjection to him. 28 And when all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all. 29 Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, then why are they baptized for them? 30 Why too are we in danger every hour?
Date: 55-57 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
"... The writings that make up the Old Testament Apocrypha contribute much to New Testament background. There are several political and theological themes that may be reviewed briefly. Second Maccabees 7:28 may be the first to teach that God created the universe out of nothing. In Sirach 43:27 God is called 'the All.' God is called 'Father' (Tobit 13:4), 'Judge' (Sirach 17:15-24), and 'King; (Judith 9:12; 2 Maccabees 7:9). Wisdom of Solomon 11:22-12:2 teaches that God's love is universal. God is all-knowing and all-powerful (Sirach 42:15-25) ..."
Evans, Craig A.
Ancient Texts for New Testament Studies: A Guide to the Background Literature
(p. 22) Hendrickson Publishers, 2005
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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