Matt. 11:28-29, Rest, Cessation, Refreshment

This new series of posts is comprised of word studies, primarily from the NT.  This has always been an interest of mine and a discipline that is foundational to inductive Bible study.  Each post will have a listing of Scriptures passages that gives a sense of how the word is used.  The reading for each day will usually be shorter.  This is an experiment.  I always found the word studies to be helpful in “renewing my mind.”  I’m not sure if this format will work for you.  Punctuation will sometimes be missing.  Sentences may not always be complete.  The ampersand (&), the equal sign (for “is”) and contractions are used a lot, as are “w/o” (without) and “w/” (with).  But I think it is quite readable.  Nevertheless, please leave comments pro or con.

On occasion their might be references to “Strong” (Strong’s Concordance) and TWOT (The Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament).

 * * * * * * * * * *

anapausis/anapausis, n: rest, cessation, refreshment

·       Mt.11:29: take My yoke, learn of Me, I am gentle and humble; you will find rest for your souls

·       Mt.12:43: evil spirit seeks rest, finds none, returns to cleansed one (Lk11:24)

·       Rev.4:8: in heaven the living creatures never "stop" their praise

·       Rev.14:11: there is no rest for the wicked in torment

anapauw/anapauo, v: to give rest, refresh, give intermission from labor

·       Mt.11:28: come to me, burdened, weary & I'll give you rest

·       Mt.26:45: to disciples, "Are you still resting?"

·       Mk.6:31: bec. crowds were so demanding Christ said to disciples: "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place & get some rest"

·       Lk.12:19: rich man says to self, "I have plenty; take life easy"

·       ICor.16:18: several refreshed Paul's spirit when they came w/supply

·       Phlm7: Philemon refreshed Paul in past

·       Phlm20: asks him to refresh his heart now by receiving Onesimus

·       2Cor.7:13: Titus' spirit refreshed by Corinthians when he visited

·       IPt.4:14: those insulted for Christ know God rests on them

·       Rev.6:11: saints rest in heaven while awaiting the others who will join them

·       Rev. 14:13: the dead rest from their labor, their deeds follow them

All creation wants and needs rest from time to time.  But who are deprived of rest?  Jesus was concerned about rest for His disciples, except when they needed to be awake.  Providing rest is a Christian grace.

Here is another word for rest.  It is similar to the above.  The uses of this word tell us we may be rest-deprived at times, for good reasons.  It doesn’t mean we are “worrying.”  It is all used of or about Paul.  Where was he able to rest?  When could he not rest?  What hope of rest is offered by God?

anesis/anesis: letting loose, relaxation, easing

·       Acts 24:23: restrictions on Paul in prison "eased"

·       2 Cor.2:13: Paul had no "peace" bec. Titus not back

·       2Cor.7:5: no rest in Macedonia, harassed at every turn, conflicts w/o & fears w/in

·       2Cor.8:13: Paul does not want some "relieved" while others afflicted but rather wants equality

·       2Thess.1:7: God will give relief to the afflicted Thessalonians when Christ comes in judgment