The term "cross-way" is not explicitly found in the Berean Standard Bible , but the concept can be understood through various biblical passages that discuss paths, roads, and the way of the cross. In biblical literature, the idea of a "cross-way" can be interpreted as a metaphorical or literal intersection of paths, often symbolizing a point of decision or a place where significant events occur.

Biblical Context

1. Paths and Ways in Scripture: The Bible frequently uses the imagery of paths and ways to describe the journey of life and the choices individuals must make. Proverbs 3:6 states, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in all decisions, suggesting that the "cross-way" is a place where divine direction is crucial.

2. The Way of the Cross: In the New Testament, the concept of the "way of the cross" is central to Christian discipleship. Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him, as seen in Matthew 16:24 : "Then Jesus told His disciples, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.'" This call to self-denial and sacrifice is a spiritual "cross-way," where believers must choose the path of Christ over worldly desires.

3. Symbolism of the Cross: The cross itself is a powerful symbol of redemption and salvation in Christianity. It represents the intersection of divine justice and mercy, where Jesus Christ bore the sins of humanity. The "cross-way" can thus be seen as the point where individuals encounter the transformative power of the Gospel, leading to a new direction in life.

4. Historical and Geographical Crossroads: In ancient times, crossroads were significant locations for trade, communication, and cultural exchange. Biblically, they often served as places where important decisions were made or where divine encounters occurred. For example, in Genesis 28:10-19, Jacob's dream at Bethel happens at a place where he stops to rest during his journey, symbolizing a spiritual cross-way where God reaffirms His covenant.

5. Moral and Ethical Decisions: The "cross-way" can also represent moments of moral and ethical decision-making. Jeremiah 6:16 advises, "This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" This passage highlights the importance of seeking God's wisdom and choosing the righteous path at life's crossroads.

Theological Implications

The concept of the "cross-way" in the Bible underscores the significance of choice and divine guidance in the believer's journey. It serves as a reminder of the need for discernment and reliance on God's wisdom when faced with life's intersections. The way of the cross, as exemplified by Jesus, calls Christians to a life of sacrifice, service, and commitment to God's will. Through the cross, believers find redemption and the strength to navigate the complexities of life, making the "cross-way" a pivotal theme in Christian theology and practice.6563. pereq -- parting of ways, plunder
... crossway, robbery. From paraq; rapine; also a fork (in roads) -- crossway, robbery.
see HEBREW paraq. 6562, 6563. pereq. 6564 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6563.htm - 6k

How Brother Giles, with Three Companions was Received into the ...
... Being come to a crossway, and not knowing which road to take, he prayed to
Christ our precious guide, who led him straight to the hut. ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter i how brother giles.htm

The Fourth vision "In Heaven"
... are told that representations of it as being "Isis and Horus" were so common (long
prior to Christianity), that "there was not a house or a crossway where it ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision in heaven.htm

Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal.
... it self to the Flesh, and therefore no wonder if they meet with so much Enmity and
Opposition here; the way wherein they go after Christ is a cross way, it is ...
/.../beveridge/private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon self-denyal.htm

Crossway (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CROSSWAY. ... Obadiah warns Edom, "And stand thou not
in the crossway, to cut off those of his that escape" (Obadiah 1:14). ...
/c/crossway.htm - 7k

Cross-way (1 Occurrence)
Cross-way. Crossway, Cross-way. Cross-ways . Multi-Version Concordance
Cross-way (1 Occurrence). ... (WBS). Crossway, Cross-way. Cross-ways . Reference
/c/cross-way.htm - 6k

Cross-ways (1 Occurrence)
Cross-ways. Cross-way, Cross-ways. Crouch . Multi-Version Concordance
Cross-ways (1 Occurrence). ... (YLT). Cross-way, Cross-ways. Crouch . Reference
/c/cross-ways.htm - 6k

Cross-roads (2 Occurrences)
Cross-roads. Crossroads, Cross-roads. Crossway . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Crossroads, Cross-roads. Crossway . Reference Bible.
/c/cross-roads.htm - 7k

Departed (270 Occurrences)
... it. (KJV WBS). Mark 11:4 And they departed, and found a colt bound to the
door without at the crossway, and they loose him. (DBY). ...
/d/departed.htm - 34k

Bound (175 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Mark 11:4 And they departed, and found a
colt bound to the door without at the crossway, and they loose him. (DBY). ...
/b/bound.htm - 41k

Shouldst (61 Occurrences)
... Obadiah 1:14 Neither shouldst thou have stood in the cross-way, to cut off those
of his that escaped; neither shouldst thou have delivered up those of his that ...
/s/shouldst.htm - 25k

Shouldest (79 Occurrences)
... Obadiah 1:14 Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those
of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his ...
/s/shouldest.htm - 30k

Remaining (87 Occurrences)
... Obadiah 1:14 and thou shouldest not have stood on the crossway, to cut off those
of his that did escape, nor have delivered up those remaining of him in the ...
/r/remaining.htm - 34k

Escaped (94 Occurrences)
... Obadiah 1:14 Neither shouldst thou have stood in the cross-way, to cut off those
of his that escaped; neither shouldst thou have delivered up those of his that ...
/e/escaped.htm - 37k

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