The term "ensamples" is an archaic form of the word "examples," used in the King James Version of the Bible to denote instances or patterns for others to follow or avoid. In the Berean Standard Bible , the term is often translated as "examples." The concept of ensamples is significant in biblical teaching, as it underscores the importance of learning from the lives and actions of others, both positively and negatively.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Positive Ensamples:
· 1 Corinthians 10:11 : "Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come." This verse refers to the experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness, serving as examples for believers to heed God's commands and avoid disobedience.
· Philippians 3:17 : "Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you." Here, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to follow his example and that of others who live according to the teachings of Christ.

2. Negative Ensamples:
· 2 Peter 2:6 : "If He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly." The destruction of these cities serves as a warning and example of the consequences of ungodliness and immorality.
· Jude 1:7 : "In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire."

Theological Significance

The concept of ensamples is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the didactic nature of Scripture. The lives of biblical figures, both righteous and unrighteous, are presented as lessons for contemporary believers. The Apostle Paul, in particular, frequently uses his own life as an example, urging others to imitate his faith and conduct as he imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Moral and Ethical Implications

The use of ensamples in Scripture serves as a moral compass for believers, guiding them in their spiritual journey. Positive examples encourage virtues such as faith, obedience, and perseverance, while negative examples serve as cautionary tales against sin and rebellion. The Bible's use of historical events and personal accounts as ensamples underscores the timeless relevance of its teachings, providing a framework for ethical living.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to study the lives of biblical characters and the historical events recorded in Scripture to gain wisdom and understanding. By reflecting on these ensamples, Christians can discern God's will and apply biblical principles to their own lives. The call to be an example to others is also a recurring theme, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:12 : "Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."

In summary, the concept of ensamples in the Bible serves as a powerful tool for teaching and admonition, guiding believers in their walk with God and encouraging them to live lives that reflect the character of Christ.

WT Vn to the Christen Reader.
... And all other stories of [the] bible/ with out excepcion/ are [the] practisinge
of [the] law & of the Gospell/ and are true and faitfull ensamples & sure ...
/.../tyndale/the prophete ionas with an introduccion/w t vn to the.htm

1 Thessalonians i. 3-Jan
... Ver.7. "So that ye became ensamples [943] to all that believe in Macedonia
and Achaia.". And yet it was later that he went to them. ...
/.../homily i 1 thessalonians i.htm

God's Reply to These Assumptions.
... "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for
our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1 Corinthians 10:11 ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/vii gods reply to these.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... and their journey through the wilderness, he affirms, "Now these things were our
examples" and "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: (marg. ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

Five Kings in a Cave
... God certainly meant that we should use their story in this way, for in the New
Testament we read that the things which happened to them were as ensamples for us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/five kings in a cave.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... 2. The apostle has, in the verses immediately preceding our text, exhorted the elders,
that is, preachers, to be in their lives "ensamples to the flock," not ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

The Thessalonian Letters
... and their hearts were filled with "joy of the Holy Ghost." The apostle declared
that in their faithfulness in following the Lord they were "ensamples to all ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 25 the thessalonian letters.htm

Rom. xvi. 5
... For it says, "All these things are types (AV ensamples) and are written for our
instruction." (1 Corinthians 10:11.) Wherefore to Timothy too he says, "Give ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi rom xvi 5.htm

Elucidations.
... as set forth in that incomparable passage of his first Epistle, [2885] in which
the Apostle bids all his brethren to be shepherds indeed, and "ensamples to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/elucidations.htm

1 Thessalonians i. 10-Aug
... Wherefore he said, "So that ye became ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia
and Achaia." "For from you," he says, "hath sounded forth the word of the Lord ...
/.../homily ii 1 thessalonians i.htm

Ensamples (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ensamples (3 Occurrences). ... (KJV). 1 Thessalonians 1:7 So
that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. (KJV). ...
/e/ensamples.htm - 7k

Ensample (7 Occurrences)
... ensample. (KJV ASV). 1 Thessalonians 1:7 So that ye were ensamples to all
that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. (Root in KJV ASV). ...
/e/ensample.htm - 8k

Enshemesh (2 Occurrences)

/e/enshemesh.htm - 8k

Lords (63 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). 1 Peter 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being
ensamples to the flock. (KJV BBE WBS YLT). Revelation ...
/l/lords.htm - 28k

Allotted (54 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS). 1 Peter 5:3 neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you,
but making yourselves ensamples to the flock. (ASV NAS). ...
/a/allotted.htm - 22k

Heritage (435 Occurrences)
... blessing. (BBE). 1 Peter 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but
being ensamples to the flock. (KJV BBE WBS YLT). Revelation ...
/h/heritage.htm - 37k

Charge (379 Occurrences)
... RSV). 1 Peter 5:3 neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you,
but making yourselves ensamples to the flock. (ASV NAS RSV). ...
/c/charge.htm - 41k

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