The term "furtherance" in a biblical context refers to the advancement or progress of the Gospel and the Christian faith. It is often associated with the efforts and endeavors to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ and to promote spiritual growth among believers. The concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul frequently discusses the progress of the Gospel and the importance of supporting its spread.

Biblical References:

1. Philippians 1:12 : "Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel." In this passage, Paul writes to the Philippians from prison, expressing that his imprisonment has not hindered but rather contributed to the furtherance of the Gospel. His chains have become a means through which the message of Christ is being spread more widely, demonstrating that God's purposes can be fulfilled even in adverse situations.

2. Philippians 1:25 : "Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith." Here, Paul expresses his confidence that he will continue to live and work among the Philippians for their spiritual progress and joy. The term "progress" in this context is synonymous with furtherance, emphasizing the growth and deepening of their faith.

3. Acts 19:20 : "So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail." This verse highlights the unstoppable nature of the Gospel's furtherance, as it continued to spread and gain influence despite opposition. The early church experienced significant growth as the message of Christ reached new regions and peoples.

Theological Significance:

The furtherance of the Gospel is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the responsibility of believers to participate in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This involves evangelism, discipleship, and living out the teachings of Christ in a way that draws others to the faith. The furtherance of the Gospel is not limited to geographical expansion but also includes the deepening of individual and communal faith.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to contribute to the furtherance of the Gospel through various means, including prayer, financial support, missionary work, and personal witness. The life and ministry of Paul serve as a model for Christians, demonstrating that even in difficult circumstances, the Gospel can advance through faithful witness and reliance on God's power.

Historical Context:

In the early church, the furtherance of the Gospel was often met with persecution and resistance. Despite these challenges, the message of Christ spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. The commitment of early Christians to the furtherance of the Gospel laid the foundation for the global church.

Conclusion:

The concept of furtherance underscores the dynamic and active nature of the Christian faith. It calls believers to be proactive in sharing the Gospel and supporting its spread, trusting that God will use their efforts to bring about His purposes in the world.(n.) A helping forward; promotion; advancement; progress; as the furtherance of an ideal.FURTHER; FURTHERANCE

fur'-ther, fur'-therans (yacaph; eti, prokope); Further, adverb and adjective, is comparative of "forth," meaning "to a greater distance," "something more," "moreover," etc.; the verb "to further," means "to help forward," "advance," "assist." The verb occurs (Ezra 8:36) as the translation of nasa', "to lift up": "They furthered the people and the house of God" (compare 1 Kings 9:11 Ezra 1:4); of puq "to send forth," "carry out" (Psalm 140:8, "Further not his evil device").

Furtherance is the translation of prokope, "a going forward," "advance" (Philippians 1:12, "the furtherance of the gospel," the Revised Version (British and American) "progress" Philippians 1:25, "for your furtherance and joy," the Revised Version (British and American) "progress").

Furthermore is the translation of eita, "then," "so then" (Hebrews 12:9); of to loipon, "for the rest," or "as to the rest" (1 Thessalonians 4:1, the Revised Version (British and American) "finally then").

Revised Version omits "further" (Acts 12:3); has "further" for "more than right" (Job 34:23), for "farther thence" (Mark 1:19, different text); "What further need have we of witnesses?" for "What need we any further witnesses?" (Mark 14:63); "your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel" (Philippians 1:5; Philippians 2:22); "to the furthest bound" for "all perfection" (Job 28:3).

W. L. Walker

4297. prokope -- progress
... 4297 (from 4253 , "in front of" and 2875 , "cut, chop down") -- properly, (progress) --
literally, "advancement by whatever impedes progress"; furtherance. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4297.htm - 7k

For the Centenary Anniversaries of the Brethren's Eldership, and ...
... For the Centenary Anniversaries of the Brethren's Eldership, and the beginning of
the Society for the furtherance of the Gospel in the Moravian Church ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cclxxiii for the centenary.htm

Philippians ii. 19-21
... Ver.22. "Ye know the proof of him, that as a child serveth a father, so
he served with me in furtherance of the Gospel.". And that ...
/.../homily ix philippians ii 19-21.htm

Special Conference in virginia.
... to abuse, but to keep, the Sabbath, the Day of the Lord, "the good, useful, holy
day, which God especially has reserved for Himself for the furtherance of His ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/special conference in virginia.htm

Philippians i. 1, 2
... Corinthians 2:4.). Ver.5. "For your fellowship in furtherance of the Gospel
from the first day even until now.". Great is that he ...
/.../homily i philippians i 1.htm

Concerning Lowliness of Mind.
... For earlier than this he says, "Now I wish you to know, brethren, that the
circumstances in which I am have come rather to the furtherance [409] of the Gospel ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/concerning lowliness of mind.htm

Preface. And as to Christ Thy Lord
... these sermons shall come, with blessings suitable to their soul's condition, especially
the serious Christian, for whose soul's furtherance and advancement ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/preface and as to christ.htm

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
... surer we are made of our fellowship with Christ; by communion with whom our sufferings
are not only blessed to us, but tend greatly to the furtherance of our ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iii of bearing the.htm

First Part.
... for the best service and furtherance of Gods glory, with all the appurtenances thereof,
his word, his house, his Saints and salvation of soules: using the ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/first part.htm

God's Need of Men who Pray
... Men of prayer, before anything else, are indispensable to the furtherance of the
kingdom of God on earth. No other sort will fit in the scheme or do the deed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/iv gods need of men.htm

A Corps Commander
... bereaved; to instruct the children; to shepherd and inspire the band of Salvationists
already attached to his corps; to raise money for the furtherance of The ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/v a corps commander.htm

Furtherance (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A helping forward; promotion; advancement; progress;
as the furtherance of an ideal. Int. ... FURTHER; FURTHERANCE. ...
/f/furtherance.htm - 10k

Further (121 Occurrences)
... 4. (adv.) To help forward; to promote; to advance; to forward; to help or assist.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FURTHER; FURTHERANCE. ...
/f/further.htm - 38k

League (20 Occurrences)
... parties, or persons, for the accomplishment of a purpose which requires a continued
course of action, as for mutual defense, or for furtherance of commercial ...
/l/league.htm - 14k

Worth (36 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Philippians 2:22 But you know Timothy's approved worth--how, like a child
working with his father, he has served with me in furtherance of the Good News. ...
/w/worth.htm - 17k

Furthered (2 Occurrences)

/f/furthered.htm - 7k

Timothy's (1 Occurrence)
... Philippians 2:22 But you know Timothy's approved worth--how, like a child working
with his father, he has served with me in furtherance of the Good News. ...
/t/timothy's.htm - 6k

Participation (9 Occurrences)
... See NAS). Philippians 1:5 for your partnership in furtherance of the Good
News from the first day until now; (See NAS). Philippians 2 ...
/p/participation.htm - 9k

Partnership (4 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS RSV). Philippians 1:5 for your partnership in furtherance of the Good
News from the first day until now; (WEB RSV NIV). Philippians ...
/p/partnership.htm - 8k

Proved (49 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:22 But you know Timothy's approved worth--how, like a child working
with his father, he has served with me in furtherance of the Good News. ...
/p/proved.htm - 20k

Circumstances (19 Occurrences)
... Philippians 1:12 But I would have you know, brethren, that the circumstances in
which I am have turned out rather to the furtherance of the glad tidings, (DBY ...
/c/circumstances.htm - 12k

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