Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "pilgrims" refers to individuals who are on a spiritual journey, often characterized by a temporary sojourn in a foreign land, with the ultimate goal of reaching a promised or heavenly destination. This concept is deeply rooted in the narrative of the Bible, where the life of faith is frequently depicted as a pilgrimage.Old Testament Context The idea of pilgrimage is first seen in the lives of the patriarchs. Abraham is a quintessential example of a pilgrim. In Genesis 12:1, God calls Abram (later Abraham) to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that God would show him. This call to leave behind the familiar and journey to an unknown land is a foundational aspect of the pilgrim experience. Hebrews 11:8-10 reflects on this, stating, "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country." The Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent journey to the Promised Land is another significant pilgrimage narrative. This journey, marked by trials and divine guidance, symbolizes the spiritual journey of believers from bondage to freedom, from the temporal to the eternal. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of pilgrimage is expanded to encompass the Christian life as a whole. The Apostle Peter addresses believers as "foreigners and exiles" (1 Peter 2:11), emphasizing the transient nature of earthly life and the believer's status as a pilgrim on the way to a heavenly home. This theme is echoed in Hebrews 11:13-16 , which speaks of the faithful as "strangers and exiles on the earth," who "were longing for a better country—a heavenly one." The life of Jesus Christ also embodies the pilgrim motif. His incarnation can be seen as a divine pilgrimage, leaving the glory of heaven to dwell among humanity. Jesus' earthly ministry was marked by movement and mission, culminating in His journey to Jerusalem, where He would fulfill His redemptive work. Spiritual Significance For Christians, the pilgrimage is not merely a physical journey but a spiritual one. It involves a continual process of sanctification, as believers seek to live according to God's will and grow in Christlikeness. The pilgrim's path is often fraught with challenges, but it is also marked by divine presence and guidance. Psalm 84:5 captures this sentiment: "Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage." The pilgrim journey is ultimately a journey toward God, with the hope of eternal life in His presence. Revelation 21:3-4 offers a vision of the pilgrim's final destination: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'" Conclusion The biblical concept of pilgrimage serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, emphasizing faith, obedience, and the hope of a future inheritance. As pilgrims, believers are called to live as citizens of heaven, journeying through this world with their eyes fixed on the eternal promises of God. Greek 4638. skenoma -- a tent ... tent ("tabernacle," Ac 7:46); (figuratively) the physical body, serving as God's vehicle (dwelling place) -- ie as believers live as ("pilgrims") the Lord in ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4638.htm - 7k Library Happy Pilgrims The Pilgrims of Jesus. The Pilgrims. Pilgrims of the Victorious Life O Food to Pilgrims Given April 26. "Strangers and Pilgrims" (Heb. xi. 13). O Happy Band of Pilgrims Sunday after Ascension Day. These all Confessed that they were ... The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings In the Dungeon of Giant Discourager Thesaurus Pilgrims (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Pilgrims (2 Occurrences). Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but ... /p/pilgrims.htm - 7k Mizpeh (24 Occurrences) Ephesus (20 Occurrences) Mizpah (42 Occurrences) Exiles (46 Occurrences) Dayspring (2 Occurrences) Pilgrim Cilicia (8 Occurrences) Aliens (53 Occurrences) Strangers (95 Occurrences) Resources Who are the Hospitaller Knights? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? | GotQuestions.org What is The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pilgrims (2 Occurrences)Hebrews 11:13 1 Peter 2:11 Subtopics Pilgrims and Strangers: Abraham Pilgrims and Strangers: All Saints Are Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Actuated by Faith Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Exposed to Persecution Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are not at Home in This World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are not Mindful of This World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Strengthened by God Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Die in Faith Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Forsake all for Christ Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Hate Worldly Fellowship Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have a Heavenly Conversation Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have the Example of Christ Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have Their Faces Toward Zion Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Invite Others to Go With Them Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Keep the Promised in View Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Long for Their Pilgrimage to End Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Look for a Heavenly City Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Look for a Heavenly Country Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Pass Their Sojourning in Fear Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Pray for Direction Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Rejoice in the Statutes of God Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Shine As Lights in the World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should Abstain from Fleshly Lusts Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should Have Their Treasure in Heaven Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should not be Over Anxious About Worldly Things Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: The World is not Worthy of Pilgrims and Strangers: Described Pilgrims and Strangers: God is not Ashamed to be Called Their God Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints are Called to Be Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints Confess Themselves Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints of Old Pilgrims and Strangers: The Apostles Pilgrims and Strangers: Typified: Israel Related Terms |