Topical Encyclopedia The term "precede" refers to the act of going before or coming before something or someone in time, order, or position. In the context of the Bible, the concept of preceding is often associated with events, people, or actions that set the stage for subsequent occurrences, fulfilling divine purposes or prophetic sequences.Biblical Usage and Context 1. Prophetic Fulfillment: The idea of preceding is significant in the prophetic literature of the Bible. Many prophecies outline events that must precede the coming of the Messiah or the establishment of God's kingdom. For instance, the prophet Isaiah speaks of a voice calling in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord (Isaiah 40:3), which is later identified in the New Testament as John the Baptist's ministry preceding Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:3). 2. John the Baptist: John the Baptist is a prominent biblical figure who precedes Jesus Christ, preparing the way for His ministry. In the Gospel of Mark, it is written, "As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: 'Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way'" (Mark 1:2). John's role was to call people to repentance and baptize them, setting the stage for the redemptive work of Christ. 3. The Second Coming: In eschatological teachings, certain events are described as preceding the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus Himself speaks of signs and tribulations that will occur before His return. In Matthew 24:29-30, He states, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven" . 4. Order of Resurrection: The Apostle Paul addresses the concept of precedence in the resurrection order in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. He writes, "By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first" . Here, Paul emphasizes that those who have died in Christ will rise before those who are alive at His coming. 5. Moral and Spiritual Precedence: The Bible also speaks to the precedence of spiritual and moral values. Jesus teaches that seeking the kingdom of God should precede all other pursuits. In Matthew 6:33, He instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" . This establishes a priority for believers to place spiritual matters above worldly concerns. Theological Implications The concept of preceding in the Bible underscores the divine order and timing in God's plan. It highlights the importance of preparation, both in the historical unfolding of God's redemptive work and in the personal spiritual lives of believers. Understanding what precedes significant biblical events can provide insight into God's purposes and the fulfillment of His promises. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To go before in order of time; to occur first with relation to anything.2. (v. t.) To go before in place, rank, or importance. 3. (v. t.) To cause to be preceded; to preface; to introduce; -- used with by or with before the instrumental object. Greek 5348. phthano -- to come before (another), anticipate, arrive ... anticipate, arrive. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: phthano Phonetic Spelling: (fthan'-o) Short Definition: I anticipate, precede, arrive Definition: (a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5348.htm - 7k 4281. proerchomai -- to go forward, go on 4313. proporeuomai -- to make to go before, to cause to go before 4254. proago -- to lead forth, to go before 4390. protrecho -- to run forward, ie run in advance Strong's Hebrew 6923. qadam -- to come or be in front, meet... A primitive root; to project (one self), ie Precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help) -- come (go, (flee)) before, + disappoint, meet ... /hebrew/6923.htm - 6k Library Of the Signs that Will Precede the Judgment (Three Articles) Whether Catechism Should Precede Baptism? Whether Exorcism Should Precede Baptism? Whether the Irascible Passions Precede the Concupiscible Passions ... Whether any Signs Will Precede the Lord's Coming to Judgment? Defence of the Truth Should Precede Discussions Regarding It. Whether the Precept of Fraternal Correction Demands that a Private ... John and Daniel have Predicted the Dissolution and Desolation of ... What the Apostle Paul Wrote to the Thessalonians About the ... What True Grace Is, and Wherefore Given. Merits do not Precede ... Thesaurus Precede (1 Occurrence)... the instrumental object. Multi-Version Concordance Precede (1 Occurrence). 1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we tell you by the word ... /p/precede.htm - 7k Prevent (32 Occurrences) Preceded (6 Occurrences) Millennium Premillennial Judith (1 Occurrence) Lead (192 Occurrences) Forego (2 Occurrences) Trance (7 Occurrences) That (103354 Occurrences) Resources Who baptized John the Baptist? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)? | GotQuestions.org Did God sacrifice Himself to Himself to save us from Himself because of a rule He made Himself? | GotQuestions.org Precede: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Precede (1 Occurrence)1 Thessalonians 4:15 Subtopics Related Terms |