Manifold

May 27

Manifold
polupoikilos

In his discussion of preaching, Paul declares why we do it in Eph_3:10, “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.”

As mentioned back on January 26, wisdom (sophia, G4678) speaks of the “knowledge of the most precious things,” knowledge of the things that really matter. That’s why preaching is a “big deal.” It’s designed to make known God’s understanding of the things that matter most. And no other method of ministry will do that. But, as if this word were not enough, Paul adds an adjective.

The word manifold is a marvelous word. The Greek polupoikilos (G4182) is found only here in the NT. The literal meaning is “multi-colored,” that is, marked with a great variety of colors, as in a painting.

So, in our text, the word means “many-faceted” or “most varied.” It’s also important to note that the simple form of the word is poikilos (G4164), meaning “various” (e.g., 1Pe_4:10). But Paul makes a compound verb by adding the prefix poluso (G4183; English poly), “many.” So, again, the idea conveyed is “multi-faceted” or “most varied.”

Think of it! God’s knowledge and understanding are the most varied, the most multi-faceted. It’s not just that God’s knowledge and understanding are deep, which of course they are, but that these take on many forms and possess infinite diversity. We can never understand anything of God unless He reveals Himself. And He does that only in His Word.

That is why we preach! Only preaching explores the depths of God; only preaching delves into who He is, what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will ultimately accomplish.

It is the absolute height of arrogance to say, as many do today, “Preaching is not relevant; we’ve found a better method.” What arrogance it is to say they we can improve on what God ordained-the preaching of the manifold wisdom of God.

Scriptures for Study: While polupoikilos appears only once in the NT, it appears twice in the Septuagint in reference to God. Meditate on Job_5:9 and Psa_145:3, where it’s translated “unsearchable.”

 
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