the Week of Proper 26 / Ordinary 31
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Bible Encyclopedias
Chosen
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (prop. בָּחוּר, bachur´; ἐκλεκτός ), "singled out from others to some honorable service or station. 'Chosen' warriors are such as are picked out as the most valiant and skillful in an army, or as best adapted to some special and momentous enterprise (Exodus 15:4; Judges 20:6). The Hebrew nation was a 'chosen' people, God having set them apart to receive his word and preserve his worship (Psalms 105:43; Deuteronomy 7:7). Jerusalem was 'chosen' to be the seat of his temple (1 Kings 11:13). Christ is the 'chosen' of God; from eternity he was set apart in the Divine mind as I the only fit person to be our mediator and surety (Isaiah 42:1). The apostles were 'chosen,' fixed upon, and set apart from others to bear witness unto Christ's resurrection (Acts 10:41). There is an error in supposing a certain fixed technical meaning of the word, irrespective of that to which each is 'chosen.' The Christian Church (that is 'all in every place' to whom the Gospel has been announced), has been chosen to the enjoyment of the benefits and privileges placed within the reach of all to whom such announcement has been made; while others, who remain in ignorance of Christianity, cannot be said to have been thus 'chosen.' Then, again, 'many are called, but few chosen,' viz., as having so profited by their opportunities as to be accepted finally." (See ELECT).
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Chosen'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/c/chosen.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
