Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
Sometimes time is sequential, and sometimes it's something more. Understanding the difference will help you understand the Bible.
Key Points:
- Different cultures have different perspectives about time. The Bible has different concepts of time than we might assume today.
- The New Testament (NT) has two main concepts of time represented by two Greek words: chronos (χρόνος) and kairos (καιρός).
- Chronos is about sequential time as we often think of it – clocks, calendars, and weekend plans. It’s where we get words like chronological.
- Kairos is about the right season or occasion. Some Greek dictionaries define it as “appointed” time. Jesus came into the world on kairos time – precisely the right time.
- “Kairos time” is about a long-awaited hope coming to fruition, it is about times of prayer and worship, walking through one season of life into another, or waiting on God.
Quote This:
Matthew 26:18 “As you go into the city,” he told them, “you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time [kairos] has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’”
Talk About It
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever dealt with other cultures’ concepts of time? Explain.
- Have you ever felt like chronos time is overshadowing kairos time in your life? Explain.
- Give an example of a kairos time in your life. What happened?
- How do you think kairos time helps you remember God’s sovereignty in your life and in the world? Explain.
- Why do you think this topic is important for understanding the Bible? Why is it important for your life as a Christian?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
