Page 451 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

-P-

PAARAI PADAN (wide-lying plain). Ge. 48:7.
(stripped by God). 2 Sa. 23:35. PADANARAM (plain of Syria). Ge. 25:20.
PACIFISM. “Opposition to all military ideals, PADDLE. Small spade (De. 23:13).
preparedness, war, and so on” (Handbook). Christian PADON (wished-for liberty, deliverance). Ezr. 2:44.
pacifists vary in the application of the principle, but in PAGAN. A term used synonymously with “heathen.”
general they believe Christ’s teaching, such as that in It especially refers to those who worship idols. [See
Mt. 5:38-48, forbids believers from becoming involved Gentile, Heathen, Idolatry, Israel, Nations,
in any form of violence or warfare, even for the Uncircumcision.]
protection of one’s property and country. This is a
misunderstanding of the Bible’s teaching. It is clear that PAGIEL (the asking of God). Nu. 1:13.
God was not pacifistic in the O.T. He is called “a man of PAHTHMOAB (prince of Moab). Ezr. 2:6.
war” (Ex. 15:3), and His wars against the wicked are PAI (great noise). 1 Ch. 1:50.
recorded throughout the Scriptures. In the last days God PAINFULNESS. Pain; difficulty; toil (2 Co. 11:27).
will call for the nations to come to war (Joel 3:9). The PALACE. This term represents several Hebrew words,
Bible does not forbid Christians to defend their lives, and may signify castle, fortress, a king’s residence, or
loved ones, property, neighbors, and the weak (Ex. any large building (Concise). Solomon built several
22:2-3; Job 29:12-17; Lk. 22:36). The Bible also does palaces for himself and his wives (2 Ch. 36:19). The
not forbid Christians to participate in police and military temple built by Solomon is also called ‘the palace’ (1 Ch.
service. God has ordained civil government and has 29:1, 19). In the N.T., the palace of the high priest, aule,
ordained that government “bear the sword” (Ro. 13:3-4; signifies his elaborate private house (Mt. 26:3, 58, 69).
1 Pe. 2:14). This certainly involves violence, and the In Ph. 1:13 the word is praitorion, which refers to a
Christian law enforcement officer or Christian soldier is palace or judgment hall.
not necessarily disobeying the Scripture when he has to PALAL (he had judged). Ne. 3:25.
be involved in violence in connection with his official
duties. PALESTINA (removing, migratory). The region of
John the Baptist’s warning to the soldiers that they Canaan occupied by the Philistines (Ex. 15:14). The
Hebrew word pel-eh-sheth is also translated
“do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely” (Lk. “Palestine” (Joel 3:4), “Philistia” (Ps. 60:8), and
3:14) forbade violence initiated from personal animosity “Philistine” (Ps. 83:7). The modern “Palestinians” are
and cruelty. For a soldier or law enforcement officer to the latest incarnation of the ancient Philistines who
hurt or kill a man in the line of duty is sometimes were the enemies of Israel.
required and is not forbidden by Scripture. For that
same soldier or officer to perpetrate cruelty for PALESTINE (migratory). [See Canaan, Israel.]
meanness’ or selfishness’ sake is condemned by PALLU, PHALLU (wonderful, distinguished). Nu.
Scripture. The Christian soldier or law enforcement 26:5.
officer should be characterized by a kind, gentle PALMER WORM. Caterpillar; creeping locust (Jo.
demeanor, but he is also ready and willing to exercise 1:4; 2:25; Am. 4:9).
force when required. We would also say that there are PALSY. A disease which causes paralysis and shaking
many difficult decisions in this realm. To what extent of the body (Mt. 4:24; 8:6; 9:2, 6; Ac. 9:33).
should the Christian obey or enforce unrighteous laws? PALTI (deliverance). Nu. 13:9.
We can give no exact answer to that, for we serve
imperfect governments in this present world, and the PALTIEL, PHALTIEL (deliverance of God). Nu. 34:26.
laws we are called upon to obey are far from Bible- PAMPHYLIA (mixed nations). Ac. 13:13.
based. It is clear that a line must be drawn somewhere. PANNAG (millet). A place where fine grain grew
To say that the Christian soldier or lawman is not (Eze. 27:17).
forbidden to use force in the line of duty does not justify PAPAL. Pertaining to the Roman Catholic pope [See
the Nazi who operates a gas chamber, or the policeman Pope, Roman Catholic Church.]
who breaks up a church service, etc. Many decisions in PAPHOS (gates). Ac. 13:6.
this realm must be made individually before God. [See PAPS. An old English word for breast (Lk. 11:27;
Anger, Capital Punishment, Guidance, Imprecatory, Kill, 23:29; Re. 1:13). [See Breast.]
Methodist.]

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 451