The Greek word dógma, represented by G1378, refers to a law, decree, or ordinance. It appears 5 times in 5 unique verses. The term encompasses laws from various authorities, whether civil, ceremonial, or ecclesiastical, establishing a formal, binding command.
In scripture, G1378 is applied to different forms of authoritative commands. It describes civil laws, such as the decree issued by Caesar G2541 Augustus G828 for a census Luke 2:1 and the decrees of Caesar that Christians were accused of acting contrary to Acts 17:7. The word also denotes ecclesiastical rulings, as when the apostles G652 and elders G4245 in Jerusalem G2419 delivered decrees for the churches to keep G5442 Acts 16:4. Theologically, it is used for the ceremonial ordinances of the law G3551, which were abolished G2673 by Christ to create peace G1515 Ephesians 2:15 and were blotted out G1813 by being nailed to his cross G4716 Colossians 2:14.
Several related words help clarify the context and impact of a dógma:
- G3551 nómos (law): This term appears with dógma in the phrase "the law of commandments contained in ordinances" Ephesians 2:15, indicating that these decrees were part of a formal legal structure.
- G2541 Kaîsar (Cæsar): This title for the Roman emperor is the source of civil decrees G1378. His authority is referenced when a decree is issued for a tax Luke 2:1 and when believers are accused of acting contrary to his decrees Acts 17:7.
- G2673 katargéō (to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively:--abolish): This powerful verb explains what Christ did to the ordinances G1378. He abolished the law of commandments in his flesh, making it of no effect Ephesians 2:15.
The theological weight of G1378 is significant and multifaceted:
- Civil Authority: The use of G1378 for the decrees of Caesar Augustus G828 establishes a clear meaning of a binding, official command from a governing power Luke 2:1.
- Ecclesiastical Authority: The term is also applied to the authoritative decisions made by the apostles G652 and elders G4245 in Jerusalem G2419. These decrees G1378 were delivered G3860 to the churches to be kept G5442, signifying the establishment of church doctrine and practice Acts 16:4.
- Fulfillment in Christ: The most profound theological point is the fulfillment and nullification of the ceremonial ordinances. Christ's work on the cross G4716 blotted out G1813 the "handwriting G5498 of ordinances G1378" that was contrary G5227 to us Colossians 2:14, and He abolished G2673 these ordinances to remove the enmity G2189 and create peace G1515 Ephesians 2:15.
In summary, G1378 dógma is a versatile term for an authoritative decree. It can refer to a civil law issued by an emperor Luke 2:1, a guiding principle ordained by church leadership Acts 16:4, or the ceremonial requirements of the Old Testament law. Its primary theological impact lies in its connection to the Mosaic ordinances, which were definitively set aside by Christ, who blotted them out and nailed them to His cross Colossians 2:14.
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