Selene, I value your countenance towards me, and your graciousness is not unnoticed. Thank you for bearing with me and supporting me in my efforts to convey truth. I have a request, and I know that you are able to accommodate me on it, you are an adept lady, more than capable of it.Hello Fivesense,
The Greek word "pros" ALSO means "with." St. John says that this "logos" became flesh and dwelt among them. Therefore, in the beginning was this logos that became flesh and this logos that became flesh was with God, and God was this logos that became flesh. So, I agree....God was this logos that came in the flesh and dwelt among us. God is Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is God because Christ did consider Himself EQUAL with God.
In Christ,
Selene
I will supply you with the passages where pros ton theon occurs in the Scriptures, and you compare them to one another, and then let me know your conclusion of the matter. I want God to speak to you, not me, and the only way for that to happen in this instance is for you to oblige me.
John 1:1 the Word was with God,
:2 was in the beginning with God.
13:3 He was come from God and went to God; ( try substituting with here)
Acts 4:24 they lifted up their voice to God (or here)
12:5 prayer was made...unto God for him. (how about here)
24:16 a conscience void of offense toward God (or here)
Rom. 5:1 5: 1 We have peace with God ( towards fits the sense of the word as well)
10:1 my heart's desire and prayer to God (with does not fit)
15:17 in those things which pertain to God (with does not fit)
:30 strive together with me in your prayers to God (with does not fit)
2 Cor. 3:4 such trust have we...to Godward: (with does not fit)
13:7 Now I pray to God (with does not fit)
Phil. 4:6 let your requests be made known unto God (with does not fit)
1 Thes. 1:8 your faith to Godward (with does not fit)
:9 you turned to God from idols (with does not fit)
Heb. 2:17 a...high priest in things pertaining to God (with does not fit)
5:1 every high priest..in things pertaining to God (with does not fit)
1 Jn 3:21 then have we confidence toward God (with does not fit)
Rev. 12:5 and her child was caught up unto God (with does not fit)
13:6 he opened his mouth in blaspheming against God (with does not fit)
I have found it impossible to substitute "with" as a connective, in these passages. In the direction of, or pros, fits very accurately always. Pros means in direction toward something. It should therefore remain so to be true to God and His word. Pros ton theos does not mean "with God".
In the King James Version, pros is given thirty-five variations: toward, to try, for to, to this end, that, that...may, that..could, because..would, to do, to give, unto, nigh unto, at, against, before, by, whereby, with, to be compared with, within, in, between, among, the things which belong unto, those things which pertain to, things that pertain unto, in things pertaining, about, conditions of, sufficient to, what one hath against, according to, for, for what intent, because of, and of. Given the multitude of possible renderings of the word, I cannot rely on Strong's as authoritative by reason of the dilution created in his allegiance to the Authorized Version, which is fine. I do agree with the primary rendering, which is "a preposition of direction, forward to, i.e., towards".
What is your conclusion?
I must rely on the witness of Holy Spirit and the Originals for understanding the mind of God, our Father. Pros ton theon means" towards God".
fivesense
Your gravity and sincerity are duly noted. I am blessed.
fivesense