The term "ensample" is an archaic English word that appears in some translations of the Bible, including the King James Version, and is synonymous with "example." It is used to describe a pattern or model for others to follow, particularly in the context of Christian conduct and faith. The Berean Standard Bible uses the term "example" in its place, reflecting a more contemporary language usage.

Biblical Usage

1. Philippians 3:17 : "Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you." Here, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to imitate his way of life as he follows Christ. The term "example" underscores the importance of living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings, serving as a model for others within the community of faith.

2. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 : "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." The Thessalonian believers are commended for their faith and perseverance, becoming a model for other Christians. Their conduct serves as an "ensample" of steadfastness and joy in the face of trials.

3. 1 Peter 5:3 : "not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." In this passage, Peter instructs church leaders to lead by example rather than through authoritarian means. The use of "example" emphasizes the role of leaders as models of humility and service, reflecting Christ's own leadership style.

Theological Significance

The concept of "ensample" or "example" is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of discipleship and community. Believers are called to live in a manner that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ, serving as living testimonies of the Gospel. This involves not only personal holiness but also a commitment to influencing others positively through one's actions and attitudes.

The New Testament frequently highlights the importance of imitation, where believers are encouraged to emulate the faith and conduct of apostles, leaders, and fellow Christians who exemplify Christ-like behavior. This imitation is not merely external but involves a transformation of the heart and mind, aligning one's life with the principles of the Kingdom of God.

Practical Application

In practical terms, being an "ensample" involves a conscious effort to embody the virtues of love, patience, humility, and integrity. Christians are encouraged to be mindful of their influence on others, recognizing that their actions can either draw people closer to Christ or push them away. The call to be an example is both a privilege and a responsibility, requiring reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength.

In the context of the church, leaders are particularly tasked with setting a positive example, as their conduct can significantly impact the spiritual growth and unity of the congregation. By living out their faith authentically, they inspire others to pursue a deeper relationship with God and to live out their faith in everyday life.

Overall, the concept of "ensample" serves as a reminder of the communal nature of the Christian faith, where believers are interconnected and called to support and encourage one another in their spiritual journeys.1. (n.) An example; a pattern or model for imitation.

2. (v. t.) To exemplify, to show by example.

ENSAMPLE

en-sam'-p'-l.

See EXAMPLE.

That a Man Shall not Take Ensample of Saint Martin and of Saint ...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE EIGHT AND FIFTIETH CHAPTER That a man shall not take ensample
of Saint Martin and of Saint Stephen, for to strain his imagination bodily ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the eight and 4.htm

That a Man Shall not Take Ensample at the Bodily Ascension of ...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE NINE AND FIFTIETH CHAPTER That a man shall not take ensample
at the bodily ascension of Christ, for to strain his imagination upwards bodily ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the nine and 4.htm

How they be Deceived that Follow the Fervour of Spirit in ...
... some part. Ensample of this we have in Holy Writ. As ... in spirit. Ensample
of this may be seen in one instead of all these other. For ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the five and 4.htm

How that after the Likeness of Moses, of Bezaleel, and of Aaron ...
... Moses learned in the mount of our Lord how it should be made. Bezaleel wrought it
and made it in the Veil after the ensample that was shewed in the mountain. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the three and 6.htm

Acts xx. 32
... to give than to receive." [1035] For lest any one should think that it was spoken
with reference to them, and that he gave himself for an ensample, as he ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlv acts xx 32.htm

The Preface
... would not have exhorted the Philippians unto this, saying, Brethren, be followers
together of me, and mark them which walk, so as ye have us for an ensample, &c ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the preface.htm

WT Vn to the Christen Reader.
... we be growen vpp in to perfecte men in the full knowlege of christ & full loue of
christ agayne & of oure neyboures for his sake/ after [the] ensample of his ...
/.../tyndale/the prophete ionas with an introduccion/w t vn to the.htm

Here Beginneth a Table of the Chapters
... That a man shall not take ensample of Saint Martin and of Saint Stephen, for to
strain his imagination bodily upwards in the time of his prayer. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth a table of.htm

The Cloud of Unknowing
... HERE BEGINNETH THE EIGHT AND FIFTIETH CHAPTER That a man shall not take ensample
of Saint Martin and of Saint Stephen, for to strain his imagination bodily ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/

His Place in History
... modesty, when he said, "For this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might
Jesus Christ show forth all His long-suffering for an ensample of them who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter i his place in.htm

Ensample (7 Occurrences)
... example. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ENSAMPLE. en-sam'-p'-l. See EXAMPLE.
Multi-Version Concordance Ensample (7 Occurrences). Philippians ...
/e/ensample.htm - 8k

Overthrow (48 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them
with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ...
/o/overthrow.htm - 21k

Gomorrha (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them
with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ...
/g/gomorrha.htm - 8k

Gomorrah (25 Occurrences)
... Their destruction is mentioned as an "ensample unto those that after should live
ungodly" (2 Peter 2:6; Jude 1:4-7). Their wickedness became proverbial ...
/g/gomorrah.htm - 17k

Followers (37 Occurrences)
... Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which
walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/f/followers.htm - 16k

Thereafter (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:16 howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might
Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that ...
/t/thereafter.htm - 8k

Type (12 Occurrences)
... John 20:25), "figure" (Acts 7:43; Romans 5:14), "fashion" (Acts 7:44), "manner"
(Acts 23:25), "form" (Romans 6:17), "example" or "ensample" (1 Corinthians 10:6 ...
/t/type.htm - 23k

Enrolment (2 Occurrences)

/e/enrolment.htm - 7k

Ensamples (3 Occurrences)

/e/ensamples.htm - 7k

Example (54 Occurrences)
... "Ensample" (tupos, APC 2Macc 6:28, 31; Philippians 3:17 1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2
Thessalonians 3:9 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3) and "example" have the same ...
/e/example.htm - 26k

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