Urgent Report: φάσις (Strong’s G5334: phasis) Reveals Providence’s Timing

Strong’s G5334: A noun meaning “report” or “announcement,” derived from φημί (to speak). Used in Acts regarding news of Paul’s arrest reaching Roman authorities. Signifies official or urgent communication that prompts action. Represents divine timing in the spread of information.

U- Unveiling the Word

The noun φάσις carries the specific meaning of an urgent report or announcement that demands attention and response. In its New Testament context, it appears at a crucial moment in Acts when news of Paul’s situation reaches Roman authorities, demonstrating God’s providential timing in preserving His servant. The word implies not just casual information but a report significant enough to prompt immediate action. The early church recognized in this term the way God often uses official channels and human systems to accomplish His purposes. Today, φάσις reminds us that even seemingly routine communications can serve divine purposes in God’s timing.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φάσις, phasis, fas’-is
• Pronunciation Guide: fas (as in “fast”) + is (as in “is”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• φη-/φα- (phē-/pha-): root meaning “to speak, declare”
• -σις (-sis): noun-forming suffix indicating action
  Combined to mean “act of declaring” or “report”

D – Defining Meanings

• Report
• Announcement
• Official notification
• Urgent news

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a derived noun

Translation Options:

• “Report” – emphasizes formal nature
• “News” – captures informational aspect
• “Official notification” – stresses authoritative nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀγγελία (angelia, ang-el-ee’-ah) – message See G31
• ἀναγγελία (anangelia, an-ang-el-ee’-ah) – announcement See G312
• λόγος (logos, log’-os) – word, report See G3056

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: φάσις
• Genitive: φάσεως
• Dative: φάσει
• Accusative: φάσιν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide comprehensive understanding of φάσις. BDAG emphasizes its use in official or formal contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to urgent communication. LSJ documents its extensive use in legal and administrative contexts. Vine’s particularly emphasizes its appearance in Acts during a crucial moment. Strong’s connects it to the basic concept of speaking or declaring. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in official reports and legal documents. The term carries connotations of urgency and importance beyond mere information sharing.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 21:31: “Now as they were seeking to kill him, news [φάσις] came to the commander of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φάσις powerfully illustrates how God uses human systems and communication channels to accomplish His purposes. In Paul’s case, an urgent report to Roman authorities became part of God’s plan to preserve His apostle and advance the Gospel. The good news is that King Jesus remains sovereign over all communication and timing, using even official channels to protect His people and advance His kingdom. This reminds us that no circumstance is beyond His control.

D – Did You Know?

1. φάσις was commonly used in ancient legal documents for official accusations.
2. The word influenced the development of scientific terms like “phase.”
3. Early Christian historians used this term when documenting persecution reports.

Strong’s G5334: A noun meaning “report” or “announcement,” derived from φημί (to speak). Used in Acts regarding news of Paul’s arrest reaching Roman authorities. Signifies official or urgent communication that prompts action. Represents divine timing in the spread of information.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: report, announcement, communication, Paul, Acts, Roman-authority, divine-timing, providence, official-channels, urgency, news, persecution, protection, divine-purpose, sovereignty​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​