First fruits Word Study (8/15)

ἀπαρχή

The word above means "firstfruits", a word not popular in modern American culture. In Jewish culture, it was a word that meant the first or the best of something.  Strongs defines aparche as, " a beginning of sacrifice, that is, the (Jewish) first fruit (figuratively): - first-fruits."*

Thayer's Definition is...

1. to offer firstlings or firstfruits
2. to take away the firstfruits of the productions of the earth which was offered to God. The first portion of the dough, from which sacred loaves were to be prepared. Hence term used of persons consecrated to God for all time.
3. persons superior in excellence to others of the same class

Romans 8:23  probably uses the second definition, "And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."

In the Mosaic covenant, the Jewish people would offer the first of their crops to the Lord and the best of their flocks.  The firstfruits were the beginning of great things to come. They were a sign of thanksgiving to the One who gives all good things. Christ is referred to as the firstfruit of those who are sleeping (I Cor. 15:20) since he is the first of many who will be resurrected from the dead. 

In our verse, the "firstfruits of the Spirit" means that we have already begun to experience the effects of the Spirit in our lives. We have been united with Christ, and it changes how we live. However, the work of the Spirit is not done: it has only begun working. We cannot now imagine how great we will become when the Spirit is finished with our sanctification. We have experienced a small taste of the glory to come. Be excited!!

*"Old & New Testament Greek." StudyLight.org. Studylight.org, n.d. Web. 16 July 2013. <http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/gwview.cgi?n=536>.