Predica Verbum: Jurnal Teologi dan Misi

“Eukairos” and “Akairos” in 2 Timothy 4:2: A Hermeneutical-Theological Study for Gospel Preachers

2026-06-27T09:06:29+07:00

2 Timothy 4:2 emphasizes two conditions that a preacher of the gospel must face in carrying out his calling, namely "good times" (eukairos) and "bad times" (akairos). A review of the literature reveals that previous researchers have focused only on ethical, homiletic, and practical aspects without comprehensively interpreting the theological meaning of the terms εὐκαίρως (eukairos) and ἀκαιρός (akairos), resulting in a shift in meaning that has led to a partial and less contextual understanding. Therefore, this study aims to examine the lexical-theological significance of εὐκαίρως (eukairos) and ἀκαίρως (akairos) in 2 Timothy 4:2 and to analyze their implications for perseverance and continuity in gospel ministry. Through a theological hermeneutical approach, this study finds that the term eukairos refers to situations where the preaching of the gospel is openly accepted by the audience, while akairos describes a context of ministry that is full of rejection and resistance to the truth of the gospel. Four important implications for evangelists are: first, they must always be ready to serve in all circumstances; second, external situations should not change the main purpose of evangelism; third, success or rejection does not affect the spiritual reward promised by God; fourth, difficult ministry conditions actually become a vessel for God's power to be manifested tangibly. The results of this study reinforce the focus, perseverance, and integrity of missionaries in facing the dynamics of ministry at all times.

”Teologi Tanah Warisan”: Interpretasi 1 Raja-Raja 21:1-29 dan Relevansinya terhadap Krisis Tanah di Bali

2026-06-27T09:06:29+07:00

The conversion of customary land in Bali due to tourism expansion and the practice of nominee agreements by non-Balinese residents has threatened the sustainability of local communities’ ancestral land rights. Although the issue of customary land in Bali has been examined from the perspectives of agrarian law and sociology, a biblical study linking the narrative of 1 Kings 21 to the ancestral land crisis in Bali has never been conducted. This study addresses this gap by examining the theological significance of ancestral land in 1 Kings 21 and its relevance to contemporary customary land issues in Bali. The method employed is a historical-critical interpretation of the text of 1 Kings 21, followed by a comparative analysis of the socio-cultural context of Balinese society. The findings identify three meanings of ancestral land: (1) land as a symbol of ancestral identity, (2) land as a guarantee of generational continuity and kinship, and (3) land as the foundation of community well-being. These findings indicate that the theological framework of 1 Kings 21 can serve as a normative foundation for responding to the shift in the value of land from a sacred inheritance to an economic commodity, while also providing an ethical contribution to the advocacy of land rights for the indigenous people of Bali.

Sabda Bahagia sebagai Model Stress Coping Generasi Z: Dialog Kritis dengan Stoisisme

2026-06-27T09:06:29+07:00

This study is motivated by the growing phenomenon of mental health problems experienced by Generation Z, which has contributed to the increasing popularity of Stoicism as a practical philosophy for stress coping among young people. This phenomenon raises theological questions regarding the adequacy of Stoicism when compared with Christian spirituality, particularly the teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes or the Sermon on the Mount. This research employs a qualitative-descriptive method with a comparative theological analysis approach toward the concepts of happiness, emotions, suffering, virtue, and external realities in Stoicism and the Beatitudes. The findings reveal that both traditions share similarities in emphasizing virtue and rejecting external factors as the ultimate source of happiness. However, the study also finds that Stoicism emphasizes rational self-mastery and emotional detachment, whereas the teachings of Jesus offer a more holistic coping framework through spiritual reframing, emotional integration, identity formation as the people of God, emphasis on relationship with God, and eschatological hope. The novelty of this research lies in its recommendation of a Beatitudes-based stress coping model for Generation Z within pastoral theology and Christian spirituality, presenting a more comprehensive and transformative coping framework through the integration of psychological, relational, existential, and theological dimensions of human suffering.

Theokrasi dalam Kitab Daniel dan Relevansinya dengan Karakter Kepemimpinan Modern

2026-06-27T09:06:29+07:00

Crises of integrity, abuse of power, and a lack of ethical leadership pose serious challenges to modern leadership. In this context, the Book of Daniel offers a relevant theological perspective for the development of leadership characterised by integrity and accountability. This study examines the concept of God’s theocracy in the Book of Daniel and its implications for modern leadership. The Book of Daniel presents various events that affirm God’s sovereignty over human government, including the experiences of Daniel and his companions in the Babylonian exile, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, and the downfall of Belshazzar. These stories demonstrate that true leadership is not based solely on worldly power, but is also subject to divine authority. The key principles drawn from the Book of Daniel include integrity, wisdom, steadfast faith, and reliance on God in decision-making. In the context of modern leadership, this study demonstrates that the principles of God’s theocracy in the Book of Daniel remain relevant in shaping ethical leadership grounded in moral values. The novelty of this research lies in the reinterpretation of the concept of theocracy as a biblical-ethical framework for modern leadership, particularly in addressing ethical crises, the abuse of power, and moral dilemmas. The values exemplified by Daniel serve as a guide for leaders in building leadership that is just and oriented towards the common good. This research is a literature review employing a theological-biblical approach and narrative analysis of the Book of Daniel to identify leadership principles and their relevance in a modern context. The results of the study indicate that the Book of Daniel presents three main principles of leadership, namely moral integrity, an awareness of transcendent authority, and ethical courage under political pressure. These findings demonstrate the relevance of biblical leadership principles to the practice of modern, ethical and responsible leadership.

Slavery in the Pentateuch and Its Relevance to Human Trafficking in Asia: A Theological Review

2026-06-27T09:06:29+07:00

Human trafficking in Asia has reached an alarming level, with victims trapped in forced labor, sex trafficking, forced marriage, and other forms of exploitation. Meanwhile, the Pentateuch is often misunderstood as legitimizing slavery, whereas its laws actually contain principles of liberation and protection for the oppressed. This study aims to analyze the concept of slavery in the Pentateuch (Ex. 21, Lev. 25, Deut. 15) and to establish its relevance to the phenomenon of human trafficking in Asia, as well as to formulate theological implications for the Church's response. Using qualitative library research with a descriptive-analytical approach and liberation hermeneutics, this study finds that the slave laws in the Pentateuch emphasize the limitation of slavery periods, protection for escaped slaves, restoration through the Year of Jubilee, and voluntary service based on love. These principles are highly relevant for addressing the root causes of human trafficking, such as poverty, corruption, and weak policies. This study concludes that the Church in Asia is called to be an agent of liberation, providing protection, advocacy, holistic recovery, and preventive education for victims and vulnerable communities.