Episode 229 of Celebrate Poe is a continuation of an examination of the concepts or Chronos and Kairos - this time centered around the story of Easter - for example - how concept of kairos time is intricately related to the narrative of Jesus on the Road to Emmaus. The use of kairos time in the Easter Story emphasizes that Jesus' death and resurrection were not just historical events (Chronos) but pivotal moments orchestrated by God for the redemption of humanity (Kairos.)
00:00 Musical Intro
00:23 Spoken Intro
01:40 Chronos/Kairos Review
08:10 Relevance to Easter
12:24 The Road to Emmaus Story
20:11 Other accounts and perspectives
28:31 Upcoming episode
29:01 Sources
29:26 Outro
Episode 229 of Celebrate Poe is a continuation of an examination of the concepts or Chronos and Kairos - this time centered around the story of Easter - for example - how concept of kairos time is intricately related to the narrative of Jesus on the Road to Emmaus. The use of kairos time in the Easter Story emphasizes that Jesus' death and resurrection were not just historical events (Chronos) but pivotal moments orchestrated by God for the redemption of humanity (Kairos.)
00:00 Musical Intro
00:23 Spoken Intro
01:40 Chronos/Kairos Review
08:10 Relevance to Easter
12:24 The Road to Emmaus Story
20:11 Other accounts and perspectives
28:31 Upcoming episode
29:01 Sources
29:26 Outro
00:00 Musical Intro
00:23 Spoken Intro
Welcome to Celebrate Poe - My name is George Bartley, and this is Episode 229 - The Right Time. The is the second of two episodes dealing with Chronos time and Kyros time in the King James Bible. I also plan to have at least 2 episodes dealing with Chronos and Kyros time in several episodes on Shakespeare and then some works by Edgar Allan Poe, and several regarding dreams in the movie Inception.
And before Celebrate Poe jumps right into this episode, I want to again express my thanks to the Rev. Julia Whitworth who gave an excellent sermon earlier this year at Trinity Episcopal Church on Chronos and Kyros - exposing me to ideas that served as the foundation for this podcast series. The ancient concept - new to me - of chronos time and kyros time has totally totally changed my perspective and caused me to see life in a new way - but I digress…
01:40 Chronos/Kairos Review
Before we jump back into Chronos and Kairos, I’d like to suggest that you listen to the provious episode of Celebrate Poe where I first talk about what Chronos time and Kairos time mean.
But just in case you need a quick review - Chronos - and that is spelled CHRONOS - represents measured or chronological time. It is associated with the sequential and quantifiable nature of time, often depicted as a linear progression. Think of 1,2,3,4,5 or Edgar Allan Poe was born in 1809 and died in 1849 - numbers you can measure - or think of a chronograph or chronological dates - time that is objective and measurable, such as clocks, calendars, and mathematical calculations. Chronos emphasizes the structured and ordered flow of time - dates on a calendar, or the time on a watch.
Now Kyros - and that is spelled KYROS - signifies a moment or a period, not in a quantitive sense, but in a qualitative, opportune, or poetic manner. And don’t worry if you don’t understand all these concepts at first - just think of Kyros as time that is NOT as a series of numbers, but as poetic time.
By the way, it might help to think of RON for CHRONOS, and even more helpful to remember that the first part of Kyros rhymes with SKY. I know at first, I could NEVER remember the word Kyros - I knew what it meant, but I couldn’t easily remember the word - so I started silently thinking the name KYLE from the Simpsons, and that leads naturally to ky - ros. Or mentally remembering the word Cairo - the capital of Egypt - before youto say Kyros.
Kyros is often thought of as the right or opportune moment (which is something that can’t be expressed in ordinary 1,2,3,4 numbers.). And some definitions of Kyros include rhetoric - using the right word at the opportune moment
Chronos is not about the poetic or metaphorical essence of time.
Chronos is not concerned with the qualitative significance of moments.
As I will delve into later, for the most part, Chronos is NOT the poetical language of a Shakespeare or a Poe.
Most scholars believe that chronos and kairos are the two words that the ancient Greeks had for 'time' Whereas chronos refers to chronological or sequential time,[2] kairos signifies a good or proper time for action. In this sense, while chronos is quantitative - think how much or many - kairos has a qualitative, permanent nature. - think ephemeral or everlasting.
At the risk of sounding repetitious, I want you to understand that ”Chronos," is the more sequential and chronological concept of time. In rhetoric, Kairos emphasizes the importance of timing, context, and the opportune moment in communication or persuasion. Kairos is used to refer to the proper use of rhetoric at the right moment (or using the right word at the right time.) rhetoric and having a connection to time, but not in a calendar sense.
For the next the rest of this podcast episode, as well as the next episode, I would like to take a look at the concepts of chronos and kairos by looking at some sections from the King James Version of the Bible. Of course, I could find some great passages from almost any piece of literature that illustrate chronos, kairos, or both - but I think it would be a great deal more useful to briefly confine my examination to the Bible for today and the following episode - and then a look at time in Shakespeare and Edgar Poe, as well as the movie Inception in future episodes.
I hope by now you can see that I am repeating the words chronos and kairos in different ways so you can understand them better.
Now many scholars believe the entire ministry of Jesus can be seen as a prolonged Kairos period, bringing about significant change and fulfilling God's purpose.
And more than a few Christians describe their conversion as a "Kairos moment," a sudden realization of God's grace and a turning point in their lives. Or that receiving an answer to a prayer at the perfect moment can be seen as a manifestation of God's timing and his intervention in our lives.
Deepening one's faith, experiencing forgiveness, or receiving guidance can be understood as Kairos moments of divine connection - in other words, moments of spiritual growth.
08:10 Relevance to Easter
And since this podcast is scheduled for Easter week I would like to address a few aspects of the Easter story. The differences between the Gospel accounts of the Easter story primarily lie in the specific details and emphasis each Gospel writer chose to include. While all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—narrate the central event of Jesus' trial, death, and resurrection, they vary in certain aspects such as the time of day of Jesus' death, the witnesses present at the crucifixion and empty tomb, interactions between Jesus and others, and specific events like the crowing of the cock.
I mentioned in the previous podcast that Mark was my favorite gospel - what follows are three examples of Kairos time related to Easter from Markl:
Mark 15:33-39: The centurion witnessing Jesus' death declares him "the Son of God," recognizing a transformative moment despite having initially mocked him. It has been suggested that this conversion at the foot of the cross signifies the potential for unexpected awakenings during Kairos moments.
Mark 1:1-8: John the Baptist's proclamation of "prepare the way of the Lord" emphasizes the need for immediate change and the arrival of a pivotal moment.
Mark 16:1-8: The empty tomb becomes a powerful symbol of both fulfillment and new beginnings. It marks the culmination of Christ's sacrifice and the dawn of a new era, offering hope and transformation for humanity.
Most scholars seem to believe that any variations among the gospels can be attributed to the writers' intentions to emphasize different elements of the story for specific purposes. For instance, Matthew emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, Mark's account is more dramatic and vivid, Luke stresses historical accuracy, and John's Gospel is more poetic and spiritual
Despite these differences, all four Gospels agree on essential facts such as Jesus' crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection on the third day
The discrepancies in details like who was present at different points in the story or how many angels were at the tomb do not undermine the core message of the Resurrection. Instead, they reflect different perspectives and sources used by each Gospel writer. The presence of women as key witnesses in discovering the empty tomb and encountering the risen Jesus is notable, especially considering that women's testimony was not highly regarded in that cultural context
In essence, while there are variations in secondary details among the Gospel accounts of the Easter story, these differences do not detract from the overall message of Jesus' resurrection. Instead, they provide a richer tapestry of perspectives that collectively affirm this pivotal event in Christianity.
And in conclusion, even though it may not be overtly stated, I believe Christians believe that one of the most significant aspects of the Easter story is that the death and resurrection of Jesus means the end of sequential Chronos time - I believe that Christians are ultimately NOT controlled by measured time and events, but an afterlife where chronological time has no meaning.
12:24 The Road to Emmaus Story
To conclude this episode for Easter Week, I’d like to look at what might be a slightly different view of the story of Easter from Luke 24: 13:35 from the English Standard Version of the Bible, followed by some comments. This is not a narrative account of the events of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, but the story of several men talking about events that had just taken place.
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem,
14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.
15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.
16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad.
18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.
22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning,
23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”
25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther,
29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.
32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,
34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”
35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Now in this passage, the concepts of chronos time and kairos time are evident. As I hope you remember, Chronos time refers to the quantitative measurement of days and lives, emphasizing the structured, linear progression of time that we typically follow. On the other hand, kairos time represents a qualitative aspect of time, focusing on the opportune moments or divine timing that transcends mere chronological progression.
In the story of Jesus on the Road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-35, chronos time is reflected in the disciples' linear journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, discussing past events in a sequential manner. This linear progression symbolizes the disciples' understanding within a chronological framework. In contrast, kairos time is exemplified when Jesus reveals Himself to the disciples during a meal in Emmaus. This moment transcends mere chronological time as it signifies a divine encounter and revelation that goes beyond the ordinary passage of time.
20:11 Other accounts and perspectives
Therefore, in Luke 24:13-35, chronos time represents the disciples' physical journey and linear discussion of past events, while kairos time embodies the transformative and divine moment of revelation when Jesus reveals Himself to them during their meal in Emmaus.
In Luke 24:13-35, the concept of kairos time is intricately related to the narrative of Jesus on the Road to Emmaus. This passage exemplifies kairos time through the transformative and divine moment when Jesus reveals Himself to the disciples during a meal in Emmaus. Kairos time, as explained in the search results, signifies a qualitative aspect of time that goes beyond mere chronological progression, emphasizing opportune moments or divine timing.
This story also reflects kairos time as it portrays a significant moment of revelation and encounter with Jesus that transcends ordinary chronological time. This encounter symbolizes the proper moment when the disciples recognize Jesus, signifying a divine intervention that aligns with God's timing and plan. The disciples' realization of Jesus' presence at that specific moment underscores the deeper meaning of kairos time, highlighting how God's kingdom operates beyond human expectations and timeframes.
Therefore, the story relates to the concept of kairos time by illustrating a pivotal moment of divine revelation and encounter with Jesus on the Road to Emmaus, emphasizing how God's timing and intervention unfold in opportune moments that go beyond mere chronological progression.
Chronos time, which is sequential and clock time, is evident in the events leading up to Easter, such as the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the resurrection, unfolding in a linear and historical progression. On the other hand, kairos time represents God's opportune moment, a divine intervention that transcends mere chronological order. For instance, Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are not just historical events but divine interventions at the right moment in God's plan for salvation.
The Easter story portrays how Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection align with God's kairos time. Jesus' death on the cross and subsequent resurrection are not just events in history but represent a profound divine moment where God's plan for redemption reaches its climax. This pivotal moment signifies the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of a new era through Christ's victory over sin and death.
The significance of the use of kairos time in the Easter Story lies in highlighting God's perfect timing and divine intervention in the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Kairos time, as depicted in Luke's account, emphasizes the idea that God's kingdom operates on a different timetable than human expectations. This concept is exemplified in Jesus' ministry, where he proclaims that "the right time is now here" (Mark 1:15) and that God sent his Son at the right moment (Galatians 4:4).
In the Easter Story, kairos time underscores the divine plan unfolding at precisely the appointed moment for Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. It signifies a moment of profound significance and divine intervention beyond mere chronological order. The use of kairos time in the Easter Story emphasizes that Jesus' death and resurrection were not just historical events but pivotal moments orchestrated by God for the redemption of humanity.
Therefore, the significance of kairos time in the Easter Story underscores the divine timing and intervention in bringing about salvation through Jesus Christ, portraying a deeper layer of meaning beyond mere historical events.
Interpreting the Easter Story partially through the lens of kairos time underscores the idea that Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection were not just historical events but pivotal moments orchestrated by God at the appointed time for the redemption of humanity. This interpretation adds a spiritual depth to the narrative, emphasizing trust in God's timing and sovereignty over all events.
Furthermore, understanding the Easter Story with the concept of kairos time allows for a deeper exploration of how God's kingdom operates on a different timetable than human expectations. It highlights that God's plan for salvation unfolds at the right moment, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's timing even when it may not align with human desires or expectations.
In essence, interpreting the Easter Story through the use of kairos time enriches the narrative by emphasizing God's divine plan unfolding at precisely the appointed moment for Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. It underscores the profound significance of these events as pivotal moments in salvation history, guided by God's perfect timing and intervention.
The significance of the use of kairos time in the Easter Story in Luke for the interpretation of the story lies in emphasizing God's divine timing and intervention in the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Kairos time, as depicted in Luke's narrative, goes beyond mere chronological order and highlights moments of divine significance and intervention that transcend human understanding.
Interpreting the Easter Story in Luke through the concept of kairos time underscores that Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection were not just historical events but pivotal moments orchestrated by God at the appointed time for the redemption of humanity. This interpretation adds a spiritual depth to the narrative, emphasizing trust in God's timing and sovereignty over all events.
In essence, interpreting the Easter Story through the use of kairos time enriches the narrative by emphasizing God's divine plan unfolding at precisely the appointed moment for Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. It underscores the profound significance of these events as pivotal moments in salvation history, guided by God's perfect timing and intervention.
The ultimate meaning and significance of the Easter story for Christians can indeed be argued to be that the death and resurrection of Christ completely changed history, rendering future, measurable time after death irrelevant. The Easter story, as depicted in the Bible portrays Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection as pivotal events that altered the course of human history and brought about a new era of salvation and redemption.
Therefore, it can be contended that the ultimate meaning and significance of the Easter story for Christians lies in the belief that through Christ's death and resurrection, history was forever altered, and the concept of time after death became forever changed because of the eternal promise of salvation and new life in Christ.
The Easter story, which commemorates Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, is central to Christian faith as it symbolizes victory over sin and death. Christians believe that through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and subsequent resurrection, believers are offered forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. This pivotal event in Christian history signifies the defeat of death and the assurance of life beyond the earthly realm.
The Easter story underscores the Christian belief in a resurrection and the hope of life after death. Jesus' resurrection serves as a foundational tenet of faith, demonstrating that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life for those who believe in Christ. The Easter story highlights the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, offering believers the assurance of a future beyond physical death and the events of chronos time.
Therefore, for Christians, the Easter story holds immense significance in shaping beliefs about the afterlife by affirming the hope of resurrection, eternal life, and salvation through Jesus Christ. It serves as a cornerstone of faith, providing reassurance that death is not final but a gateway to a new existence.
28:31 Upcoming episode
Join Celebrate Poe for our next episode - Episode 230 - To Be or Not - where this podcast begins an examination of Chronos and Kairos time in some of Shakespeare’s works. Not surprisingly, Shakespeare showed a masterful way of dealing with time in his works, with his masterful reflections on Chronos and Kairos time.
29:01 Sources
Sources include: the Reverend Julia Wentworth, currently pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, The Language of God by Dr. Francis Collins, the King James Version of the Bible, the English Standard Version of the Bible, Perplexity.ai, and ChatGPT.
Thank you for listening to Celebrate Poe.
29:06 Outro