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Epignosis

How are we sure know something? And what is to know?  In philosophy, to know, as claimed by the  epistemologists, is to have a justified belief. 

For example, how are we sure that we know it's raining? We can see empirically, the drizzling from the sky.

But there is different kind of knowing. 

 Epignosis is a term that originates from Greek philosophy, specifically from the philosophical school of Skepticism. 

It refers to a state of mental suspension or withholding judgment about the truth or falsity of a proposition. 

In other words, it's a form of skepticism where one refrains from making a definite assertion or denial regarding a statement or a belief. 

Epignosis can be seen as a way to maintain an open mind and avoid dogmatism by acknowledging the limitations of human knowledge.

Epignosis is fuller or complete knowledge without ifs and buts. It's a kind of knowing that journeys away from scientific claims.

But can we know something when the evidence is not clear? What about Jesus born by a Virgin, as told by the theological history?

In the Bible, the term "epignosis" (ἐπίγνωσις) is used in several verses in the New Testament, primarily in the writings of Paul. It is often translated as "knowledge" or "full knowledge" and is used to denote a deep, experiential, and intimate knowledge of God or of spiritual truths. Here are a few examples:

1. Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge (epignosis) of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

2. 2 Peter 1:2-3 (ESV): "May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge (epignosis) of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."

3. Romans 1:28 (ESV): "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge (epignosis: knowing God fuller) God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done."

4. Romans 3:20 (ESV): "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge (epignosis) of sin."

5. Romans 10:2 (ESV): "For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge (epignosis)."

6. 1 Corinthians 1:5 (ESV): "That in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge. (Epignosis"

7. Ephesians 1:17 (ESV): "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge (epignosis) of him."

8. Colossians 2:2 (ESV): "That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge (epignosis) of God's mystery, which is Christ."

9. Colossians 3:10 (ESV): "And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge (epignosis) after the image of its creator."

10. 2 Timothy 2:25 (ESV): "Correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge  (epignosis) of the truth."

11. Titus 1:1 (ESV): "Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness."

In these verses, "epignosis" is used to describe knowledge that is deep, experiential, and transformative, particularly in relation to knowing God and understanding spiritual truths. Epignosis" conveys a deeper, more profound understanding of God's will and divine truths, as opposed to a superficial or intellectual knowledge.
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