The verb "predestine" comes from the Greek term "prohorizō," which is the compound of "pro" and "horizō." Grammatically, in the active voice, the verb "prohorizō" portrays God as initiating this action.

"Pro" means "in front" in a spatial sense or "before" in a temporal sense.

"Horizō" means "to determine or ordain" or "to appoint."

Combined as "prohorizō," the meaning of "decide upon beforehand, foreordain" or "pre-appoint" is derived. Through the influence of Jerome, who is largely responsible for the Latin Vulgate, "prohorizō" developed a sense of "destiny" which led to the English translation of "predestine."

From a variety of linguistic studies, "prohorizō" is more accurately understood as "pre-appoint" or "determine beforehand."

1. Carefully observe these two passages. In the first passage, Acts 2:22-23, the apostle Peter is speaking to a large group of Jerusalem Jews. In the second passage, the apostles Peter and John are with a group of Believing friends and together they are praying. What do you observe about what God determined beforehand?

"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know - this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. (Acts 2:22-23, ESV)

for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. (Acts 4:27-28, ESV)

Here are some sample questions that will help you with your observation of the text:

Did God determine beforehand the manner, exact date, and time of His Son’s death and crucifixion?

Herod and Pontius Pilate were anointed. What does anoint mean? Were they Believers?

What did God determine beforehand of Jews and Gentiles of Israel? What did God foreknow?

How much did God determine beforehand His plan? What did His plan entail? When did it begin? When did it end?