Strong’s Greek 4161 (poiēma) denotes a product of creative action—a workmanship, handiwork, or thing made. While the English word “poem” owes its origin to this term, the New Testament uses it not for literary art but to highlight divine craftsmanship, whether in the material universe or in the redeemed community.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Romans 1:20 anchors the word in the realm of natural creation: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible attributes—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse”.
2. Ephesians 2:10 moves the term into the sphere of salvation history: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life”.

Theological Significance

Poiēma presents creation and redemption as parallel acts of divine artistry. In Romans, the cosmos itself is God’s crafted testimony, rendering every human accountable to acknowledge the Maker. In Ephesians, believers constitute a fresh creative act—formed in Christ and designed for holy activity. Both uses stress God’s intentionality: nothing is accidental; all is purposed.

Creation and New Creation

Paul’s pairing of the word with “creation” (Romans 1:20) and “created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10) establishes a biblical pattern: the same God who spoke galaxies into existence also regenerates dead sinners (Ephesians 2:1-5). The new creation thus surpasses the first in glory, as it not only reflects God’s power but also His grace.

Implications for Christian Ministry

1. Identity: The church does not self-invent; it is fashioned by God. Ministry therefore proceeds from gift, not human ingenuity.
2. Purpose: Good works are pre-prepared avenues of obedience. Discipleship entails discovering and walking in those works rather than designing alternative plans.
3. Assurance: Because believers are His workmanship, their ultimate completion rests on His faithful craftsmanship (Philippians 1:6).

Historical Reception in Church Teaching

Early patristic writers pointed to Romans 1:20 to defend the reasonableness of faith against paganism, appealing to creation as an apologetic foundation. Augustine linked the verse to his doctrine of general revelation, asserting that the “book of nature” echoes Scripture. Reformers such as John Calvin cited Ephesians 2:10 to underscore salvation by grace through faith, with good works as the inevitable fruit, not the root, of justification.

Relation to Worship and Art

Because the universe is God’s poiēma, artistic creativity among believers can be viewed as a derivative act of worship—reflecting the Maker’s image. Hymnody, visual art, and Christian literature become secondary “works” that point back to the primary Workman.

Pastoral Applications

• Encourage congregants struggling with self-worth: they are crafted by God, not mass-produced.
• Frame evangelism around Romans 1:20—unbelievers already experience God’s handiwork daily; the gospel names the Craftsman and invites reconciliation.
• Guide spiritual formation through Ephesians 2:10: identify spiritual gifts and avenues of service pre-arranged by God for each believer.