Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of appeals can be understood as a request or plea for a decision or action to be reconsidered or reviewed. This concept is evident in various narratives and teachings throughout Scripture, where individuals or groups seek intervention, justice, or mercy from a higher authority, whether human or divine.
Old Testament Examples1.
Moses' Intercession: One of the earliest examples of an appeal is found in the account of Moses interceding for the Israelites. After the people sinned by worshiping the golden calf, God expressed His intention to destroy them. Moses appealed to God on their behalf, reminding Him of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As a result, "the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people" (
Exodus 32:14).
2.
Abraham's Plea for Sodom: In
Genesis 18, Abraham appeals to God to spare the city of Sodom if righteous people can be found there. Abraham's persistent negotiation with God demonstrates the power of appeal and intercession, as he questions, "Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" (
Genesis 18:23).
3.
The Daughters of Zelophehad: In
Numbers 27, the daughters of Zelophehad appeal to Moses and the leaders of Israel for the right to inherit their father's property, as he had no sons. Their appeal leads to a change in the inheritance laws, showing that appeals can lead to justice and reform.
New Testament Examples1.
Paul's Legal Appeals: The Apostle Paul frequently utilized the Roman legal system to appeal for justice and protection. In
Acts 25, Paul appeals to Caesar after being unjustly accused by Jewish leaders. He states, "I appeal to Caesar!" (
Acts 25:11), exercising his rights as a Roman citizen to seek a fair trial.
2.
The Canaanite Woman: In
Matthew 15, a Canaanite woman appeals to Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial resistance, her faith and persistence lead Jesus to grant her request, saying, "O woman, your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire" (
Matthew 15:28).
3.
The Parable of the Persistent Widow: Jesus teaches about the importance of persistent prayer through the parable of the persistent widow in
Luke 18. The widow continually appeals to an unjust judge for justice, and her persistence eventually leads to a favorable outcome. Jesus uses this parable to encourage believers to "always pray and not lose heart" (
Luke 18:1).
Theological ImplicationsAppeals in the Bible often highlight the themes of justice, mercy, and the importance of intercession. They demonstrate the belief that God is a righteous judge who listens to the cries of His people and that human authorities are accountable to divine standards of justice. The act of appealing, whether to God or human authorities, reflects a trust in the possibility of change and the hope for a just resolution.
Practical ApplicationsFor believers, the biblical examples of appeals encourage the practice of prayer and intercession, trusting in God's willingness to hear and respond. They also underscore the importance of advocating for justice and righteousness in human affairs, using available means to seek fair treatment and uphold God's standards.
Greek
3570. nuni -- now... (a) of time: just now, even now; just at hand, immediately, (b) of logical connection:
now then, (c) in commands and
appeals: at this instant.
...3568. nun -- now, the present
... (a) of time: just now, even now; just at hand, immediately, (b) of logical connection:
now then, (c) in commands andappeals: at this instant....
Library
Exile:Appeals for a Phinehas, and a Jehu: 1554
... CHAPTER V: EXILE:APPEALS FOR A PHINEHAS, AND A JEHU: 1554. No... massacre!
No persecuted apostle had dealt inappeals to the dagger....
PaulAppeals to Caesar
... Lesson 40 PaulAppeals to Caesar. [This chapter is based on Acts 25:1-12.]
"When Festus was come into the province, after three days...
SimonAppeals to Scripture in Support of his System.
... Book VI. Chapter V."SimonAppeals to Scripture in Support of His System.
And this, he says, is what has been written in Scripture...
The Discourse Continued: ChristAppeals to the Testimony of his...
... CHAPTER VIII. CHRIST'S SECOND JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM. Section 146. The Discourse
continued: ChristAppeals to the Testimony of his Works. (John, v., 30-37.)....
SimonAppeals to the Old Testament to Prove that There are Many...
... Homily XVI. Chapter VI."SimonAppeals to the Old Testament to Prove that
There are Many Gods. "For instance, in the very first...
PeterAppeals to the Old Testament to Prove the Unity of God.
... Homily XVI. Chapter VII."PeterAppeals to the Old Testament to Prove the Unity of
God. And Peter said: "I shall reply briefly to what you have said....
FurtherAppeals to Cyprian's Teaching.
... Book IV. Chapter 26."FurtherAppeals to Cyprian's Teaching. Does that
holy and so memorable instructor of the Churches in the...
Presbyters, Deacons, or Clerics, who Shall Think Good to Carry...
... Greek xxxi.) Presbyters, deacons, or clerics, who shall think good to carryappeals
in their causes across the water shall not at all be admitted to communion....
That from Judges who have Been Chosen, noAppeals May be Taken.
... Canon XCVI. (Greek xcix.) That from judges who have been chosen, noappeals may
be taken. That from judges who have been chosen, noappeals may be taken....
Instances from Scripture of Divine Judgments Upon the Self...
... Chapter XVI."Instances from Scripture of Divine Judgments Upon the
Self-Indulgent; AndAppeals to the Practices of Heathens. For...
Thesaurus
Appeals (2 Occurrences)...Appeals (2 Occurrences). Acts 2:40 And with many more
appeals he solemnly warned
and entreated them, saying, "Escape from this crooked generation." (WEY).
...Appealing (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Appeal. 2. (a.) Thatappeals;
imploring. Multi-Version Concordance Appealing (3 Occurrences)....
Intercession (12 Occurrences)
... people. But, after the catastrophe, in his sorrow heappeals to God for
mercy upon them (Lamentations 2:20; Lamentations 5:1, 19)....
Apostle (25 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A brief letter sent by a court appealed from to the superior court, stating
the case, etc.; a paper sent up onappeals in the admiralty courts. Int....
Rome (12 Occurrences)
... exclusively. Repeatedappeals to brute force dulled the perception for
constitutional restraints and the rights of minorities. The...
Joab (128 Occurrences)
... Asahel, Joab's brother, is killed in his pursuit of Abner, but the latter's army
is sorely pressed, and heappeals to Joab for a cessation of hostilities....
Linus (1 Occurrence)
... Irenaeus-bishop of Lyons about 178 AD-in his defense of orthodox doctrine against
the Gnostics "appeals especially to the bishops of Rome, as depositories of...
Warned (63 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Acts 2:40 And with many moreappeals he solemnly warned and entreated
them, saying, "Escape from this crooked generation." (WEY NIV)....
Immanuel (3 Occurrences)
... prophetic economy, evidently stands on the same level with Shear-jashub (Isaiah
7:3) as the embodiment of a great idea, to which Isaiah againappeals in Isaiah...
Temperate (6 Occurrences)
... It does not refer to any one class of objects that meets us, but to all; to what
concerns speech and judgment, as well as to whatappeals to sense....
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