Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "confirming" often refers to the act of strengthening, establishing, or validating something, particularly in relation to faith, doctrine, or the work of the apostles. This concept is integral to the growth and perseverance of the early Christian church as depicted in the New Testament.
Old Testament ContextWhile the specific term "confirming" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the concept is present in the form of God establishing His covenant with His people. For instance, in
Genesis 17:7 , God says to Abraham, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." Here, the idea of confirming is seen in God's promise to uphold His covenant.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the act of confirming is more explicitly mentioned and is closely associated with the ministry of the apostles and the early church leaders. One of the key aspects of their mission was to confirm the faith of new believers and to strengthen the churches.
1.
Confirming the Believers:
Acts 14:22 describes Paul and Barnabas as they traveled back through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, "strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith." This passage highlights the apostles' role in confirming the believers, ensuring that their faith was solid and enduring amidst persecution.
2.
Confirming the Word: The apostles also confirmed the message of the Gospel through signs and wonders.
Mark 16:20 states, "And they went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it." This divine confirmation served to authenticate the apostles' message and demonstrate the power of God.
3.
Confirming the Churches: The early church leaders took deliberate steps to confirm and establish the churches in sound doctrine.
Acts 15:32 notes that Judas and Silas, who were prophets, "said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers." This strengthening was crucial for the unity and doctrinal purity of the early church.
4.
Confirming Spiritual Gifts: In
1 Corinthians 1:6-8 , Paul writes, "because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly await the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." Here, the confirmation of spiritual gifts is linked to the believers' perseverance and readiness for Christ's return.
Theological ImplicationsThe act of confirming in the biblical sense underscores the importance of a firm foundation in faith and doctrine. It reflects the necessity of ongoing support and encouragement within the Christian community to withstand trials and false teachings. The apostles' efforts to confirm the believers and the churches illustrate the vital role of leadership in nurturing and safeguarding the faith of the community.
Practical ApplicationFor contemporary believers, the concept of confirming serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual growth and maturity. It encourages Christians to seek out sound teaching, engage in fellowship, and rely on the Holy Spirit to strengthen their faith. Additionally, it calls for believers to support one another in their spiritual journeys, ensuring that the church remains steadfast and vibrant in its mission.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Confirm.
Greek
1384. dokimos -- tested, approved... 1383 (). 1384 () was used for the proving (testing) of coins, ie
confirming they were (not counterfeit, corrupted).]. Word Origin
...Strong's Hebrew
6965. qum -- to arise, stand up, stand... 1), carried (3), carry (4), caused (1), certainly help (1), certainly help him to
raise (1), come (2), confirm (13), confirmed (3),
confirming (1), confirms (1
...Library
Examples from Church History,Confirming the Words of Moses...
... Examples from Church History,confirming the words of Moses? Examples from Church
History,confirming the words of Moses,"Nestorius, Photinus, Apollinaris....
The Macedonians Hold a Synod at Lampsacus, During a Period of Both...
... Chapter IV."The Macedonians hold a Synod at Lampsacus, during a Period of Both Secular
and Ecclesiastical Agitation; and afterconfirming the Antiochian Creed...
Whether an Oath Added to the Consent that is Expressed in Words of...
... If, therefore, after consenting to marry a woman by words expressive of the future
andconfirming that consent with an oath, a man binds himself to another...
With those Also Who, as it were from Sleep...
... 2306] As it was with Him it happens to those who walk keeping Him before them as
an example, recollecting His divine words, in which,confirming us, He speaks...
The Forty Days
... They bring out". 1. Their evidential value, asconfirming the fact of the Resurrection.
'He showed Himself alive after His passion by ... proofs.'....
Divine Healing.
... And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and
confirming the word with signs following." Mark 16:19, 20....
Acts xv. 35
... of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia,confirming the Churches."
(v.39-41.) And this also is a work of Providence. For the...
Confirmation.
... Theconfirming, strengthening and establishing of"the catechumen in Grace, is effected
primarily alone through Christ's own means of Grace, viz.: the Word...
Whence it is not Right Either that those of the Clergy who have...
... not fallen, of that which they had done contrary to reason, their spontaneous flight
for instance, or their slackness in teaching andconfirming the brethren...
On Charity
... And he went through Syria and Cilicia,confirming the churches.". 6. Would not any
one think, on reading these words, that they were both equally sharp?...
Thesaurus
Confirming (10 Occurrences)...Confirming (10 Occurrences). Mark 16:20 They went out, and preached everywhere,
the Lord working with them, and
confirming the word by the signs that followed.
...Numenius
... 141 BC The embassy returned in 139 BC, bearing letters from the senate to the kings
of Egypt, Syria and "all the countries,"confirming the integrity of Jewish...
Unblamable (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 3:13 in order to theconfirming of your hearts unblamable in holiness
before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his...
Wastes (33 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 44:26Confirming the word of His servant, The counsel of His messengers it
perfecteth, Who is saying of Jerusalem, She is inhabited, And of cities of...
Witness (295 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) One who sees the execution of an instrument, and subscribes it for the purpose
ofconfirming its authenticity by his testimony; one who witnesses a will...
Working (205 Occurrences)
... (BBE YLT). Mark 16:20 They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with
them, andconfirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen....
West (110 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Mark 16:20 They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with
them, andconfirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen. (See NAS)....
Worked (145 Occurrences)
... Mark 16:20 and they, having gone forth, did preach everywhere, the Lord working
with 'them', andconfirming the word, through the signs following. Amen....
Instructions (47 Occurrences)
... Mark 16:20 They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and
confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen. (See NAS)....
Imperishable (11 Occurrences)
... Mark 16:20 They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and
confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen. (See NAS)....
Resources
Do the Qur'an and Muhammad affirm or reject the Bible? Should a Muslim read the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHave Christians corrupted the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs carbon dating a reliable method for determining the age of things? | GotQuestions.orgConfirming: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
