Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextIn the biblical context, "persuasions" refer to the act of convincing or influencing someone to believe or do something. This concept is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, where persuasion is often linked to faith, doctrine, and moral conduct. Persuasion can be seen as a tool for both good and evil, depending on the intent and truthfulness behind it.
Old Testament ReferencesWhile the term "persuasion" itself is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the concept is evident in various narratives. For example, the serpent's persuasion of Eve in
Genesis 3:1-6 is a pivotal moment where persuasion leads to the fall of man. The serpent's cunning words convinced Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, demonstrating how persuasion can lead to disobedience and sin.
In contrast, the prophets often used persuasion to call the people of Israel back to God. Through their messages, they sought to convince the Israelites to repent and return to the covenant. The persuasive nature of prophetic messages is evident in passages like
Isaiah 1:18, where God invites His people to reason together and turn from their sins.
New Testament ReferencesThe New Testament provides a more explicit exploration of persuasion, particularly in the context of spreading the Gospel. The Apostle Paul frequently engaged in persuasion as part of his missionary work. In
Acts 18:4 , it is noted, "Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks." Paul's efforts to persuade others were rooted in his deep conviction of the truth of the Gospel and his desire for others to come to faith in Christ.
In
Galatians 5:7-8 , Paul warns the Galatians about false persuasions: "You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth? Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you." Here, Paul highlights the danger of being led astray by false teachings and emphasizes the importance of discerning the source of persuasion.
The Role of the Holy SpiritIn Christian theology, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in persuasion, particularly in the context of conversion and sanctification. The Spirit convicts individuals of sin and persuades them of the truth of the Gospel. In
John 16:8 , Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit's work: "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment."
Moral and Ethical ImplicationsPersuasion in the Bible is not merely about changing minds but is deeply connected to moral and ethical implications. Believers are called to use persuasion in a manner that aligns with truth and love.
Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to speak the truth in love, growing in every way into Christ. This suggests that persuasion should be exercised with integrity and a genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of others.
Warnings Against Deceptive PersuasionThe Bible also warns against deceptive persuasion, which can lead individuals away from the truth.
Colossians 2:4 cautions, "I say this so that no one will deceive you by fine-sounding arguments." Believers are urged to be vigilant and discerning, testing all teachings against the truth of Scripture.
ConclusionWhile persuasion is a powerful tool, its value and impact depend on the truth it conveys and the intent behind it. In the biblical narrative, persuasion is a means by which God calls individuals to Himself, while also serving as a warning against the dangers of false teachings and deceit.
Greek
973. biastes -- a violent man... Cognate: 973 -- positive assertiveness; used of the believer living in faith ("God's
inworked
persuasions") guiding and empowering them to act forcefully -- ie
...3453. mueo -- to initiate into the mysteries, hence to instruct
... 'I have been initiated' " (, 893).]. : of the Holy Spirit enables the believer to
learn "." By experiencing faith ("God's inworkedpersuasions"), every decision...
2487. ichnos -- a track
... made by the sole of the foot (""); figuratively) the "footsteps" providing the for
others to follow, ie to live out "God'spersuasions" (His inworkings of...
2100. euaresteo -- to be well-pleasing
... Cognate: 2100 -- to please (gratify) by . We only please the Lord by living
("His inworkedpersuasions/preferences"). Accordingly...
Strong's Hebrew
3948. leqach -- a learning, teaching... Word Origin from laqach Definition a learning, teaching NASB Word Usage instruction
(1), learning (2),
persuasions (1), persuasiveness (2), teaching (3).
...Library
Our Scriptures were Received by Ancient Christians of Different...
... PART I. SECTION VII. Our Scriptures were received by ancient Christians
of different sects andpersuasions? Our Scriptures were...
On the Lordship or Dominion of God
... is about to command some thing to his rational creature, he does not exact every
thing which he justly might do, and he employspersuasions through arguments...
"For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die, but if Ye through...
... such a way, as nothing should appear but his supreme will and almighty power, he
might simply command obedience, and without any morepersuasions either leave...
A Continuation of Mr Bunyan's Life; Beginning Where He Left Off...
... patiently for the sake of a good conscience, and for the love of God in Jesus Christ
towards their souls, and by many cordialpersuasions, supported some whose...
A Continuation of Mr. Bunyan's Life, Beginning Where He Left Off...
... patiently for the sake of a good conscience, and for the love of God in Jesus Christ
towards their souls; and, by many cordialpersuasions, supported some...
Concerning Bernice's Petition to Florus, to Spare the Jews, but in...
... Now the seditious part would not comply with thesepersuasions; but the consideration
of those that had been destroyed made them incline to those that were the...
Three Afternoons Off the Track
... We thought the name appropriate. Cupid's Lake is peopled by Castes of various
persuasions; we made for the Robber quarter first....
Motives from the Difficulties of the Work
... heart! How strongly will it resist the most powerfulpersuasions, and hear
of everlasting life or death, as a thing of nought! If...
A Royal-Hearted Exile
... One thing alone the Emperor would not do in spite of all thepersuasions
of the Arians"appoint a successor to the absent Patriarch....
A Sketch of the Life of S. Gregory of Nyssa.
... It was owing to herpersuasions that her brother Basil also gave up the worldly
life, and retired to lead the devout life in a wild spot in the immediate...
Thesaurus
Persuasions (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Persuasions (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 7:21 With her fair
words she overcame him, forcing him with her smooth lips. (See NAS).
...Persuasion (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A creed or belief; a sect or party adhering to a certain creed or system
of opinions; as, of the same persuasion; allpersuasions are agreed....
Persuade (20 Occurrences)
... its parallels. (2) The "popularpersuasions" of 1 Esdras 5:73 are "efforts
to persuade the people" (uncertain text, however). Acts...
Persuasive (4 Occurrences)
Seducer
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who, or that which, seduces; specifically, one
who prevails over the chastity of a woman by enticements andpersuasions....
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