Topical Encyclopedia
The term "pointedly" is not directly found in the text of the Bible; however, the concept of speaking or acting in a pointed, direct, or clear manner is evident throughout Scripture. This entry explores the biblical principles and examples related to pointed communication and actions, emphasizing clarity, directness, and purposefulness in accordance with God's truth.
Biblical Principles of Pointed Communication1.
Truthfulness and Clarity: The Bible emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully and clearly. In
Ephesians 4:15, believers are encouraged to "speak the truth in love," highlighting the need for honesty coupled with compassion. Pointed communication should be rooted in truth, avoiding deceit or ambiguity.
2.
Purposeful Speech:
Proverbs 15:23 states, "A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!" This underscores the value of speaking with purpose and intention, ensuring that words are both appropriate and timely. Pointed speech should aim to edify and build up others, aligning with God's purposes.
3.
Rebuke and Correction: Scripture provides instances where pointed communication is necessary for correction and rebuke. In
2 Timothy 4:2, Paul instructs Timothy to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." This directive highlights the role of pointed speech in guiding others back to righteousness.
Examples of Pointed Communication in Scripture1.
Jesus' Teachings: Jesus often spoke pointedly to convey deep spiritual truths and challenge the status quo. In
Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of "woes" to the Pharisees and teachers of the law, directly addressing their hypocrisy and guiding listeners toward genuine faithfulness.
2.
Nathan's Confrontation with David: In
2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan confronts King David about his sin with Bathsheba. Nathan uses a parable to deliver a pointed message, leading David to repentance. This example illustrates the power of pointed communication in bringing about conviction and change.
3.
Paul's Letters: The Apostle Paul frequently employs pointed language in his epistles to address issues within the early church. In
Galatians 2:11-14, Paul recounts his confrontation with Peter, where he "opposed him to his face" for his hypocrisy. Paul's direct approach serves to correct and unify the church under the truth of the Gospel.
Pointed Actions in Scripture1.
Prophetic Acts: Prophets in the Old Testament often performed pointed actions to convey God's messages. For instance, in
Ezekiel 4, the prophet Ezekiel is instructed to perform symbolic acts to represent the siege of Jerusalem, delivering a clear and direct message of impending judgment.
2.
Jesus Cleansing the Temple: In
John 2:13-17, Jesus drives out the money changers from the temple, an action that is both pointed and purposeful. This act underscores His zeal for God's house and serves as a direct challenge to the corruption present in religious practices.
ConclusionWhile the term "pointedly" itself is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture in the form of direct, purposeful communication and actions. These instances serve as a guide for believers to speak and act with clarity, truth, and intention, reflecting the character and purposes of God.
Greek
2210. zemioo -- to damage, suffer loss... significant detriment). See 2209 (). 2210 ("experience loss") is
pointedly used in Phil 3:8. Here Paul shares the irony of how . As a
...1905. eperotao -- to inquire of
... properly, ask appropriately (aptly), done by someone on "preferred footing" who
makes a request from a "preferred position." 2065 ("askpointedly") is the...
Library
Whether the Heavens Should have Been Opened unto Christ at his...
... And therefore it is saidpointedly (Lk.3:21) that "Jesus being baptized and praying,
heaven was opened": because, to wit, the faithful after baptism stand in...
Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26.
... You see this by one striking characteristic. The Christian will rebuke mostpointedly
and frequently those for whom he feels the deepest compassion....
Exhortation to the Heathen
... Bunsen considers its first propagators specimens of the clairvoyant art, andpointedly
cites the manipulations they were said to practice (like persons playing...
From the Close of the General Conference of 1792 to the Close of...
... as I should have done. If I am restored, this shall be my theme more
pointedly than ever, God being my helper. I have been sick...
Earnest Expostulation
... thou art, that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another thou condemnest thyself;
for thou that judgest doest the same things:" and then hepointedly says to...
The Instructor. (P??dagogus.)
... Bunsen considers its first propagators specimens of the clairvoyant art, andpointedly
cites the manipulations they were said to practice (like persons playing...
Power --Its Source
... A writer haspointedly asked: "What are our souls without His grace?"as
dead as the branch in which the sap does not circulate....
Sown among Thorns
... What fruit have you born hitherto from all your hearing? May I venture to
put the question to each one of you verypointedly'? Some...
A Plea for the Christians
... Bunsen considers its first propagators specimens of the clairvoyant art, andpointedly
cites the manipulations they were said to practice (like persons playing...
Tatian's Address to the Greeks
... Bunsen considers its first propagators specimens of the clairvoyant art, andpointedly
cites the manipulations they were said to practice (like persons playing...
Thesaurus
Pointedly (1 Occurrence)...Pointedly (1 Occurrence). Mark 8:29 Then He asked them
pointedly, "But you yourselves,
who do you say that I am?" "You are the Christ," answered Peter. (WEY).
...Pointed (13 Occurrences)
Washing (56 Occurrences)
... Jesuspointedly contrasts Simon's neglect of even giving Him water for His feet
with the woman's washing His feet with tears and wiping them with her hair...
Feet (2931 Occurrences)
... Jesuspointedly contrasts Simon's neglect of even giving Him water for His feet
with the woman's washing His feet with tears and wiping them with her hair...
Tradition (13 Occurrences)
... It was against the tradition of the elders in this first sense that Jesus spoke
sopointedly to the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 15:2 Mark 7:3 f). The...
Pointeth (1 Occurrence)
Yourselves (530 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Mark 8:29 Then He asked thempointedly, "But you yourselves, who do you
say that I am?" "You are the Christ," answered Peter. (WEY)....
Arrest (22 Occurrences)
... The dignified and appropriate answer of Jesuspointedly brought before the judge
the irregularity he was committing, and was a reminder that His trial should...
Trial (45 Occurrences)
... The dignified and appropriate answer of Jesuspointedly brought before the judge
the irregularity he was committing, and was a reminder that His trial should...
Paul (207 Occurrences)
... Indeed, Bartlet ("Historic Setting of the Pastoral Epistles," The Expositor, January,
1913, 29)pointedly says that, as a result of Hort's "Judaistic...
Resources
Does Romans 2:7 teach works salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Lactantius? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to walk in the light? | GotQuestions.orgPointedly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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