Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:The term "reasoned" in a biblical context refers to the process of logical thinking, discussion, and persuasion based on evidence and sound judgment. It involves the use of intellect and rationality to understand, explain, or argue a point, often in the context of faith, doctrine, or moral issues.
Biblical Usage:The concept of reasoning is evident throughout the Bible, where individuals engage in dialogue, debate, and reflection to discern truth and make decisions. Reasoning is portrayed as a valuable tool for understanding God's will and applying His teachings to life.
Old Testament References:While the specific term "reasoned" may not frequently appear in the Old Testament, the practice of reasoning is implicit in many narratives and teachings. For example, the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, often encourages thoughtful reflection and discernment.
Isaiah 1:18 invites believers to reason together with God: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
New Testament References:In the New Testament, reasoning is more explicitly mentioned, particularly in the context of the early church and the spread of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul is noted for his reasoning with both Jews and Gentiles to explain and defend the Christian faith.
Acts 17:2-3 describes Paul's approach: "As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead."
Acts 18:4 further illustrates this practice: "Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks." Paul's method of reasoning was not merely intellectual but was deeply rooted in Scripture and aimed at leading others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The Role of Reason in Faith:From a biblical perspective, reason is not opposed to faith but complements it. Believers are encouraged to use their minds to understand and articulate their faith.
1 Peter 3:15 exhorts Christians to "always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you." This defense involves reasoned arguments that are grounded in Scripture and presented with gentleness and respect.
Reason and Divine Revelation:While reason is a valuable tool, it is ultimately subordinate to divine revelation. The Bible teaches that human understanding is limited and that true wisdom comes from God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Thus, reason is to be exercised within the framework of faith and reliance on God's revealed truth.
Conclusion:The biblical concept of reasoning underscores the importance of engaging the mind in the pursuit of truth and understanding. It is a means by which believers can grow in their faith, defend their beliefs, and effectively communicate the Gospel to others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Reason.
Greek
627. apologia -- a speech in defense... 627 (from 575 , "from" and 3056 , "intelligent reasoning") -- properly, a well-
reasoned reply; a to adequately address the issue(s) that is raised.
...4817. sullogizomai -- to reckon, to compute, ie to reason
... Sadducees). Word Origin from sun and logizomai Definition to reckon, to compute,
ie to reason NASB Word Usagereasoned (1). reason with....
1256. dialegomai -- to discuss, to address, to preach
... discuss, to address, to preach NASB Word Usage addressed (1), argued (1), carrying
on a discussion (1), discussed (1), discussing (1),reasoned (2), reasoning...
1260. dialogizomai -- to consider
... Word Origin from dia and logizomai Definition to consider NASB Word Usage discuss
(4), discussing (1), pondering (1), reason (1),reasoned (1), reasoning (7...
Library
Ninth Tractate. "TheReasoned Dismissal".
... THE FIRST ENNEAD NINTH TRACTATE. "THEREASONED DISMISSAL". "You will not dismiss
your Soul lest it go forth . . . " [taking something with it]....
Concerning the Holy Spirit, aReasoned Proof.
... An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith. Book I. Chapter VII."Concerning
the Holy Spirit, areasoned proof. Moreover the Word...
Once I Remember (I Think I was About 4 Years Old When) I Thus...
... THE THIRD CENTURY 16 Once I remember (I think I was about 4 years old when)
I thusreasoned with myself. Once I remember (I think...
Concerning the Word and the Son of God: aReasoned Proof.
... An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith. Book I. Chapter VI."Concerning
the Word and the Son of God: areasoned proof. So then...
Acts xvii. 1, 2, 3
... they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: and Paul, as his manner
was, went in unto them, and three sabbath daysreasoned with them out of...
Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... And as hereasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled,
and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season...
Paul's Sermon Before Felix
... (No.171). Delivered on Sabbath Morning, January 10, 1858, by the. REV. CH SPURGEON.
at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens. "And as hereasoned of righteousness...
Paul and Felix
... And as hereasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled,
and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season...
Woman's Position in the Army
... mind and heart; now she made a thorough study of the subject in the light of the
Word of God and of history, and as a result she formed areasoned opinion from...
Concerning the Leaven of the Pharisees.
... Now, while Jesus said these things, the disciplesreasoned, saying not aloud, but
in their own hearts, "We took no loaves." [5592] And something like this was...
Thesaurus
Reasoned (20 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Reasoned (20 Occurrences). Matthew 16:7 They
reasoned among themselves, saying, "We brought no bread." (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS).
...Argued (20 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Acts 17:2 Paul, as was his custom, went in to them, and for three
Sabbath daysreasoned with them from the Scriptures, (See RSV)....
Discussed (12 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Discussed (12 Occurrences). Matthew 16:7 Theyreasoned
among themselves, saying, "We brought no bread." (See RSV NIV)....
Believed (135 Occurrences)
... of heaven or of men? And theyreasoned among themselves, saying, If we should say,
Of heaven, he will say to us, Why then have ye not believed him? (DBY)....
Themselves (911 Occurrences)
... Matthew 16:7 Theyreasoned among themselves, saying, "We brought no bread."
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Matthew...
Felix (11 Occurrences)
... Happy, the Roman procurator of Judea before whom Paul "reasoned" (Acts 24:25)....
She was seated beside him when Paul "reasoned" before the judge....
Believe (239 Occurrences)
... From heaven or from men?" Theyreasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say,'From
heaven,' he will ask us,'Why then did you not believe him?' (WEB KJV WEY ASV...
Discuss (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Discuss (8 Occurrences). Matthew 16:7 Theyreasoned among
themselves, saying, "We brought no bread." (See NAS RSV NIV)....
Talked (79 Occurrences)
... DBY WBS RSV). Luke 20:14 "But when the farmers saw him, theyreasoned among
themselves, saying,'This is the heir. Come, let's kill...
Within (400 Occurrences)
... Mark 2:8 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they soreasoned within
themselves, said to them, "Why do you reason these things in your hearts?...
Resources
What is an apologist? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is narrative theology? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God expect us to have blind faith? | GotQuestions.orgReasoned: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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