Topical Encyclopedia
The term "persuaded" in the biblical context often refers to a firm conviction or assurance in one's beliefs or actions, typically as a result of divine influence or revelation. This concept is significant in understanding the nature of faith and the process by which individuals come to a deeper understanding and commitment to God's truth.
Biblical Usage and Context1.
Faith and Assurance: The Apostle Paul frequently uses the term "persuaded" to describe his confidence in God's promises and the truth of the Gospel. In
Romans 8:38-39 , Paul declares, "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Here, "persuaded" conveys a deep, unwavering conviction in the security of God's love.
2.
The Role of the Holy Spirit: Persuasion in the biblical sense often involves the work of the Holy Spirit, who convicts and convinces individuals of the truth. In
John 16:8 , Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit's role: "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." This divine persuasion leads to repentance and faith.
3.
Human Agency and Divine Influence: While persuasion involves divine influence, it also requires a response from the individual.
Acts 28:24 illustrates this dual aspect: "Some were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe." The passage highlights that while the message of the Gospel is persuasive, acceptance depends on the openness of the hearer's heart.
4.
Examples of Persuasion in Scripture: Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who were persuaded by God's message. In
Acts 26:28 , King Agrippa responds to Paul's testimony, saying, "In such a short time, would you persuade me to become a Christian?" This interaction underscores the power of personal testimony and the persuasive nature of the Gospel.
5.
The Certainty of God's Promises:
Hebrews 11:13 speaks of the patriarchs who were "persuaded of the promises" and embraced them, even though they did not receive them in their lifetime. This persuasion is rooted in faith, trusting in God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of being persuaded is central to understanding the nature of faith as both a gift from God and a personal commitment. It involves a transformation of the heart and mind, leading to a life aligned with God's will. The assurance that comes from being persuaded by God's truth provides believers with confidence and hope, enabling them to endure trials and remain steadfast in their faith.
In summary, "persuaded" in the biblical sense is more than mere intellectual agreement; it is a profound conviction that shapes one's entire life, rooted in the assurance of God's unchanging truth and love.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp. & p. p.) of Persuade.
2. (p. p. & a.) Prevailed upon; influenced by argument or entreaty; convinced.
Greek
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness... 4102 (from 3982, ", be
persuaded") – properly, (be , come to trust); . Faith (4102)
is always a , and something that can be produced by people.
...4100. pisteuo -- to believe, entrust
... 4100 (from 4102 , "faith," derived from 3982 , "persuade, bepersuaded") -- (affirm,
have confidence); used of persuading oneself (= human believing) and with...
569. apisteo -- to disbelieve, be faithless
... 569 ("not willing to bepersuaded") means more than "disbelieve" ("not believing")
because it indicates "refusing to be faithful" (honor a trust or revelation...
2138. eupeithes -- constantly attendant
... 2138 (from 2095 , "well" and 3982 , "persuade") -- properly, "well-persuaded," ,
ie willing (pre-disposed, favorable to); easy to come to terms with ....
543. apeitheia -- disobedience
... 543 (from 1 "not" and 3982 , "persuaded") -- properly, someone , referring
to their , ie the to be convinced by God's voice. This...
2431. hilaros -- cheerful
... joyous, cheerful, not grudging. 2431 -- properly, ; because -- describing someone
who is because ("alreadypersuaded"). 2431 ("won over...
3980. peitharcheo -- to obey authority
... From a compound of peitho and archo; to bepersuaded by a ruler, ie (genitive case)
to submit to authority; by analogy, to conform to advice -- hearken, obey...
545. apeithes -- disobedient
... apeithes Phonetic Spelling: (ap-i-thace') Short Definition: unbelieving, disobedient
Definition: unbelieving, disobedient, who will not bepersuaded....
4103. pistos -- faithful, reliable
... Cognate: 4103 (an adjective, derived from 3982 , "persuaded") -- properly, faithful
(loyalty to faith; literally, fullness of faith); typically, of believing...
3982. peitho -- to persuade, to have confidence
... 3), convinced (7), followed (2), have confidence (2), having confidence (2), listen
(1), obey (3), obeying (1), persuade (4),persuaded (8), persuading (1), put...
Strong's Hebrew
2388. chazaq -- to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen... harder (1), made repairs (12), made stronger (1), maintain (1), make (1), make an
effort (1), making himself strong (1), overcome (1),
persuaded (1), post a
...8156. shasa -- to divide, cleave
... root Definition to divide, cleave NASB Word Usage has the split (1), make a split
(1), making a split (1), making split (1),persuaded (1), tear (1), tore him...
5496. suth -- to incite, allure, instigate
... 1), entice (2), enticed (1), incited (3), inciting (1), induced (1), mislead (2),
misleading (1), misleads (1), misled (1), moved (1),persuaded (2), stirred (1...
6601b. pathah -- to be simple
... to be simple NASB Word Usage allure (1), became...enticed (1), deceive (2), deceived
(5), entice (9), enticed (1), entices (1),persuaded (1), prevailed (2...
Library
AlmostPersuaded. PM
... 221 AlmostPersuaded. PM. "Almost," but Lost. (475) "Almostpersuaded" now
to believe; "Almostpersuaded" Christ to receive; Seems...
How Jadon the Prophet wasPersuaded by Another Lying Prophet and...
... CHAPTER 9. How Jadon The Prophet WasPersuaded By Another Lying Prophet And
Returned [To Bethel,] And Was Afterwards Slain By A Lion....
For we who have BeenPersuaded by Many, Yea by Innumerable...
... Chapter LII. For we who have beenpersuaded by many, yea by innumerable?
For we who have beenpersuaded by many, yea by innumerable...
Thou Didst Deal with Me, that I Should bePersuaded to Go to Rome....
... Book V Chapter VIII Thou didst deal with me, that I should bepersuaded
to go to Rome? Thou didst deal with me, that I should...
And Now, if You Gentiles Will bePersuaded by These Motives...
... Section 7. And now, if you Gentiles will bepersuaded by these motives?
7. And now, if you Gentiles will bepersuaded by these...
Edwin was So Zealous for the True Worship, that He Likewise...
... BOOK II CHAP. XV. EDWIN was so zealous for the TRUE worship, that he likewise
persuaded Earpwald? EDWIN was so zealous for the...
But I Also as Yet, Although I Held and was FirmlyPersuaded that...
... Book VII Chapter III But I also as yet, although I held and was firmly
persuaded that Thou our? But I also as yet, although I...
A Solemn Address to those who Will not bePersuaded to Fall in...
... THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF RELIGION IN THE SOUL. CHAPTER XI. A SOLEMN ADDRESS TO THOSE
WHO WILL NOT BEPERSUADED TO FALL IN WITH THE DESIGN OF THE GOSPEL....
How Titus Gave Orders to Demolish the Tower of Antonia and Then...
... CHAPTER 2. How Titus Gave Orders To Demolish The Tower Of Antonia And Then
Persuaded Josephus To Exhort The Jews Again [To A Surrender]....
Concerning St. Ambrose and his Elevation to the High Priesthood...
... Book VI. Chapter XXIV."Concerning St. Ambrose and his Elevation to the High
Priesthood; how hepersuaded the People to practice Piety....
Thesaurus
Persuaded (40 Occurrences)...Persuaded (40 Occurrences). Matthew 27:20 Now the chief priests and the elders
persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
...Convinced (26 Occurrences)
... Luke 16:31 "He said to him,'If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets, neither
will they bepersuaded if one rises from the dead.'" (See RSV NIV)....
Persuade (20 Occurrences)
... Persuade (20 Occurrences). Matthew 27:20 Now the chief priests and the elders
persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus....
Prevailed (46 Occurrences)
... and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to
be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and stay." So shepersuaded us....
Laughing-stock (3 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 20:7 Yahweh, you havepersuaded me, and I waspersuaded; you are stronger
than I, and have prevailed: I am become a laughing-stock all the day, every...
Laughingstock (10 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 20:7 Thou hastpersuaded me, O Jehovah, and I ampersuaded; Thou hast hardened
me, and dost prevail, I have been for a laughter all the day, Every one...
Ridiculed (12 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 20:7 Yahweh, you havepersuaded me, and I waspersuaded; you are stronger
than I, and have prevailed: I am become a laughing-stock all the day, every...
Esteemeth (4 Occurrences)
... Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day
alike. Let every man be fullypersuaded in his own mind. (KJV ASV WBS)....
Deceivableness (1 Occurrence)
... de-sev' (nasha', "to lead astray"): "The pride of thy heart hath deceived thee"
(Jeremiah 49:16), ie "Thy stern mountain fastnesses havepersuaded thee that...
Deceive (48 Occurrences)
... de-sev' (nasha', "to lead astray"): "The pride of thy heart hath deceived thee"
(Jeremiah 49:16), ie "Thy stern mountain fastnesses havepersuaded thee that...
Resources
Who was Herod Agrippa II? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the relationship of faith and reason? | GotQuestions.orgIs door-to-door evangelism an effective method? | GotQuestions.orgPersuaded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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