Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of persuasion is integral to the Christian faith, as it involves the act of convincing others of the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of Scripture. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on how believers are to engage persuasively in their witness and ministry.
Biblical Examples of Persuasion1.
Paul's Ministry: The Apostle Paul is a prime example of someone who used persuasion in his ministry. In
Acts 18:4 , it is recorded, "Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks." Paul's approach often involved reasoning and dialogue, aiming to convince his listeners of the truth of Jesus Christ as the Messiah.
2.
Agrippa's Response: In
Acts 26:28 , King Agrippa responds to Paul's testimony by saying, "In such a short time would you persuade me to become a Christian?" This highlights Paul's persuasive efforts in sharing his faith, even with those in positions of power.
3.
Apollos' Eloquence: Apollos is described as an eloquent speaker who was "competent in the Scriptures" (
Acts 18:24). His ability to speak persuasively was instrumental in his ministry, as he "vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ" (
Acts 18:28).
Principles of Persuasive Communication1.
Truth and Love:
Ephesians 4:15 instructs believers to speak "the truth in love." Persuasion in the Christian context is not about manipulation but about lovingly presenting the truth of the Gospel.
2.
Gentleness and Respect:
1 Peter 3:15 advises believers to "always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect." This verse underscores the importance of a respectful and gentle approach in persuasive communication.
3.
Reliance on the Holy Spirit: Persuasion in the Christian life is not solely dependent on human effort.
John 16:8 speaks of the Holy Spirit's role in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Believers are to rely on the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those they seek to persuade.
Warnings Against Deceptive PersuasionThe Bible also warns against using persuasion for deceitful purposes.
Colossians 2:4 cautions, "I say this so that no one will deceive you by fine-sounding arguments." Believers are to be discerning and avoid being swayed by persuasive but false teachings.
The Goal of PersuasionUltimately, the goal of persuasion in the Christian context is to lead others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to edify the body of believers.
2 Corinthians 5:11 states, "Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men." This reflects the earnest desire to see others reconciled to God through Christ.
In summary, persuasion in the Bible is characterized by truth, love, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, with the aim of advancing the Gospel and strengthening the faith of believers.
Library
How the Temperate Style is to be Used.
... For as the function of all eloquence, whichever of these three forms it may assume,
is to speakpersuasively, and its object is to persuade, an eloquent man...
From all this we May Conclude, that the End Arrived at by the Two....
... For as the function of all eloquence, whichever of these three forms it may assume,
is to speakpersuasively, and its object is to persuade, an eloquent man...
Conversation and Public Speaking
... If he presents the facts he will speak convincingly; if he is deeply in earnest
he will speakpersuasively; and if he be an educated man his speech will have...
Human Arts as Well as Divine Knowledge Proceed from God.
... For sensibility finds and invents; since itpersuasively exhorts to application.
And practice will increase the application which has knowledge for its end....
Concerning St. Hilarion and the virgins in Heliopolis who were...
... city, who had long entertained inimical feelings against him, because, during the
reign of Constantine, he had more spiritedly thanpersuasively elevated the...
On the Holy Trinity, and of the Godhead of the Holy Spirit.
... They charge us with preaching three Gods, and din into the ears of the multitude
this slander, which they never rest from maintainingpersuasively....
Maximinus C??sar Having Come at that Time into the Government...
... as he was offering libations, and fearlessly seizing him by the right hand, straightway
put a stop to his sacrificing, and skillfully andpersuasively, with a...
But if Men Either Knew Themselves Thoroughly, or had the Slightest...
... than that we may learn to know the rules and differences of nouns, the intervals
in the sounds of different tones, that we may speakpersuasively in lawsuits...
1 Cor. x. 13
... tables?". "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion of the
Blood of Christ?" Verypersuasively spake he, and awfully....
1 Timothy v. 15-Nov
... And observe howpersuasively he speaks; he has not said, "let them maintain them
expensively," but "let them relieve them." "That the Church," he says, "may...
Thesaurus
Persuasively (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Persuasively (1 Occurrence). Acts 19:8 And having
gone into the synagogue, he was speaking boldly for three
...Nabal (18 Occurrences)
... She so courteously andpersuasively pled her cause that David's anger was appeased,
and he said to her, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel which sent thee this...
Persuasiveness (3 Occurrences)
Persuade (20 Occurrences)
... King James Version writes "persuading the things" (the Revised Version (British
and American) "as to the things") for "present the thingspersuasively." And in...
Persuasive (4 Occurrences)
Pestilence (57 Occurrences)
... King James Version writes "persuading the things" (the Revised Version (British
and American) "as to the things") for "present the thingspersuasively." And in...
Persuasion (2 Occurrences)
... King James Version writes "persuading the things" (the Revised Version (British
and American) "as to the things") for "present the thingspersuasively." And in...
Resources
Who was Gregory of Nyssa? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is secular humanism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is homiletics? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
