Persuade (πείθω)
Persuading (πείθω) involves convincing someone to follow a particular viewpoint or course of action.
The High Priests and elders of Israel persuaded the people to request a murderer be set free while condemning a righteous man, Matthew 27:20. After they had Him crucified by the hand of Pilate, standing at the cross, they mocked Christ, saying, “He was persuaded on the basis of God. Now, let Him deliver Him if He desires, for He said that I am the Son of God.” Knowing that Jesus was the Messiah and that He stated if they destroyed His body, He would raise it in three days, the High Priests and elders persuaded Pilate to seal the tomb and put a guard at it so no one could steal the body. However, three days later, some of the guards assigned to the tomb came into the city and told the High Priest of the angel and the tomb opening, for the One they had condemned to death and mocked God answered and raised Him out from the dead. Concerned over this news, the High Priest and elders offer the guards a large sum of money to say the disciples overtook them while they slept. And if the governor hears of this, they will persuade him and make them secure, Matthew 28:14. The absurdity of such a statement is shocking, for if they were caught sleeping, they would be killed, and if they failed in their duties, they would face execution. During Christ’s earthly ministry, while addressing the Pharisees, who were fond of money, He speaks of a rich man and Lazarus. This is not a parable but a historical record of two men: one who trusted in his wealth and the other in God. After the rich man perished, speaking across the abyss to Abraham, he asked that Lazarus be sent to warn his brothers. To this, Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets. If they do not listen to them, they will not be persuaded by someone rising from the dead, Luke 16:31. Even after His resurrection and the substantial evidence provided, the High Priest and elders were not persuaded, just as Christ stated.
When it comes to salvation for the saints of the Church, the more we understand about what God has done, take Him at His Word, and grow in knowledge, we are going to be persuaded, just as Paul stated, that neither death, nor life, nor angels or rulers, or anything in this present age is going to separate us from the love of God in Christ, Romans 8:38. Even though we are counted as sheep for slaughter by the unrighteous, and killed all day long, in Christ we are victorious for in Him we have been co-crucified and co-raised to walk in newness of life, and when we see Him we will be like Him, resurrected and fully glorified into the ages of the ages, Romans 6:4-6; 1 John 3:2. Nothing in this world can stop what God has done, for He will finish what He started, Romans 9:28; Philippians 1:6.
The saints in Galatia became an example for the Church in their failure to live by grace. Jews, claiming to be from Jerusalem, came into the city claiming that in order to be saved, they must be circumcised. They had already received the message of the crucified and resurrected Christ and were therefore saved; however, these men bewitched them not to be persuaded by the truth and sought to be justified before men through works, Galatians 3:1. This is still an issue in many assemblies today. They claim salvation by the Spirit but maturity through the flesh. This persuasion does not come from God, Galatians 5:8. They had correctly walked, but someone hindered them from being persuaded by the truth, Galatians 5:4. After correcting them, Paul was persuaded that they would not have any other mind, and the one who troubled them would bear his judgment, Galatians 5:10.
Even being in chains, Paul was persuaded that what God had begun, He was going to finish, Philippians 1:6. Although the Jews sought to silence Paul from speaking the truth, his chains ended up persuading many of the brethren, who then spoke the truth of the resurrected Christ with boldness, Philippians 1:14. However, not to be outdone, the unpersuaded also preached of the resurrection of Christ, seeking to bring more condemnation upon Paul, Philippians 1:15-16, while not realizing they were spreading a message that has in inherent ability to save, Romans 1:16.
We are persuaded to follow a specific course of action through reasoning and logic. The question is, will we be persuaded by the truth or by those who seek to bewitch us against the facts of the gospel for salvation and how to live out the Christian life in a godly and righteous manner in Christ?
Regret (μεταμέλομαι)
Regret (μεταμέλομαι) is caused when someone feels sorry or remorse concerning a previous action. It is not equivalent to repent (μετάνοια), which means to change the mind.
When Paul had to write a letter to the saint in Corinth to correct their unbecoming behavior, he was very poignant in his comments. However, even though Paul was sorry that he had to be so hard, he did not regret writing the letter, 2 Corinthians 7:8. Through the letter, he caused them to grieve; however, this type of grief brings a change of mind, not death, 1 Corinthians 7:10.
In one of His encounters with the leaders of Israel, Jesus speaks of two sons who respond in different ways to their father’s request. The first son refused to work in the vineyard; however, after considering his father’s request, he regretted his response and went to work, Matthew 21:29. The second one agreed with the father’s request but did not go. This was to point out the fact that John the Baptist came to the leaders of Israel in righteousness, and even though they did not receive him, the tax collector and harlots did. Seeing their change of mind in response to John’s message should have opened the leader’s eyes; however, they still did not regret rejecting his message, Matthew 21:32.
Judas Iscariot was a thief, John 12:6. He was the only disciple of the twelve who did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah; however, because he handled the purse, he chose to stay with them. This type of attitude led to betraying Christ for thirty pieces of silver. However, his intent was not for Christ to be put to death; rather, he was expecting them to beat Him and afterward release Him. When He was condemned to death, Judas responded with remorse for his actions and sought to return the money, Matthew 27:3. He knew that Jesus was innocent, and by his hand Christ was placed into a position that allowed the leaders of Israel to have Him put to death, Matthew 27:4. This regret did not result in a change of mind, or repentance; instead, he hung himself, Matthew 27:5, for his grief was not a godly one but due to his loss of income.
Christ is the High Priest after the Melchizedek order. This is a covenant made by the Father that He would never regret. He is the High Priest into the age, Hebrews 7:21. Therefore, Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. Unlike the Levitical order, which had many High Priests, His priesthood is unchangeable, for He abides into the age, Hebrews 7:24.
The root of regret (μεταμέλομαι) is to care about (μελει). Therefore, when God calls, He does not regret His gift, Romans 11:29, and godly grief produces a change of mind without regret, 2 Corinthians 7:10, for God does not again concern Himself with His actions as to be remorseful in saving.
To Gain a Firm Mental Grasp (ἐπίσταμαι)
Having a firm mental grasp or acquiring information is expressed by ἐπίσταμαι (epistamai). Its root means to stand (ιστημι). Therefore, it expresses standing with a firm mental grasp because of the information a person is acquainted with.
In Peter’s denial of Christ, when questioned by a young servant girl if he was with Christ, he adamantly denied it, saying that he neither intuitively knows nor has acquired knowledge concerning Christ, Mark 14:68. After Peter is restored from the attack by Satan that caused him to deny Christ, God uses him to show the Jews that the Gentiles are also being accepted into the Church. In Cornelius’ house, Peter states that they have a firm mental grasp on the fact that it is not permissible for a Jew to fellowship or enter into a place with another nation, Acts 10:28. However before Cornelius sent for Paul, God showed him that he is not to call any man common or unclean and, therefore, Peter came without objection.
During the council in Acts chapter fifteen concerning whether or not the Gentiles should be circumcised and obey the law of Moses, Peter spoke up concerning what God had been doing. The elders and apostles present had acquired knowledge concerning the situation when God instructed Peter to enter into the house of a Gentile so they could hear the gospel. They were neither circumcised nor immersed before the Holy Spirit came upon them in the same manner as He did on the day of Pentecost to show the Jews a sign, Acts 15:5.
When Apollos came to Ephesus, he was mighty in the Scripture; however, he was only familiar with (had a firm mental grasp) the immersion of John, Acts 18:25. Aquila and Priscilla took him aside and explained the way of God to him so that he acquired more accurate information concerning all that God had done since the immersion of John.
The seven sons of Sceva, who were known as exorcists, sought to use the name of Jesus against a malignantly evil spirit who was possessing man and found out that it is not the name alone but the relationship that matters. After they told the spirit that he was to leave by the authority of the Jesus that Paul preaches, the demon responded, “ I experientially know Jesus, and Paul I have acquired knowledge concerning, but who are they?” He then overpowered them and sent them running down the street without their clothing, Acts 19:15.
Those who teach contrary to proper godliness are puffed up and not acquainted with the truth, 1 Timothy 6:3. They are obsessed with disputing and arguing over words, producing envy, strife, revelings, and malignantly evil suspicions. They suppose gain is godliness. We are to withdraw from such false teachers. They speak of things they are not acquainted with and corrupt themselves in their error, Jude 10. Let us not be fooled by those who seek to make merchandise of us. Since we have not gained a firm mental grasp on what will happen tomorrow, and our lives are but a vapor that appears for only a short time, James 4:14, let us seek out the desirous will of God and live a life of godliness with contentment, 1 Timothy 6:6, for we brought nothing into this world, and will take nothing from it, 1 Timothy 6:7.
Prepared food (ὀψάριον)
A tidbit (ὀψάριον), or prepared food, is often translated as fish; however, it is not limited to just fish (ἰχθύς). The Apostle John is the only author who uses this word to describe food.
In the story of Jesus feeding five thousand men with five barley loaves and two small fish, recorded by the Apostle John in John 6:9, he writes that it is prepared food that the young boy had. In this sign, after giving thanks to the Father, the five thousand men following Jesus were able to eat until they were satisfied, John 6:11, leaving twelve baskets of barley and tidbits remaining. When Matthew records this event, he uses the word for fish (ἰχθύς), indicating that the prepared tidbits of food the young man had was cooked fish.
After the resurrection of Christ, to show the disciples that He truly was raised from the dead, He ate with them. The disciples had returned to their fishing business when Jesus stood on the shore, asking if they had food (προσφάγιον – food prepared beforehand). He then instructed them to cast their net on the right side, for they had not caught any fish. The results immediately showed the disciples that they were speaking to their Lord, for they had caught more fish than they could draw in the boat, John 21:6. Once they came to land, Jesus had some prepared food on the coals with bread, John 21:9-10. After setting down to eat breakfast, Jesus partakes of the food to show them He is human, not a spirit. This is the third time Jesus appeared to them after His resurrection, John 21:14.
Different (διάφορος)
Different (διάφορος) focus on the distinctiveness and, therefore, can express something outstanding or excellent in comparison.
Paul uses “difference” to describe the distinctions between Spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6 according to the grace given to us, and therefore, we are to use the gift we received to its fullest while not seeking to do more than what God has laid out for us. Although there are diversities (διαίρεσις), the sign gifts, revelatory gifts, and edifying gifts all have their purpose, for we are part of one body. God has set each member within the body according to His desire, 1 Corinthians 12:18. This is especially important to understand concerning the use of Spiritual gifts today, for the sign and revelatory gifts have ceased due to fulfilling their purpose. Therefore, let us focus on the edification of the assembly, not an individual, 1 Corinthians 14:4.
Christ is different than the angels, for He is the Son of God, the exact image of God the Father, and has therefore obtained a different name than they, Hebrews 1:2. At no time did God say to an angle, “You are My Son, Today I have begotten you.” Rather, the angels are to worship Christ, showing that He truly is God in the flesh, Hebrews 1:6. To the Son, He said, “Your throne, O God, is into the ages of the ages.”
The Tent that Moses was instructed to build was to be precisely completed in the manner in which He was shown, for it is a shadow of the heavenly things, Hebrews 8:3. Through the Holy Spirit, Hebrews 9:12, Christ entered the Holy of Holies in the heavens and through His blood obtained a more excellent (different) ministry in as much as He is the mediator of a better covenant that is built upon better promises, Hebrews 8:6. Therefore, the Church is not Israel and never will take the place of Israel, for our covenant and promises are different. The temple was a shadow of the good things to come, symbolic through the offerings of sacrifices and gifts concerning food and drink, different washings, and fleshly ordinances. However, Christ is the High Priest of the good things to come that are based upon the greater, more complete tabernacle. The One not made with hands, Hebrews 9:8.
Obtaining by Experience Something Happening (τυγχάνω)
To obtain by experience something happening (τυγχάνω) expresses the concept of hitting the mark or attaining; therefore, that which has occurred or been accomplished. However, it does not convey the idea of something a person seeks to obtain or gain through effort. Instead, it is when something happens; therefore, they have acquired it.
When Jesus spoke of a man who was on his way to Jerusalem from Jericho, it happened to him that thieves stripped, wounded, and left him half dead, Luke 10:29. This was not something that the man sought to attain, in the sense of seeking out. Rather, this happened to him.
In attempting to deceive Jesus into saying something by which they could accuse Him, the Jews question Him about a woman who had seven brothers, who each died without a child. Therefore, as was customary, she became the wife of each brother to pass on their seed. They inquired whose wife she would be in the resurrection. In response, Jesus states that those who are worthy of the age have attained the resurrection out from the dead and, therefore, do not marry, for they are like the angels in this matter, Luke 20:35. The resurrection out from the dead has happened to them.
In Ephesus, Paul taught in the school of Tyrannus for two years. During this time, it happened to Paul that God worked miracles through him so that all of Asia heard of the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jew and Gentile, Acts 19:11. In seeking to persuade Felix to put Paul to death, Terullus speaks of the peace that has happened to them under his leadership, Acts 24:2. Experiencing something happening can relate to obtaining care, such as with Paul in Sidon, Acts 27:3, or receiving kindness after the shipwreck on Malta, Acts 28:2. Each of these events or circumstances were attained to because they occurred.
As Paul is discussing his plans, when he goes through Macedonia, it may happen (τυγχάνω) that he stays the winter in Corinth; however, for now, he is headed to Jerusalem so he will tarry in Ephesus, 1 Corinthians 16:6. The things that Paul endures is for the sake of the elect that they may attain to salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 2:10. This is not gaining salvation, for to be elect is to be saved; rather, it is to attain to a lifestyle that expresses the life we have in Christ, 2 Timothy 2:11.
In dealing with the misuse of the Spiritual gift of speaking in tongues that was active during the early Church as a sign to the unbelieving Jews, Paul states that it happens that there are many kinds of languages in the world, 1 Corinthians 14:10. Therefore, if we do not know the meaning of a language then it has no value to us. Within the Church, it is better to speak a few words with understanding than ten thousand in an unknown language, 1 Corinthians 14:19.
In explaining the resurrection, Paul uses a grain, which may happen to be wheat, to convey the concept that the body sown is not the same as what comes, 1 Corinthians 15:37. Our current body is soulish in nature and relates to the earth; however, the resurrected body will be spiritual and pertain to heavenly things, 1 Corinthians 15:46-49. Old Testament saints who understood Scripture concerning the resurrection to come rejected the payment of a ransom for their freedom so they could attain a better resurrection, Hebrews 11:35.
It has happened to Christ that He has become the Mediator of a better covenant that is built upon better promises, Hebrews 8:6. He has obtained the position of the High Priest after the Melchizedek order, which is not according to the Law, through what He experienced, Hebrews 7:11. It is because He obtained the position of the Mediator of a better covenant that those within the Church are not under law, for their promises are built upon better things.