Lexical Summary anapeitho: To persuade, to convince, to win over Original Word: ἀναπείθω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance persuade. From ana and peitho; to incite -- persuade. see GREEK ana see GREEK peitho Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 374: ἀναπείθωἀναπείθω; to stir up by persuasion (cf. German aufreizen), to solicit, incite: τινα τί ποιῆσαι, Acts 18:13. So also in Herodotus, Thucydides, Plato, Xenophon, others. Topical Lexicon Definition and Conceptual Range The verb behind Strong’s Greek 374 portrays an active effort to convince, impel, or stir people toward a course of action—often with the implication of strong pressure or agitation. It differs from more neutral New Testament terms for “persuade” by stressing an urgent, almost coercive influence that can be perceived as subversive. Scriptural Occurrence and Context Acts 18:13 records its single appearance: “This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law”. The Jerusalem-based leaders who had followed Paul to Corinth leveled this accusation before Gallio, the proconsul of Achaia. Their charge was not that Paul merely reasoned with hearers but that he was actively inciting civil and religious disorder. Historical Background of the Accusation before Gallio 1. Gallio’s court was a Roman tribunal responsible for public order. Gallio’s dismissal demonstrated that Roman authorities did not yet view Christian preaching as treasonous. The ruling set a practical precedent that the proclamation of the gospel was, at least for a season, shielded from prosecution as a public offense. Interplay Between Persuasion and Law in Acts • Legitimate persuasion: Paul “reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (Acts 18:4, peithō). Theological Significance 1. Authority of the message: The gospel calls for genuine heart conviction, not manipulation; yet opponents may mislabel bold preaching as unlawful agitation. Implications for Ministry • Expect misrepresentation. Faithful evangelism can be painted as social subversion; the book of Acts normalizes this experience. Related Biblical Themes and Passages • Gospel persuasion versus human flattery: 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 374 appears only once, yet its charged nuance helps illuminate the tension between gospel proclamation and societal misunderstanding. Acts 18:13 reminds believers that heartfelt persuasion may be slandered as agitation, but God’s overarching governance assures both the advance of His word and the vindication of His servants. Forms and Transliterations αναπειθει αναπείθει ἀναπείθει αναπειθέτωσαν anapeithei anapeítheiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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