The term "beckoned" refers to a gesture or signal made to communicate a message or summon someone. In biblical contexts, beckoning often involves a non-verbal cue, such as a nod or a hand movement, to convey a message or instruction. This action is seen in various passages throughout the Bible, illustrating moments of communication that are subtle yet significant.

Biblical Instances of Beckoning

1. Acts 12:17 · In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter uses a gesture to communicate with those around him. After being miraculously freed from prison, Peter goes to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. When he arrives, he finds many gathered in prayer. The scripture states, "But Peter motioned to them with his hand to be silent and described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison." Here, Peter's beckoning serves to quiet the crowd so he can share the miraculous account of his escape.

2. Acts 13:16 · Another instance is found in the ministry of the Apostle Paul. While in Pisidian Antioch, Paul is given the opportunity to speak in the synagogue. The passage reads, "Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand, he said: 'Men of Israel and you Gentiles who fear God, listen to me!'" Paul's gesture is a call for attention, preparing the audience to hear his message about Jesus Christ.

3. John 13:24 · During the Last Supper, the Apostle John uses a gesture to communicate with Jesus. The scripture recounts, "So Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus which one He was talking about." This moment occurs when Jesus reveals that one of the disciples will betray Him. Peter's beckoning to John is a discreet way to seek further clarification from Jesus.

Significance of Beckoning in Scripture

Beckoning in the Bible often occurs in moments of urgency or importance, where verbal communication might be impractical or impossible. It reflects the cultural and situational contexts of the time, where gestures were a common means of communication. The use of beckoning highlights the human element in biblical narratives, showing how individuals interacted and conveyed messages in their daily lives.

In a broader theological sense, these instances of beckoning can be seen as symbolic of the ways God communicates with His people. Just as individuals in the Bible used gestures to convey important messages, God often uses subtle signs and signals to guide and instruct believers. The act of beckoning, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of being attentive to both verbal and non-verbal cues in our spiritual journey.(imp. & p. p.) of Beckon.

Reuben Johnson Pardoned.
... The Chaplain saw him standing right in front of the Commissioner, and beckoned to
him; but he only turned and looked around him, thinking that the Chaplain ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/reuben johnson pardoned.htm

John xiii. 20 .
... [2040] For if after telling us that Peter beckoned to John to ask ... Simon Peter therefore
beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom He spake. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxii john xiii 20.htm

Christ and his Table-Companions "And when the Hour was Come, He ...
... sat next to the Saviour, and leaned upon His bosom, and that Peter sat a good way
off,"we feel sure he did, because it is said that he "beckoned" unto John ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/christ and his table-companions and.htm

On the Sinful Woman.
... But He, Who knows what is secret, beckoned to Simon and said to him:""Come
hither, Simon, I bid thee; does any one stand at the door? ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on the sinful woman.htm

Life and Conduct of the Holy Women, Xanthippe, Polyxena, and ...
... And his mistress beckoned to him, saying, Seest thou, brother, the images of the
idols being shaken, how they cannot endure the power of the word? ...
/.../unknown/the acts of xanthippe and polyxena/life and conduct of the.htm

Vision Third. Concerning the Building of the Triumphant Church ...
... be seated first." "Do what I bid you," said she; "sit down." When I would have sat
down on her right, she did not permit me, but with her hand beckoned to me ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/vision third concerning the building.htm

Lights and Shadows.
... unknown depths of her sadness. Thus are they employed, when Martha, unseen
to her sister, has been beckoned away. "The Master has come ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/vii lights and shadows.htm

For the King There were Three Great Perils: the People...
... Now she had the dignity of a wild deer in the barrens. With one hand she
felt her jewelled hair, with the other she beckoned to him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 16 for the king.htm

It was the Day Before the Nones of November in Rome. ...
... leaving. He beckoned to a slave, who halted Appius and turned him back.
"An escort will be on the campus at dawn," said the emperor. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 18 it was the.htm

The Betrayal Foretold at the Supper
... Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom
he spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the betrayal foretold at the.htm

Beckoned (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Beckoned (8 Occurrences). ... (KJV WBS). Luke 5:7 They beckoned
to their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. ...
/b/beckoned.htm - 9k

Beckon (4 Occurrences)
... John 13:24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him, "Tell us who
it is of whom he speaks." (Root in WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT RSV). ...
/b/beckon.htm - 8k

Motioned (7 Occurrences)
... Motioned (7 Occurrences). John 13:24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and
said to him, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks." (See NIV). ...
/m/motioned.htm - 8k

Defense (49 Occurrences)
... putting him forward. Alexander beckoned with his hand, and would have made
a defense to the people. (WEB ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV). Acts 22 ...
/d/defense.htm - 20k

Nodded (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 24:10 When the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, "Because
I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I ...
/n/nodded.htm - 7k

License (3 Occurrences)
... License (3 Occurrences). Acts 21:40 And when he had given him license, Paul
stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand to the people. ...
/l/license.htm - 8k

Licence (3 Occurrences)
... Licence (3 Occurrences). Acts 21:40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood
on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. ...
/l/licence.htm - 8k

Gestured (1 Occurrence)
... Gestured (1 Occurrence). John 13:24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and
said to him, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks." (See NAS). ...
/g/gestured.htm - 6k

Wished (31 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:33 and out of the multitude they put forward Alexander -- the Jews thrusting
him forward -- and Alexander having beckoned with the hand, wished to make ...
/w/wished.htm - 15k

Wishing (25 Occurrences)
... Acts 19:33 and out of the multitude they put forward Alexander -- the Jews thrusting
him forward -- and Alexander having beckoned with the hand, wished to make ...
/w/wishing.htm - 13k

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