Discoursing, in the biblical context, refers to the act of speaking, teaching, or engaging in conversation, often with the purpose of imparting wisdom, knowledge, or spiritual truth. The Bible provides numerous examples of discoursing, highlighting its importance in the communication of God's Word and the edification of believers.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, discoursing is often seen in the form of teaching and prophecy. Moses, for instance, is a prominent figure who discoursed with the Israelites, conveying God's laws and commandments. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , Moses instructs the Israelites: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

The prophets also engaged in discoursing as they delivered God's messages to the people. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and other prophets often spoke to the Israelites, calling them to repentance and obedience. Their discourses were not only warnings but also messages of hope and restoration.

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the supreme example of discoursing. His teachings, parables, and sermons are foundational to Christian doctrine. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a prime example of Jesus discoursing on the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 5:2 , it is written, "And He began to teach them, saying..."

The apostles continued this tradition of discoursing after Jesus' ascension. The Book of Acts records numerous instances where the apostles preached and taught. In Acts 2:14 , Peter stands up with the Eleven, raises his voice, and addresses the crowd, delivering a powerful discourse on the fulfillment of prophecy and the resurrection of Christ.

The Apostle Paul is particularly noted for his discourses, both in person and through his epistles. In Acts 17:2-3 , Paul is described as reasoning with the Jews from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. His letters to the early churches are filled with theological discourse, addressing issues of doctrine, ethics, and church practice.

Purpose and Impact

Discoursing serves several purposes in the biblical narrative. It is a means of teaching and instruction, ensuring that God's laws and principles are understood and followed. It is also a method of persuasion, as seen in the apostolic preaching aimed at converting unbelievers and strengthening the faith of believers.

Furthermore, discoursing is a tool for correction and rebuke. The prophets often used their discourses to call out the sins of the people and urge them to return to God. In the New Testament, Paul frequently uses his letters to correct false teachings and guide the churches in truth.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The effectiveness of discoursing in the Bible is often attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things and remind them of everything He had said (John 14:26). The Spirit empowers believers to speak boldly and with wisdom, as seen in Acts 4:31 : "After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."

Conclusion

Discoursing, as depicted in the Bible, is a vital aspect of communicating divine truth and fostering spiritual growth. It encompasses teaching, preaching, and engaging in meaningful dialogue, all under the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Through discoursing, the message of the Gospel is proclaimed, and the body of Christ is built up in faith and knowledge.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Discourse.

While Hades was Thus Discoursing to Satan, the King of Glory ...
... Part II."The Descent of Christ into Hell. Greek Form. Chapter 8 (24). While Hades
was thus discoursing to Satan, the King of glory stretched out His right? ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 8 24 while hades.htm

Wherein the Same Thing is Treated Of; Discoursing the Interests ...
... Wherein the same thing is treated of; Discoursing the Interests which some Confessors
and Spiritual Directors use to have; in which are declared the Qualities ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap vii wherein the same.htm

But He Imbues their Minds, Above All, with Ethical Science; and He ...
... Argument IX."But He Imbues Their Minds, Above All, with Ethical Science; And He
Does Not Confine Himself to Discoursing on the Virtues in Word, But He Rather ...
/.../argument ix but he imbues their.htm

Whether the Operation of Contemplation is Fittingly Divided into a ...
... whereas he assigns the oblique movement of the soul to the fact that "the soul is
enlightened in Divine knowledge by reasoning and discoursing." Therefore it ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the operation of contemplation.htm

Continuation of the Discourse on the Holy Ghost.
... of the New Testament: and as then to keep within due limit of your attention we
restrained our eagerness (for there is no satiety in discoursing concerning the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvii continuation of the.htm

John Chapter viii. 13, 14
... 1. You who were present yesterday, bear in mind that we were a long while discoursing
of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, where He says, "I am the light of ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxv john chapter viii.htm

Succession of Philosophers in Greece.
... is true." [1952] You see how even to the prophets of the Greeks he attributes something
of the truth, and is not ashamed, [1953] when discoursing for the ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv succession of philosophers in.htm

Of Difficulties Concerning the Trinity: in what Manner Three are ...
... Accordingly I have undertaken the task, by the bidding and help of the Lord my God,
not so much of discoursing with authority respecting things I know already ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 5 of difficulties concerning the.htm

The Day Now Approaching Whereon She was to Depart this Life which ...
... We were discoursing then together, alone, very sweetly; and forgetting those things
which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, we ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter x the day now.htm

Acts xv. 1
... And think not that our continual discoursing about the same things is a condemning
of you: for if we condemned you, we should not discourse; but now, hoping ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxii acts xv 1.htm

Discoursing (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Discourse. Multi-Version
Concordance Discoursing (3 Occurrences). Acts 20:7 And on ...
/d/discoursing.htm - 7k

Discover (28 Occurrences)

/d/discover.htm - 17k

Tumultuous (10 Occurrences)
... Acts 24:12 and neither in the temple did they find me discoursing to any one, or
making any tumultuous gathering together of the crowd, nor in the synagogues ...
/t/tumultuous.htm - 9k

Discourses (4 Occurrences)

/d/discourses.htm - 7k

Continuing (24 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, the disciples having been gathered together
to break bread, Paul was discoursing to them, about to depart on the morrow ...
/c/continuing.htm - 13k

Gathering (71 Occurrences)
... Acts 24:12 and neither in the temple did they find me discoursing to any one, or
making any tumultuous gathering together of the crowd, nor in the synagogues ...
/g/gathering.htm - 28k

Lifted (466 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:9 and there was sitting a certain youth, by name Eutychus, upon the window --
being borne down by a deep sleep, Paul discoursing long -- he having sunk ...
/l/lifted.htm - 36k

Making (644 Occurrences)
... Acts 24:12 and neither in the temple did they find me discoursing to any one, or
making any tumultuous gathering together of the crowd, nor in the synagogues ...
/m/making.htm - 34k

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