The term "encountered" in the biblical context often refers to moments when individuals come into contact with the divine, with angels, or with significant events that alter the course of their lives. These encounters are pivotal, serving as turning points that lead to transformation, revelation, or a deeper understanding of God's will.

Divine Encounters

One of the most profound types of encounters in the Bible is with God Himself. These divine encounters often occur in moments of crisis, decision, or calling. For instance, Moses encountered God in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-4), where he received his commission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This encounter was marked by awe and reverence, as Moses was instructed to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground.

Similarly, the prophet Isaiah encountered God in a vision, where he saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted (Isaiah 6:1-8). This encounter led to Isaiah's purification and commissioning as a prophet, highlighting the transformative power of encountering the divine.

Angel Encounters

Angelic encounters are another significant aspect of biblical narratives. Angels often serve as messengers of God, bringing news, guidance, or protection. In the New Testament, the angel Gabriel encountered Mary to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). This encounter was pivotal in the unfolding of the salvation narrative, as Mary accepted her role in God's plan with humility and faith.

In the Old Testament, Jacob's encounter with an angelic being at Peniel (Genesis 32:24-30) is a notable example. This wrestling match resulted in Jacob's name being changed to Israel, symbolizing his struggle and prevailing with God. Such encounters often signify a change in identity or mission, reflecting God's ongoing work in the lives of His people.

Encounters with Jesus

The Gospels are replete with encounters between Jesus and various individuals, each illustrating different aspects of His ministry and character. The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26) encountered Jesus and experienced a profound revelation of His identity as the Messiah. This encounter not only transformed her life but also led to the evangelization of her entire village.

Another significant encounter is that of Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6). This encounter with the risen Christ resulted in Saul's conversion to Paul, one of the most influential apostles in the early church. Such encounters with Jesus often lead to radical transformation and a new direction in life.

Encounters with the Holy Spirit

The early church experienced powerful encounters with the Holy Spirit, particularly on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). This encounter empowered the apostles to preach the gospel boldly and marked the birth of the church. The Holy Spirit's presence continues to be a source of guidance, comfort, and empowerment for believers.

Significance of Encounters

Encounters in the Bible are not limited to the extraordinary; they also occur in everyday situations where individuals meet God in prayer, worship, and obedience. These encounters remind believers of God's active presence in the world and His desire to engage with His creation. They serve as a call to be attentive to God's voice and responsive to His leading, trusting that every encounter has the potential to deepen one's faith and understanding of His purposes.(imp. & p. p.) of Encounter.7200. raah -- to see
... visible (1), become visible (1), behold (9), choice (1), consider (13), considered
(1), display (1), displayed (1), distinguish (1), encountered (1), enjoy (1 ...
/hebrew/7200.htm - 7k

Paul in Athens.
... It was encountered by the prejudices and bigotry of the Jews; by prejudices the
more obstinate, as they were founded in reverence for the religion which their ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xx paul in athens.htm

The Life of Captain John Paton.
... a victory over the covenanters, advanced over the Forth, and upon the 14th encamped
at Kilsyth near Stirling, and upon the 15th encountered the covenanters army ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of captain john.htm

General Considerations.
... The resistance which the theology of that famous man had everywhere encountered
had not availed, in the Greek-speaking churches of the East, to stem its ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 1 general considerations.htm

Opposition to Jesus.
... Jesus often complained of the incredulity and hardness of heart which he encountered,
and although it is natural that in such reproaches we make allowance for ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xx opposition to jesus.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... regarded by us as monsters; to the Egyptians, they were beings, rarer perhaps than
the rest, but not the less real, and their like might be encountered in the ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... I have been in so many battles, encountered so many dangers, so many times taken
prisoner by the Indians " have run the gauntlet " have been taken into the ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Chapter xl
... truth, it is rather unusual that dreams should be so numerous at this point of the
Genesis narrative after the many earlier instances we have encountered; cf. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xl.htm

Involution
... He stands at the top, and, behold, the Sun. None of the things he has
encountered in his progress toward the top are new things. ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter x involution.htm

The Divine Shepherd
... And it was while guarding his father's sheep that the boy David, single-handed,
encountered the lion and the bear, and rescued from their teeth the stolen lamb ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 52 the divine shepherd.htm

On the Journey to Jerusalem - Departure from Ephraim by Way of ...
... the general history. Christ had advanced farther on His journey, and now
once more encountered the hostile Pharisees. It will be ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxii on the journey.htm

Encountered (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Encountered (7 Occurrences). Acts 17:18 Then certain
philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. ...
/e/encountered.htm - 8k

Encounter (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To meet face to face; to have a meeting; to meet, esp. as enemies; to engage
in combat; to fight; as, three armies encountered at Waterloo. ...
/e/encounter.htm - 10k

Epicureans (1 Occurrence)
... LITERATURE ===== The Epicureans with the STOICS (which
see) encountered Paul in Athens (Acts 17:18 ...
/e/epicureans.htm - 20k

Bands (130 Occurrences)
... DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 22:6 The bands of Sheol surrounded me; The
cords of death encountered me; (DBY). 1 Kings 5:14 And sent ...
/b/bands.htm - 37k

Zerah (22 Occurrences)
... days of Asa (2 Chronicles 14:9-15). He reached Zephathah, and there encountered
the army of Asa. This is the only instance "in all ...
/z/zerah.htm - 19k

Nehemiah (9 Occurrences)
... He remained in Judea for thirteen years as governor, carrying out many reforms,
notwithstanding much opposition that he encountered (Nehemiah 13:11). ...
/n/nehemiah.htm - 24k

Josephus
... Surrounded by enemies among his own folk, who even attempted to assassinate him,
he encountered several dangerous experiences, and, at length, flying from the ...
/j/josephus.htm - 13k

Jabin (8 Occurrences)
... have any record. Here for the first time the Israelites encountered the
iron chariots and horses of the Canaanites. (2.) Another ...
/j/jabin.htm - 11k

Josiah (51 Occurrences)
... of Necho. The army of Judah went out and encountered that of Egypt at Megiddo,
on the verge of the plain of Esdraelon. Josiah went ...
/j/josiah.htm - 42k

Lions (50 Occurrences)
... 13:24, 25). Shepherds sometimes, single-handed, encountered lions and slew
them (1 Samuel 17:34, 35; Amos 3:12). Samson seized a ...
/l/lions.htm - 26k

Why had the disciples in Ephesus not received the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7)? | GotQuestions.org

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Encountered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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