Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Performance, in a biblical context, refers to the act of carrying out or executing a task, duty, or command. It encompasses the idea of fulfilling obligations, whether they are spiritual, moral, or practical. The concept of performance is often linked to obedience, faithfulness, and the demonstration of one's faith through actions. Biblical References: 1. Faith and Works: The relationship between faith and performance is a central theme in the New Testament. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This verse emphasizes that genuine faith is evidenced by performance—specifically, the performance of good works. The apostle Paul also addresses this in Ephesians 2:10 , "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." 2. Obedience to God's Commands: Performance is closely tied to obedience in the Scriptures. In Deuteronomy 5:32-33 , Moses instructs the Israelites, "So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or to the left. You are to walk in all the ways that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." Here, performance is seen as adherence to God's commands, leading to blessings and prosperity. 3. Parables of Jesus: Jesus often used parables to illustrate the importance of performance in the Kingdom of God. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the servants are judged based on their performance in managing the master's resources. The servant who performed well by doubling his talents is commended, while the one who did nothing is rebuked. This parable underscores the expectation of active and fruitful performance in the service of God. 4. Stewardship and Accountability: Performance is also related to stewardship and the accountability of one's actions. In 1 Corinthians 4:2 , Paul writes, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." This verse highlights the responsibility of believers to perform their duties faithfully, as they will be held accountable for their stewardship. 5. Spiritual Gifts and Service: The New Testament teaches that believers are endowed with spiritual gifts for the purpose of performance in service to the body of Christ. Romans 12:6-8 encourages believers to use their gifts effectively: "We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Theological Implications: Performance in the biblical sense is not merely about external actions but is deeply connected to the heart and intention behind those actions. It is an expression of one's faith and commitment to God. The Bible consistently teaches that while salvation is by grace through faith, performance—manifested in obedience, good works, and faithful stewardship—is the natural outflow of a transformed life in Christ. Believers are called to perform their duties with excellence, as unto the Lord, reflecting His character and advancing His Kingdom on earth. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of performing; the carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action; as, the performance of an undertaking of a duty.2. (n.) That which is performed or accomplished; a thing done or carried through; an achievement; a deed; an act; a feat; esp., an action of an elaborate or public character. Greek 2039. ergasia -- work (noun) ... Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: ergasia Phonetic Spelling: (er-gas-ee'-ah) Short Definition: working, activity, trade, performance Definition: working ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2039.htm - 6k 4162. poiesis -- a making, a doing 3316. mesites -- an arbitrator, a mediator 5050. teleiosis -- completion, perfection 813. ataktos -- out of order, out of place 2334. theoreo -- to look at, gaze 5042. teknogonia -- childbearing 4138. pleroma -- fullness, a filling up Strong's Hebrew 4659. miph'al -- a work, something made... a performance Or (feminine) miph.alah {mif-aw-law'}; from pa'al; a performance -- work. see HEBREW pa'al. 4658, 4659. miph'al. 4659a . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/4659.htm - 5k 5949. alilah -- wantonness, a deed Library The Next Performance is Mainly Directed against Faith in the ... What Pelagius Thinks is Needful for Ease of Performance is Really ... That the Understanding, by Means of which we Can Recognize God's ... On the Precepts of Divine Worship in General On Obedience to the Commands of God in General On the Fifth Command in the Decalogue Concerning Things done in Illumination. Letter xiv. --(For 342. ) Coss. Augustus Constantius iii, Constans ... On Particular Acts of Obedience, or those which are Prescribed in ... Various Objections in Favour of the Common Interpretation Answered Thesaurus Performance (6 Occurrences)... n.) The act of performing; the carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action; as, the performance of an ... /p/performance.htm - 8k Guarantee (5 Occurrences) Work (4564 Occurrences) Pledge (55 Occurrences) Hand (14438 Occurrences) On (40792 Occurrences) Relief (32 Occurrences) Righteousness (442 Occurrences) Envelop (1 Occurrence) Mortgage Resources How can I learn to not take offense at little things? | GotQuestions.orgEntertainment and Worldview ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.org Performance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Performance (6 Occurrences)Luke 1:45 2 Corinthians 8:11 Numbers 7:5 Numbers 15:3 Numbers 15:8 1 Chronicles 23:28 Subtopics Related Terms |