The term "persuadest" is an archaic form of the verb "persuade," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It generally refers to the act of convincing or influencing someone to believe or do something. In the biblical narrative, persuasion is often associated with the proclamation of the Gospel, the encouragement of faith, and the urging of righteous behavior.

Biblical Usage:

1. Acts 26:28 · One of the most notable uses of the term is found in the New Testament, during the Apostle Paul's defense before King Agrippa. In the Berean Standard Bible, the passage reads: "Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?'" Here, the term is used in the context of Paul's attempt to convince Agrippa of the truth of the Gospel. This moment highlights the power of personal testimony and the role of persuasion in evangelism.

2. Acts 13:43 · Another instance is found in the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. The BSB states: "After the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God." Although the term "persuadest" is not directly used here, the concept of persuasion is evident as Paul and Barnabas encourage the new believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

3. 2 Corinthians 5:11 · The Apostle Paul writes about the motivation behind his ministry: "Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men." This passage underscores the apostolic mission to persuade others of the truth of the Gospel, driven by a reverent fear of the Lord and a desire for the salvation of souls.

Theological Implications:

In the biblical context, persuasion is not merely a rhetorical skill but is deeply connected to the work of the Holy Spirit. The act of persuading others to embrace the Christian faith is seen as a cooperative effort between human agency and divine intervention. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak boldly and effectively, while also working in the hearts of listeners to open them to the truth.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and persuasion were highly valued skills, often associated with public speaking and debate. The early Christians, including the apostles, operated within this cultural framework, utilizing persuasive speech to spread the Gospel. However, their reliance was not solely on human wisdom or eloquence but on the demonstration of the Spirit's power (1 Corinthians 2:4).

Practical Application:

For contemporary believers, the concept of persuasion remains relevant in the context of evangelism and discipleship. Christians are called to share their faith with others, using both reasoned arguments and personal testimony to persuade others of the truth of the Gospel. This task requires a deep understanding of Scripture, a compassionate heart, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower their efforts.

In summary, "persuadest" in the biblical sense involves a dynamic interplay between human effort and divine influence, aimed at leading others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

"Almost Thou Persuadest Me"
... Lesson 41 "Almost Thou Persuadest Me". [This chapter is based on Acts
25:13-27; 26.] Paul had appealed to Caesar, and Festus could ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 41 almost thou persuadest.htm

The Almost Christian
... The Almost Christian. Acts 26:28 " "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian."
The chapter, out of which the text is taken, contains ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the almost christian.htm

Acts 26:24-29. Portraits.
... "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. ... Paul's
address that he said, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.". ...
/.../chapter x acts 26 24-29 portraits.htm

John Chapter viii. 37-47
... Think not, then, that thou art not a murderer when thou persuadest thy brother to
evil. If thou persuadest thy brother to evil, thou slayest him. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xlii john chapter viii.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... [1663] And to this the judge bore witness, saying, "Almost [1664] thou persuadest
me to be a Christian." [1665] And this ought to have happened to-day; and ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm

The Acts of the Apostles
... Lesson 39 The Trial at Caesarea. Lesson 40 Paul Appeals to Caesar. Lesson 41 "Almost
Thou Persuadest Me". Lesson 42 The Voyage and Shipwreck. Lesson 43 In Rome. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/

Acts and Martyrdom of the Holy Apostle Andrew.
... To whom ??geates said: Art thou Andrew, who destroyest the temples of the gods, and
persuadest men about the religion which, having lately made its appearance ...
/.../acts and martyrdom of the holy apostle andrew/acts and martyrdom of the.htm

Ignatius is Condemned by Trajan.
... Trajan, [that prince] said unto him, "Who art thou, wicked wretch, [1406] who settest
[1407] thyself to transgress our commands, and persuadest others to do ...
/.../pearson/the martyrdom of ignatius/chapter ii ignatius is condemned by.htm

Introduction.
... and inspected every feature of this virtuous queen, we trust the decision of his
heart will be yet deeper than his who said, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /introduction.htm

Paul's Sermon Before Felix
... to stand before Agrippa, he tells out his conversion, and so sweetly speaks of the
grace of God, that the king himself cries, "Almost thou persuadest me to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/pauls sermon before felix.htm

Persuadest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Persuadest (1 Occurrence). Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said
unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/p/persuadest.htm - 6k

Persuade (20 Occurrences)
... mean only "attempt to convince," "argue with." This is well brought out in Acts
26:28, where the Greek is literally "In little thou `persuadest' peitheis to ...
/p/persuade.htm - 15k

Almost (27 Occurrences)
... en oligo): In Acts 26:28 the Greek en oligo does not mean "almost," although scholars
have for centuries translated the clause "Almost thou persuadest me to ...
/a/almost.htm - 20k

Persuasion (2 Occurrences)
... mean only "attempt to convince," "argue with." This is well brought out in Acts
26:28, where the Greek is literally "In little thou `persuadest' peitheis to ...
/p/persuasion.htm - 9k

Persuadeth (6 Occurrences)

/p/persuadeth.htm - 8k

Persuades (3 Occurrences)

/p/persuades.htm - 7k

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