The term "compelled" in the biblical context often refers to being driven or forced to act under a strong influence or necessity. This concept appears in various forms throughout Scripture, illustrating both divine and human influences that lead individuals to act in certain ways.

Biblical Instances of Compulsion

1. Simon of Cyrene: One of the most notable instances of compulsion in the New Testament is the account of Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus. In Matthew 27:32 , it is written, "As they were going out, they found a man from Cyrene named Simon, and they compelled him to carry the cross." This act of compulsion highlights the Roman practice of impressment, where individuals could be forced into service for the state. Simon's compelled service becomes a significant moment in the Passion narrative, symbolizing the sharing of Christ's burden.

2. Paul's Ministry: The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of being compelled by the Spirit in his ministry. In Acts 20:22 , Paul states, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there." Here, the compulsion is not external but internal, driven by the Holy Spirit's guidance. This divine compulsion underscores the theme of obedience and submission to God's will, even in the face of uncertainty and potential suffering.

3. The Love of Christ: In 2 Corinthians 5:14 , Paul writes, "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died." The love of Christ acts as a compelling force, motivating believers to live for Him who died and was raised. This compulsion is rooted in gratitude and the transformative power of Christ's sacrificial love, urging believers to live lives that reflect their faith and commitment to the Gospel.

Theological Implications

The concept of being compelled in the Bible often carries a dual aspect of external and internal forces. Externally, individuals may be compelled by authorities or circumstances, as seen in the case of Simon of Cyrene. Internally, believers are compelled by the Holy Spirit or the love of Christ, which aligns with the biblical theme of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

Compulsion in the biblical sense is not merely about coercion but often involves a deeper spiritual prompting that aligns with God's purposes. It reflects the tension between human freedom and divine direction, where believers are called to respond to God's leading with willing hearts.

Practical Application

For Christians, understanding the biblical concept of being compelled can lead to a greater awareness of how God might be directing their lives. It encourages believers to discern the influences that drive their actions, whether they are external pressures or internal convictions. Recognizing the compelling force of Christ's love and the Spirit's guidance can inspire a more intentional and obedient walk with God, characterized by a readiness to serve and bear witness to the Gospel, even when faced with challenges or opposition.(imp. & p. p.) of Compel.315. anagkazo -- to necessitate, compel
... Word Origin from anagke Definition to necessitate, compel NASB Word Usage compel
(3), compelled (2), force (1), forced (1), made (2). compel, constrain. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/315.htm - 7k

Whether Unbelievers Ought to be Compelled to the Faith?
... OF UNBELIEF IN GENERAL (TWELVE ARTICLES) Whether unbelievers ought to be
compelled to the faith? Objection 1: It would seem that ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether unbelievers ought to be.htm

Whether a Constant Man Can be Compelled by Fear?
... OF COMPULSORY AND CONDITIONAL CONSENT (SIX ARTICLES) Whether a constant man can
be compelled by fear? Objection 1: It would seem that "a constant man" [*Cap. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a constant man can.htm

How the Britons, Compelled by the Great Famine, Drove the ...
... How the Britons, compelled by the great famine, drove the barbarians out of the
their territories, and soon after there ensued, along with abundance of corn ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xiv how the britons.htm

These Things I am Compelled to Admonish by Reason of Certain ...
... Section 21. These things I am compelled to admonish by reason of certain
little discourses of? 21. These things I am compelled ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 21 these things i.htm

Whether one Can be Compelled by One's Father's Command to Marry?
... OF COMPULSORY AND CONDITIONAL CONSENT (SIX ARTICLES) Whether one can be
compelled by one's father's command to marry? Objection ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether one can be compelled.htm

Being Compelled, He Gave his Attention to Learning; but Fully ...
... Book I. Chapter XII."Being Compelled, He Gave His Attention to Learning;
But Fully Acknowledges that This Was the Work of God. 19. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xii being compelled he gave.htm

That Clerics be not Compelled to Give Testimony in Public ...
... Canon LIX. (Greek lxiii.) That clerics be not compelled to give testimony
in public concerning the cognizance of their own judgment. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon lix greek lxiii that.htm

Letter i. My Dear Friend, I Employed the Compelled and Most ...
... LETTERS ON THE INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. LETTER I. My dear friend, I employed
the compelled and most unwelcome leisure of severe indisposition in? ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter i my dear friend.htm

Let us Now Return to the Order from which we were a Little Ago ...
... Book III. 2 Let us now return to the order from which we were a little
ago compelled? Let us now return to the order from which ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/2 let us now return.htm

However, Before those Laws were Sent into Africa by which Men are ...
... A Treatise Chapter 7. " 25. However, before those laws were sent into
Africa by which men are compelled? "25. However, before ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 7 25 however.htm

Compelled (22 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Compel. Multi-Version Concordance
Compelled (22 Occurrences). Matthew 14:22 And immediately ...
/c/compelled.htm - 12k

Compel (10 Occurrences)
... indicative of such strong pressure: (1) 'anac "to press": "none could compel" to
drink (Esther 1:8); (2) nadhach, "to drive," "force": "compelled Judah thereto ...
/c/compel.htm - 12k

Rufus (2 Occurrences)
... Red, the son of Simon the Cyrenian (Mark 15:21), whom the Roman soldiers
compelled to carry the cross on which our Lord was crucified. ...
/r/rufus.htm - 8k

Cyrene (7 Occurrences)
... "A man of Cyrene, Simon by name," was caught by the Roman soldiers and compelled
to bear the cross of Jesus (Matthew 27:32; compare Mark 15:21 Luke 23:26). ...
/c/cyrene.htm - 13k

Esarhaddon (3 Occurrences)
... In December BC 681 Sennacherib was murdered by two of his sons, who, after holding
Nineveh for forty-two days, were compelled to fly to Erimenas of Ararat, or ...
/e/esarhaddon.htm - 13k

Cyrenaean (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cyrenaean (3 Occurrences). Matthew 27:32 Going out they
met a Cyrenaean named Simon; whom they compelled to carry His cross, (WEY). ...
/c/cyrenaean.htm - 7k

Ahab (85 Occurrences)
... position at the best, with foes ever ready to take advantage of any momentary weakness,
the kingdom, during the reign of Ahab, was compelled to undergo the ...
/a/ahab.htm - 52k

Jeremiah (141 Occurrences)
... They continually planned rebellion against Babylon, while Jeremiah was compelled
to oppose and put to naught every patriotic agitation of this kind. ...
/j/jeremiah.htm - 75k

Taxing (3 Occurrences)
... first evidence of what corresponds to compulsory taxation discoverable in the Bible
is in connection with the conquered Canaanites who were compelled to serve ...
/t/taxing.htm - 35k

Tax (43 Occurrences)
... first evidence of what corresponds to compulsory taxation discoverable in the Bible
is in connection with the conquered Canaanites who were compelled to serve ...
/t/tax.htm - 47k

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