The term "exhorteth" is derived from the verb "exhort," which means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something. In the context of the Bible, exhortation is a significant aspect of Christian teaching and community life, emphasizing the importance of encouraging one another in faith, righteousness, and perseverance.

Biblical Usage and Context

Exhortation is a recurring theme in the New Testament, where it is often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the apostles and early church leaders. The Greek word often translated as "exhort" is "parakaleo," which can also mean to comfort, encourage, or beseech. This reflects the multifaceted nature of exhortation, which includes both urging believers to live according to God's will and providing comfort and encouragement in times of trial.

Key Scriptures

1. Romans 12:8 · "if it is to encourage, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is to lead, let him lead with diligence; if it is to show mercy, let him do so cheerfully." In this passage, the Apostle Paul lists exhortation as one of the spiritual gifts given to members of the body of Christ. Those who possess this gift are called to use it diligently to build up the church.

2. Hebrews 3:13 · "But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." Here, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the daily need for mutual exhortation among believers to prevent spiritual complacency and the hardening of hearts due to sin.

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 · "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." Paul encourages the Thessalonian church to continue in their practice of mutual edification, highlighting the role of exhortation in strengthening the community of faith.

4. 2 Timothy 4:2 · "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." In his charge to Timothy, Paul underscores the importance of exhortation in pastoral ministry, alongside correction and rebuke, as essential components of teaching and shepherding the flock.

Role in the Early Church

Exhortation played a crucial role in the life of the early church. It was a means by which the apostles and church leaders communicated the teachings of Christ and the apostles, encouraged believers to remain steadfast in their faith, and addressed issues of doctrine and conduct. The practice of exhortation helped to maintain the unity and purity of the church, as well as to inspire believers to live out their faith in practical ways.

Exhortation and the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is often associated with the work of exhortation. In John 14:16, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the "Paraclete," a term related to "parakaleo," meaning Comforter or Advocate. The Spirit empowers believers to exhort one another and provides the necessary wisdom and discernment to do so effectively.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian practice, exhortation remains a vital aspect of discipleship and community life. It involves speaking truth in love, encouraging spiritual growth, and offering support and guidance. Whether through preaching, teaching, or personal interaction, exhortation serves to edify the body of Christ and promote a vibrant and faithful Christian witness.

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vii. 7, "Ask, and it Shall be ...
... He knew His beggar, and lo the Householder, the mighty rich One, rich, to wit, in
riches spiritual and eternal, exhorteth thee and saith, "Ask, seek, knock; he ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xi on the words.htm

On Account Then of These Either Occupations of the Servants of God ...
... which cannot be altogether wanting, not only doth the Apostle permit the needs of
saints to be supplied by good believers, but also most wholesomely exhorteth. ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 17 on account then.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xvii. 3, "If Thy Brother Sin ...
... Forgive then, that they may be forgiven thee. Yet the Lord Himself our God
exhorteth us to imitate Him. In the first place God Himself ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxiv on the words.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xi. 5, "Which of You Shall have a ...
... 1. We have heard our Lord, the Heavenly Master, and most faithful Counsellor exhorting
us, who at once exhorteth us to ask, and giveth when we ask. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lv on the words.htm

Psalm XXXIV.
... 5. Now followeth, "O magnify the Lord with me" (ver.3). Who is this that
exhorteth us, that we should magnify the Lord with him? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxiv.htm

1 John iv. 12-Apr
... This then is the peculiar gift, this the "Fountain" that is singly one's "own."
To drink of this the Spirit of God exhorteth you, to drink of Himself the ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily vii 1 john iv.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xix. 21,"Go, Sell that Thou Hast ...
... And this I say not out of mine own heart, or by any human conjecture; hear Him Himself,
who at once exhorteth thee, and giveth thee a title of security. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxvi on the words.htm

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... From such practice the Holy Apostle exhorteth in terms importing his great
concernedness, and implying the matter to be of highest importance; for, [Greek ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm

A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ...
... And therefore Saint Paul exhorteth generally his brethren to be armed; and as the
assaults be strong, and not small, so he giveth strong armour, and not small ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon made by m.htm

Grace and Graces
... according to the proportion of faith; 7. Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering;
or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8. Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/grace and graces.htm

Exhorteth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Exhorteth (1 Occurrence). Romans 12:8 Or he that
exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do ...
/e/exhorteth.htm - 6k

Exhorting (13 Occurrences)

/e/exhorting.htm - 10k

Exhorted (15 Occurrences)

/e/exhorted.htm - 10k

Giveth (378 Occurrences)
... Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it
with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with ...
/g/giveth.htm - 35k

Ruleth (21 Occurrences)
... Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it
with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with ...
/r/ruleth.htm - 12k

Exhortation (16 Occurrences)
... Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it
with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with ...
/e/exhortation.htm - 13k

Sheweth (34 Occurrences)
... Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it
with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with ...
/s/sheweth.htm - 16k

Simplicity (12 Occurrences)
... Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it
with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with ...
/s/simplicity.htm - 13k

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