Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, "hearers" refers to those who listen to the Word of God, whether through direct revelation, the teachings of Jesus, the apostles, or the reading of Scripture. The concept of hearing is deeply significant in biblical theology, as it often implies not just the act of listening, but also understanding, accepting, and obeying God's Word.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, hearing is frequently associated with obedience. The Shema, a central declaration of the Jewish faith, begins with the imperative to hear: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This call to hear is not merely about auditory reception but involves a commitment to love and obey God with all one's heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). The prophets often rebuked Israel for being hearers who did not truly listen. Isaiah lamented, "Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving’" (Isaiah 6:9). This highlights the spiritual dullness and disobedience that characterized much of Israel's history. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus frequently emphasized the importance of being not just hearers, but doers of the Word. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes different types of hearers: those who hear the Word and do not understand it, those who receive it with joy but fall away in times of trouble, those who are choked by life's worries, and those who hear and produce a fruitful harvest (Matthew 13:18-23). James, the brother of Jesus, underscores this teaching by admonishing believers: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22). This exhortation highlights the danger of self-deception when one hears the Word without acting upon it. The Role of Hearers in the Early Church In the early church, the role of hearers was crucial for the spread of the Gospel. The apostles preached the Word, and those who heard and believed became part of the burgeoning Christian community. The Book of Acts records numerous instances where hearing led to conversion and baptism, such as the account of the Ethiopian eunuch who, after hearing Philip explain the Scriptures, asked to be baptized (Acts 8:34-38). Paul, in his epistles, often addresses the importance of faith coming through hearing: "Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). This underscores the necessity of proclaiming the Gospel so that others may hear and believe. Spiritual Implications The spiritual implications of being a hearer are profound. True hearing involves a heart that is open to the transformative power of God's Word. Jesus often concluded His teachings with the phrase, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Matthew 11:15), indicating that spiritual receptivity is essential for understanding and living out the truths of the Kingdom of God. In summary, hearers in the biblical sense are those who not only listen to God's Word but also respond in faith and obedience. The call to be hearers is a call to engage deeply with Scripture, allowing it to shape one's life and actions in accordance with God's will. Greek 202. akroates -- a hearer ... listener to. Word Origin from the same as akroaterion Definition a hearer NASB Word Usage hearer (2), hearers (2). hearer. From ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/202.htm - 6k 191. akouo -- to hear, listen Library Lix. The Preacher and his Hearers. But Many who are Hearers of the Divine Scriptures... Be Ye Doers of the Word, not Hearers Only, Deceiving Your Own ... His Mode of Teaching Adapted to the Stand-Point of his Hearers. Its Results Dependent Upon the Spirit of the Hearers. Of the Method in which Our Address Should be Adapted to Different ... Ordinations are not to be Held in the Presence of Hearers. ... An Appeal to the Church and to his Hearers to Pardon and Correct ... Of the Discourse of the Teacher in Regard to the Merits of his ... From what Has Been Said, it Will be Manifest to Intelligent ... Thesaurus Stephen (13 Occurrences)... Thus the aim of Stephen was to point out to his hearers the true meaning of Jewish history and Jewish Law in reference to the present, ie in such a way that ... /s/stephen.htm - 33k Doers (34 Occurrences) Exclaimed (45 Occurrences) Mere (56 Occurrences) Sermon (1 Occurrence) Chains (100 Occurrences) Godhead (5 Occurrences) Amos (12 Occurrences) Hearers (18 Occurrences) Christian (41 Occurrences) Resources How can we know what parts of the Bible apply to us today? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to let your yes be yes and your no be no? | GotQuestions.org What is contextualization? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hearers (18 Occurrences)Matthew 13:23 Luke 18:26 Luke 20:16 John 18:21 Acts 9:21 Acts 16:14 Acts 26:29 Romans 2:13 1 Corinthians 9:18 1 Corinthians 9:23 Ephesians 4:29 1 Timothy 4:16 2 Timothy 2:14 Hebrews 4:2 Hebrews 4:6 Hebrews 12:19 James 1:22 Isaiah 32:3 Subtopics Hearers: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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