In the context of biblical teachings, the concept of "retract" can be understood as the act of withdrawing, renouncing, or taking back a statement, belief, or action. While the specific term "retract" is not frequently used in the Bible, the idea is present in various passages that discuss repentance, confession, and the correction of falsehoods.

Repentance and Confession

The Bible emphasizes the importance of repentance, which often involves retracting previous sinful behaviors or beliefs. Repentance is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, calling believers to turn away from sin and return to God. In the New Testament, John the Baptist and Jesus both preached the necessity of repentance. Matthew 3:2 records John the Baptist's message: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Similarly, Jesus began His ministry with a call to repentance in Matthew 4:17 : "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Confession is another related concept, where individuals acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness. This act can be seen as a form of retracting one's previous wrongdoings. In 1 John 1:9 , the apostle John writes, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Correction of Falsehoods

The Bible also addresses the need to correct falsehoods and speak truthfully. This can involve retracting false statements or beliefs. Proverbs 28:13 states, "He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy." This verse highlights the importance of renouncing, or retracting, falsehoods and embracing truth.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul provides guidance on speaking truthfully and correcting errors. In Ephesians 4:25 , he instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This directive underscores the necessity of retracting falsehoods and maintaining integrity in communication.

Examples of Retraction in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify the act of retraction through their repentance and transformation. One notable example is the apostle Peter, who denied Jesus three times but later repented and reaffirmed his commitment to Christ. In John 21:15-17 , Jesus gives Peter the opportunity to retract his denials by asking him three times, "Do you love Me?" Peter's affirmative responses signify his repentance and restoration.

Another example is the apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, who initially persecuted Christians but experienced a dramatic conversion. In Acts 9:1-19 , Paul's encounter with the risen Christ leads him to retract his previous actions and become a devoted follower of Jesus, ultimately becoming one of the most influential apostles in spreading the Gospel.

Conclusion

The concept of retraction, while not explicitly named, is woven throughout the biblical narrative in the form of repentance, confession, and the correction of falsehoods. These actions are integral to the Christian journey, reflecting a commitment to truth, integrity, and a transformed life in Christ.1. (v. t.) To take back; as to retract a statement; to draw up or shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a muscle.

2. (v. t.) To withdraw; to recall; to disavow; to recant; to take back; as, to retract an accusation or an assertion.

3. (v. t.) To take back,, as a grant or favor previously bestowed; to revoke.

4. (v. i.) To draw back; to draw up; as, muscles retract after amputation.

5. (v. i.) To take back what has been said; to withdraw a concession or a declaration.

6. (n.) The pricking of a horse's foot in nailing on a shoe.

5493. sur -- to turn aside
... 2), left (2), move (1), pardoning (1), pass away (1), past (1), put away (12), relieved
(1), remove (45), removed (43), removing (1), retract (1), return (1 ...
/hebrew/5493.htm - 7k

3988a. maas -- to reject
... despise (6), despised (4), despises (2), despising (1), disdained (1), refuse (2),
reject (8), rejected (37), rejects (1), reprobate (1), retract (1), utterly ...
/hebrew/3988a.htm - 5k

Whether Christ Can be Called a Lordly Man?
... On the contrary, Augustine says (Retract. ... iii, 11,17). Reply to Objection
1: Augustine retracts these and the like words (Retract. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ can be called.htm

Wherefore it Now Remains to Consider, in what Manner we Ought not ...
... inhumanity, and pride. Footnotes: [1737] cf. Retract. bi ch. xiv.2. "I ... here."
[1738] Opinantium. [1739] cf. Retract. bi ch.14.2. "Also what I ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 25 wherefore it now.htm

Jerome of Prague.
... This suffering brought on him a dangerous illness, and attempts were then made to
induce him to retract his principles; but he remained immovable. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/jerome of prague.htm

Taking all These Things, Therefore, into Consideration...
... vi. 9. [1902] Ephesians 5:27; cp. Retract. ii. 18. [1903] Cant. iv. ... [1912] Ephesians
4:2, 3. [1913] 1 Corinthians 3:17. [1914] 2 Timothy 2:20. In Retract. ii. ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 51 99 taking.htm

Luther Before the Diet.
... Fly I cannot, and still less retract."(199). ... He wrote to the elector that
if Luther would not retract, he must remain at Wittenberg. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /8 luther before the diet.htm

Luther Before the Diet
... Fly I cannot, and still less retract.""Ibid., b.7, ch.1. ... He wrote to the elector
that if Luther would not retract, he must remain at Wittenberg. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 8 luther before the.htm

The Impossibility of Failure.
... prediction that binds Himself. Or shall we retract the expression that
the promise is now given unconditionally? The condition is ...
/.../chapter vi the impossibility of.htm

Luther's Separation from Rome.
... The legate intended to force Luther, if possible, to retract, or, failing in this,
to cause him to be conveyed to Rome, to share the fate of Huss and Jerome. ...
/.../7 luthers separation from rome.htm

Luther's Separation from Rome
... The legate intended to force Luther, if possible, to retract, or, failing in this,
to cause him to be conveyed to Rome, to share the fate of Huss and Jerome. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 7 luthers separation from.htm

The Writings of St. Augustin.
... [46] In them he afterwards found most to retract, because he advocated the freedom
of the will against the Manich??an fatalism. ... Retract. i. 3. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter iv the writings of st.htm

Retract (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To take back; as to retract a statement; to draw
up or shorten; as, the cat can retract its claws; to retract a muscle. ...
/r/retract.htm - 7k

Retreat (10 Occurrences)

/r/retreat.htm - 10k

Withdraw (52 Occurrences)
... favor, capital, or the like. 2. (vt) To take back; to recall or retract;
as, to withdraw false charges. 3. (vi) To retire; to retreat ...
/w/withdraw.htm - 22k

Revel (6 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To move playfully; to indulge without restraint. 5. (vt) To draw back;
to retract. Multi-Version Concordance Revel (6 Occurrences). ...
/r/revel.htm - 8k

Retraced (2 Occurrences)

/r/retraced.htm - 6k

Swallow (38 Occurrences)
... employ. 9. (vt) To seize and waste; to exhaust; to consume. 10. (vt) To
retract; to recant; as, to swallow one's opinions. 11. (vt ...
/s/swallow.htm - 24k

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