The term "unpersuaded" refers to individuals or groups who remain unconvinced or unmoved by arguments, evidence, or appeals, particularly in the context of faith and spiritual matters. In the Bible, the concept of being unpersuaded is often associated with a lack of faith or resistance to the message of the Gospel.

Biblical Instances

1. Acts 28:24 · In the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul encounters both acceptance and resistance to his preaching. "Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe." . This passage highlights the division among Paul's listeners, with some being persuaded by his message while others remained unpersuaded.

2. Acts 17:32-34 · During Paul's sermon at the Areopagus in Athens, the response to his message about the resurrection of the dead was mixed. "When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, 'We want to hear you again on this topic.' At that, Paul left the Areopagus. But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them." . Here, the unpersuaded are those who scoffed at the message, contrasting with those who were open to further discussion or who believed.

3. Romans 11:23 · Paul speaks about the potential for the unpersuaded to be grafted back into the olive tree, symbolizing Israel. "And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again." . This passage suggests that those who are currently unpersuaded have the opportunity to change and embrace faith.

Theological Implications

The state of being unpersuaded is often linked to spiritual blindness or hardness of heart. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently encounters individuals who, despite witnessing miracles and hearing His teachings, remain unpersuaded. This resistance is sometimes attributed to a lack of openness to the Holy Spirit or an unwillingness to surrender to God's will.

Parables and Teachings

Jesus' parables often address the theme of receptivity to the Gospel. In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23), different types of soil represent the varied responses to the Word of God. The seed that falls on rocky ground or among thorns illustrates those who are initially receptive but ultimately unpersuaded due to external pressures or internal struggles.

Historical Context

In the early church, the spread of Christianity faced significant opposition from both Jewish and Gentile communities. The unpersuaded often included religious leaders and philosophers who viewed the new faith as a threat to established traditions and beliefs. Despite this resistance, the perseverance of the apostles and early Christians led to the growth of the church.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of being unpersuaded serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and the need for a receptive heart. Christians are encouraged to pray for those who are unpersuaded, asking God to soften their hearts and open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel. Additionally, believers are called to live out their faith authentically, providing a compelling witness to those who have yet to be convinced.

Conclusion

The state of being unpersuaded is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the ongoing spiritual battle between belief and unbelief. While some remain resistant to the message of Christ, the hope of the Gospel is that all may come to a saving knowledge of the truth through the work of the Holy Spirit and the faithful witness of believers.545. apeithes -- disobedient
... Cognate: 545 (an adjective) -- literally, (by God) which shows itself in outward
(outward spiritual rebellion); disobedient because unpersuaded. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/545.htm - 7k

571. apistos -- incredible, unbelieving
... ie not ( by God). 571 ("faithless, unpersuaded") does always refer to the
converted -- see Jn 20:27. 571 () describes someone who ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/571.htm - 8k

Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1561-1564
... to herself and her creed, she might now have turned for support to Huntly, Cassilis,
Montrose, and the other Earls who were Catholic or "unpersuaded." Her great ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xv knox and queen.htm

Knox and Queen Mary, 1561
... occasion. His admirers, familiar with his style, forget its necessary effect
on "a young princess unpersuaded," as Lethington put it. ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xiv knox and queen.htm

Unpersuaded (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unpersuaded (3 Occurrences). Acts 17:5 But the
unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men from the marketplace ...
/u/unpersuaded.htm - 7k

Unperfect (1 Occurrence)

/u/unperfect.htm - 6k

Unplanted (3 Occurrences)

/u/unplanted.htm - 7k

Gathering (71 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT). Acts 17:5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men from
the marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. ...
/g/gathering.htm - 28k

Formed (91 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 17:5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men from the
marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. ...
/f/formed.htm - 34k

Rounded (7 Occurrences)
... Rounded (7 Occurrences). Acts 17:5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked
men from the marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. ...
/r/rounded.htm - 8k

Rushed (24 Occurrences)
... (DBY NAS RSV NIV). Acts 17:5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men
from the marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. ...
/r/rushed.htm - 14k

Becoming (75 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Acts 17:5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men from the
marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. ...
/b/becoming.htm - 27k

Characters (6 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men from the
marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. ...
/c/characters.htm - 8k

Assaulting (1 Occurrence)
... Assaulting (1 Occurrence). Acts 17:5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked
men from the marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. ...
/a/assaulting.htm - 6k

Unpersuaded: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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