Passion - pepoithēsis

Driving to the office this morning, I was given one word by the Holy Spirit this morning.

Passion.

Right.

Where to start?

I could google search …

… or use e-Sword …

And I did.

The discovery

So, I discovered pepoithēsis. In Phillipians 3:4. And somehow it made sense.

(Philippians 3:4)  Though I might also have confidence (pepoithēsis) in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more

Passion is the strange Greek word pepoithēsis.

Pepoithēsis, according to Thayer,  comes from the original Greek primary verb peithō, meaning to persuade or be persuaded; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): - agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.

On the other hand James Strong argues that the word is formed from the Greek primary verb paschō or pathō or penthō or pas'-kho, path'-o, pen'-tho, which is a third form verb used only in certain tenses signifying an intense experience, a sensation or impression. This is where we get the English word “passion” from.

But what does it mean?

I had to understand why the Spirit of Love shared this one word with me.

Pepoithēsis occurs 6 times in the Bible.

So, I looked at the verses and tried to understand the context.

Pepoithēsis 1: Translated as “confidence” Paul says to the Corinthians that in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit (2 Corinthians 1:15)  explaining that the Apostles have a passion to visit them who received Christ and the message of salvation. Paul had such passion to share the good message that he visited them twice.

Pepoithēsis 2: In 2 Corinthians 8:22 Paul again explains his confidence in the Corinthians.

Pepoithēsis 3: In Ephesians 3:12 Paul explains how that the eternal purpose provided in Christ, gives us boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Pepoithēsis 4: in Philippians 3:4 is where Paul contrasts the passion of the flesh and religious practices against the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.

Pepoithēsis 5: Translated as trust in 2 Corinthians 3:4 Paul explains how that we, as the message of Christ with His abiding Spirit, have this truthful trust through Christ to God to bring the Gospel message.

Pepoithēsis 6: Lastly, in 2 Corinthians 10:2 Paul expresses his desire that the confidence with which he boldly brings across the message of Christ, not be misinterpreted to be fleshly (physical or personal)

Then I realized …

Looking at all these occurrences, I realized that they all came from one source, one passionate man - Paul.

Why?

This is the man who did not walk with Jesus, but better than any of the disciples, he found deep intimacy with Jesus after he was saved.

This was the man whose eyes were open following his Damascus experience.

This was the man who was the best of the best when it came to religion and the law, but ultimately gave it all up for Grace.

He is the man who went to the desert and was taught first hand by Jesus Himself.

This is the passion that can never be explained by anyone who had not been in that very same position.

Pepoithēsis, fully persuaded, convinced and conciliated to the One Who loved him first.

Who else is worthy to use this word pepoithēsis?