S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Exhortation is defined as "an urging done by someone close beside." Paul instructs Timothy, saying, "Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching" (1...

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September 12 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the definition of exhortation?

In the Bible, exhortation means to strongly encourage, urge, or call believers to action, often translated from the Greek word paraklésis ("calling to one's side"). It is a proactive, compassionate form of encouragement meant to strengthen faith, promote spiritual growth, and hold one another accountable in following God.

Aspects of Biblical Exhortation

Encouragement & Comfort: It serves as emotional and spiritual support, particularly for the weary.

Action-Oriented Urging: It is not merely polite encouragement, but an urging to act or live in a way that pleases God.

Spiritual Gift: Listed in Romans 12:8, it is a special ability to motivate others, which is sometimes called "exceptional encouragement".

Distinguished from Teaching: While teaching informs the mind, exhortation applies that truth to the heart and life.

Barnabas is a notable example of an exhorter, whose name means "son of encouragement," as he actively encouraged believers in Antioch to remain true to the Lord (Acts 11:23).

Daily Application: Hebrews 3:13 highlights the need to "exhort one another daily" so that sin's deceitfulness hardens no one.

What does exhortation mean in 1 Timothy 4:13?

Exhortation is defined as "an urging done by someone close beside." Paul instructs Timothy, saying, "Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching" (1 Timothy 4:13).

Conclusion:

Exhortation: Incite others to action by convincing reasoning or by advice from a respected source. This requires speaking earnestly.

"Based on Love." If our exhortation is not given "based on love," it may sound severe. (Philem. 9) 

Exhortation based on God's Word, given in a spirit of love, can accomplish much good. Those who are charged with giving such exhortation should apply themselves to do it well.​—Rom. 12:8.

Paul reminds us to "keep on exhorting one another." We need the warmth of brotherly association. "One isolating himself will seek his own selfish longing; against all practical wisdom he will break forth." (Proverbs 18:1) 

If we do not pay close attention to spiritual things, God's promises may well come to seem unreal.

That is why Paul said in Hebrews 3:12-13: but keep on exhorting one another each day, as long as it may be called 'Today,' for fear any one of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin." (Hebrews 3:12, 13)

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