[B-Greek] Hebrews 13:17-18
Jeff Smelser
jeffsmelser at ntgreek.net
Mon Nov 20 16:55:16 EST 2006
Scott,
Two examples will illustrate the breadth of meaning that PEIQESQE might
encompass. First, from Dio Cassius, there is the speech of Caesar
dealing with recalcitrant soldiers who were disapppointed because they
had not been allowed to plunder. Caesar is careful to note that not all
those in his audience are guilty of the things of which he speaks,
hUMEIS MEN GAR hOI POLLOI KAI PANU AKRIBWS KAI KALWS TOIS TE
PARAGGELMASI TOIS EMOIS PEIQESQE, "for most of you obey my orders
altogether precisely and well" [Roman History, Book XLI.28]. We might
think he had in mind a response to his orders more along the lines of
obedience to authority than reasoned response to persuasive exhortation.
However, in the speech of the exiled Andocides to the Athenians, wherein
he makes his case for being allowed to return on good terms, he pleads
with them saying, PEIQESQE OUN MOI, KAI HDH PAUSASQE EI TWi hUMWN
DIABOLON TI EN THi GNWMHi PERI EMOU PARESTHKEN, roughly translated, "Be
persuaded therefore by me, and restrain yourselves now if in this matter
a slanderer among you has presented something in the opinion concerning
me" [On his Return, 24]. Andocides was pleading his case, not commanding
obedience. Clearly here the idea is "be persuaded."
I like Carl's effort to recognize a common idea underlying the varied
uses of PEIQW, but struggled in my own mind to explain the use in Dio
Cassius above in a manner consistent with that underlying idea. I don't
doubt that it's possible, but I gave up trying to express it, unless
maybe it is, "most of you put your trust in my orders." After all, in
the immediate context, Caesar speaks to his soldiers as a loving father
to a child, arguing that it is for their good that he restrains them
from greedy plundering. He speaks of his duty to teach them and protect
them, admonishing (NOUQETOUNTA) and correcting them. Of course, at the
end of his speech, he had the worst of the disobedient ones executed.
(Speech teachers always say you need a strong conclusion!)
But in the end, I think one will probably come to a conclusion regarding
the significance of PEIQESQE in Heb. 13:17 based on his prior
understanding of church leadership. For my part, I don't think the use
here in close relation to hUPEIKETE necessitates our understanding the
significance to be unlike that in Andocides. And I do see "persuasion"
as being intrinsic to the kind of leadership characterized by the
ability PARAKALEIN EN THi DIDASKALIAi THi hUGIAINOUSHi KAI TOUS
ANTILEGONTAS ELEGCEIN, "to exhort in the sound doctrine and to convince
the opponent" (Tit. 1:9).
Jeff Smelser
http://www.ntgreek.net
http://www.centrevillechurchofchrist.org
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