Lexicon :: Strong's G3982 - peithō

He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves and were confident that they were righteous [posing outwardly as upright and in right standing with God], and who viewed others with contempt:

The Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court) took his advice; and after summoning the apostles, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.

Now Herod [Agrippa I] was [fn]extremely angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and their delegates came to him in a united group, and after persuading Blastus, [fn]the king’s chamberlain [to support their cause], they asked for peace, because their country was fed by [imports of grain and other goods from] the king’s country.

But Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead.

And he went into the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and arguing and persuading them about the kingdom of God.

When they had set a day for Paul, they came to his lodging in large numbers. And he carefully explained [Christianity] to them from morning until evening, solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, both from the Law of Moses and from the [writings of the] Prophets.

Personally I am convinced about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, amply filled with all [spiritual] knowledge, and competent to admonish and counsel and instruct one another.

Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]. But we are plainly known to God [He knows everything about us]; and I hope that we are plainly known also in your consciences [your God-given discernment].

You are looking [only] at the outward appearance of things. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, he should reflect and consider this, that just as he is Christ’s, so too are we.

Am I now [fn]trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

You were running [the race] well; who has interfered and prevented you from obeying the truth?

I write to you [perfectly] confident of your obedient compliance, [fn]since I know that you will do even more than I ask.

And again [[fn]He says],

“MY TRUST and CONFIDENT HOPE WILL BE PLACED IN HIM.”

And again,

“HERE I AM, I AND THE CHILDREN WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN ME.”

But, beloved, even though we speak to you in this way, [fn]we are convinced of better things concerning you, and of things that accompany salvation.

Obey your [spiritual] leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you.