In 1 Corinthians 4:13, the apostle Paul referred to the constant criticism of the apostles, and their response. “Being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.”
The Greek word translated entreat in the passage is parakaleo?. It is define as a strong invitation or invocation, and is also translated beseech in various places in scripture. Literally, “to call near”. It is a word of passion, that can rightly bring the image of begging. Notice the use of the term in Romans 12:1-2:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
The passion Paul had in his preaching is easily seen in auditing the book of Acts, and Paul’s writings. It was so with the other apostles as well, men such as Peter and John. It should be evident in us as well. It is not a mere invitation, it is a begging, whether the audience is the world, or fellow Christians.
We beg the world to consider their standing with God, in the hopes they will be convicted of their sin and repent. Consider the words of Peter on Pentecost, “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know — Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it” (Acts 2:22-24). We beg Christians to conform themselves to Christ, as indicated by Paul’s words in Romans 12.
There are various personalities among God’s servants, preachers of the gospel. Some are more emotive than others, some are more talented, there are many different styles. However, if any man’s motivation in preaching is anything other than a pure and zealous desire to change the hearts of men through the gospel, they are in the wrong profession. To preach is to beseech, entreat, yea even beg! Consider some of Paul’s entreaties to his brethren.
Paul begged (beseeched, urged) Christians to abound in their love for each other! “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10).
Paul begged Christians to join in praying for him personally, and his efforts to share the gospel be received well by the saints. “Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you” (Romans 15:30-32).
Paul begged the church in Corinth to be united in the Lord! “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Paul begged Christians to defend the truth by marking and avoiding false teachers and divisive brethren. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). “But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort” (2 Timothy 2:16-17).
Finally Paul begged Christians to take full advantage of God’s gift of grace, rather than futilely wasting it! “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).
Conclusion
The apostles are God’s emissaries to men in this New Covenant. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” (Hebrews 2:3-4). Therefore, as the apostles beg, urge, plead and implore, it can rightly be said that it is God Who is begging us to respect and obey Him. What man or woman with a tender heart can possibly ignore His impassioned pleading?
