Couple of mistakes here
@brightfame52--nothing serious.
Though I appreciate your point, I’d like to challenge the idea that
Jesus causes people to believe in Him in the deterministic sense you're implying. Let's examine this more closely by looking at the actual Greek verbs and biblical context surrounding Lydia, the disciples, and “His sheep.”
1.
Jesus Expounding the Scriptures - Not Irresistible Causation
In Luke 24:27, it says Jesus “διερμήνευσεν αὐτοῖς” — “He explained to them” from Moses and the Prophets. The verb διερμήνευσεν (aorist active indicative from διερμηνεύω) simply means
“to interpret or explain thoroughly.” There’s no coercion here — it’s illumination, not compulsion.
In Luke 24:32, their hearts “burned” as He was “opening the Scriptures” — Greek: διήνοιγεν (imperfect active, from διανοίγω) —
a continuous action of unfolding meaning. Again, it’s about understanding, not an irresistible push to believe. The disciples responded willingly.
2. Lydia’s Heart — Acts 16:14
It says the Lord
“opened her heart” — Greek: διήνοιξεν (aorist active of διανοίγω).
But to what end? “To pay attention” — τοῦ προσέχειν (present active infinitive of προσέχω). That verb means “to attend to, give heed
.” It’s not “caused her to believe,” but enabled her to listen.
We’re not told belief was automatic - only that her heart was opened so she could respond. Compare with Luke 24:45, where Jesus
“opened their minds” - same verb - so they could understand.
He doesn’t force belief; He enables comprehension.
3. “My Sheep Hear My Voice” — John 10:27
Jesus says, “My sheep hear (ἀκούουσιν) My voice.”
This verb is present active — ongoing hearing.
It’s a description of those already following Him, not a statement that He irresistibly causes them to believe.
In John 8:47, Jesus says,
“He who is of God hears the words of God.” He rebukes those who do not hear, not because He didn’t make them believe, but because they are not aligned with God. Hearing is the result of being rightly disposed, not a predetermined act.
4. Romans 10:17 — Faith Comes by Hearing
Faith “comes from hearing” — ἐξ ἀκοῆς. This is not faith being infused, but arising through cognitive response. The verbs used in Romans 10, like πιστεύει (believes), ὁμολογεῖ (confesses), are active voice, which in Greek grammar reflects the subject’s participation — not passivity.
5. Faith as Heart Response — Not Irresistible Gift
Acts 15:9 speaks of God “cleansing their hearts by faith” — τῇ πίστει (instrumental dative). Faith is the means, not the result of cleansing.
And in John 1:12, it’s
“as many as received Him…
to them He gave authority to become children of God.” The verbs ἔλαβον (received) and ἐπίστευσαν (believed) are both aorist active —
again, human response in real time, not passive causation.
So with respect, it seems a more accurate reading is that Jesus reveals and enables, yes — but never forces belief. The response remains genuinely human, or it’s not faith at all.
Cross-References for Further Thought:
Luke 24:27, 32, 45; Acts 16:14; John 10:27; 8:47; Romans 10:17; Acts 15:9; John 1:12
Thanks.
J.
