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CONVERSION.—The noun occurs only in Act_15:3 (epistrophç), but in AV [Note: Authorized Version.] ‘convert’ is found several times both in OT (Heb. shûbh) and NT (Gr. epistrephô, strephô) to denote a spiritual turning, RV [Note: Revised Version.] in most cases substituting ‘turn.’ ‘Turn’ is to he preferred because (1) in the Eng. of AV [Note: Authorized Version.] ‘convert’ meant no more than ‘turn’; (2) ‘conversion’ has come to be employed in a sense that often goes beyond the meaning of the originals. RV [Note: Revised Version.] has further corrected AV [Note: Authorized Version.] by giving act. ‘turn’ for pass. ‘be converted’ in Mat_13:15; Mat_18:3, Mar_4:12, Luk_22:32, Joh_12:40, Act_3:19; Act_28:27, where the Gr. vbs. are reflexive in meaning. In OT shûbh is used to denote a turning, whether of the nation (Deu_30:10, 2Ki_17:13 etc.) or of the individual (Psa_51:13, Isa_55:7 etc.). In NT epistrephô, strephô are used esp. of individuals, but sometimes in a sense that falls short of ‘conversion’ as the conscious change implied in becoming a Christian. Mat_18:3 was spoken to true disciples, and the ‘conversion’ demanded of them was a renunciation of their foolish ambitions (cf. v. 1). Luk_22:32 was addressed to the leader of the Apostles, and his ‘conversion’ was his return to his Master’s service after his fall. In Acts and Epp., however, ‘convert’ or ‘turn’ is employed to denote conversion in the full Christian sense (Act_3:19; Act_9:35; Act_11:21; Act_14:15 [cf. Act_15:3 ‘conversion’], 2Co_3:16, 1Th_1:9). Conversion as a spiritual fact comes before us repeatedly in the Gospels (Luk_7:47 ff; Luk_15:17 ff; Luk_19:8 ff; Luk_23:42-43) and in the history of the Apostolic Church (Act_2:41; Act_2:47; Act_8:5-6; Act_8:12; Act_9:3 ff; Act_16:30 ff.etc.). RV [Note: Revised Version.] brings out the fact that in the NT conversion (as distinguished from regeneration [wh. see]) is an activity of the soul itself, and not an experience imposed from above. This view of its nature is confirmed when we find repentance (Act_3:19; Act_26:20; cf. Eze_14:6; Eze_18:30) and faith (Act_11:21; cf. Act_20:21) associated with it as the elements that make up the moral act of turning from sin and self to God in Christ.
J. C. Lambert.