INTERCESSION

The idea of "intercession" is expressed in both Testaments of the Bible. The Greek verb entunchano suggests the concept of making an appeal to someone with reference to another person. It can mean to make an appeal against another, as when the Jews "made suit" to Festus that Paul should not live (Acts 25:24). Normally, though, an intercession is an appeal on behalf of others. In such cases, it reflects a deep love for, and interest in, the one for whom the intercession is made. (a) Abraham pled for the preservation of ancient Sodom (Gen. 18:23ff). Both Moses and Elijah interceded on behalf of Israel (Ex. 32:31-32; 1 Kgs. 18:36-37). (b) Jesus pled to God in the interest of the disciples in those dark hours before the crucifixion (Jn. 17:5), and, as our high priest, he intercedes for his people yet (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; cf. 9:24). (c) The Holy Spirit intercedes for the Christians inasmuch as the children of God, sincere though they may be, do not know how to pray adequately (Rom. 8:26). (d) Christians are to offer intercessory prayers to God on behalf of civil rulers, to the end that tranquil conditions might prevail. The goal of these prayers is that a peaceful environment might facilitate the work of evangelism, because God would have all men exposed to the truth so that they might enjoy salvation (1 Tim. 2:1-4).