Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? (John 8:46)
The Greek word ἐλέγχω means 'to reprove, convict, repute, expose'. "To bring a person to the point of recognizing wrongdoing, convict, convince someone of something" (BDAG). This word is used in numerous text. Here is a sample of text to show the words use:
“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:9 ESV)
“This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,” (Titus 1:13 ESV)
“And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:” (John 16:8 ESV)
“to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”” (Jude 1:15 ESV)
“But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all,” (1 Corinthians 14:24 ESV)
“But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” (James 2:9 ESV)
Paraphrasing the verses we see that elders must be able to rebuke those contradict truth, false teachers are to be rebuked, the Holy Spirit convicts the world . . ., the Lord came with 10,000's of his holy ones to convict all the ungodly, prophecy in the church convicts the unbeliever, and the law convicts men of partiality.
This word is used when a person or group of persons are seeking to make a person's sin known. When trying to bring about a conviction in another, various tactics are used. Questions can be asked. Investigation can be carried out. Testimonies can be listened to. Opinions can be stated. Issues can be analyzed. History can be researched. Things said in the past can be scrutinized. Witnesses can be sought out. If the accuser has no merit he will simply digress to name calling and insinuation.
Jesus asks these Jews, "Which one of you convicts Me of sin?" The text does not reveal any person stepping forward and bringing a conviction. Surrounded by a group of Jesus haters we find not one person who can convict Jesus of sin. They could not convict him of sin in word, thought, or deed. They had no basis for their accusations and no factual evidence could be brought forth. They ended up doing what false accusers always do. They started calling him names and insinuating things about him. The great claim they came up with is that Jesus was demon possessed. However, they never came up with a sin that they could charge Jesus with.
The fact that those who hated Jesus most could not come up with one sin that they could convict Jesus of ought to be a catalyst for believers to love Jesus all the more. It should also be a catalyst for unbelievers to see the glory of Christ and repent and believe in Him. Jesus tells the truth, lives the truth, and is the truth. He is worthy of your worship!
