[He] was believed on in the world…
Summary: This passage confronts us with the core challenge of the Gospel message: Do you believe in Jesus?
I sometimes have to laugh at how my mind works. When I read the passage for this meditation, I wondered, “What is the difference between ‘believed on’ and ‘believed in’?”
It turns out the answer is “Not much!”
“Believed on” is an old-fashioned way of saying “believed in,” so basically they mean the same thing.
Okay. But what about the word “believed?” What does that mean?
This may be one of the most important questions in history.
The Greek word “pisteúō” is the word used for “believed.” It can mean “to have faith,” to commit to, or to trust.*
So what does it mean to believe in, have faith in, commit to, or trust Jesus?
Does it mean that we just say we believe, and then go on with our day? Let’s see what Jesus says:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 7:21)
Ouch? Who does, then? Who gets to go to heaven?
Jesus answers by saying, “… only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (ibid)
What does that mean?
When Paul writes that Jesus was “believed on in the world,” he is talking about people who trusted Jesus with their lives. They are people who would choose to die rather than deny Jesus.
That is a pretty radical commitment!
What kind of person does that, anyway?
Of course, not everyone who believes in (on?) Jesus meets a violent death. Most live a full, rich life. What sets them apart is that their lives are lived for Jesus, not themselves.
And what does Jesus want us to do?
When asked what the greatest commandments are, Jesus summarizes God’s will both succinctly and memorably:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’“ (Matthew 22:37-39)
Amen. So be it.
Application: Live for Jesus!
Food for Thought: How does believing in Jesus change us?
* “G4100 – pisteuō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NIV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 5 May, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4100/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
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