word thus rendered (Luke 2:25, paraklesis) is kindred to that translated
“Comforter” in John 14:16, etc., parakletos.
- CONSTELLATION a cluster of stars, or stars which appear to be near
each other in the heavens, and which astronomers have reduced to certain
figures (as the “Great Bear,” the “Bull,” etc.) for the sake of classification
and of memory. In Isaiah 13:10, where this word only occurs, it is the
rendering of the Hebrew kesil, i.e., “fool.” This was the Hebrew name of
the constellation Orion (Job 9:9; 38:31), a constellation which represented
Nimrod, the symbol of folly and impiety. The word some interpret by
“the giant” in this place, “some heaven-daring rebel who was chained to
the sky for his impiety.” - CONTENTMENT a state of mind in which one’s desires are confined to
his lot whatever it may be (1 Timothy 6:6; 2 Corinthians 9:8). It is
opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (Hebrews 13:5), ambition
(Proverbs 13:10), anxiety (Matthew 6:25, 34), and repining (1 Corinthians
10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of
humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude and benignity
of divine providence (Psalm 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine
promises (2 Peter 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Genesis 32:10); as well
as from the view the gospel opens up to us of rest and peace hereafter
(Romans 5:2). - CONVERSATION generally the goings out and in of social intercourse
(Ephesians 2:3; 4:22; R.V., “manner of life”); one’s deportment or course
of life. This word is never used in Scripture in the sense of verbal
communication from one to another (Psalm 50:23; Hebrews 13:5). In Phil.
1:27 and 3:20, a different Greek word is used. It there means one’s
relations to a community as a citizen, i.e., citizenship. - CONVERSION the turning of a sinner to God (Acts 15:3). In a general
sense the heathen are said to be “converted” when they abandon
heathenism and embrace the Christian faith; and in a more special sense
men are converted when, by the influence of divine grace in their souls,
their whole life is changed, old things pass away, and all things become
new (Acts 26:18). Thus we speak of the conversion of the Philippian jailer
(16:19-34), of Paul (9:1-22), of the Ethiopian treasurer (8:26-40), of
Cornelius (10), of Lydia (16:13-15), and others. (See REGENERATION.)