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This is from ἐπιστρέφω, 'to turn to.' It is in scripture the real effect that accompanies the new birth, a turning to God. It is beautifully expressed in the case of the Thessalonians, showing how they "turned to [the same word] God from idols, to serve the living and true God." 1 Thess. 1: 9. Paul and Barnabas were able to make known to the saints the 'conversion of the Gentiles.' Acts 15: 3. In Peter's address to the Jews he said, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." Acts 3: 19. Without being converted they could not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18: 3. The word is used in a somewhat different sense in respect to Peter himself. The Lord, knowing that he would fall under the sifting of Satan, said, "When thou art converted strengthen thy brethren;" that is, when he had returned in contrition, or been restored. In the O.T. the Hebrew words signify the same, 'to be turned,' 'to turn back.' Ps. 51: 13; Isa. 6: 10; Isa. 60: 5: cf. Isa. 1: 27, margin