# Appeal ## Ignatius Catholic Study Bible *Appeal* ([[1-peter-03#^1-peter-03-21|1 Pet 3:21]]) - *Eperōtēma* (Gk.) refers to an \"answer\", \"decision\", or \"pledge\". The term is rarely used in the Bible, only once in the Greek OT ([[daniel-04#^daniel-04-17|Dan 4:17]], Theodotian) and once in the NT ([[1-peter-03#^1-peter-03-21|1 Pet 3:21]]). In secular Greek, it often refers to the formal acceptance of a contract or covenant using solemn words. The procedure followed a question-and-answer format that involved the terms of the agreement being spoken and the appropriate party pledging his compliance. In early Christian times, a similar procedure was used in the liturgy of Baptism. Most likely, this is the background of its use in [[1-peter-03#^1-peter-03-21|1 Pet 3:21]], where the \"appeal\" to God for a clear conscience is best understood as a \"pledge\" made to God at Baptism to maintain a clear conscience by living in accord with the gospel. Thus, the sacrament not only cleanses the conscience of evil ([[hebrews-10#^hebrews-10-22|Heb 10:22]]), but it entails a solemn commitment to follow a Christian way of life (for possible allusions to such a pledge, see Pliny the Younger, *Epistles* 10, 96; St. Justin Martyr, *First Apology* 61; St. Jerome, *Letters* 14, 2). Peter thus equates \"good behavior in Christ\" with the effort to \"keep your conscience clear\" ([[1-peter-03#^1-peter-03-16|1 Pet 3:16]]). ### Sources [[21-first-peter-commentary#^lneeru|Appeal — word study]]