The verb occurs six times in the Greek New Testament, always describing deliberate, face-to-face discussion. Whether the speakers are saints communing with the glorified Christ, crowds evaluating His authority, conspirators plotting betrayal, or officials weighing legal appeals, the term conveys purposeful exchange rather than casual chatter.

Occurrences in the Gospel Narratives

1. Matthew 17:3; Mark 9:4; Luke 9:30 – Moses and Elijah “were talking with Jesus,” revealing heavenly fellowship and agreement concerning the Messiah’s forthcoming “departure” (Luke 9:31).
2. Luke 4:36 – The astonished synagogue crowd “said to one another” after witnessing an exorcism, debating the nature of Jesus’ unprecedented authority.
3. Luke 22:4 – Judas “went and conferred with the chief priests and officers,” a dark consultation that contrasts sharply with the earlier scenes of holy communion.

Mount of Transfiguration: Foretaste of Kingdom Communion

On the mountain the conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah mirrors prophetic expectation that Law and Prophets converge in the Son. Their joint discourse confirms continuity in God’s redemptive plan and offers disciples a glimpse of future glory in which redeemed humanity will freely commune with the risen Lord.

Jesus’ Authority and Public Amazement

Luke 4:36 records the crowd’s immediate, animated exchange: “What is this word? With authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”. The verb underscores corporate discernment—a community processing revelation. Healthy congregational dialogue that centers on Christ’s works remains vital for faith formation today.

Judas’ Secret Consultation

Luke 22:4 demonstrates that conversation itself is morally neutral; its value depends on intent. Judas’ clandestine deliberations illustrate how ungodly counsel can advance treachery. Scripture thus warns against fellowship that subverts righteousness (Psalm 1:1; 1 Corinthians 15:33).

The Roman Tribunal of Festus

Acts 25:12 depicts Governor Festus seeking advice before rendering judgment: “Then Festus conferred with his council and replied, ‘You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go!’”. Here the term describes formal consultation within Roman jurisprudence, reminding believers that God’s providence operates even through secular discussions to accomplish gospel advance (compare Acts 23:11).

Theological Implications

• Revelation is often clarified in community dialogue (Deuteronomy 6:7; Acts 17:11).
• Sinful consultation breeds betrayal, yet the same verb describes both evil plotting and holy fellowship, highlighting personal responsibility for speech (Proverbs 18:21).
• Christ-centered conversation anticipates eschatological communion, when “we will see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

Practical Ministry Applications

• Encourage intentional, Scripture-focused small-group discussion that mirrors the disciples’ quest for understanding.
• Guard leadership meetings with prayer, lest decision-making drift toward self-interest as with Judas and the chief priests.
• Model transparent counsel in church governance, following Festus’ procedural clarity yet grounded in biblical ethics.
• Cultivate intergenerational dialogue, taking the Mount of Transfiguration as a paradigm for unbroken fellowship between past testimony and present mission.

Historical-Cultural Context

Greco-Roman society prized dialogic inquiry (e.g., Socratic method). Luke, an educated historian, employs the verb in both sacred and secular settings, bridging Hellenistic appreciation for reasoned discourse with Hebraic emphasis on covenantal conversation (Malachi 3:16).

Connections with Old Testament Fellowship

The prophetic vision of “those who feared the LORD spoke to one another” (Malachi 3:16) finds fulfillment when Moses and Elijah converse with Christ. The continuity underscores that God’s people, in every age, are called into shared reflection on His mighty acts.

Related New Testament Concepts

• Homologeō (“confess”) – corporate agreement in truth.
• Koinōnia (“fellowship”) – relational participation rooted in Christ.
• Parakaleō (“encourage”) – speech that builds up the body.

Proper, Christ-honoring conversation serves as a conduit of revelation, discernment, and communal obedience, whereas corrupted counsel accelerates rebellion. Each occurrence of this verb therefore invites believers to weigh their words and gatherings by the Lordship of Jesus Christ.