When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren

 “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:32)

Meaning of “converted” in this verse:

The Greek word used is ἐπιστρέψας (epistrepsas), from epistrephō.

It literally means to turn around, to return, to turn back.

So in this context, Jesus is telling Peter:

After he would fall (denying Christ), he would later turn back to God in repentance.

“Converted” here does not mean first-time salvation, but rather restoration—a turning again after stumbling.

The word “converted” in Luke 22:32 means to turn back, to be restored, or to return to God after falling. Jesus was assuring Peter that even though he would stumble, he would repent and then be used to encourage others.

Core Meaning

Literal sense: to turn, to turn around, to return.

Figurative sense: to turn to God, to change one’s direction in life, to repent.

How it is used in the NT

1. Physical turning/returning

Luke 1:56 – “And Mary returned (epestrepsen) to her house.”

Acts 15:36 – “let us go again and visit our brethren… where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.” (go back)

2. Spiritual turning to God (conversion/repentance)

Acts 3:19 – “Repent ye therefore, and be converted (epistrepsate), that your sins may be blotted out.”

1 Thessalonians 1:9 – “…how ye turned to God (epestrepsate pros ton theon) from idols to serve the living and true God.”

3. Returning/restoring (after straying or falling)

Luke 22:32 – “…and when thou art converted (epistrepsas), strengthen thy brethren.” → Here it means after you have turned back again / been restored.

James 5:19–20 – “…if any of you err from the truth, and one convert (epistrepsē) him…” → bring him back.

Summary

Epistrephō = to turn (physically), to return (after straying), or to turn to God (repent/convert).

Its exact sense depends on context — in Luke 22:32, it’s Peter turning back in repentance/restoration after denying Jesus.

IS IT A CHANGE OF MIND?

Not exactly. The Greek word ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō) means to turn, return, or turn back (physically or spiritually).

The idea of changing the mind is usually expressed by another Greek word:

μετανοέω (metanoeō) → “to repent, to change one’s mind/heart.”

Difference

Metanoeō = inner change of mind/heart leading to repentance.

Epistrephō = outward turning, returning, or coming back (to God, to the right way).

Often, the two words appear together:

Acts 3:19 — “Repent (metanoēsate) therefore, and turn back (epistrepsate), that your sins may be blotted out.”

 Here you see both: first a change of mind/heart, then a turning back to God.

In Luke 22:32

When Jesus told Peter “when thou art converted (epistrepsas)”, He meant:

Not just “change your mind,”

But “when you have turned back / been restored after your fall.”

So in short:

Epistrephō ≠ primarily change of mind (that’s metanoeō).

It means to turn back / return, often as the outward result of repentance.