In the context of the Bible, an accomplice is someone who participates in or supports another person in committing a sin or wrongdoing. The concept of being an accomplice is not explicitly named in the Scriptures, but the idea is woven throughout biblical narratives and teachings, emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of aiding or abetting sinful actions.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several examples where individuals act as accomplices to sin. One notable instance is found in the account of Adam and Eve. While Eve is tempted by the serpent and eats the forbidden fruit, Adam becomes an accomplice by also partaking in the fruit (Genesis 3:6). This act of complicity leads to the fall of humanity, illustrating the severe consequences of participating in sin.

Another example is found in the account of Ahab and Jezebel. Jezebel acts as an accomplice to Ahab's sin by orchestrating the false accusation and murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard (1 Kings 21:7-16). This narrative highlights the destructive power of being complicit in evil deeds and the judgment that follows.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of being an accomplice is further explored through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Pharisees and religious leaders are often depicted as accomplices to sin through their hypocrisy and legalism, which Jesus condemns. In Matthew 23:13, Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces; you yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter."

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of complicity in sin. In Romans 1:32, he writes, "Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things but also approve of those who practice them." This passage underscores the seriousness of not only committing sin but also endorsing or supporting those who do.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

From a conservative Christian viewpoint, being an accomplice to sin is a grave matter that carries significant moral and spiritual consequences. The Bible teaches that believers are called to live lives of holiness and righteousness, avoiding any participation in or support of sinful actions. Ephesians 5:11 instructs, "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."

The role of an accomplice is not limited to direct participation in sin but also includes passive approval or failure to oppose wrongdoing. James 4:17 states, "Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin." This highlights the responsibility of believers to actively resist sin and promote righteousness in their communities.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to examine their relationships and associations to ensure they are not inadvertently supporting or enabling sinful behavior. Proverbs 13:20 advises, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This wisdom literature emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with godly influences to avoid becoming an accomplice to sin.

Ultimately, the biblical perspective on being an accomplice calls for vigilance, discernment, and a commitment to uphold God's standards of holiness in all aspects of life.(n.) An associate in the commission of a crime; a participator in an offense, whether a principal or an accessory.4790. sugkoinoneo -- to have fellowship with
... Phonetic Spelling: (soong-koy-no-neh'-o) Short Definition: I have fellowship with
Definition: I am a partaker with, have fellowship with, am an accomplice in. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4790.htm - 7k

Ephesians ii. 3-Jan
... their former misdeeds are brought forward, cancelled though they be, and no longer
attended with danger,) he gives them, as it were, an accomplice, that it may ...
/.../homily iv ephesians ii 3-jan.htm

Illusive Appearance of the Moon.
... also, they suspend on high from the ceiling, at a distance, a drum, [266] but which,
being covered with some garment, is concealed by the accomplice, in order ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxxvii illusive appearance of the.htm

Whether a Priest Can Always Absolve his Subject?
... Reply to Objection 1: In this case the priest should not hear the confession of
his accomplice, with regard to that particular sin, but must refer her to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a priest can always.htm

Set at Liberty.
... The Genesis of a Great Crime"The Strength of Evil Influences"An Accomplice of
Satan"The Triumph of Hate"The Baptist Beheaded"A Place of Repentance. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiv set at liberty.htm

Preface.
... holiest, and best of the sons of men; yet he pities him as the victim of delusion,
and apologizes for him as the accessory to, or the accomplice in, acts of ...
/.../schaff/the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/preface.htm

Gambling, Card-Playing
... resorts. Being a professional outlaw, and subject at any time to arrest
and imprisonment, usually he has an accomplice. Sometimes ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/iii gambling card-playing.htm

St. Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Christ.
... He is introduced to our acquaintance on a tragical occasion"the martyrdom of Stephen,
where he appears an accomplice with murderers""he was standing by and ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon ix st pauls wish.htm

Depravity Lies at the Bottom of Demon-Worship.
... a counsellor of slaughter. You want to carry off a maiden by force, and
you select a divinity to be your accomplice. You are ill ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/chapter xix depravity lies at the.htm

The Pythagorean Doctrine of Transmigration Sketched and Censured.
... underground, he condemns himself to that endurance for some seven years, during
which he learns from his mother, who was his sole accomplice and attendant ...
/.../a treatise on the soul/chapter xxviii the pythagorean doctrine of.htm

As the Flesh is a Partaker with the Soul in all Human Conduct, So ...
... He to exclude from reward the flesh which is associated in good works; and idle,
were He to exempt it from punishment, when it has been an accomplice in evil ...
/.../tertullian/on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xv as the flesh is.htm

Accomplice (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Accomplice (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 29:24 Whoever
is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. ...
/a/accomplice.htm - 6k

Accomplish (44 Occurrences)

/a/accomplish.htm - 21k

With (66342 Occurrences)
... excitable neurosis of the patient; and the belief on the part of the apostles and
of the writer of Acts that the girl was not the conscious accomplice of her ...
/w/with.htm - 20k

Devils (48 Occurrences)
... excitable neurosis of the patient; and the belief on the part of the apostles and
of the writer of Acts that the girl was not the conscious accomplice of her ...
/d/devils.htm - 31k

Dare (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV). Proverbs 29:24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief
is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify. ...
/d/dare.htm - 12k

Dares (6 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). Proverbs 29:24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy
of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify. (WEB). ...
/d/dares.htm - 7k

Demons (54 Occurrences)
... excitable neurosis of the patient; and the belief on the part of the apostles and
of the writer of Acts that the girl was not the conscious accomplice of her ...
/d/demons.htm - 34k

Partaker (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who partakes; a sharer; a participator. 2.
(n.) An accomplice; an associate; a partner. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/p/partaker.htm - 9k

Bonnet (1 Occurrence)
... 11. (n.) The second stomach of a ruminating animal. 12. (n.) An accomplice of a
gambler, auctioneer, etc., who entices others to bet or to bid; a decoy. 13. ...
/b/bonnet.htm - 10k

Confederate (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) One who is united with others in a league; a person or a nation engaged
in a confederacy; an ally; also, an accomplice in a bad sense. ...
/c/confederate.htm - 9k

What is the Acts of John? | GotQuestions.org

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Accomplice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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