Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical studies, "adherents" refers to individuals who follow or support a particular faith, doctrine, or leader. Within the Bible, the concept of adherence is closely tied to faithfulness, obedience, and commitment to God and His commandments. The term can be applied to those who are devoted to the teachings of the Bible and the Christian faith.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, adherence to God is often depicted through the covenant relationship between God and His people, Israel. The Israelites were called to be faithful adherents to the laws and commandments given by God through Moses. In Deuteronomy 6:4-5 , the Shema, a central declaration of the Jewish faith, emphasizes this adherence: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." The prophets frequently called the people back to adherence to God, warning against idolatry and unfaithfulness. For example, in Jeremiah 7:23 , God commands, "But this is what I commanded them: ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.’" New Testament Context In the New Testament, adherence takes on a more personal and relational dimension through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus calls His followers to adhere to His teachings and to remain in Him. In John 15:4-5 , Jesus states, "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." The early Christian community is characterized by their adherence to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, as seen in Acts 2:42 : "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Adherence and Discipleship Adherence in the New Testament is closely linked to the concept of discipleship. Jesus calls individuals to follow Him, which involves a commitment to His teachings and a transformation of life. In Matthew 16:24 , Jesus says, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." The Apostle Paul also emphasizes adherence to the teachings of Christ and the apostles. In 1 Corinthians 11:1 , Paul urges, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." This call to imitation underscores the importance of adhering to the example set by Christ and His apostles. Adherence and the Church The concept of adherence extends to the corporate body of believers, the Church. The Church is called to adhere to sound doctrine and to maintain unity in the faith. In Ephesians 4:3-5 , Paul writes, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Adherence to the faith is also seen in the perseverance of believers amidst trials and persecution. The Book of Revelation commends those who remain faithful to Christ, even unto death, as seen in Revelation 2:10 : "Be faithful, even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." In summary, adherents in the biblical sense are those who faithfully follow and commit to the teachings of God as revealed in the Scriptures, demonstrating their faith through obedience, discipleship, and perseverance. Greek 2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition ... Transliteration: eritheia Phonetic Spelling: (er-ith-i'-ah) Short Definition: ambition, rivalry Definition: (the seeking of followers and adherents by means of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2052.htm - 7k Library Concerning the Deputies of the Council and the Emperor's Letter ... Division Begins in the Church from this Controversy; and Alexander ... Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his ... The Emperor Valens, While at Antioch, Again Persecutes the ... Valentinian Goes into the West; Valens Remains at Constantinople ... After the Death of Constantine the Great, the Adherents Of Of the Damnation of the Devil and his Adherents; and a Sketch of ... The Struggle in America, 1762-1857. Excursus on the Conciliabulum of John of Antioch. Stiff-Necked Idolaters and Pliable Christians Thesaurus Adherents (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Adherents (5 Occurrences). ... Is it Paul who was crucified on your behalf? Or were you baptized to be Paul's adherents? (WEY). ... /a/adherents.htm - 7k Stoics (1 Occurrence) Obedience (61 Occurrences) Following (546 Occurrences) Fragments (17 Occurrences) Talkative (5 Occurrences) Ekron (20 Occurrences) Ekronite (1 Occurrence) Epicureans (1 Occurrence) Ephesian (4 Occurrences) Resources What are the most common world religions? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about white magic? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian Rationalism? | GotQuestions.org Adherents: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Adherents (5 Occurrences)Romans 4:14 Romans 4:16 1 Corinthians 1:13 1 Corinthians 1:15 Hebrews 13:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |