Definition and Context
Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes outside the court system, where an impartial third party, the arbitrator, is appointed to make a binding decision. In biblical times, arbitration was a practical means of settling conflicts within the community, often involving respected leaders or elders who would mediate disputes according to God's laws and principles.

Biblical Instances and Principles
The concept of arbitration is rooted in the biblical principle of seeking peace and reconciliation among believers. In the Old Testament, Moses served as an arbitrator among the Israelites, resolving disputes and teaching God's statutes (Exodus 18:13-16). His father-in-law, Jethro, advised him to appoint capable men to serve as judges for minor disputes, reserving the more difficult cases for Moses himself (Exodus 18:17-26).

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of disputes among believers in the Corinthian church. He admonishes them for taking their grievances before secular courts rather than resolving them within the church community. Paul writes, "If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints?" (1 Corinthians 6:1). He encourages believers to appoint wise individuals within the church to arbitrate disputes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity and testimony before the world.

Qualifications of Arbitrators
Biblical arbitration requires individuals who are wise, impartial, and knowledgeable in God's Word. In the selection of judges and leaders, qualities such as fear of God, trustworthiness, and a disdain for dishonest gain are emphasized (Exodus 18:21). These characteristics ensure that decisions are made with integrity and in accordance with divine principles.

Arbitration and Christian Conduct
Arbitration aligns with the broader biblical mandate for Christians to live peaceably with all people (Romans 12:18). It reflects the heart of Christ's teaching on reconciliation and forgiveness, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus outlines a process for addressing personal offenses within the church. The goal is always restoration and harmony, reflecting the love and justice of God.

Practical Application
In contemporary Christian communities, arbitration can serve as a valuable tool for resolving conflicts in a manner that honors God and upholds the witness of the church. Churches may establish formal processes for arbitration, appointing elders or other mature believers to serve as mediators. This approach not only resolves disputes but also fosters spiritual growth and maturity among the parties involved.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "arbitration," the principles and practices associated with it are deeply embedded in the scriptural narrative. By following these guidelines, believers can effectively manage conflicts, promote peace, and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in their relationships.(n.) The hearing and determination of a cause between parties in controversy, by a person or persons chosen by the parties.1017. brabeion -- a prize
... prize. From brabeus (an umpire of uncertain derivation); an award (of arbitration),
ie (specially) a prize in the public games -- prize. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1017.htm - 6k

Epistle xxxvi. To Severus, Scholasticus
... Know then that Agilulph, King of the Lombards, is not unwilling to conclude a general
peace, if only the lord Patricius will consent to an arbitration. ...
/.../epistle xxxvi to severus scholasticus.htm

Attitude of Men of the Present Day to War.
... External Measures only" Peace Congress"The Article in the REVUE DES REVUES"Proposition
of Maxime du Camp"Value of Boards of Arbitration and Suppression ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter vi attitude of men.htm

Letter Lxxvii. (AD 404. )
... [1970] For, seeing that the dispute which has arisen between him and Spes has by
their consent been submitted to divine arbitration in a way which, if you ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxvii a d 404.htm

Peace on Earth through Righteousness
... Little Servia offered to go before the Court of Arbitration at The Hague
and be tried for the offense of which she was accused. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/ii peace on earth through.htm

Jesus and the Beloved Disciple.
... in the increase of philanthropy, in the growing sentiment that war must cease among
Christian nations, all disputes to be settled by arbitration, and in the ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter vi jesus and the.htm

Ep. cxliv. Verianus, a Citizen of Nazianzus, had Been Offended by ...
... Olympius referred the matter to the Episcopal arbitration of S. Gregory, who refused
to countenance the proceeding, and writes the two following letters, the ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep cxliv verianus a citizen.htm

How He Wrote to the Egyptians, Exhorting them to Peace.
... to his presence, and again patiently acted as mediator between them, and honored
them with gifts, and communicated also the result of his arbitration by letter ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxiii how he wrote to.htm

His Liberality, from his Private Resources, to the Losers in Suits ...
... In cases of judicial arbitration, in order that the loser by his decision might
not quit his presence less contented than the victorious litigant, he himself ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter iv his liberality from his.htm

Epistle Xlviii. To Theodorus, Duke of Sardinia.
... But now let your Glory enjoin this same official, with the aforesaid hand-maiden
of God, to submit the matter to arbitration to the end that whatever may be ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlviii to theodorus duke.htm

Epistle xxxvii. To Romanus, Guardian (Defensorem).
... his bishop, that either he may take cognizance himself, or at any rate that judges
may be deputed by him; or, if it should be a case for arbitration, let the ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxvii to romanus guardian.htm

Arbitration (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Arbitration (1 Occurrence). Job 16:21 Oh that there were
arbitration for a man with +God, as a son of man for his friend! (DBY). ...
/a/arbitration.htm - 6k

Arbitrator (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) A person, or one of two or more persons, chosen by parties who have a
controversy, to determine their differences. See Arbitration. ...
/a/arbitrator.htm - 7k

Arbitrate (1 Occurrence)

/a/arbitrate.htm - 7k

Oh (164 Occurrences)
... me! (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV). Job 16:21 Oh that there were arbitration
for a man with +God, as a son of man for his friend! (DBY). ...
/o/oh.htm - 34k

Friend (139 Occurrences)
... NAS RSV NIV). Job 16:21 Oh that there were arbitration for a man with +God,
as a son of man for his friend! (DBY YLT NIV). Job 17:5 ...
/f/friend.htm - 40k

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