In the context of the Bible, bystanders are individuals who are present at significant events or moments but are not directly involved in the action or decision-making. Their presence often serves to witness, react, or provide commentary on the unfolding events. The role of bystanders can be seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments, where they often serve as a reflection of public opinion or societal norms.

Old Testament Examples

1. David and Goliath: In 1 Samuel 17, the Israelite army, including King Saul, can be seen as bystanders during David's confrontation with Goliath. While they were initially paralyzed by fear, David's faith and courage inspired them to rally and pursue the Philistines after Goliath's defeat.

2. Elijah on Mount Carmel: In 1 Kings 18, the people of Israel are bystanders during the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Their initial silence and indecision highlight their spiritual wavering, but they ultimately acknowledge the LORD as God after witnessing the miraculous fire from heaven.

New Testament Examples

1. The Crucifixion of Jesus: The Gospels provide several accounts of bystanders at the crucifixion of Jesus. In Matthew 27:39-40 , it is written, "And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, 'You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!'" These bystanders mock Jesus, reflecting the scorn and disbelief of many in the crowd.

2. The Healing of the Paralytic: In Mark 2:1-12, bystanders are present when Jesus heals a paralytic man. The crowd's reaction is one of amazement and glorification of God, as noted in Mark 2:12 : "And immediately the man got up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of them all. As a result, they were all astounded and glorified God, saying, 'We have never seen anything like this!'"

3. Pentecost: In Acts 2, bystanders witness the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. Their reactions vary from amazement to skepticism, as some accuse the apostles of being drunk. This event marks a pivotal moment in the early Church, as Peter addresses the crowd, leading to the conversion of about three thousand souls.

Role and Significance

Bystanders in biblical narratives often serve as a barometer of public sentiment and societal values. Their reactions can range from skepticism and mockery to awe and belief. In many instances, bystanders are transformed from passive observers to active participants in God's unfolding plan, as seen in the conversion of many on the day of Pentecost.

The presence of bystanders also underscores the public nature of many biblical events, emphasizing that God's works and messages are not confined to private or hidden settings but are often displayed openly for all to witness. This public aspect serves to validate the events and messages, providing a broader context for understanding God's interaction with humanity.2476. histemi -- to make to stand, to stand
... root sta- Definition to make to stand, to stand NASB Word Usage brought (1), bystanders
(1), bystanders* (1), came (1), came to a halt (1), come (1), confirmed ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2476.htm - 11k

1563. ekei -- there, by ext. to there
... to there NASB Word Usage bystanders* (1), case (1), city (1), nearby (1), over there
(1), place (2), place there (4), there (84). there, to yonder place. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1563.htm - 6k

3936. paristemi -- to place beside, to present, stand by, appear
... Word Origin from para and histemi Definition to place beside, to present, stand
by, appear NASB Word Usage bystanders (5), come (1), commend (1), help (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3936.htm - 9k

The Denial of St. Peter
... had done to him. Peter was silent, but his silence and dejected demeanour
made the bystanders suspect something. The portress came ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter x the denial of.htm

Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Words of Jesus on the Cross.
... several other things, but I only remember these words: 'When my voice shall be silent,
the mouths of the dead shall be opened.' Some of the bystanders cried out ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlv fifth sixth and.htm

And the Fame of Antony came Even unto Kings. ...
... Then after a time, having turned to the bystanders with groans and trembling,
he prayed, and falling on his knees remained so a long time. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 81.htm

Cont. With Jairus Cont.
... New Testament (Matt.18:17, twice). In every case some co-operation was
expected from the bystanders. The bearers of the widow's ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 21-43 cont with jairus.htm

Chapter xx.
... make a statement which they saw to be against themselves, and yet would not venture
to say anything bad about John, on account of the bystanders, "Neither tell ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xx 2.htm

The Fear Felt by the Inhabitants of Jerusalem.
... as the darkness increased, every sound ceased, each voice was hushed, and remorse
and terror took possession of every heart, while the bystanders retired one ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xliv the fear felt.htm

The Cure of Simon's Wife's Mother.
... Neither do I wish to look at it from the point of view of the bystanders, although
it would appear that we had the testimony of three of them in the three ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/iii the cure of simons.htm

Synopsis. --Arbitrary Criticism of the Biblical Narratives of the ...
... considerations favoring it: 1. The real interests of Christianity secure."2. The
miracle as a work of mercy."3. Incompetency of the bystanders' opinion."4 ...
/.../miracles and supernatural religion/iii synopsis arbitrary criticism of the.htm

The Races --A Letter
... The Negresses, I am sorry to say, forgot themselves, kicked up their legs,
shouted to the bystanders, and were altogether incondite. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xv the racesa letter.htm

Sensual and Spiritual Excitement.
... They were full of the Spirit, and mocking bystanders said, "These men are full of
new wine;" for they found themselves elevated into the ecstasy of a life ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/ix sensual and spiritual excitement.htm

Bystanders (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bystanders (9 Occurrences). ... Matthew 27:47 "The man is
calling for Elijah," said some of the bystanders. (WEY RSV). ...
/b/bystanders.htm - 8k

Punishments (31 Occurrences)
... of whom there were at least two, were required to cast the first stone (Deuteronomy
13:9 John 8:7). If these failed to cause death, the bystanders proceeded to ...
/p/punishments.htm - 36k

Listen (441 Occurrences)
... against you." (WEY). Mark 15:35 Some of the bystanders, hearing Him, said,
"Listen, he is calling for Elijah!" (WEY NIV). Luke 8:8 ...
/l/listen.htm - 34k

Foal (10 Occurrences)
... bring him here. (WEY). Mark 11:5 when some of the bystanders called out,
"What are you doing, untying the foal?" (WEY). Mark 11:7 ...
/f/foal.htm - 11k

Repeatedly (28 Occurrences)
... it. Soon afterwards the bystanders again accused Peter, saying, "You are
surely one of them, for you too are a Galilaean." (WEY). ...
/r/repeatedly.htm - 14k

Byway

/b/byway.htm - 6k

Byssus-workers (1 Occurrence)
Byssus-workers. Byssus, Byssus-workers. Bystanders . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Byssus, Byssus-workers. Bystanders . Reference Bible.
/b/byssus-workers.htm - 6k

Accused (29 Occurrences)
... it. Soon afterwards the bystanders again accused Peter, saying, "You are
surely one of them, for you too are a Galilaean." (WEY). ...
/a/accused.htm - 15k

Afterwards (143 Occurrences)
... it. Soon afterwards the bystanders again accused Peter, saying, "You are
surely one of them, for you too are a Galilaean." (WEY). ...
/a/afterwards.htm - 36k

Ruth (19 Occurrences)
... in favor of Boaz according to ancient custom in Israel (Ruth 4:6). Boaz accepted
the charge thus transferred to him, the elders and bystanders bearing witness ...
/r/ruth.htm - 26k

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Minas? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about rioting? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus