Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: To confront is to face someone or something, often with the intention of addressing a problem or challenge. In the biblical context, confrontation can involve addressing sin, resolving conflicts, or standing firm in one's faith. It is an act that requires courage, wisdom, and often, a reliance on divine guidance. Biblical Instances of Confrontation: 1. Nathan and David: One of the most notable confrontations in the Bible is between the prophet Nathan and King David. After David's sin with Bathsheba, Nathan confronts him with a parable that reveals David's wrongdoing. Nathan's confrontation leads to David's repentance. This account is found in 2 Samuel 12:1-7. Nathan's approach is a model of how to confront with truth and grace. 2. Paul and Peter: In Galatians 2:11-14, the Apostle Paul confronts Peter (Cephas) for his hypocrisy in withdrawing from Gentile believers. Paul’s confrontation is direct and public, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the truth of the Gospel. This incident highlights the necessity of confronting even leaders when they err. 3. Jesus and the Pharisees: Jesus frequently confronted the Pharisees and religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of "woes" to the Pharisees, confronting their hypocrisy and legalism. His confrontations were aimed at revealing truth and calling for genuine repentance. Principles of Biblical Confrontation: 1. Seek God’s Guidance: Before confronting someone, it is essential to seek God’s wisdom and guidance. James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, which is crucial in handling confrontations appropriately. 2. Speak the Truth in Love: Ephesians 4:15 instructs believers to speak the truth in love. Confrontation should not be about winning an argument but about restoring relationships and encouraging spiritual growth. 3. Aim for Restoration: The goal of confrontation should be restoration, not condemnation. Galatians 6:1 advises believers to restore those caught in sin gently, keeping watch on themselves to avoid temptation. 4. Be Humble and Gentle: Confrontation should be approached with humility and gentleness. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 emphasizes the importance of being kind and patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. 5. Be Prepared for Resistance: Not all confrontations will be received well. Jesus warned His disciples that they would face opposition (John 15:18-20). Believers should be prepared for resistance but remain steadfast in truth. Confrontation in Church Discipline: Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for confronting a fellow believer who sins. The steps include private confrontation, bringing one or two others if necessary, and finally involving the church if the person remains unrepentant. This process underscores the importance of addressing sin within the community while seeking reconciliation. Conclusion: Confrontation, when done biblically, is an act of love and obedience. It requires courage, wisdom, and a heart aligned with God’s purposes. Through confrontation, believers can uphold truth, promote healing, and strengthen the body of Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To stand in opposition; to oppose with firmness.2. (v. t.) To put face to face; to cause to face or to meet; as, to confront one with the proofs of his wrong doing. 3. (v. t.) To set in opposition for examination; to put in contrast; to compare. Greek 2051. erizo -- to wrangle, strive ... wrangle, strive. Cognate: 2051 -- to contend; to confront (engage) in heated debate that results in discord (needless strife). This ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2051.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5921. al -- upon, above, over... 1), bordered* (1), care (1), carried (1), charge (31), charge* (1), command (1), committed (1), concerning (97), concerning* (5), confront (1), confront* (1 ... /hebrew/5921.htm - 8k 5046. nagad -- to be conspicuous 6923. qadam -- to come or be in front, meet 6440. panim -- face, faces Library You Say that You are not the Defender or the Champion of Origen ... Gottlieb Shober. Joseph of Arimathea Tennessee Justifying Her Procedure. Lorimer -- the Fall of Satan All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises. Public Speaking Phrases The Shout of Faith The Negative Side Preliminary Thesaurus Confront (15 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To put face to face; to cause to face or to meet; as, to confront one with the proofs of his wrong doing. ...Confront (15 Occurrences). ... /c/confront.htm - 10k Face (780 Occurrences) Oppose (29 Occurrences) Front (327 Occurrences) Tekoa (12 Occurrences) Encounter (10 Occurrences) Disappoint (2 Occurrences) Meet (281 Occurrences) Confronted (7 Occurrences) Confounding (1 Occurrence) Resources What does the Bible say about confrontation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is toxic masculinity? | GotQuestions.org How should sin in the church be handled? | GotQuestions.org Confront: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Confront (15 Occurrences)Exodus 8:20 Exodus 9:13 Deuteronomy 31:21 Judges 14:4 1 Samuel 12:7 Job 21:31 Job 30:27 Job 33:5 Psalms 17:13 Isaiah 24:17 Isaiah 50:8 Ezekiel 20:4 Ezekiel 22:2 Ezekiel 23:36 Amos 9:10 Subtopics Related Terms |