In the biblical context, disputes refer to disagreements or conflicts that arise between individuals or groups. The Bible addresses the nature, causes, and resolutions of disputes, providing guidance for believers on how to handle such situations in a manner that honors God and promotes peace.

Old Testament Context

Disputes are a common theme throughout the Old Testament, often arising from issues of justice, property, and interpersonal relationships. The Mosaic Law provided specific instructions for resolving disputes among the Israelites. For example, Exodus 18:16 describes how Moses judged disputes among the people: "Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions."

The Book of Proverbs offers wisdom on avoiding and resolving disputes. Proverbs 17:14 warns, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This highlights the importance of preventing conflicts before they escalate.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, disputes among believers are addressed with an emphasis on reconciliation and unity. Jesus taught about resolving conflicts in Matthew 18:15-17, instructing believers to address disputes privately first, then with witnesses, and finally, if necessary, before the church. This process underscores the importance of maintaining relationships and community harmony.

The Apostle Paul also addressed disputes within the early church. In 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, Paul admonishes believers for taking their disputes to secular courts rather than resolving them within the church. He writes, "If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare you go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints?" (1 Corinthians 6:1). Paul emphasizes the importance of resolving disputes in a manner that reflects Christian values and witness.

Causes of Disputes

The Bible identifies several causes of disputes, including pride, greed, and misunderstanding. James 4:1-2 points to selfish desires as a root cause: "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight."

Resolution of Disputes

Scripture provides guidance for resolving disputes in a way that promotes peace and reconciliation. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom, practice humility, and prioritize love and forgiveness. James 3:17-18 states, "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness."

The role of forgiveness is central in resolving disputes. Colossians 3:13 instructs, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Conclusion

While disputes are an inevitable part of human relationships, the Bible provides clear principles for addressing and resolving them. By following biblical guidance, believers can navigate conflicts in a way that honors God and strengthens the body of Christ.3163. mache -- a fight
... Word Origin from machomai Definition a fight NASB Word Usage conflicts
(2), disputes (1), quarrels (1). fighting, strive, striving. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3163.htm - 6k

3055. logomachia -- a strife of words
... controversy. Word Origin from logomacheo Definition a strife of words NASB
Word Usage disputes about words (1). a dispute about words. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3055.htm - 6k

2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition
... Word Origin from erithos (day-laborer) Definition rivalry, hence ambition NASB Word
Usage disputes (2), selfish ambition (3), selfishly ambitious (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2052.htm - 7k

6041. ani -- poor, afflicted, humble
... From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances (practically the same as anav, although
the margin constantly disputes this, making anav subjective and aniy ...
/hebrew/6041.htm - 6k

7379. rib -- strife, dispute
... Usage adversary (1), case (11), cause (9), complaint (2), contend (1), contention
(1), contentions (3), controversy (1), dispute (11), disputes (1), indictment ...
/hebrew/7379.htm - 6k

1697. dabar -- speech, word
... 1), counsel (1), custom (1), customs (1), dealings (2), decree (2), deed (2), deeds
(3), defect* (1), desires (1), dispute (5), disputes (1), doings (1), duty ...
/hebrew/1697.htm - 8k

The Disputes of the Faithful to be Settled by the Decisions of the ...
... Of Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons. Sec. VI."The Disputes of the Faithful to Be
Settled by the Decisions of the Bishop, and the Faithful to Be Reconciled. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec vi the disputes of the.htm

Disputes Between Eusebius, Bishop of C??sarea, and Basil the Great ...
... Book VI. Chapter XV."Disputes between Eusebius, Bishop of C??sarea, and
Basil the Great. Hence the Arians took courage and came ...
/.../chapter xv disputes between eusebius bishop.htm

And Disputes
... CHAPTER VII "AND DISPUTES. When Hugh, under this ... of debate. If learned men ignored
the disputes the unlearned would not. Fanatical monks ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter vii name disputes.htm

With a view to the Good of the Church and the Settlement of ...
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria. Canon
XX. With a view to the good of the Church and the settlement of disputes? ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xx with a view.htm

Christ Refuses to Interfere in Civil Disputes. (Luke, xii. , 13-15 ...
... SAMARIA. Section 209. Christ refuses to interfere in Civil Disputes. (Luke,
xii., 13-15.)"His Decision in the Case of the Adulteress. ...
/.../section 209 christ refuses to.htm

Reformed Dutch Church.
... It could not ordain ministers, nor judicially decide in ecclesiastical
disputes, without the consent of the Classis of Amsterdam. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/reformed dutch church.htm

Our Scriptures were Received by Ancient Christians of Different ...
... is no reason to believe that the number of these bore any considerable proportion
to the body of the Christian church; and, amidst the disputes which such ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section vii our scriptures were.htm

Canonicity.
... III.185), "Julius Africanus alone among the older Fathers disputes the canonicity
of these fragments." See also Bissell's admission on p.448 of his Apocrypha. ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/canonicity.htm

Mahometanism; Image-Worship (Ad 612-794)
... There is but little to tell of the history of those times; for, although in the
Greek empire there were great disputes about some doctrines and practices ...
/.../chapter i mahometanism image-worship ad.htm

The Revision of the Dutch Confession, and the Heidelberg Catechism
... all the world that we render to the word of God alone such due and suitable honour,
as to determine it to be beyond (or rather above) all disputes, too great ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/x the revision of the.htm

Disputes (18 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Disputes (18 Occurrences). Romans 14:1 Now accept one
who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions. (WEB RSV). ...
/d/disputes.htm - 11k

Judicial (2 Occurrences)
... ju-dish'-al, joo-dish'-al: Among the ancient Israelites in the pre-Canaanite period
disputes within the family or clan or tribe would be settled by the natural ...
/j/judicial.htm - 25k

Disputer (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who disputes, or who is given to disputes; a
controvertist. Multi-Version Concordance Disputer (1 Occurrence). ...
/d/disputer.htm - 6k

Blindness (7 Occurrences)
... ju-dish'-al, joo-dish'-al: Among the ancient Israelites in the pre-Canaanite period
disputes within the family or clan or tribe would be settled by the natural ...
/b/blindness.htm - 19k

Questionings (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and
disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings ...
/q/questionings.htm - 8k

Genealogies (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:4 neither to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause
disputes, rather than God's stewardship, which is in faith- (WEB KJV ASV ...
/g/genealogies.htm - 12k

Disputing (13 Occurrences)

/d/disputing.htm - 10k

Opinion (91 Occurrences)
... Do not give yourselves an air of wisdom. (BBE). Romans 14:1 Now accept one who is
weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions. (Root in WEB WEY NAS RSV). ...
/o/opinion.htm - 34k

Quarrels (10 Occurrences)
... Titus 3:9 but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about
the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. (See RSV NIV). ...
/q/quarrels.htm - 9k

Preacher (27 Occurrences)
... the former. It is alleged that the Wisdom disputes Ecclesiastes; if it does,
that does not prove that the two are contemporary. It ...
/p/preacher.htm - 48k

How should Christians handle disputes (Matthew 18:15-17)? | GotQuestions.org

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