Definition and Context:
The term "emulations" is derived from the Greek word "zēlos," which can be translated as zeal, jealousy, or rivalry. In the context of the Bible, emulations often refer to a form of jealousy or envy that leads to rivalry and discord among individuals or groups. This concept is typically viewed negatively, as it can disrupt unity and foster division within the body of Christ.

Biblical References:
The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of emulations in his epistles, particularly in his letters to the Galatians and the Corinthians. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists "emulations" among the works of the flesh, which are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

In 1 Corinthians 3:3, Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for their carnal behavior, which includes jealousy and strife: "For you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?" . Here, emulations are seen as evidence of spiritual immaturity and a hindrance to the growth and unity of the church.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, emulations are considered a manifestation of the sinful nature that believers are called to overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit. The presence of emulations within a community can lead to division and hinder the work of the Gospel. Christians are encouraged to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, peace, and self-control, as a means of counteracting the destructive tendencies of emulations.

Practical Application:
In practical terms, believers are urged to examine their hearts and motives to ensure that they are not driven by jealousy or rivalry. Instead, they are called to pursue humility, unity, and love within the body of Christ. This involves celebrating the successes and gifts of others, rather than viewing them as threats or reasons for competition. By doing so, Christians can foster an environment of mutual edification and support, reflecting the unity and love that Christ desires for His church.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In the Greco-Roman world, where the early church was established, competition and rivalry were common in various aspects of life, including politics, sports, and social status. The early Christians, living in such a culture, were not immune to these influences. Paul's admonitions against emulations served as a counter-cultural call to live according to the values of the Kingdom of God, which prioritize love and unity over competition and division.

Conclusion:
While the Bible acknowledges the reality of emulations as part of the human condition, it consistently calls believers to rise above such tendencies through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, Christians can maintain the unity and peace that are essential for the effective witness of the church in the world.

Of Carnal Life, which is to be Understood not Only of Living in ...
... the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 2 of carnal life which.htm

Closing Appeal.
... nature from the very recesses of the soul; first driving forth lust, through which
every ill is begotten"hatreds, strife, envy, emulations, anger, and such ...
/.../justin/justins discourse to the greeks/chapter v closing appeal.htm

The Battle of Life
... merely that open vice and immorality into which the young man falls when he craves
after mere animal pleasure, but 'hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon vii the battle of.htm

Judged by Fruit
... that way"'are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xi judged by fruit.htm

The Same Subject Continued.
... For so had schisms, and emulations, and discussions, and presumptions, and elations,
and contentions required, that they should be laden with invidiousness ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter xiv the same subject continued.htm

Protesting Our Innocence?
... The works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, uncleanness,
lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife ...
/.../hession/the calvary road/chapter 10 protesting our innocence.htm

And Also, when He Exhorts Us, that we Live not after the Flesh...
... the works of the flesh are manifest, which are, fornications, uncleannesses, luxuries,
idolatry, witchcrafts, hatreds, contentions, emulations, wraths, strifes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on continence/section 9 and also when.htm

The Flesh and the Spirit
... the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxiii the flesh and.htm

Lo, Already Ye are Such, as that in the Rest of Your Conduct Also. ...
... devilish sacrifices and abominations, thefts, rapines, frauds, perjuries, drunkennesses,
and all luxury and avarice, hatreds, emulations, impieties, cruelties ...
/.../augustine/of holy virginity /section 54 lo already ye.htm

Of the Right of Bishops not to be Accused or Hurt by Detraction.
... 2846] To the utmost of your power, dearly beloved brethren, do ye prohibit such
accusations, and all unrighteous and injurious emulations, because contention ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/ii of the right of.htm

Emulations (1 Occurrence)
...Emulations (1 Occurrence). Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/e/emulations.htm - 6k

Emulation (5 Occurrences)

/e/emulation.htm - 9k

Emulous (2 Occurrences)

/e/emulous.htm - 7k

Discord (7 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Galatians 5:20 idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strifes, emulations,
wraths, rivalries, dissensions, sects, (See NIV). Esther ...
/d/discord.htm - 8k

Seditions (1 Occurrence)
... Seditions (1 Occurrence). Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (KJV WBS). ...
/s/seditions.htm - 6k

Sects (3 Occurrences)
... you. (DBY YLT). Galatians 5:20 idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strifes,
emulations, wraths, rivalries, dissensions, sects, (YLT). 2 ...
/s/sects.htm - 7k

Wrath (503 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath,
strife, seditions, heresies, (KJV ASV WBS YLT). Ephesians ...
/w/wrath.htm - 50k

Witchcraft (8 Occurrences)
... Witchcraft (8 Occurrences). Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (KJV WBS YLT NIV). ...
/w/witchcraft.htm - 23k

What does the Bible mean when it refers to emulations? | GotQuestions.org

Topical: Definitions ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

What is godly jealousy? | GotQuestions.org

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