Definition and Context
The term "haling" is an archaic English word that means to drag or pull forcibly. In the context of the Bible, it is often used to describe the act of forcibly bringing someone before authorities or dragging them away, typically in a context of persecution or legal proceedings.

Biblical References
The concept of haling is notably mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Acts. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear depiction of this term in action:

· Acts 8:3 : "But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison." Here, the term "dragged off" is synonymous with haling, illustrating Saul's zealous persecution of early Christians before his conversion to Paul the Apostle.

· Acts 14:19 : "Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead." This passage, while not using the exact term "haling," describes a similar action of forcibly removing Paul, reflecting the hostility faced by early Christians.

Historical and Theological Significance
In the early Christian church, haling was a common experience for believers who faced persecution for their faith. The act of being forcibly taken or dragged before authorities was a testament to the trials and tribulations faced by the early followers of Christ. This persecution was often spearheaded by religious leaders and political authorities who viewed the burgeoning Christian movement as a threat to established religious and social orders.

Theologically, the instances of haling in the Bible underscore the cost of discipleship and the reality of suffering for one's faith. They highlight the courage and steadfastness required to follow Christ amidst opposition. The transformation of Saul, a key figure in the haling of Christians, into Paul, a devoted apostle of Christ, serves as a powerful narrative of redemption and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Cultural and Linguistic Notes
The use of the term "haling" in older English translations of the Bible reflects the linguistic style of the time. Modern translations, such as the Berean Standard Bible, often use terms like "dragged" or "seized" to convey the same meaning in contemporary language. Understanding these linguistic shifts is important for interpreting the text accurately and appreciating the historical context of biblical events.

Application for Believers
For contemporary Christians, the accounts of haling in the Bible serve as a reminder of the historical struggles faced by the early church and the enduring call to stand firm in faith. They encourage believers to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to draw strength from the examples of those who have gone before them, trusting in God's sovereignty and ultimate justice.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Hale.HALE; HALING

hal, hal'-ing (OE halen): "To pull" or drag, the King James Version translation of suro, "to draw or drag" (Acts 8:3, "haling men and women," the American Standard Revised Version "dragging"), and of katasuro, "to drag down" or "force along" (Luke 12:58, "lest he hale thee to the judge," the American Standard Revised Version "lest haply he drag thee unto the judge"). A more frequent modern form is "haul."

Acts vii. 54
... "As for Saul, he made havoc of the Church, entering into every house, and haling
men and women committed them to prison." (v.3.) Great was his frenzy: that he ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xviii acts vii 54.htm

The History of Simon Magus.
... "As for Saul, he made havock of the Church, entering into every house, and haling
men and women, committed them to prison." The death of Stephen did not ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture x the history of.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... His zeal hurried him on to take an active part in the persecution of the Church;
and "entering into every house, and haling men and women, he committed them to ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

The Gospel in Samaria
... they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria." Saul
"made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 11 the gospel in.htm

Seed Scattered and Taking Root
... carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.3. As for Saul,
he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/seed scattered and taking root.htm

Outrages which Took Place at the Time of Gregory's Arrival.
... them in the bitterest persecutions, were seizing upon the virgins and ascetics by
the hands and dragging them along, and as they were haling them, endeavoured ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 3 outrages which took.htm

Saul's Conversion
... in as exceeding all in his opposition; for thus speaks the evangelist, "As for Saul,
he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/sauls conversion.htm

The Antiquity of the Doctrine
... St. Luke says, "Saul made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and,
haling men and women, committed them to prison. Therefore ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/5 the antiquity of the.htm

The Preacher as a Christian.
... The scenes of the persecution, when, haling men and women, he cast them into prison;
the hatred and fury which in those days had raged in his breast; the ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture vii the preacher as.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... left us. When the surgeon knew our determination, he was for haling us
back at once; what he wanted, he said, was willing men. We ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

Hale (1 Occurrence)
... hale body. 2. (n.) Welfare. 3. (vt) To call; to pull; to drag; to haul. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HALE; HALING. hal, hal'-ing ...
/h/hale.htm - 7k

Haling (1 Occurrence)
... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Hale. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HALE; HALING. ... A more
frequent modern form is "haul.". Multi-Version Concordance Haling (1 Occurrence ...
/h/haling.htm - 7k

Committed (201 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every
house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. (KJV ASV WBS RSV). ...
/c/committed.htm - 39k

Havoc (7 Occurrences)
... Havoc (7 Occurrences). Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering
into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. ...
/h/havoc.htm - 9k

Havock (1 Occurrence)
... Havock (1 Occurrence). Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering
into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. (KJV). ...
/h/havock.htm - 6k

Halicarnassus

/h/halicarnassus.htm - 9k

Making (644 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Acts 8:3 and Saul was making havoc of the assembly, into every house entering,
and haling men and women, was giving them up to prison; (YLT). ...
/m/making.htm - 34k

Hall (30 Occurrences)

/h/hall.htm - 19k

Giving (611 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Acts 8:3 and Saul was making havoc of the assembly, into every house
entering, and haling men and women, was giving them up to prison; (YLT). ...
/g/giving.htm - 34k

First (4693 Occurrences)
... membership that he specially warns, and had previously warned in his former epistle
Ch 6 deals with the shamefulness of Christian brethren haling one another ...
/f/first.htm - 101k

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