False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Mary
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Introduction:
False accusation is a recurring theme in the Bible, often highlighting the trials faced by the righteous and the unjust actions of the accusers. In the context of Mary, the mother of Jesus, false accusations are not explicitly detailed in the biblical text. However, the circumstances surrounding her miraculous conception and the societal norms of her time suggest that she may have faced suspicion and misunderstanding.

Mary's Miraculous Conception:
The most significant event in Mary's life that could have led to false accusations is the virgin birth of Jesus. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Mary was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit before she and Joseph came together as husband and wife (Matthew 1:18). This miraculous event, while a cornerstone of Christian faith, would have been difficult for others to understand or believe at the time.

Joseph's Initial Doubts:
Joseph, Mary's betrothed, initially doubted her purity upon discovering her pregnancy. Matthew 1:19 states, "Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly." This verse implies that Joseph, before receiving divine revelation, might have suspected Mary of infidelity, a common assumption given the circumstances.

Societal Implications:
In first-century Jewish society, a woman found to be pregnant outside of wedlock could face severe consequences, including public disgrace and even stoning, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law for adultery (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). Although the Bible does not record specific accusations against Mary from her community, the potential for such accusations was significant given the cultural context.

Divine Intervention:
The angelic visitation to Joseph in a dream served to clarify the truth of Mary's situation. The angel instructed Joseph, "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:20). This divine intervention not only reassured Joseph but also protected Mary from potential false accusations and their consequences.

Mary's Faith and Obedience:
Despite the potential for misunderstanding and false accusations, Mary demonstrated remarkable faith and obedience. Her response to the angel Gabriel, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38), reflects her trust in God's plan, regardless of the societal implications.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not provide explicit accounts of false accusations against Mary, the circumstances of her miraculous conception and the cultural context suggest that she may have faced suspicion and potential accusations. Her account exemplifies faithfulness and trust in God's providence amidst challenging circumstances.
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Matthew 1:19
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately.
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Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... they ought to be admitted to bring accusation by hired ... the grace of God freed us
from this false doctrine, impiety ... were to take counsel to fight against it, and ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about false accusations? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Flavius Josephus? | GotQuestions.org

What does INRI stand for? What was written on the sign nailed to the cross above Jesus' head? | GotQuestions.org

Accusation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Accusation

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False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Jeremiah

False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Jesus

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False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Joseph by Potiphar's Wife

False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Joseph's Brethren by Joseph

False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Mary

False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Moses by Korah

False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Naboth by Jezebel

False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Paul

False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Paul and Silas

False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Stephen

False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against the Prophet Ahimelech by Saul

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Related Terms

False (303 Occurrences)

False-hearted (6 Occurrences)

False-named (1 Occurrence)

Christs (2 Occurrences)

Prophesyings (1 Occurrence)

Statements (22 Occurrences)

Deception (24 Occurrences)

Deceitful (46 Occurrences)

Slander (34 Occurrences)

Tricked (25 Occurrences)

Deceptive (11 Occurrences)

Perform (155 Occurrences)

Arise (235 Occurrences)

Deceive (48 Occurrences)

Visions (43 Occurrences)

Breathing (25 Occurrences)

Delusion (12 Occurrences)

Displaying (4 Occurrences)

Pours (21 Occurrences)

Prodigies (2 Occurrences)

Possible (133 Occurrences)

Perjury (3 Occurrences)

Breatheth (8 Occurrences)

Counterfeit (3 Occurrences)

Steal (29 Occurrences)

Saints (117 Occurrences)

Secretly (104 Occurrences)

Sham (1 Occurrence)

Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)

Curse (211 Occurrences)

Tradition (13 Occurrences)

Shew (226 Occurrences)

Elect (32 Occurrences)

Puts (197 Occurrences)

Commit (142 Occurrences)

Taker (26 Occurrences)

Balance (12 Occurrences)

Miracles (65 Occurrences)

Knave (2 Occurrences)

Truthful (12 Occurrences)

Trip (4 Occurrences)

Teachings (34 Occurrences)

Rewards (26 Occurrences)

Rogue (2 Occurrences)

Ever-burning (3 Occurrences)

Depths (56 Occurrences)

Disguise (7 Occurrences)

Masquerade (1 Occurrence)

Mislead (13 Occurrences)

Privily (15 Occurrences)

Pagan (7 Occurrences)

Pretence (5 Occurrences)

Belie (1 Occurrence)

Attraction (3 Occurrences)

Takes (380 Occurrences)

Crooked (31 Occurrences)

Privately (29 Occurrences)

Murder (41 Occurrences)

True (305 Occurrences)

Teachers (87 Occurrences)

Ahab (85 Occurrences)

Deceit (160 Occurrences)

Testimony (175 Occurrences)

Susanna (1 Occurrence)

Damnable (1 Occurrence)

Desires (151 Occurrences)

Yours (226 Occurrences)

Adultery (49 Occurrences)

Shemaiah (40 Occurrences)

Tells (38 Occurrences)

Stephen (13 Occurrences)

Pictured (26 Occurrences)

Turning (381 Occurrences)

Bearing (150 Occurrences)

Evil-doer (88 Occurrences)

Powers (43 Occurrences)

Truly (468 Occurrences)

False Accusation: Incidents Illustrative of Against Joseph's Brethren by Joseph
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