Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, conspiracy refers to a secret plan or agreement between individuals to commit an unlawful or harmful act, often against a leader or a group. The Bible provides several instances where conspiracies are depicted as sinful actions, highlighting the moral and spiritual implications of such plots.Old Testament Examples One of the earliest examples of conspiracy in the Bible is found in the account of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Absalom conspired to usurp the throne by winning the hearts of the people of Israel. In 2 Samuel 15:12-13 , it is recorded, "While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his city of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing." This conspiracy was marked by deceit and betrayal, ultimately leading to conflict and tragedy. Another significant conspiracy is the plot against Joseph by his brothers. Motivated by jealousy, they conspired to kill him but ultimately sold him into slavery. Genesis 37:18-20 states, "Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. 'Here comes that dreamer!' they said to one another. 'Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal devoured him. Then we will see what becomes of his dreams!'" This act of conspiracy set the stage for Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt, demonstrating God's sovereignty even amidst human sin. New Testament Examples In the New Testament, the most infamous conspiracy is the plot to arrest and crucify Jesus Christ. The religious leaders, feeling threatened by Jesus' teachings and growing influence, conspired to put Him to death. Matthew 26:3-4 records, "At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him." This conspiracy, though evil in intent, fulfilled the divine plan of salvation through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection. Another example is the conspiracy against the Apostle Paul. In Acts 23:12-13 , it is written, "When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty of them were involved in this plot." This plot against Paul highlights the persistent opposition faced by early Christians and the lengths to which some would go to silence the message of the Gospel. Moral and Spiritual Implications Conspiracy, as depicted in the Bible, is often associated with deceit, betrayal, and a lack of trust in God's providence. It reflects a sinful desire to manipulate circumstances for personal gain or to harm others. The Bible consistently condemns such actions, emphasizing the importance of integrity, truthfulness, and reliance on God's justice. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists "a heart that devises wicked schemes" among the things the Lord hates, underscoring the severity of conspiracy as a sin. Believers are called to live in the light, rejecting secretive and deceitful practices, as Ephesians 5:11 instructs, "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." In summary, conspiracy in the biblical narrative serves as a cautionary tale against the destructive power of sin and the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will and righteousness. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 37:18And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near to them, they conspired against him to slay him. Nave's Topical Index Library Pardoned Sin Punished "My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ... "My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ... The Conspiracy Chastisements. Still Continues the Praise of "Wisdom. ... David and Nathan He Shows by the Example of victorinus that There is More Joy in ... The Reign of David. Royal Murderers Resources Questions about Sin (All) | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach mortal and venial sin? | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to hate my own sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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