Topical Bible: Slander: Servants of God Exposed To

◄ Slander: Servants of God Exposed To ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Slander, defined as the false and malicious spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation, is a recurring challenge faced by the servants of God throughout the biblical narrative. The Bible provides numerous accounts of God's faithful being subjected to slander, highlighting both the trials they endured and the divine vindication they often received.

Old Testament Examples

1. Joseph: One of the earliest examples of slander in the Bible is found in the account of Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph found favor in the house of Potiphar. However, Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of attempting to assault her, leading to his unjust imprisonment (Genesis 39:14-20). Despite this slander, God remained with Joseph, ultimately elevating him to a position of power in Egypt.

2. David: King David, a man after God's own heart, was no stranger to slander. During his life, he faced false accusations and malicious talk from enemies and even those within his own household. In Psalm 31:13 , David laments, "For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life." Despite these challenges, David consistently sought refuge in God, who delivered him from his adversaries.

3. Nehemiah: As Nehemiah led the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he encountered slander from adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah. They falsely accused him of rebelling against the king and attempted to intimidate him through deceitful letters (Nehemiah 6:5-8). Nehemiah's steadfast faith and commitment to God's work enabled him to overcome these false accusations.

New Testament Examples

1. Jesus Christ: The ultimate servant of God, Jesus Christ, was frequently subjected to slander. Religious leaders accused Him of blasphemy, being demon-possessed, and misleading the people (Matthew 9:34; John 8:48). Despite these false accusations, Jesus remained focused on His mission, ultimately fulfilling His purpose through His death and resurrection.

2. The Apostles: The early apostles, as they spread the Gospel, often faced slander from both Jewish and Gentile communities. In Acts 6:11-13 , Stephen was falsely accused of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. Similarly, Paul was accused of being a troublemaker and stirring up dissension (Acts 24:5). The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, continued to preach boldly, trusting in God's justice.

3. Paul: The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addressed the issue of slander. In 1 Corinthians 4:13 , he writes, "When we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world." Paul’s response to slander was rooted in humility and a commitment to Christ-like behavior, serving as an example for believers.

Biblical Teachings on Slander

The Bible consistently warns against the sin of slander and encourages believers to guard their tongues. Proverbs 10:18 states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." The New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging Christians to put away all malice and slander (Ephesians 4:31).

Servants of God are called to respond to slander with grace and truth, trusting in the Lord for vindication. 1 Peter 3:16 advises believers to maintain a clear conscience, so that those who slander them may be put to shame by their good behavior in Christ. Through these trials, the faithful are reminded of their reliance on God and the eternal perspective that transcends earthly accusations.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 3:8
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 6:8
By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Era of Persecution
... their worship provided a ready acceptance for the popular slander that in ... way to
practise and exercise his servants against the servants of God, not only ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm

Council Held at Sardica.
... "They fled, beloved brethren, not only because their charges were slander, but also ...
Asclepas, bishop of Gaza, and of all the other servants of God who are ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter vi council held at sardica.htm

Letter ccxx. (AD 427. )
... into sacred retirement, and live like the servants of God ... moreover, perhaps it is
an unfounded slander,"that one ... Pray earnestly, and say to God, in the words ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter ccxx a d 427.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... This is another mistake, if not wilful slander, for which there ... do it to the Lord;
as the servants of Christ ... eye be single, from first to last; eye God alone in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

Letters of the Council of Sardica to the Churches of Egypt and of ...
... proceeded to add other to their former calumnies, and to slander the man ... The Arian
madmen have dared repeatedly to attack the servants of God, who maintain ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iii letters of the council.htm

The Best of All, God is with Us
... God has sent his servants into the world, to gather ... thee,""in poverty, in sickness,
in slander and reproach ... you who have been lately converted to God have had ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

V. ...
... may come to Christ; which is a true mark of love, though they slander and asperse ...
ye had your freedom as a cover of wickedness, but as the servants of God. ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v .htm

Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love.
... of holiness on earth"the most pious servants of God ... Such grace and goodness of God,
says the apostle, should ... its worst it may perhaps falsely slander you, or ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/second sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

The Events which Happened at this Time to Dionysius and those in ...
... bishop who was endeavoring to slander him. ... and magistrates, with their soldiers and
servants, certain persons ... Eusebius is one whom God has strengthened and ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xi the events which happened.htm

Dilemma and Deliverance
... Remember it is the lot of God's greatest servants to bear the worst character
amongst worldlings. ... Be content and bear the slander. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/dilemma and deliverance.htm