Topical Bible: Slander: That he Was a King

◄ Slander: That he Was a King ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Slander, as a concept, is addressed throughout the Bible as a grievous sin, often associated with false testimony and malicious speech. In the context of biblical narratives, slander can take many forms, including the false accusation or misrepresentation of someone's character or intentions. One notable instance of slander in the Bible is the accusation against Jesus Christ that He claimed to be a king in a political sense, which was used to justify His crucifixion.

Biblical Context

The accusation that Jesus claimed to be a king is rooted in the events leading up to His crucifixion. The religious leaders of the time, feeling threatened by Jesus' growing influence and His teachings, sought to eliminate Him. They brought Jesus before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, with the charge that He was claiming to be the King of the Jews, a title that could be construed as a challenge to Roman authority.

In the Gospel of John, this accusation is explicitly mentioned: "Then Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, 'Are You the King of the Jews?'" (John 18:33). Jesus' response to Pilate clarifies the nature of His kingship: "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm" (John 18:36). Here, Jesus distinguishes His spiritual kingship from any earthly political power.

The Nature of the Slander

The slander against Jesus was a deliberate misrepresentation of His mission and identity. The religious leaders twisted His claim to spiritual kingship into a political threat, knowing that such an accusation would compel the Roman authorities to act. This act of slander was not merely a misunderstanding but a calculated move to incite fear and justify their demand for His execution.

The Gospel of Luke further illustrates the false nature of the accusation: "And they began to accuse Him, saying, 'We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a king'" (Luke 23:2). This statement was a distortion of Jesus' teachings, as He had previously instructed, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (Luke 20:25).

Theological Implications

The slander that Jesus claimed to be a king in a political sense highlights the broader theme of misunderstanding and rejection of His true identity and mission. Jesus came to establish a spiritual kingdom, one that transcends earthly power and authority. His kingship is characterized by servanthood, sacrifice, and love, as opposed to the political and military might expected by many of His contemporaries.

This incident also underscores the destructive power of slander and false testimony. The Bible consistently warns against bearing false witness and the harm it can cause. Proverbs 10:18 states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool" . The slander against Jesus ultimately led to His crucifixion, a pivotal event in Christian theology that underscores the gravity of false accusations.

Conclusion

The accusation that Jesus claimed to be a king serves as a profound example of slander in the Bible. It reveals the malicious intent of His accusers and the tragic consequences of their false testimony. This event invites reflection on the nature of Jesus' kingship and the importance of truthfulness in speech and action.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 23:2
And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
Nave's Topical Index

John 18:37
Pilate therefore said to him, Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice.
Nave's Topical Index

John 19:1-5
Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

In the Next Place, as it is his Object to Slander Our Scriptures.. ...
... In the next place, as it is his object to slander our Scriptures, he ridicules the
following statement: "And God caused ... He said; their king th' inferior ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxviii in the next.htm

Rash Decisions.
... And the king asked after Mephibosheth; then Ziba said, "O ... master could not come with
him, because he was crippled ... Now when David heard the slander of Ziba, he ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xli rash decisions.htm

The Way to Preach to those who Sleep in Sin.
... was indeed success to hear the king acknowledge his ... worshippers were guilty of"as
lying, slander, adultery, &c ... He who breaks the first commandment has pulled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxxv the way to preach.htm

The one Purpose of Prayer.
... please. Do not slander God like that. ... there. For instance, God's first choice
for Israel was that He Himself should be their king. There ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the one purpose of prayer.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... 1. The grossest kind of slander is that which in the ... is, flatly charging him with
facts which he never committed ... Naboth did blaspheme God and the king:" and as ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

The Ninth Commandment
... witnessed against Naboth, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king:' and their ...
may wrong another as well by silence as by slander, when he knows him ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 9 the ninth commandment.htm

The World Turned Upside Down
... up with whatever he chooses to say." There is a slander uttered against ... us go and
take off that dead dog's head, because he cursed the king" He says, "No ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the world turned upside down.htm

He Never Saw Constans Alone.
... on a subject like this, or that I should slander a brother ... against you in the presence
of a king, and of ... saw your brother by myself, nor did he ever converse ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/3 he never saw constans.htm

Profession and Practice.
... before king Herod Atticus, and when the king asked him what profession he was of,
what office he held, the ... Not the Christian when you slander your neighbour ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lv profession and practice.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... in words of outrage, and fighting, and slander, and transgression ... my father, for
all things whatsoever he commanded I ... blessed me that I should be king in Israel ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm