Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "opponent" generally refers to individuals or groups who stand in opposition to God's people, His purposes, or His truth. Throughout Scripture, opponents can be both human and spiritual entities, and they often serve as instruments through which God's people are tested, refined, or called to demonstrate faithfulness.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, opponents often come in the form of foreign nations or individuals who oppose Israel, God's chosen people. For example, the Philistines are recurrent adversaries of Israel, as seen in the account of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The Philistines' opposition to Israel is not merely political but also spiritual, as they worship false gods and challenge the sovereignty of Yahweh. Another significant opponent is Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, who resists Moses' demand to let the Israelites go free. This opposition sets the stage for the ten plagues and the eventual Exodus, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to His covenant people (Exodus 7-12). New Testament Context In the New Testament, opponents often arise in the form of religious leaders, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees, who challenge Jesus' authority and teachings. These groups are depicted as being more concerned with maintaining their own power and traditions than with understanding the true nature of God's kingdom. Jesus addresses their opposition directly, as seen in Matthew 23, where He pronounces woes upon the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and spiritual blindness. The Apostle Paul also faced numerous opponents throughout his ministry. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-26 , Paul recounts the various hardships he endured, including being beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked, often at the hands of those who opposed his message of the Gospel. Despite these challenges, Paul remained steadfast, viewing his opponents as opportunities to demonstrate the power of Christ in his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Spiritual Opposition Beyond human adversaries, the Bible also speaks of spiritual opponents. Chief among these is Satan, who is described as the "accuser" and the "adversary" (1 Peter 5:8). Satan's opposition is evident from the temptation of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 to the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Believers are called to resist the devil and stand firm in their faith, equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Response to Opponents The biblical response to opponents is multifaceted. Believers are encouraged to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). At the same time, they are called to stand firm in the truth and contend for the faith (Jude 1:3). The ultimate victory over all opponents, both human and spiritual, is assured through Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world (John 16:33) and will one day put all enemies under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25). Strong's Hebrew 7453. rea -- friend, companion, fellow... friends (18), husband (1), kind (1), lover (1), lovers (1), mate (1), neighbor (64), neighbor's (23), neighbors (3), neighbors' (1), opponent (1), opponent's ( ... /hebrew/7453.htm - 6k Library The Truth, that God Made all Things from Nothing, Rescued from the ... The Exordium or Introduction Against Hermogenes The Narration Book v. Our Reply, in the Previous Books, to the Mad and ... Christ's Human Nature the Flesh and the Soul Both Fully and ... In the Dead who were Raised by Christ we Possess the Highest Proof ... Letter I. Epistle xviii. Reply of St. Ambrose to the Memorial of Symmachus.. ... Book ii. Thesaurus Opponent's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Opponent's (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 2:16 They caught everyone his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword ... /o/opponent's.htm - 6k Opponents (11 Occurrences) Opportune (4 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Opponent's (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 2:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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