In the biblical narrative, opponents are individuals or groups who stand in opposition to God's people, His purposes, or His commandments. The concept of opposition is woven throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, and serves as a backdrop against which the faithfulness and perseverance of God's people are often tested and refined.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, opponents frequently arise as adversaries to the nation of Israel, God's chosen people. These adversaries can be external, such as foreign nations and their rulers, or internal, such as rebellious individuals within Israel itself.

1. External Opponents: Nations such as Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon are prominent examples of external opponents. Pharaoh's opposition to Moses and the Israelites is a classic example, where God demonstrates His power through the plagues and the eventual Exodus (Exodus 7-12). Similarly, the Assyrian and Babylonian empires are instruments of God's judgment but also serve as opponents who challenge Israel's faithfulness (2 Kings 17:6, 2 Kings 25:1-21).

2. Internal Opponents: Within Israel, opposition often comes from those who reject God's commandments or leadership. Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron is a notable instance of internal opposition (Numbers 16). The prophets frequently faced opposition from kings and false prophets who resisted their messages (Jeremiah 38:4-6).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, opponents are often those who resist the message of the Gospel and the early Christian community. This opposition can be religious, political, or social in nature.

1. Religious Opponents: The Pharisees and Sadducees are frequently depicted as opponents of Jesus, challenging His teachings and authority (Matthew 22:15-46). Their opposition culminates in the plot to arrest and crucify Him (Matthew 26:3-4).

2. Political Opponents: Roman authorities, such as Herod and Pilate, also play roles as opponents, particularly in the context of Jesus' trial and crucifixion (John 18:28-40). The early church faces persecution from Roman officials, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 12:1-3).

3. Social Opponents: The early Christians often encountered opposition from their own communities, including family members and neighbors who rejected their new faith (Matthew 10:34-36).

Spiritual Opposition

Beyond human adversaries, the Bible also speaks of spiritual opponents. Satan, the adversary, is the ultimate opponent of God and His people. He is depicted as a deceiver and accuser, seeking to thwart God's plans and lead people astray (Genesis 3:1-5, Job 1:6-12, Revelation 12:9-10).

Responses to Opponents

The biblical response to opponents varies depending on the context but often includes reliance on God's strength, prayer, and perseverance. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God's deliverance and justice.

· Prayer and Faith: The Psalms frequently express prayers for deliverance from enemies and opponents (Psalm 18:3-6). Jesus teaches His followers to pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44).

· Perseverance: The New Testament encourages believers to endure opposition with patience and faithfulness, looking to Jesus as the ultimate example (Hebrews 12:1-3).

· Love and Forgiveness: Christians are called to love their enemies and forgive those who oppose them, reflecting the character of Christ (Luke 6:27-28).

In summary, opponents in the Bible serve as a means through which God's people are tested and refined, ultimately pointing to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the face of adversity.480. antikeimai -- to lie opposite, ie oppose, withstand
... Origin from anti and keimai Definition to lie opposite, ie oppose, withstand NASB
Word Usage adversaries (1), contrary (1), enemy (1), opponents (3), opposes (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/480.htm - 7k3401. yarib -- opponent, adversary
... Word Origin from rib Definition opponent, adversary NASB Word Usage contend (1),
one who contends (1), opponents (1). that contends, that strive , adversary. ...
/hebrew/3401.htm - 6k

Because of the Christians, My Opponents Say, the Gods Inflict Upon ...
... Book I. 13 Because of the Christians, my opponents say, the gods inflict
upon us all calamities? Because of the Christians, my ...
/.../13 because of the christians.htm

But If, My Opponents Say, Christ was Sent by God for this End...
... Book II. 63 But if, my opponents say, Christ was sent by God for this end?
But ... mortality. Of what kind, my opponents ask, what, when? ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/63 but if my opponents.htm

But, Say My Opponents, if Christ was God, Why did He Appear in ...
... Book I. 60 But, say my opponents, if Christ was God, why did He appear
in human shape? But, say my opponents, if Christ was God ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/60 but say my opponents.htm

Prudence in Dealing with Opponents.
... Book II. Chapter IV."Prudence in Dealing with Opponents. "But for other reasons
also it is of importance that I should have some knowledge of this man. ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter iv prudence in dealing with.htm

This Necessity Our Opponents do not at all Consider. ...
... Of Prayer. John Calvin Chapter 12 This necessity our opponents do not at all
consider.? This necessity our opponents do not at all consider. ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 12 this necessity our.htm

But If, Say My Opponents, no Damage is done to Human Affairs by ...
... Book I. 7 But if, say my opponents, no damage is done to human affairs
by you? But if, say my opponents, no damage is done to ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/7 but if say my.htm

But, Say My Opponents, if Souls are Mortal and of Neutral ...
... Book II. 35 But, say my opponents, if souls are mortal and of neutral
character? But, say my opponents, if souls are mortal and ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/35 but say my opponents.htm

That Our Opponents Refuse to Concede in the Case of the Spirit the ...
... That our opponents refuse to concede in the case of the Spirit the terms which
Scripture uses in the case of men, as reigning together with Christ. 69. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter xxviii that our opponents.htm

But, My Opponents Ask, if Christ came as the Saviour of Men...
... Book II. 64 But, my opponents ask, if Christ came as the Saviour of men?
But, my opponents ask, if Christ came as the Saviour ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/64 but my opponents ask.htm

In the Next Place, Since Our Opponents Keep Repeating those ...
... Chapter X. In the next place, since our opponents keep repeating those
statements about faith? In the next place, since our opponents ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter x in the next.htm

Opponents (11 Occurrences)
...Opponents (11 Occurrences). ... Luke 21:15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which
none of your opponents will be able to withstand or reply to. (WEY NAS). ...
/o/opponents.htm - 9k

Opponent (13 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Titus 2:8 and healthy language which no one can censure, so that our opponents
may feel ashamed at having nothing evil to say against us. ...
/o/opponent.htm - 10k

Stephen (13 Occurrences)
... But, as the record says, his opponents "were not able to withstand the wisdom,"
ie better understanding, convincing knowledge, "and the Spirit," ie the deep ...
/s/stephen.htm - 33k

Oppose (29 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 1 Corinthians 16:9 for a wide door stands open before me which demands
great efforts, and we have many opponents. (See NIV). ...
/o/oppose.htm - 15k

Ebionites
... as in regard to those of most early heretical sects, there is the difficulty that
to a large extent we are dependent for our information on their opponents. ...
/e/ebionites.htm - 34k

Ebionism
... as in regard to those of most early heretical sects, there is the difficulty that
to a large extent we are dependent for our information on their opponents. ...
/e/ebionism.htm - 34k

Epicureans (1 Occurrence)
... of its course. The views of Paul's opponents of this school may therefore
be gathered from the teaching of Epicurus. 1. Social and ...
/e/epicureans.htm - 20k

Sadducees (14 Occurrences)
... Denounced by Jesus than the Pharisees 2. Attitude of Sadducees to Jesus This prominent
Jewish sect, though not so numerous as their opponents, the Pharisees ...
/s/sadducees.htm - 31k

Reply (61 Occurrences)
... Luke 21:15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your
opponents will be able to withstand or reply to. (WEY DBY). ...
/r/reply.htm - 23k

Qualified (5 Occurrences)
... the faithful Message which he has received, so that he may be well qualified both
to encourage others with sound teaching and to reply successfully to opponents...
/q/qualified.htm - 8k

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