In biblical terminology, the term "opposer" is often associated with those who stand against God's will, His people, or His purposes. The concept of opposition is woven throughout the Scriptures, manifesting in various forms, from spiritual adversaries to human antagonists.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, opposition to God's people is frequently encountered. The Israelites faced numerous opposers, both external and internal. External opposers included nations and individuals who sought to thwart God's plans for Israel. For instance, the Philistines, Moabites, and Amalekites often acted as opposers, challenging Israel's progress and security (Judges 3:12-14; 1 Samuel 15:2-3).

Internal opposition is also evident, as seen in the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses' leadership (Numbers 16:1-3). These individuals opposed God's appointed leader, thereby opposing God's directive.

Spiritual Opposition

The most significant spiritual opposer in the Bible is Satan, whose name means "adversary" or "accuser." Satan's role as an opposer is evident from the earliest chapters of Genesis, where he tempts Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-5). Throughout Scripture, Satan is depicted as the ultimate opposer of God's plans and His people. In the book of Job, Satan challenges Job's righteousness, seeking to undermine his faith (Job 1:6-12).

The New Testament further elaborates on Satan's role as an opposer. In 1 Peter 5:8, believers are warned to "be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Here, the term "adversary" underscores Satan's continuous opposition to believers.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, opposition to Jesus and His message is a recurring theme. The Pharisees and Sadducees often acted as opposers, challenging Jesus' authority and teachings (Matthew 22:15-18). Despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings, they resisted His message, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah regarding hardened hearts (John 12:37-40).

The Apostle Paul also faced numerous opposers throughout his ministry. In Acts 13:8, Elymas the sorcerer is described as opposing Paul and Barnabas, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Paul frequently encountered opposition from both Jewish and Gentile communities, as seen in his letters and the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 17:5-9; 2 Corinthians 11:24-26).

Theological Implications

The presence of opposers in the biblical narrative highlights the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. Believers are called to stand firm against opposition, relying on God's strength and guidance. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

The Bible encourages believers to respond to opposition with faith, perseverance, and love, trusting in God's ultimate victory over all opposers. Jesus' triumph over sin and death assures believers that, despite opposition, God's purposes will prevail.(n.) One who opposes; an opponent; an antagonist; an adversary.4566. Satan -- Satan.
... Satan Definition: Satan. Cognate: 4566 -- , the same fallen angel as 4567
("the adversary, opposer," see there). 4566 ("Satan") only ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4566.htm - 6k

5372. Philetos -- "worthy of love," Philetus, an erring Christian ...
... Philetus. From phileo; amiable; Philetus, an opposer of Christianity -- Philetus.
see GREEK phileo. (philetos) -- 1 Occurrence. 5371, 5372. Philetos. 5373 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5372.htm - 6k

RB Unto the Friendly Reader Wisheth Salvation.
... divines, with which I am not concerned: inasmuch as I confess myself to be not only
no imitator and admirer of the school-men, but an opposer and despiser of ...
/.../r b unto the friendly.htm

The Tares.
... to the progress of the kingdom lay in the heedlessness, the hardness, and the
worldliness of men; in the second, the old serpent is the opposer, and wicked men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/ii the tares.htm

Gherardi Sat for Two or Three Minutes in Absolute Silence. ...
... of drawing American and English wealth into the big Church-net through the medium
of superstitious fear and sentimental bigotry,"and an opposer and enemy ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxi gherardi sat for two.htm

Society Soon Learned the News of the Countess Hermenstein's ...
... that her engagement of marriage to one who, though reserved in manner and without
"go," was yet every inch a gentleman, and a determined opposer of sophistry ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxvii society soon learned the.htm

The Life of Mr. John Craig.
... Thus Mr. Craig continued, not only a firm friend to the reformation, but a bold
opposer of every incroachment made upon the crown and dignity of the Lord Jesus ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 2.htm

The Life of Henry Hall of Haugh-Head.
... In his younger years he was a most zealous opposer of the public resolutions (that
took place anno 1651) insomuch, that when the minister of that parish ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of henry hall.htm

Letter xii (AD 1127) to Louis, King of France
... Grave indeed is the complaint she lays against you before her Spouse and Lord,
that she finds you an opposer whom she accepted as a protector. ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xii a d 1127 to.htm

That Man must not be Immersed in Business
... But the old enemy, opposer of all good things, ceaseth not from temptation; but
day and night setteth his wicked snares, if haply he may be able to entrap the ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxxix that man must.htm

Free Communion Baptists.
... Robert Hall, of England, one of the most learned and eloquent Baptist ministers
of the age, was an unflinching opposer of the practice of "close communion ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/free communion baptists.htm

Circumstances Related of Origen.
... [1916] He speaks truly of the industry and learning of the man, but plainly utters
a falsehood (for what will not an opposer of Christians do?) when he says ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xix circumstances related of origen.htm

Opposer (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who opposes; an opponent; an antagonist; an
adversary. Multi-Version Concordance Opposer (1 Occurrence). ...
/o/opposer.htm - 6k

Opposed (23 Occurrences)

/o/opposed.htm - 13k

Opposers (3 Occurrences)

/o/opposers.htm - 7k

Revile (28 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:14 I wish, therefore, younger ones to marry, to bear children, to be
mistress of the house, to give no occasion to the opposer to reviling; (See RSV ...
/r/revile.htm - 14k

Mistress (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:14 I wish, therefore, younger ones to marry, to bear children, to be
mistress of the house, to give no occasion to the opposer to reviling; (YLT). ...
/m/mistress.htm - 14k

Opportunity (35 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:14 I wish, therefore, younger ones to marry, to bear children, to be
mistress of the house, to give no occasion to the opposer to reviling; (See NIV ...
/o/opportunity.htm - 17k

Ones (687 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:14 I wish, therefore, younger ones to marry, to bear children, to be
mistress of the house, to give no occasion to the opposer to reviling; (YLT). ...
/o/ones.htm - 35k

Households (117 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:14 I wish, therefore, younger ones to marry, to bear children, to be
mistress of the house, to give no occasion to the opposer to reviling; (See RSV ...
/h/households.htm - 37k

Wish (141 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:14 I wish, therefore, younger ones to marry, to bear children, to be
mistress of the house, to give no occasion to the opposer to reviling; (YLT). ...
/w/wish.htm - 36k

Opposer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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