Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, opposition refers to resistance or hostility encountered by individuals or groups, often in the pursuit of God's will or righteousness. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, manifesting in various forms, from personal adversities to large-scale conflicts.Old Testament Instances 1. Cain and Abel: The first recorded instance of opposition is found in Genesis 4, where Cain opposes Abel out of jealousy, leading to the first murder. This act of opposition is rooted in Cain's rejection of God's favor towards Abel's offering. 2. Moses and Pharaoh: In Exodus, Moses faces opposition from Pharaoh, who refuses to let the Israelites go. This resistance is a significant theme in the narrative of the Exodus, highlighting the struggle between God's will and human obstinacy. Exodus 5:2 records Pharaoh's defiance: "But Pharaoh replied, 'Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.'" 3. Prophets and Kings: The prophets often faced opposition from the kings and people of Israel and Judah. For example, Elijah confronted King Ahab and the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), while Jeremiah faced persecution for his prophecies of Jerusalem's destruction (Jeremiah 38). New Testament Instances 1. Jesus Christ: Jesus faced significant opposition from the religious leaders of His time, including the Pharisees and Sadducees. This opposition culminated in His crucifixion. John 11:53 notes, "So from that day on they plotted to kill Him." 2. The Apostles: The early church encountered opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities. The apostles were often imprisoned, beaten, and threatened for preaching the gospel. Acts 5:40-41 describes one such instance: "They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." 3. Paul the Apostle: Paul experienced opposition throughout his ministry, from both Jews and Gentiles. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-26 , he recounts his sufferings: "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea; in my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles..." Theological Implications Opposition in the Bible often serves to test and strengthen the faith of God's people. It is seen as a tool used by God to refine and purify His followers, as well as a means to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Spiritual Warfare The concept of spiritual warfare is closely linked to opposition. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that their struggle is not merely against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces: "For 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." Response to Opposition The biblical response to opposition is often characterized by faith, perseverance, and reliance on God's strength. Believers are encouraged to stand firm, as seen in Ephesians 6:13 : "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand." Throughout Scripture, opposition is portrayed as an inevitable part of the believer's journey, yet it is also an opportunity to witness God's sovereignty and grace. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of opposing; an attempt to check, restrain, or defeat; resistance.2. (n.) The state of being placed over against; situation so as to front something else. 3. (n.) Repugnance; contrariety of sentiment, interest, or purpose; antipathy. 4. (n.) That which opposes; an obstacle; specifically, the aggregate of persons or things opposing; hence, in politics and parliamentary practice, the party opposed to the party in power. 5. (n.) The situation of a heavenly body with respect to another when in the part of the heavens directly opposite to it; especially, the position of a planet or satellite when its longitude differs from that of the sun 180; -- signified by the symbol /; as, / / /, opposition of Jupiter to the sun. 6. (n.) The relation between two propositions when, having the same subject and predicate, they differ in quantity, or in quality, or in both; or between two propositions which have the same matter but a different form. Greek 477. antithesis -- opposition ... opposition. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: antithesis Phonetic Spelling: (an-tith'-es-is) Short Definition: opposition Definition: a proposition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/477.htm - 6k 475. antidiatithemi -- to oppose, set oneself in opposition 483. antilego -- to speak against, hence to contradict, oppose 474. antiballo -- to throw in turn, exchange 471. anteipon -- to speak against 3710. orgizo -- to make angry 2596. kata -- down, against, according to 2189. echthra -- yesterday 480. antikeimai -- to lie opposite, ie oppose, withstand 73. agon -- a gathering, contest, struggle Strong's Hebrew 8569. tenuah -- opposition... 8568, 8569. tenuah. 8570 . opposition. Transliteration: tenuah Phonetic Spelling: (ten-oo-aw') Short Definition: opposition. Word ... /hebrew/8569.htm - 6k 7147. qeri -- opposition, contrariness 8409. tigrah -- contention, strife, hostility 2617. checed -- goodness, kindness 7855. sitnah -- accusation Library On Fasting. In Opposition to the Psychics In Opposition to those of the School of Epicurus who Deny The Opposition to Jesus. The Anathemas of Cyril in Opposition to Nestorius. In Opposition to the Reminiscence of Plato and Pythagoras. ... Opposition to Messiah Ruinous Opposition to Messiah in Vain Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable In Opposition to Plato, the Soul was Created and Originated at ... In Opposition to those who Foolishly Imagine that Christ Converted ... Thesaurus Opposition (22 Occurrences)... the position of a planet or satellite when its longitude differs from that of the sun 180; -- signified by the symbol /; as, / / /, opposition of Jupiter to ... /o/opposition.htm - 13k Object (76 Occurrences) Oppose (29 Occurrences) Resistance (1 Occurrence) Defiance (9 Occurrences) Walked (178 Occurrences) Body (562 Occurrences) Godless (31 Occurrences) War (529 Occurrences) Traverse (5 Occurrences) Resources Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWho was John of Damascus? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Haggai - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Opposition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Opposition (22 Occurrences)Acts 4:14 Acts 28:19 Romans 7:23 Romans 13:2 Romans 16:17 Galatians 5:17 1 Thessalonians 2:2 1 Timothy 6:20 2 Timothy 2:25 Hebrews 12:3 Leviticus 26:21 Leviticus 26:23 Leviticus 26:24 Leviticus 26:27 Leviticus 26:28 Leviticus 26:40 Leviticus 26:41 Numbers 14:34 Numbers 16:19 Numbers 16:42 Numbers 20:2 Psalms 39:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |