In the context of biblical history and theology, the term "partisans" is not directly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the concept of partisanship, understood as strong allegiance to a particular party, cause, or faction, can be observed in various narratives and teachings throughout the Bible. This entry explores the biblical perspective on partisanship, drawing from scriptural examples and teachings.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the tribes of Israel often exhibited a form of partisanship, as each tribe had its own distinct identity and loyalties. This tribal allegiance sometimes led to conflicts and divisions among the people of Israel. For instance, the division of the kingdom after the reign of Solomon into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12) illustrates the destructive potential of partisan divisions. The ten tribes of the north followed Jeroboam, while Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam, Solomon's son.

The prophets frequently called the people back to unity under the worship of Yahweh, warning against the dangers of division and idolatry. The prophet Hosea, for example, lamented the infidelity and division among the tribes, urging them to return to the Lord (Hosea 14:1).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, partisanship is addressed more directly, particularly in the context of the early Christian church. The Apostle Paul confronted divisions within the Corinthian church, where believers were aligning themselves with different leaders, saying, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas" (1 Corinthians 1:12). Paul admonished them, emphasizing that such divisions were contrary to the unity that should characterize the body of Christ. He wrote, "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:13).

Paul's teachings highlight the importance of unity in the church, urging believers to focus on their common faith in Christ rather than on human leaders or factions. In Ephesians 4:3-6, he exhorts the church to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace," emphasizing that there is "one body and one Spirit."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Bible calls for unity among God's people, warning against the dangers of partisanship that can lead to division and strife. The emphasis is on the unity of believers in Christ, transcending earthly allegiances and divisions. Jesus Himself prayed for the unity of His followers, saying, "that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You" (John 17:21).

The biblical call to unity does not negate the diversity of gifts and roles within the body of Christ, as outlined in passages like 1 Corinthians 12. However, it underscores that these differences should contribute to the edification of the church rather than division.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to prioritize their identity in Christ over any earthly affiliations or loyalties. This involves fostering a spirit of humility, love, and cooperation, as instructed in Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" .

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly use the term "partisans," it provides clear guidance on the importance of unity and the dangers of division among God's people. Believers are called to transcend partisan divides, focusing on their shared faith and mission in Christ.2265. Herodianoi -- Herodians, partisans of Herod
... Herodians, partisans of Herod. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
Herodianoi Phonetic Spelling: (hay-ro-dee-an-oy') Short Definition: the Herodians ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2265.htm - 6k

The Partisans of Macedonius Disputed with the Arians Concerning ...
... Book V. Chapter XIV."The Partisans of Macedonius disputed with the Arians
concerning Acacius. At this period the adherents of ...
/.../chapter xiv the partisans of macedonius.htm

The Partisans of Acacius Again do not Remain Quiet, but Strive to ...
... Chapter XXIX."The Partisans of Acacius again do not remain Quiet, but strive to
abolish the Term "Consubstantial," and to confirm the Heresy of Arius. ...
/.../chapter xxix the partisans of acacius.htm

Arius Having Returned to Alexandria with the Emperor's Consent ...
... Book I. Chapter XXVII."Arius having returned to Alexandria with the Emperor's Consent,
and not being received by Athanasius, the Partisans of Eusebius bring ...
/.../chapter xxvii arius having returned to.htm

The Synod not Having Come to the Emperor, the Partisans of ...
... Book I. Chapter XXXV."The Synod not having come to the Emperor, the Partisans of
Eusebius accuse Athanasius of having threatened to divert the Corn supplied ...
/.../chapter xxxv the synod not having.htm

Letter of the Emperor Constantius against Eudoxius and his ...
... Book IV. Chapter XIV."Letter of the Emperor Constantius against Eudoxius
and his Partisans. "Constantius Augustus the Conqueror ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xiv letter of the emperor.htm

Council of Seleucia.
... It was suspected, and with reason, that Acacius and his partisans absented themselves
on account of the difference between their sentiments and those of the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xxii council of seleucia.htm

Account Given by the Great Athanasius of the Death of Arius.
... of the heresy and the associate of Eusebius, having been summoned before the most
blessed Constantine Augustus, at the solicitation of the partisans of Eusebius ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xxx account given by the.htm

Troubles Again Arise in the Churches, and the Synod of Lampsacus ...
... together for the space of two months, they annulled all that had been decreed at
Constantinople, through the machinations of the partisans of Eudoxius and ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter vii troubles again arise in.htm

The Arian Heresy, Its Origin, Its Progress, and the Contention ...
... Such being the state of affairs at Alexandria, the partisans of Arius, deeming it
prudent to seek the favor of the bishops of other cities, sent legations to ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xv the arian heresy its.htm

The Ecclesiastical History of Scholasticus
... Chapter XXVII.--Arius having returned to Alexandria with the Emperor's Consent,
and not being received by Athanasius, the Partisans of Eusebius bring Many ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/scholasticus/the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/

Partisans (1 Occurrence)
...Partisans (1 Occurrence). Mark 12:13 Their next step was to send to Him some of
the Pharisees and of Herod's partisans to entrap Him in conversation. (WEY). ...
/p/partisans.htm - 6k

Faction (4 Occurrences)
... in opposition to the government, or state; -- usually applied to a minority, but
it may be applied to a majority; a combination or clique of partisans of any ...
/f/faction.htm - 7k

Entrap (5 Occurrences)
... Mark 12:13 Their next step was to send to Him some of the Pharisees and of
Herod's partisans to entrap Him in conversation. (WEY RSV). ...
/e/entrap.htm - 8k

Drum
... 13. (vi) To throb, as the heart. 14. (vi) To go about, as a drummer does, to gather
recruits, to draw or secure partisans, customers, etc,; -- with for. 15. ...
/d/drum.htm - 9k

Partisanship (1 Occurrence)

/p/partisanship.htm - 6k

Partisan (1 Occurrence)

/p/partisan.htm - 7k

Conversation (30 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Mark 12:13 Their next step was to send to Him some of the Pharisees and
of Herod's partisans to entrap Him in conversation. (WEY). ...
/c/conversation.htm - 19k

Step (41 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Mark 12:13 Their next step was to send to Him some of the Pharisees and
of Herod's partisans to entrap Him in conversation. (WEY). ...
/s/step.htm - 19k

Side (4225 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) The position of a person or party regarded as opposed to another person
or party, whether as a rival or a foe; a body of advocates or partisans; a party ...
/s/side.htm - 10k

Crete (7 Occurrences)
... This interference of Rome in the interest of her future partisans paved the
way for her annexation of the island in the following century. ...
/c/crete.htm - 19k

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