Topical Encyclopedia The term "popular" generally refers to something that is well-liked, widely accepted, or favored by many people. In the context of the Bible, the concept of popularity can be examined through various narratives and teachings that highlight the tension between human approval and divine approval.Popularity in Leadership: In the Old Testament, the desire for popularity and approval from others is evident in the account of King Saul. Saul was chosen as the first king of Israel, partly because he was a head taller than anyone else and appeared to be a strong leader (1 Samuel 9:2). However, his reign was marked by a struggle between seeking God's approval and the approval of the people. In 1 Samuel 15:24, Saul admits to Samuel, "I have sinned; I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice." This highlights the danger of prioritizing popularity over obedience to God. Popularity of Jesus: In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry attracted large crowds, making Him a popular figure among the people. His teachings, miracles, and acts of compassion drew many to follow Him. In Matthew 4:25, it is noted, "Large crowds followed Him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan." Despite His popularity, Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray and maintain His focus on the Father's will (Luke 5:16). Jesus also warned against the pursuit of popularity for its own sake. In Luke 6:26, He stated, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers treated the false prophets in the same way." This underscores the idea that popularity can be fleeting and deceptive, and that true discipleship may involve being at odds with societal norms. Popularity and the Early Church: The early church experienced both popularity and persecution. In Acts 2:47, the believers were "praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." This period of favor, however, was soon followed by opposition and persecution, as seen in Acts 8:1, where "a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem." The apostles, particularly Paul, often faced the challenge of balancing the desire to reach people with the truth of the Gospel, even when it was unpopular. In Galatians 1:10, Paul writes, "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Popularity and Wisdom Literature: The wisdom literature of the Bible also addresses the theme of popularity. Proverbs 29:25 warns, "The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high." This proverb highlights the potential pitfalls of seeking human approval over divine guidance. Conclusion: Throughout the Bible, the concept of popularity is presented with caution. While being well-liked is not inherently wrong, the Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of seeking God's approval above all else. The narratives and teachings within the Bible encourage believers to prioritize faithfulness to God, even when it conflicts with the desire for popularity or acceptance by others. ATS Bible Dictionary PopularGenesis 30:37; Hosea 4:13, probably the white poplar, so called from the whiteness of the under side of the leaves. It is a beautiful and shady tree, common in Palestine and its vicinity. According to some, however, the storax-tree is intended. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to the common people, or to the whole body Of the people, as distinguished from a select portion; as, the popular voice; popular elections.2. (a.) Suitable to common people; easy to be comprehended; not abstruse; familiar; plain. 3. (a.) Adapted to the means of the common people; possessed or obtainable by the many; hence, cheap; common; ordinary; inferior; as, popular prices; popular amusements. 4. (a.) Beloved or approved by the people; pleasing to people in general, or to many people; as, a popular preacher; a popular law; a popular administration. 5. (a.) Devoted to the common people; studious of the favor of the populace. 6. (a.) Prevailing among the people; epidemic; as, a popular disease. Greek 1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation ... From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, ie (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1577.htm - 8k 4714. stasis -- a rebel, revolutionist 5017. tarachos -- disturbance, trouble 1215. demegoreo -- to deliver a public address 4196. Poplios -- Publius, an inhabitant of Malta 5500. cheirotoneo -- to vote by stretching out the hand, to ... 1218. demos -- a district or country, the common people, esp. the ... Strong's Hebrew 516. al-tashcheth -- "destroy not," a phrase in Psalm titles.... Al-taschith From 'al and shachath; Thou must not destroy; probably the opening words to a popular song -- Al-taschith. see HEBREW 'al. see HEBREW shachath. ... /hebrew/516.htm - 6k 7802. Shushan Eduth -- Shoshannim-Eduth, Shushan-eduth 4257. Machalath -- in psalm titles, probably the name of a tune. 4192. Muth -- "to die for the son," probably a song title Library There is a Popular Philosophical Joke Intended to Typify the ... The Popular Sentiment in Regard to Christ's Connexion with the ... Popular Science, Like that of Mr. ... Popular Renown and Inquisitiveness are Condemned in the Sacred ... The Great Crisis in Popular Feeling - the Last Discourses in the ... Sundry Popular Fears and Prejudices the Doctrine of the Trinity in ... A Brief Consideration of Some Popular Objections. Cchapter i. The ... The Refutation of Popular Paganism Being Taken as Conclusive, we ... Many Also of the Popular Songs were Translated Still More Popular in Its Own Day was the Second Hymn that Luther ... Thesaurus Popular (1 Occurrence)... 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to the common people, or to the whole body Of the people, as distinguished from a select portion; as, the popular voice; popular... /p/popular.htm - 7k Proverb (24 Occurrences) Zoroastrianism Demonology Demoniac (7 Occurrences) Demon (26 Occurrences) Omnipresence Seraphim (2 Occurrences) Life (6001 Occurrences) Rome (12 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about popularity / wanting to be popular? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some popular illustrations of the Holy Trinity? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about prosperity? | GotQuestions.org Popular: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Popular (1 Occurrence)Esther 10:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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