Topical Encyclopedia Definition and General Understanding:Pretence, in a biblical context, refers to the act of presenting a false appearance or motive, often to deceive others or to gain an advantage. It involves hypocrisy, insincerity, and the outward display of righteousness or virtue that does not align with one's true intentions or character. Biblical References: 1. Philippians 1:15-18 : The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of pretence in the proclamation of the gospel. He acknowledges that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, while others do so out of goodwill. Paul writes, "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice." Here, Paul highlights that even when the gospel is preached with impure motives, the message of Christ is still being spread. However, the underlying issue of pretence remains a concern, as it reflects a lack of genuine faith and integrity. 2. Matthew 23:27-28 : Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, which is a form of pretence. He says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." This passage illustrates the danger of pretence in religious life, where outward appearances are maintained while inner corruption persists. Jesus calls for authenticity and true righteousness that comes from the heart. 3. Mark 12:38-40 : Jesus warns against the scribes who use their positions for personal gain and recognition. "In His teaching, Jesus also said, 'Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and receive greetings in the marketplaces, and have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.'" This warning highlights the pretence of religious leaders who exploit their roles for selfish purposes, using their outward piety as a cover for greed and exploitation. Theological Implications: Pretence is a significant concern in the Christian life because it undermines the authenticity of one's faith and witness. The Bible consistently calls for sincerity and truthfulness in one's relationship with God and others. Pretence not only deceives others but also reflects a heart that is not fully surrendered to God. True Christian living requires integrity, where one's actions and words align with their professed beliefs. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to examine their motives and ensure that their actions are driven by genuine love and devotion to God. The call to authenticity involves a commitment to living transparently before God and others, avoiding the temptation to put on a façade for personal gain or approval. Christians are to seek the transformation of the heart through the Holy Spirit, leading to a life that reflects the character of Christ in both word and deed. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Alt. of Pretenceless.2. (n.) The act of laying claim; the claim laid; assumption; pretension. 3. (n.) The act of holding out, or offering, to others something false or feigned; presentation of what is deceptive or hypocritical; deception by showing what is unreal and concealing what is real; false show; simulation; as, pretense of illness; under pretense of patriotism; on pretense of revenging Caesar's death. 4. (n.) That which is pretended; false, deceptive, or hypocritical show, argument, or reason; pretext; feint. Greek 4392. prophasis -- a pretense ... pretense, outward showing. From a compound of pro and phaino; an outward showing, ie Pretext -- cloke, colour, pretence, show. see GREEK pro. see GREEK phaino. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4392.htm - 6k Library That under Pretence of Keeping the Purse Women have to Besought to ... If, under any Pretence of Piety, any Children Shall Forsake their ... If any One, under Pretence of Asceticism, Shall Fast on Sunday... If any One, under Pretence of Asceticism, Should Wear a ... If any Woman, under Pretence of Asceticism, Shall Change Her ... Another Part of My Smoke' which You Frequently Laugh at is My ... The Holy Synod Has Decreed that those who Forcibly Carry Off Women ... There is no Other Religion Now in the World but the Christian that ... The Apostles not Ignorant the Heretical Pretence of St. Peter's ... The Substance of Some Discourse had Between the Clerk of the Peace ... Thesaurus Pretence (5 Occurrences)...Pretence (5 Occurrences). ... for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. (KJV WEY DBY). ... /p/pretence.htm - 8k Abundant (124 Occurrences) Damnation (11 Occurrences) Pretense (9 Occurrences) Pretend (9 Occurrences) Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences) Greater (219 Occurrences) Widows (33 Occurrences) Therein (269 Occurrences) Eat (690 Occurrences) Resources Pretence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pretence (5 Occurrences)Matthew 23:14 Mark 12:40 Luke 20:47 Acts 27:30 Philippians 1:18 Subtopics Related Terms |
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