In the context of biblical teachings, a pretext refers to a false reason or motive put forth to cover the true intent or purpose of an action. The Bible addresses the issue of pretexts in various passages, highlighting the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in the lives of believers.

Old Testament References

The concept of pretexts can be seen in the actions of individuals who use deceit to achieve their own ends. For example, in 1 Samuel 15, King Saul uses a pretext to justify his disobedience to God's command. God had instructed Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all they possessed. However, Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock. When confronted by the prophet Samuel, Saul claimed that the livestock was spared to sacrifice to the Lord: "But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal" (1 Samuel 15:21). Saul's pretext was an attempt to mask his disobedience with a seemingly pious motive.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently confronted the religious leaders of His time for their use of pretexts. In Matthew 23, Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, as they perform religious acts to be seen by others rather than out of genuine devotion: "They do all their deeds to be seen by men. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels" (Matthew 23:5). Their outward displays of piety served as a pretext for their lack of true righteousness.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of pretexts in his epistles. In Philippians 1:15-18, Paul acknowledges that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, using the gospel as a pretext for their own ambitions: "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 proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains" (Philippians 1:15-17). Despite their impure motives, Paul rejoices that Christ is preached, demonstrating his focus on the greater good rather than the pretexts of others.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible consistently warns against the use of pretexts, emphasizing the importance of integrity and transparency. Believers are called to live lives of honesty and sincerity, avoiding deceitful motives. In 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his own conduct: "For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery. Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts. As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!" (1 Thessalonians 2:3-5).

The biblical teaching on pretexts serves as a reminder for believers to examine their own motives and ensure that their actions align with the truth of God's Word. By avoiding pretexts, Christians can maintain a testimony that honors God and reflects the sincerity of their faith.8569. tenuah -- opposition
... opposition. Word Origin from nu Definition opposition NASB Word Usage opposition
(1), pretexts (1). breach of promise, occasion. From ...
/hebrew/8569.htm - 6k

Having Shown that the Pretexts Usually Alleged for Second ...
... Concerning Widows. Chapter XI. Having shown that the pretexts usually
alleged for second marriages have no weight? Having shown ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi having shown that.htm

Thou Shalt not Covet Thy Neighbor's House. Thou Shalt not Covet ...
... And who can be so smart as to think of all the ways in which one can get
many things into his possession by such specious pretexts? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not covet thy.htm

To those who had not Attended the Assembly.
... I am ashamed of them, believe me: for such excuses are womanish: indeed even in
their case who have softer bodies, and a weaker nature, such pretexts do not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to those who had not.htm

The Progress of Prelacy.
... likewise chosen by common suffrage, the bishops soon betrayed an anxiety to appropriate
the distinction, and began, under various pretexts, to interfere with ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter x the progress of.htm

On the Public Shows.
... Shame binds me to relate their pretexts and defences in this behalf. "Where," say
they, "are there such Scriptures? where are these things prohibited? ...
/.../on the public shows.htm

To Alexander, Bishop of the City of Constantinople.
... 1. The ambitious and avaricious will of wicked men is always wont to lay snares
against those churches which seem greater, by various pretexts attacking the ...
/.../i to alexander bishop of the.htm

Excuses Commonly Urged in Defence of Second Marriage their ...
... I am aware of the excuses by which we colour our insatiable carnal appetite. [566]
Our pretexts are: the necessities of props to lean on; a house to be managed ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter xii excuses commonly urged in.htm

Letter v. Yes, My Dear Friend, it is My Conviction that in all ...
... But, worst of all, they convert things trifling or indifferent into mischievous
pretexts for the wanton, fearful difficulties for the weak, and formidable ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter v yes my dear.htm

The Pleading Note in Prayer
... The things in God and in themselves that all those petitioners put forward; the
allegations and pretexts they advance; the refuges they run into; and the ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xviii the pleading note in.htm

Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
... And it hurts him beyond measure to suffer his lies and abominations, that have been
honored under the most specious pretexts of the divine name, to be exposed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thy will be done on.htm

Pretexts (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pretexts (3 Occurrences). 1 Thessalonians 2:5
For, as you are well aware, we have never used the language ...
/p/pretexts.htm - 7k

Pretext (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For, as you are well aware, we have never used the language
of flattery nor have we found pretexts for enriching ourselves--God is our ...
/p/pretext.htm - 9k

Enriching (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For, as you are well aware, we have never used the language
of flattery nor have we found pretexts for enriching ourselves--God is our ...
/e/enriching.htm - 7k

Pretorium (1 Occurrence)

/p/pretorium.htm - 6k

Ourselves (129 Occurrences)
... 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For, as you are well aware, we have never used the language
of flattery nor have we found pretexts for enriching ourselves--God is our ...
/o/ourselves.htm - 38k

Language (112 Occurrences)

/l/language.htm - 101k

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