Remonstrating
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Definition and Context:
Remonstrating refers to the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest. In a biblical context, it involves voicing concerns or objections, often in a manner that seeks to correct or guide behavior according to God's will. This concept is closely related to the prophetic tradition in the Bible, where prophets often remonstrated with the people of Israel, urging them to return to God's commandments.

Biblical Examples:

1. Moses and the Israelites:
Moses frequently remonstrated with the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses intercedes for the people after they sin by making a golden calf. He pleads with God, reminding Him of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and successfully averts God's wrath. This passage illustrates the role of remonstration in intercession and leadership.

2. Nathan and King David:
The prophet Nathan remonstrates with King David after his sin with Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 12:1-14, Nathan uses a parable to confront David, leading to David's repentance. Nathan's approach demonstrates the importance of wisdom and tact in remonstrating, as well as the goal of bringing about repentance and restoration.

3. The Prophets:
The Old Testament prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, frequently remonstrated with the people of Israel and Judah. They called out idolatry, injustice, and unfaithfulness, urging the people to return to God. For example, Isaiah 1:18 states, "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." This invitation to reason together is a form of remonstration aimed at reconciliation.

4. Jesus and the Pharisees:
Jesus often remonstrated with the Pharisees and religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 23, He pronounces a series of woes against them for their hypocrisy and legalism. Jesus' remonstrations were direct and uncompromising, highlighting the importance of sincerity and true righteousness over outward religious observance.

5. Paul and the Early Church:
The Apostle Paul frequently remonstrated with early Christian communities to correct doctrinal errors and moral failings. In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul recounts how he opposed Peter to his face for his hypocrisy regarding Gentile believers. Paul's remonstration was rooted in a desire to uphold the truth of the Gospel and maintain unity within the church.

Theological Implications:

Remonstrating in the Bible is often an expression of God's love and justice. It serves as a means of correction and guidance, aiming to bring individuals and communities back into alignment with God's will. The act of remonstrating is not merely about pointing out faults but is deeply connected to the hope of repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. It reflects the biblical principle that God desires His people to live in truth and righteousness, and He uses His servants to call them back when they stray.

Practical Application:

For believers today, remonstrating should be approached with humility, love, and a desire for reconciliation. It requires discernment to know when and how to address issues, always seeking to build up rather than tear down. As seen in the biblical examples, effective remonstration is often characterized by a deep understanding of God's Word, a commitment to truth, and a heart for the well-being of others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Remonstrate.
Library

Introduction to Apologia Contra Arianos.
... Letter of Julius to the Eusebian bishops (at the request of a Roman Council)
remonstrating with their discourteous reply to a former letter, reciting the ...
/.../introduction to apologia contra arianos.htm

Silence to God
... His whole being is one great stillness, broken by no clamorous passions,
by no loud-voiced desires, by no remonstrating reluctance. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/silence to god.htm

Of Mavia, Queen of the Saracens, and the Ordination of Moses the ...
... [762] Sozomen (vi. 38) describes Lucius as remonstrating in moderate language.
"Do not judge of me before you know what my creed is." Socrates (iv. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xx of mavia queen of.htm

The Apology of Rufinus.
... mother, and says that he has charged a friend whom he is sending to Italy to visit
Rufinus and assure him of his high esteem; and, while remonstrating with him ...
/.../the apology of rufinus.htm

Elucidations.
... It is not supposable that such a man would have hazarded his bold appeal to the
records, in remonstrating with the Senate and in the very faces of the Emperor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/elucidations.htm

Sixth Commandment
... One young man at college, an only son, whose mother wrote to him remonstrating against
his gambling and drinking habits, took the letters out of the post-office ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/sixth commandment.htm

The Sweetness of Tears
... Monnica felt at once that she and her son understood each other no longer.
She began by remonstrating with him. Augustin rebelled. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv the sweetness of tears.htm

Epistle xxxiv. To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse .
... 60, an epistle addressed to "Italica Patricia," remonstrating with her for her alleged
harsh treatment of certain poor people, who were under the protection of ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxiv to venantius ex-monk.htm

The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform
... Accordingly, they again wrote to the Connecticut authorities, remonstrating
with them because of their treatment of dissenters. ...
/.../chapter xi the abrogation of.htm

Introduction to Historia Arianorum.
... Intrigues against Hosius. Sec. 43. Vain attempts of Constantius to gain him over.
Sec. 44. Letter of Hosius remonstrating with the Emperor. Sec. Sec. 45, 46. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/introduction to historia arianorum.htm

Thesaurus
Remonstrating (1 Occurrence)
...Remonstrating (1 Occurrence). Acts 21:14 So when he was not to be dissuaded, we
ceased remonstrating with him and said, "The Lord's will be done!" (WEY). ...
/r/remonstrating.htm - 6k

Remorse (2 Occurrences)

/r/remorse.htm - 7k

Remonstrated (6 Occurrences)

/r/remonstrated.htm - 8k

Dissuaded (1 Occurrence)
... Dissuaded (1 Occurrence). Acts 21:14 So when he was not to be dissuaded, we ceased
remonstrating with him and said, "The Lord's will be done!" (WEY NIV). ...
/d/dissuaded.htm - 6k

Abomination (78 Occurrences)
... When Pharaoh, remonstrating against the departure of the children of Israel, exhorted
them to offer sacrifices to their God in Egypt, Moses said: "Shall we ...
/a/abomination.htm - 55k

Resources
Remonstrating: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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