The term "revilest" is an archaic form of the verb "revile," which means to criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner. In the context of the Bible, reviling is considered a serious sin, as it involves speaking against others with malice and contempt. The act of reviling is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the importance of speech that reflects love, respect, and truth.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament Context:
· In the Old Testament, reviling is often associated with blasphemy and disrespect towards God and His commandments. For instance, in Exodus 22:28 , it is written, "You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people." This verse underscores the gravity of speaking ill against divine authority and leadership.

2. New Testament Teachings:
· The New Testament continues to address the sin of reviling, emphasizing the transformation expected in the lives of believers. In 1 Corinthians 6:10 , Paul lists revilers among those who "will not inherit the kingdom of God." This warning serves as a call for Christians to examine their speech and conduct.
· Jesus Himself taught against reviling, urging His followers to bless rather than curse. In Matthew 5:44 , He instructs, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This teaching encourages believers to respond to hostility with grace and kindness.

3. Apostolic Guidance:
· The Apostle Peter also addresses the issue of reviling in his epistles. In 1 Peter 3:9 , he advises, "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." Peter's guidance reflects the Christian ethic of overcoming evil with good, promoting peace and reconciliation.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

Reviling is not merely a matter of harsh words; it reflects the condition of the heart. The Bible teaches that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Therefore, reviling is indicative of a heart not fully surrendered to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Christians are called to be salt and light in the world, and this includes using speech that edifies and builds up rather than tears down.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a heart of love and forgiveness, allowing their words to be seasoned with grace. Ephesians 4:29 exhorts, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." By adhering to this principle, Christians can avoid the sin of reviling and instead become instruments of God's peace and love in a fractured world.

On Admonition and Repentance.
... If thou shouldst insult the King's image, thou shalt pay the penalty of murder;
and if thou revilest a man, thou revilest the image of God. ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on admonition and repentance.htm

Continuation.
... But inasmuch as thou art blind, thou revilest these things. Footnotes: [1329]
Reference seems to be made to obscene heathen practices. ...
/.../ignatius/the epistle of ignatius to the philippians/chapter vi continuation.htm

Epistle Lxiv. To Rogatianus, Concerning the Deacon who Contended ...
... 2728] Mindful of which precepts, the blessed Apostle Paul, according to what we
read in the Acts of the Apostles, when it was said to him, "Revilest thou thus ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxiv to rogatianus concerning.htm

Epistle Lxviii. To Florentius Pupianus, on Calumniators.
... I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou me?"
[2790] The blessed apostle also, when it was said to him, "Revilest thou God's ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxviii to florentius pupianus.htm

Do the Catholics or the Arians Take the Better Course to Assure ...
... Thou hast looked upon all around thee, thou hast seen the Judge, thou hast remarked
the angels proclaiming Him. They praise, and thou revilest Him! ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xii do the catholics.htm

Acts xxii. 17-20
... to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest
thou God's high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlviii acts xxii 17-20.htm

Chapter xix.
... For what belonged to humility he wonderfully preserved, when, on its being said
to him, "Revilest thou the high priest?" [176] he replied, "I wist not, brethren ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xix.htm

Psalm CXLI.
... learnedly hath he chosen. In fine, what thou revilest, that pleaseth him
whom thou praisest. But what? That praise sweeteneth not ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxli.htm

2 Cor. Ii. 12, 13
... And what forgiveness shalt thou obtain, when thou both revilest, and at such a time
when thyself needest much mercy. ... [557] Some mss. have kakegoreis, revilest. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily v 2 cor ii.htm

Epistle Liv. To Cornelius, Concerning Fortunatus and Felicissimus ...
... if well, why smitest thou me?" [2541] Also subsequently, in the Acts of the Apostles,
the blessed Apostle Paul, when it was said to him, "Revilest thou God's ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle liv to cornelius concerning.htm

Revilest (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Revilest (2 Occurrences). Acts 23:4 And they that
stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/r/revilest.htm - 6k

Revileth (6 Occurrences)

/r/revileth.htm - 8k

Revile (28 Occurrences)
... revile you. (WEY). Acts 23:4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's
high priest? (Root in KJV ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV). 1 Timothy ...
/r/revile.htm - 14k

Reviles (5 Occurrences)

/r/reviles.htm - 7k

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