Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia A "sect" in biblical terms refers to a group or faction within a larger religious context that holds distinct beliefs or practices. The term is often used to describe divisions or schisms that arise due to differing interpretations of religious teachings. In the New Testament, the Greek word "hairesis" is commonly translated as "sect" or "heresy," indicating a choice or a faction that deviates from accepted doctrine.Old Testament Context While the specific term "sect" is not used in the Old Testament, the concept of religious division is present. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against adopting the practices and beliefs of surrounding nations, which could lead to divisions within the community of God's people. For example, the worship of foreign gods and the influence of pagan practices were seen as threats to the unity and purity of Israel's faith (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the term "sect" is more explicitly used. The early Christian community faced various sects that challenged apostolic teaching. The most notable sects mentioned include the Pharisees and Sadducees, two prominent Jewish groups with differing interpretations of the Law and beliefs about the resurrection and the afterlife (Acts 5:17, Acts 23:6-8). The Apostle Paul, before his conversion, was associated with the Pharisees, a sect known for its strict adherence to the Law (Philippians 3:5). After his conversion, Paul encountered various sects that threatened the unity of the early Church. In Acts 24:5, Paul is accused of being a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes," a term used by opponents to describe the early Christians. Sects and Heresies in the Early Church The early Church faced numerous challenges from sects that introduced heretical teachings. The Apostle Peter warned against false teachers who would introduce destructive heresies, leading many astray (2 Peter 2:1). Similarly, the Apostle Paul admonished the Galatians for turning to a "different gospel," which he deemed a perversion of the true gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7). The early Church Fathers continued to combat heresies and sects that threatened the doctrinal purity of Christianity. The development of creeds and councils was, in part, a response to these challenges, aiming to preserve the apostolic faith against divergent teachings. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the existence of sects within the biblical narrative underscores the importance of doctrinal purity and unity within the faith community. The New Testament writers emphasize the need for sound teaching and the dangers of deviating from the truth of the gospel. The call to "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3) reflects the ongoing struggle against sectarianism and the imperative to maintain the integrity of Christian doctrine. Modern Reflections In contemporary Christianity, the term "sect" can carry a pejorative connotation, often used to describe groups perceived as unorthodox or outside mainstream Christianity. The challenge of maintaining unity while addressing doctrinal differences remains relevant, as believers seek to uphold the truth of Scripture in a diverse and pluralistic world. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Gr. hairesis, usually rendered "heresy", Acts 24:14; 1 Chronicles 11:19; Galatians 5:20, etc.), meaning properly "a choice," then "a chosen manner of life," and then "a religious party," as the "sect" of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), of the Pharisees (15:5), the Nazarenes, i.e., Christians (24:5). It afterwards came to be used in a bad sense, of those holding pernicious error, divergent forms of belief (2 Peter 2:1; Galatians 5:20). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A cutting; a scion.2. (n.) Those following a particular leader or authority, or attached to a certain opinion; a company or set having a common belief or allegiance distinct from others; in religion, the believers in a particular creed, or upholders of a particular practice; especially, in modern times, a party dissenting from an established church; a denomination; in philosophy, the disciples of a particular master; a school; in society and the state, an order, rank, class, or party. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SECTsekt (hairesis): "Sect" (Latin, secta, from sequi, "to follow") is in the New Testament the translation of hairesis, from haireo, "to take," "to choose"; also translated "heresy," not heresy in the later ecclesiastical sense, but a school or party, a sect, without any bad meaning attached to it. The word is applied to schools of philosophy; to the Pharisees and Sadducees among the Jews who adhered to a common religious faith and worship; and to the Christians. It is translated "sect" (Acts 5:17, of the Sadducees; Acts 15:5, of the Pharisees; Acts 24:5, of the Nazarenes; Acts 26:5, of the Pharisees; Acts 28:22, of the Christians); also the Revised Version (British and American) Acts 24:14 (the King James Version and the English Revised Version margin "heresy"), "After the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers" (just as the Pharisees were "a sect"); it is translated "heresies" (1 Corinthians 11:19, margin "sects," the American Standard Revised Version "factions," margin "Greek: `heresies' "; the English Revised Version reverses the American Standard Revised Version text and margin; Galatians 5:20, the American Standard Revised Version "parties," margin "heresies"; the English Revised Version reverses text and margin; 2 Peter 2:1, "damnable heresies," the Revised Version (British and American) "destructive heresies," margin "sects of perdition"); the "sect" in itself might be harmless; it was the teaching or principles which should be followed by those sects that would make them "destructive." Hairesis occurs in 1 Maccabees 8:30 ("They shall do it at their pleasure," i.e. "choice"); compare Septuagint Leviticus 22:18, 21. Greek 5330. Pharisaios -- a Pharisee, member of a Jewish religious sect ... a Pharisee, member of a Jewish religious sect. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Pharisaios Phonetic Spelling: (far-is-ah'-yos) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5330.htm - 7k 4523. Saddoukaios -- a Sadducee, a member of a Jewish religious ... 3532. Nikolaos -- Nicolaus, a Christian, probably not connected ... 139. hairesis -- choice, opinion Library Nicolaus and the Sect Named after Him. The Sect Everywhere Spoken Against Another Sect of the Esseni: the Pharisees. Sect of the Elchasaites; Hippolytus' Opposition to It. Character of the Times in which the Christian Religion was ... Of God and his Attributes. The Providence of God. The Worship of God. Immortality of the Soul, and a Future State. Death and Judgement. Thesaurus Sect (10 Occurrences)... 14; 1 Chronicles 11:19; Galatians 5:20, etc.), meaning properly "a choice," then "a chosen manner of life," and then "a religious party," as the "sect" of the ... /s/sect.htm - 13k Heresy (2 Occurrences) Ebionites Ebionism Sectarian (1 Occurrence) Nicolaitans (2 Occurrences) Nicolas (1 Occurrence) Nicolaus (1 Occurrence) Christian (41 Occurrences) Wait (223 Occurrences) Resources What is the difference between a sect and a cult? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there Christian sects? | GotQuestions.org What are the different sects of Judaism? | GotQuestions.org Sect: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sect (10 Occurrences)Mark 2:16 Mark 12:18 Luke 5:30 Acts 5:17 Acts 15:5 Acts 23:9 Acts 24:5 Acts 24:14 Acts 26:5 Acts 28:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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