Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical history and theology, the term "sects" refers to distinct groups or factions within the broader religious community, often characterized by specific beliefs, practices, or interpretations of Scripture. The Bible provides several examples of sects, particularly within Judaism during the time of Jesus and the early church.Pharisees and Sadducees Two of the most prominent sects during the New Testament period were the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law and the traditions of the elders. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits. Jesus often engaged with the Pharisees, challenging their legalism and hypocrisy. In Matthew 23:27, Jesus 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." The Sadducees, on the other hand, were a more aristocratic sect, closely associated with the temple priesthood. They rejected the oral traditions upheld by the Pharisees and did not believe in the resurrection, angels, or spirits. In Acts 23:8, it is noted, "The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all." Essenes Another Jewish sect, not mentioned directly in the Bible but known from historical sources like the writings of Josephus and the Dead Sea Scrolls, is the Essenes. They were a monastic group that lived in communal settings, emphasizing purity and separation from what they saw as the corruption of the temple and society. Zealots The Zealots were a political movement rather than a religious sect, but they were driven by religious zeal. They sought to overthrow Roman rule in Judea and were known for their militant opposition to Roman occupation. One of Jesus' disciples, Simon, was called the Zealot (Luke 6:15). Early Christian Sects In the early Christian church, sects began to form as well. The Apostle Paul addresses divisions and false teachings in several of his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 1:12-13, Paul writes, "What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, 'I follow Paul,' 'I follow Apollos,' 'I follow Cephas,' or 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" The early church also faced challenges from groups like the Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish law, including circumcision. Paul strongly opposed this teaching, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone (Galatians 2:16). Gnosticism Another significant early Christian sect was Gnosticism, which emerged in the second century. Gnostics claimed to possess secret knowledge (gnosis) and often held dualistic views, seeing the material world as evil and the spiritual realm as good. The Apostle John addresses early forms of Gnostic thought in his epistles, emphasizing the true humanity and divinity of Christ (1 John 4:2-3). Conclusion Throughout biblical history, sects have arisen as groups sought to interpret and live out their faith in distinct ways. While some sects contributed to the rich tapestry of religious thought, others posed challenges to the unity and doctrinal purity of the faith community. The New Testament encourages believers to hold fast to sound doctrine and to be wary of teachings that deviate from the gospel of Christ. Greek 139. hairesis -- choice, opinion ... a () . 139 ("a strong, distinctive opinion") is used in the NT of individual "parties (sects)" that operated within Judaism. The ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/139.htm - 7k 141. hairetikos -- causing division Library The Jewish Sects. Of the Sects of Philosophers, and their Disagreement. Religious Sects and Parties For Eighteen Years, New Sects, Or, Rather, Posthumous Sects... Jewish Sects. Different Sects of the Esseni. All Sects of Philosophy Contain a Germ of Truth. The Eastern Sects: Nestorians, Jacobites, Copts, Armenians. Doctrines of Various Other Gnostic Sects, and Especially of the ... How Varro, by Removing all the Differences which do not Form Sects ... Thesaurus Sects (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Sects (3 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must also be sects among you, that the approved may become manifest among you. ... /s/sects.htm - 7k Sect (10 Occurrences) Gnosticism Pharisees (86 Occurrences) Essenes Gospels Secu (1 Occurrence) General (9 Occurrences) Dictionaries According (7613 Occurrences) Resources What are the different sects of Judaism? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there Christian sects? | GotQuestions.org Islamic Sects and Writings ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sects (3 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 11:19 Galatians 5:20 2 Peter 2:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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