In the biblical context, a "supporter" refers to an individual who provides assistance, encouragement, or backing to others, often in the pursuit of fulfilling God's will. The concept of support is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where believers are called to uphold one another in faith, love, and service.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of supporters who played crucial roles in the unfolding of God's plans. One notable instance is Aaron and Hur supporting Moses during the battle against the Amalekites. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed, but when he grew weary, Aaron and Hur provided physical support by holding up his hands, ensuring victory (Exodus 17:12): "When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down."

Another example is Jonathan, the son of King Saul, who supported David despite his father's animosity. Jonathan's loyalty and encouragement were pivotal in David's survival and eventual rise to kingship. Their friendship exemplifies the deep bond and mutual support that can exist between believers (1 Samuel 18:3-4): "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt."

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the role of a supporter is further emphasized within the early Christian community. The Apostle Paul frequently acknowledges the support he received from fellow believers. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul expresses gratitude for their partnership and support in his ministry (Philippians 1:3-5): "I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."

The concept of mutual support is also highlighted in the teachings of Jesus. In John 13:34-35 , Jesus commands His disciples to love one another, which inherently includes supporting each other: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."

Spiritual Gifts and Support

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, discusses the spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers, which are intended for the edification and support of the church body. In 1 Corinthians 12:7 , Paul writes, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." These gifts, whether they be teaching, encouragement, or acts of service, are meant to support and build up the community of believers.

Practical Application

The role of a supporter is not limited to spiritual matters but extends to practical assistance as well. The early church demonstrated this through the sharing of resources and caring for those in need. Acts 4:34-35 describes the communal support among believers: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need."

Conclusion

The biblical concept of a supporter encompasses a wide range of actions and attitudes, all aimed at fostering unity, strength, and growth within the body of Christ. Whether through prayer, encouragement, or practical help, being a supporter is a vital aspect of living out one's faith in accordance with God's will.1. (n.) One who, or that which, supports; as, oxygen is a supporter of life.

2. (n.) Especially, an adherent; one who sustains, advocates, and defends; as, the supporter of a party, faction, or candidate.

3. (n.) A knee placed under the cathead.

4. (n.) A figure, sometimes of a man, but commonly of some animal, placed on either side of an escutcheon, and exterior to it. Usually, both supporters of an escutcheon are similar figures.

5. (n.) A broad band or truss for supporting the abdomen or some other part or organ.

Concerning Isaac the Legitimate Son of Abraham.
... who has thought fit now to require this testimony of honor to himself, on account
of the favors he hath conferred on me, in being to me a supporter and defender ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 concerning isaac the.htm

Concerning the Sons of Isaac, Esau and Jacob; of their Nativity ...
... when he had caught as much venison as he could, to prepare him a supper [32] that
after this he might make supplication to God, to be to him a supporter and an ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 18 concerning the sons.htm

Now, as to the Question which You Raise, when it was that I Began ...
... You make answer to yourself: "Then, I suppose, when you were the supporter of Paul
whom he had condemned and made the greatest effort to help him, and ...
/.../17 now as to the.htm

Christ's Reprehension of the Pharisees Seeking a Sign his Censure ...
... reproached those who did not themselves enter in, and also shut the door against
others, must He be regarded as a disparager of the law, or as a supporter of it ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxvii christs reprehension of the.htm

Titus when the Jews were not at all Mollified by his Leaving Off ...
... Will not you turn again, and look back, and consider whence it is that you fight
with such violence, and how great a Supporter you have profanely abused? ...
/.../chapter 9 titus when the.htm

Innocent iii
... Constance, however, had no desire for the continued union of the German and Sicilian
crowns; and here she found a staunch supporter in the Pope. ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter ix innocent iii.htm

St. Bernard
... Fortunately, however, Roger of Sicily, the one strong supporter of Anacletus, was
engaged in a struggle with his nobles and could give no help. ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter vi st bernard.htm

Continuance of the Arian Controversy. Eusebius' Relations to the ...
... Meanwhile, within a few years after the Council, a quarrel broke out between our
Eusebius and Eustathius, bishop of Antioch, a resolute supporter of Nicene ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/section 7 continuance of the.htm

The Outbreak of the Arian Controversy. The Attitude of Eusebius.
... Eusebius of Nicomedia at once became his firm supporter, and was one of the leading
figures on the Arian side throughout the entire controversy. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/section 5 the outbreak of.htm

A Nightly Prayer. 1831.
... of this household, for the mother and mistress of this family, whose love to me
hath been great and faithful, and for the dear friend, the supporter and sharer ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/a nightly prayer 1831.htm

Supporter (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, supports; as, oxygen is
a supporter of life. ... Multi-Version Concordance Supporter (6 Occurrences). ...
/s/supporter.htm - 8k

Supporters (12 Occurrences)

/s/supporters.htm - 10k

Supported (43 Occurrences)

/s/supported.htm - 19k

Nathan (42 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NATHAN (1). na'-than (nathan, "gift"; Nathan):
A court prophet in David's reign and a supporter of Solomon at his accession. ...
/n/nathan.htm - 29k

Upholder (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) An upholsterer. 4. (n.) One who, or that which, upholds; a supporter; a
defender; a sustainer. Multi-Version Concordance Upholder (1 Occurrence). ...
/u/upholder.htm - 6k

Unicorn (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A fabulous animal with one horn; the
monoceros; -- often represented in heraldry as a supporter. ...
/u/unicorn.htm - 10k

Run (147 Occurrences)
... 34. (a.) Specifically, of a horse: To move rapidly in a gait in which each leg acts
in turn as a propeller and a supporter, and in which for an instant all the ...
/r/run.htm - 43k

Darius (26 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The holder or supporter, the name of several
Persian kings. (1.) Darius the Mede (Dan. 11:1), "the son ...
/d/darius.htm - 24k

Mishael (8 Occurrences)
... brother Elzaphan carried out Moses' order to remove from the sanctuary and the camp
the corpses of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:4 f). (2) A supporter of Ezra ...
/m/mishael.htm - 10k

Moloch (2 Occurrences)
... Molech-worship had evidently received a great impulse from Ahaz, who, like Ahab
of Israel, was a supporter of foreign religions (2 Kings 16:12). ...
/m/moloch.htm - 21k

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