In the context of the Bible, the concept of "suspects" is not directly addressed as it is in modern legal systems. However, the Scriptures provide principles and narratives that touch upon suspicion, judgment, and the treatment of individuals who may be under suspicion for wrongdoing. These principles are rooted in justice, mercy, and the pursuit of truth, reflecting the character of God as revealed in the Bible.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament law, given to the Israelites, contains various instructions that can be related to the treatment of suspects. For instance, the law emphasizes the need for fair trials and the establishment of truth through multiple witnesses. Deuteronomy 19:15 states, "A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." This principle underscores the importance of corroborating evidence before someone can be deemed guilty, protecting individuals from false accusations.

The account of Joseph and Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39) illustrates the theme of false accusation. Joseph, a servant in Potiphar's house, is wrongfully accused of attempting to assault Potiphar's wife. Despite his innocence, Joseph is imprisoned based on the false testimony. This narrative highlights the potential for injustice when accusations are made without proper evidence or investigation.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus' teachings and actions further illuminate how individuals under suspicion should be treated. The account of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) is a significant example. The scribes and Pharisees bring a woman to Jesus, accusing her of adultery and demanding her punishment according to the Law of Moses. Jesus responds by challenging those without sin to cast the first stone, ultimately leading to the accusers leaving one by one. Jesus then tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). This passage emphasizes mercy and the importance of self-reflection before passing judgment on others.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, also addresses issues related to suspicion and judgment within the Christian community. In 1 Corinthians 4:5, Paul advises, "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God." This instruction encourages believers to refrain from premature judgments and to trust in God's ultimate justice.

Principles for Handling Suspects

1. Presumption of Innocence: Biblical principles suggest that individuals should not be presumed guilty without sufficient evidence. The requirement for multiple witnesses in the Old Testament underscores the need for a fair and thorough examination of accusations.

2. Mercy and Compassion: Jesus' interactions with those accused of sin demonstrate the importance of mercy. Believers are called to show compassion and to seek restoration rather than condemnation.

3. Avoiding False Accusations: The Bible warns against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). This commandment highlights the moral responsibility to speak truthfully and to avoid making unfounded accusations.

4. Trust in Divine Justice: Ultimately, the Bible teaches that God is the righteous judge who will bring all things to light. Believers are encouraged to trust in His justice and to avoid taking matters into their own hands.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly address the modern concept of suspects, it provides timeless principles for handling suspicion and accusations with justice, mercy, and integrity.

Peter Suspects Simon of not Believing Even in a God.
... Homily XIX. Chapter VII."Peter Suspects Simon of Not Believing Even in a
God. And Peter said: "You are not so blessed as to praise ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter vii peter suspects simon of.htm

This, You Will Say, is Ridiculous, Whereas all Profess to Hold and ...
... For if a suspicious man is in fault, in that he suspects things not ascertained;
how much more a credulous man, who herein differs from a suspicious man, that ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 21 this you will.htm

Purity.
... One who suspects hypocrisy in the world is rarely transparent; the man constantly
on the watch for cheating is generally dishonest; he who suspects impurity is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/x purity.htm

Introduction. Origin of the Treatise.
... Oehler with these remarks, gives abundant references on that point. [Dr. Allix suspects
Montanism here, but see Kaye, p. 43, and Lardner, Credib. II. p. 335. ...
/.../tertullian/on baptism/chapter i introduction origin of the.htm

For the Candid and Thoughtful
... the center and the head has imprisoned its own apparent master, and made him captive,
so that he fights against that which in his heart he half suspects to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/for the candid and thoughtful.htm

The Anti-Missionary Agitation.
... The natural Chinaman cannot receive it. He suspects us. And he has enough to pillow
his suspicion on. Let him turn the points of the compass. ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/x the anti-missionary agitation.htm

There was Concealed from the Ruler of this World the virginity of ...
... (Comp. St. Mark 1:24 and St. Luke 4:34, where, after the first defeat of the tempter,
this demon suspects the second Adam, and tries to extort the secret).]. ...
/.../chapter xix there was concealed.htm

The Travelers
... to the Sicarii. Titus is my friend, unless he suspects me as coming to
undermine his better friend, the pretty Herod. I shall help ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter iv the travelers.htm

Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs.
... motives would operate against this temptation, since it has often been demonstrated
that the people will not sustain a ministry which it suspects of the vice ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xvi conflicts of the.htm

The Secret Burden
... Go away to some retreat of thine, where thou art sure that no eye sees thee, and
no ear hears thee, and where no man so much as suspects where thou art, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xxii the secret burden.htm

Suspects (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Suspects (2 Occurrences). Numbers 5:14 and the
spirit of jealousy comes on him, and he is jealous of his ...
/s/suspects.htm - 7k

Suspended (2 Occurrences)

/s/suspended.htm - 7k

Suspecting (1 Occurrence)

/s/suspecting.htm - 6k

Shihor-libnath (1 Occurrence)
... Thomson suspects "that long ages ago some Egyptians, accustomed to worship this
ugly creature, settled here (viz., at Caesarea), and brought their gods with ...
/s/shihor-libnath.htm - 8k

Shihorlibnath (1 Occurrence)
... Thomson suspects "that long ages ago some Egyptians, accustomed to worship this
ugly creature, settled here (viz., at Caesarea), and brought their gods with ...
/s/shihorlibnath.htm - 8k

Elisha (70 Occurrences)
... He suspects treachery in his army, but is told of Elisha's divining powers. ... He suspects
an ambuscade, but is persuaded to send a few men to reconnoiter. ...
/e/elisha.htm - 61k

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