Topical Encyclopedia Blasphemy, in biblical terms, refers to the act of showing contempt or lack of reverence for God, or claiming the attributes of deity. Throughout Scripture, blasphemy is considered a grave sin, often associated with severe consequences. However, there are instances where the saints, or the faithful followers of God, have been falsely accused of blasphemy by those who opposed them.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the charge of blasphemy was a serious accusation, often leading to severe punishment, including death. The Law of Moses explicitly states, "Anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The whole congregation must stone him. Whether an alien or a native, when he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death" (Leviticus 24:16). This underscores the gravity of the charge within the Israelite community. New Testament Instances In the New Testament, the charge of blasphemy is frequently leveled against Jesus Christ and His followers by the religious leaders of the time. These accusations were often rooted in misunderstanding or outright rejection of the divine nature and mission of Jesus and His apostles. 1. Jesus Christ: The most notable instance of a blasphemy charge is against Jesus Himself. The religious leaders accused Him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God. In John 10:33, the Jews respond to Jesus, saying, "We are not stoning You for any good work, but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, declare Yourself to be God" . This charge ultimately led to His crucifixion, as the high priest declared, "You have heard the blasphemy. What is your verdict?" (Mark 14:64). 2. Stephen: The first Christian martyr, Stephen, was also accused of blasphemy. In Acts 6:11-13, false witnesses were brought against him, claiming, "We have heard him speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God" . This accusation led to his trial and subsequent stoning. 3. Paul the Apostle: The Apostle Paul faced similar accusations during his ministry. In Acts 18:12-13, the Jews in Corinth brought him before the proconsul Gallio, asserting, "This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law" . Although not explicitly labeled as blasphemy, the implication was that Paul was promoting a heretical and blasphemous doctrine. Understanding the Accusations The charges of blasphemy against the saints often stemmed from a fundamental conflict between the emerging Christian faith and the established religious norms of the time. The early Christians' proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah and their teachings about His divine nature were perceived as direct challenges to the traditional Jewish understanding of God. Moreover, the transformative message of the Gospel, which included the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile and the fulfillment of the Law through Christ, was seen as a threat to the religious and social order. This led to accusations of blasphemy as a means to discredit and suppress the burgeoning Christian movement. Conclusion The charge of blasphemy against the saints highlights the tension between the early Christian community and the religious authorities of the time. Despite these accusations, the steadfastness of the saints in the face of persecution serves as a testament to their faith and commitment to the truth of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 6:11,13Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution. His Name --The Mighty God The Bible and the French Revolution. The Bible and the French Revolution A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! A Remarkable and Original Reply to These Utterances Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia. Gratitude for Deliverance from the Grave The Saints' Privilege and Profit; A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican Resources What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the blasphemy challenge? | GotQuestions.org What is blasphemy? What does it mean to blaspheme? | GotQuestions.org Blasphemy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost Blasphemy of the Israelites, in Complaining Against God Blasphemy: Against the Holy Spirit, Unpardonable Blasphemy: Backslidden Ephesians Blasphemy: Charged Upon Christ Blasphemy: Charged Upon Saints Blasphemy: Christ Assailed With Blasphemy: Connected With Folly and Pride Blasphemy: False Indictments for of Naboth Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Falsely Accused of, Previously to his Trial Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Stephen Blasphemy: General Scriptures Concerning Blasphemy: Gives No Occasion For Blasphemy: Hypocrisy Counted As Blasphemy: Idolatry Counted As Blasphemy: Infidels, Who Used the Adultery of David As an Occasion to Blaspheme Blasphemy: Job's Wife, when She Exhorted Job to Curse God and Die Blasphemy: Peter, when Accused of Being a Disciple of Jesus Blasphemy: Proceeds from the Heart Blasphemy: Rabshakeh, in the Siege of Jerusalem Blasphemy: Saints Grieved to Hear Blasphemy: Shimei, in his Malice Toward David Blasphemy: The Depraved Son of Shelomith, Who, in an Altercation With an Israelite, Cursed God Blasphemy: The Revilers of Jesus, when he Was Crucified Blasphemy: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms |
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