Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the New Testament, the term "scribes" often refers to Jewish scholars and teachers of the Law who played a significant role in the religious and social life of Israel. They were experts in the Mosaic Law and were responsible for teaching, interpreting, and preserving the Scriptures. However, in the early Christian era, some scribes were among those who opposed the nascent Christian movement, contributing to the persecution of Christians.The Gospels frequently depict scribes as adversaries of Jesus Christ, often aligning with the Pharisees and Sadducees in their opposition to His teachings and ministry. For instance, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus warns His followers about the scribes, saying, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and receive greetings in the marketplaces" (Mark 12:38). This opposition continued after the resurrection and ascension of Christ, as the early Church faced persecution from various Jewish authorities, including some scribes. The Book of Acts provides several accounts of the early Church's encounters with Jewish leaders who sought to suppress the spread of Christianity. In Acts 4, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin, which included scribes, to account for their preaching about Jesus. The text states, "The next day the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem" (Acts 4:5). Despite threats and intimidation, the apostles continued to proclaim the Gospel boldly. The persecution of Christians by Jewish authorities, including scribes, is further illustrated in the account of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Acts 6:12 notes, "So they stirred up the people and elders and scribes. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin" . Stephen's subsequent martyrdom marked a significant moment of persecution against the early Church, driven in part by the religious leaders' resistance to the message of Christ. The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, was initially a zealous persecutor of Christians, operating with the authority of the Jewish religious establishment. His conversion, as described in Acts 9, highlights the transformative power of Christ and the eventual spread of the Gospel despite opposition from scribes and other authorities. Throughout the New Testament, the scribes' role in persecuting Christians underscores the tension between the emerging Christian faith and the established Jewish religious order. This opposition was rooted in theological disagreements, as the message of Jesus challenged traditional interpretations of the Law and the role of the Messiah. Despite this persecution, the early Church continued to grow, empowered by the Holy Spirit and the unwavering faith of its members. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 4:5And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 18:21 Acts 6:12 Library The General Epistle of James James the Brother of the Lord. False Professors Solemnly Warned Extracts No. vii. Concluding Reflections. Faith and Criticism. Acts vii. 54 The Critical and Historical Movement Of Evil-Speaking in General. Paul Before the Council. The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. Resources Has the Bible been corrupted, altered, edited, revised, or tampered with? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Stations of the Cross and what can we learn from them? | GotQuestions.org Should Mark 16:9-20 be in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Scribes: Acted as Keepers of the Muster-Rolls of the Host Scribes: Acted as Notaries in Courts of Justice Scribes: Acted as Religious Teachers Scribes: Acted as Secretaries to Kings Scribes: Acted as Secretaries to Prophets Scribes: Acted as Writers of Public Documents Scribes: Families Celebrated for Furnishing: Kenites Scribes: Families Celebrated for Furnishing: Levi Scribes: Families Celebrated for Furnishing: Zebulun Scribes: Generally Men of Great Wisdom Scribes: Illustrated of Well Instructed Ministers of the Gospel Scribes: Modern were Doctors of the Law Scribes: Modern were Frequently Pharisees Scribes: Modern: Active in Procuring Our Lord's Death Scribes: Modern: Condemned by Christ for Hypocrisy Scribes: Modern: Esteemed Wise and Learned Scribes: Modern: Often offended at out Lord's Conduct and Teaching Scribes: Modern: Persecuted the Christians Scribes: Modern: Regarded As Interpreters of Scripture Scribes: Modern: Sat in Moses' Seat Scribes: Modern: Tempted Our Lord Scribes: Modern: Their Manner of Teaching Contrasting With That of Christ Scribes: Modern: Wore Long Robes and Loved Pre-Eminence Scribes: Often Learned in the Law Scribes: Wore an Inkhorn at Their Girdles Related Terms |