Slander: Enemies of Paul
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Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin condemned throughout Scripture. The Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the early Christian church, frequently encountered slander from various adversaries. These enemies sought to undermine his ministry and discredit his apostolic authority.

Biblical Context

Paul's ministry was marked by significant opposition, both from Jewish leaders and Gentile communities. His transformation from Saul, a persecutor of Christians, to Paul, a devoted apostle, was met with skepticism and hostility. This opposition often manifested in slanderous accusations aimed at discrediting his message and character.

Jewish Opposition

Paul's primary adversaries were often Jewish leaders who viewed his teachings as a threat to traditional Jewish beliefs. In Acts 13:45 , we read, "But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him." This abuse included slanderous claims intended to undermine his credibility and authority.

In Acts 21:28 , Paul is accused by Jews from Asia of defiling the temple, a serious charge that could incite violence: "Crying out, 'Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.'" Such accusations were not only false but also strategically aimed at inciting public outrage against Paul.

Gentile Opposition

Paul also faced slander from Gentile communities, particularly when his teachings threatened their economic interests or cultural practices. In Acts 19:23-27 , the silversmith Demetrius incites a riot in Ephesus by claiming that Paul's message endangered their trade and the worship of the goddess Artemis. Demetrius's accusations were designed to portray Paul as a societal threat, thus rallying opposition against him.

Internal Church Conflicts

Even within the early Christian communities, Paul faced slander from false apostles and divisive individuals. In 2 Corinthians 10:10 , Paul addresses criticisms of his speaking ability and physical presence: "For some say, 'His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.'" These slanderous remarks aimed to diminish his influence and sow discord within the church.

Paul's Response to Slander

Paul's response to slander was rooted in his unwavering commitment to the truth of the Gospel and his reliance on God's vindication. In 1 Corinthians 4:12-13 , he writes, "When we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world." Paul exemplified humility and perseverance, choosing to respond with grace rather than retaliation.

In 2 Corinthians 6:8 , Paul acknowledges the duality of his reputation: "through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as impostors, yet genuine." Despite the slander he faced, Paul remained steadfast in his mission, trusting that God would ultimately reveal the truth.

Conclusion

The slander faced by Paul serves as a testament to the challenges inherent in proclaiming the Gospel. His experiences highlight the spiritual warfare that accompanies the spread of Christianity and the resilience required to overcome false accusations. Through his example, believers are encouraged to remain faithful and respond to slander with integrity and grace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 17:7
Whom Jason has received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61.
... Paul of Samosata, his heresy, [324]66, n. ... in reproved, [347]240; for vengeance on
enemies rebuked, [348]241 ... 350]70, [351]73; of indifference to slander and envy ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/aaron his office no palliation.htm

Introductory Note to the Epistle of Barnabas
... Paul himself pays a practical tribute to their modes of thought, in his ... speakers,
which laid even the apostle open to the slander of enemies (2 Corinthians ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /introductory note to the epistle.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... to be defeated; it raises up enemies and obstacles ... And when the slander is disclosed,
the slanderer is ... Paul saith, no "railer," or evil-speaker, "shall inherit ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

The Armour of God
... the truly fiery darts of misrepresentation, slander, scorn, or ... Paul knew that fact,
as well as we; and ... arrows, but to grapple with their enemies, looking them ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xi the armour of god.htm

Endurance of the World's Censure.
... Paul, and the Apostles, and all Christ's ministers after them ... gentle under ill-usage,
cheerful under slander, forgiving towards enemies, and silent in ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon x endurance of the.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... pernicious and perilous instruments of injustice, the most desperate enemies of
all ... fame, it is mere chance that he doth not slander, or rather ... Paul condemneth ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

The Gentile Christian Theology. Paul and the Gospel of Faith.
... God and Christ are stronger than all our enemies and will ... is from heat," is in the
very spirit of Paul, and a sufficient reply to the slander brought against ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 71 the gentile christian.htm

The Letter of Saint Polycarp,
... of all, [335] refraining from all slander, gossip, false ... thing among you, with whom
blessed Paul labored and ... not consider such persons as enemies," [394] but ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of saint polycarp.htm

Letters to Olympias.
... Wherefore also Paul saith "now to Him who is able ... wrote was above suspicion even
in the opinion of enemies. ... envious of Him and tried to slander Him, although ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letters to olympias.htm

Against those who Object Because the Devil Has not Been Put Out of ...
... security to know clearly, the tactics of your enemies. ... to slander, and to refrain
from slander is not ... is proportionably seen." [581] Hear too Paul saying, "For ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii against those who.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about backbiting? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about bitterness? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian view sportsmanship? | GotQuestions.org

Slander: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Slander

Slander is a Deceitful Work

Slander is Destructive

Slander is Venomous

Slander of David, by his Enemies

Slander of Jeremiah, by the Jews

Slander of Jesus, by the Jews Falsely Charging That he Was a Winebibber (Wino)

Slander of Mephiboseth, by Ziba

Slander of Naboth, by Jezebel

Slander: A Characteristic of the Devil

Slander: An Abomination to God

Slander: Blessed in Enduring

Slander: Causes Anger

Slander: Characterized As Avoiding

Slander: Children of Belial

Slander: Christ Was Exposed To

Slander: Comes from the Evil Heart

Slander: David's Enemies

Slander: Doeg

Slander: Effects of Deadly Wounds

Slander: Effects of Discord Among Brethren

Slander: Effects of Murder

Slander: Effects of Separating Friends

Slander: Effects of Strife

Slander: End of, is Mischievous Madness

Slander: Enemies of Paul

Slander: Enemies of Stephen

Slander: Enemies of the Jews

Slander: Evil People Addicted To

Slander: Forbidden

Slander: Gashmu

Slander: Haman

Slander: Hypocrites Addicted To

Slander: Hypocrites Habitually

Slander: Idleness Leads To

Slander: Illustrated

Slander: Includes: Babbling

Slander: Includes: Backbiting

Slander: Includes: Bearing False Witness

Slander: Includes: Defaming

Slander: Includes: Evil Speaking

Slander: Includes: Evil Surmising

Slander: Includes: Judging Charitably

Slander: Includes: Raising False Reports

Slander: Includes: Repeating Matters

Slander: Includes: Tale-Bearing

Slander: Includes: Tattling

Slander: Includes: Whispering

Slander: Jeremiah's Enemies

Slander: Jews

Slander: Joseph by Potiphar's Wife

Slander: Laban's Sons

Slander: Men Shall Give Account For

Slander: Ministers Exposed To

Slander: Minister's Wives should Avoid

Slander: Often Arises from Hatred

Slander: People Shall Give Account For

Slander: Priests

Slander: Princes of Ammon

Slander: Punishment For

Slander: Rulers Exposed To

Slander: Saints Exposed To

Slander: Saints should Keep Their Tongues From

Slander: Saints should Lay Aside

Slander: Saints: Blessed in Enduring

Slander: Saints: Characterised As Avoiding

Slander: Saints: should be Warned Against

Slander: Saints: should Give No Occasion For

Slander: Saints: should Keep Their Tongue From

Slander: Saints: should Lay Aside

Slander: Saints: should Return Good For

Slander: Servants of God Exposed To

Slander: should be Discountenanced With Anger

Slander: should be Warned Against

Slander: should Give No Occasion For

Slander: should not be Listened To

Slander: should Return Good For

Slander: Tertullus

Slander: That he Blasphemed

Slander: That he had a Demon

Slander: That he Was a King

Slander: That he Was Seditious

Slander: The Land of Canaan Misrepresented by the Spies

Slander: The Nearest Relations Exposed To

Slander: The Tongue of, is a Scourge

Slander: The Wicked Addicted To

Slander: The Wicked Love

Slander: They Who Indulge In, are Fools

Slander: They Who Indulge In, not to be Trusted

Slander: Those Who Indulge In, are Fools

Slander: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Slander: Wicked People Love

Slander: Witnesses Against Christ

Slander: Wives of God's Servants should Avoid

Slander: Women Warned Against

Slander: Ziba

Related Terms

Defame

Defaming (3 Occurrences)

Slandered (8 Occurrences)

Slanderous (4 Occurrences)

Uttereth (30 Occurrences)

Rage (43 Occurrences)

Evilspeaking

Evil-speaking (5 Occurrences)

Malice (24 Occurrences)

Backbite

Anger (387 Occurrences)

Crimes (22 Occurrences)

Crime (45 Occurrences)

Wrath (503 Occurrences)

Fool (95 Occurrences)

Quarreling (17 Occurrences)

Utters (26 Occurrences)

Outbursts (5 Occurrences)

Outcry (56 Occurrences)

Learner (4 Occurrences)

Level (31 Occurrences)

Gossip (7 Occurrences)

Givest (31 Occurrences)

Whisperings (1 Occurrence)

Injury (21 Occurrences)

Injure (16 Occurrences)

Furnish (8 Occurrences)

Factions (5 Occurrences)

Fellowman (3 Occurrences)

Tale (7 Occurrences)

Tabeel (2 Occurrences)

Reject (56 Occurrences)

Rizpah (4 Occurrences)

Revile (28 Occurrences)

Riots (3 Occurrences)

Excuse (13 Occurrences)

Disorder (6 Occurrences)

Devised (35 Occurrences)

Domestic (5 Occurrences)

Despise (64 Occurrences)

Dreaming (4 Occurrences)

Majesties (2 Occurrences)

Murmur (23 Occurrences)

Meditate (37 Occurrences)

Murmurings (8 Occurrences)

Malign (6 Occurrences)

Modestly (2 Occurrences)

Plotting (13 Occurrences)

Proud (96 Occurrences)

Poison (17 Occurrences)

Baal-zebul (6 Occurrences)

Beings (42 Occurrences)

Bitterness (37 Occurrences)

Brawling (3 Occurrences)

Backbiting (2 Occurrences)

Belie (1 Occurrence)

Cautiously (1 Occurrence)

Calumniate (1 Occurrence)

Casts (21 Occurrences)

Consciences (12 Occurrences)

Conspire (18 Occurrences)

Celestial (3 Occurrences)

Calumny (1 Occurrence)

Angelic (6 Occurrences)

Argue (21 Occurrences)

Arrogance (30 Occurrences)

Shameful (27 Occurrences)

Schemed (3 Occurrences)

Scandal (1 Occurrence)

Scheme (10 Occurrences)

Stab (1 Occurrence)

Slur (1 Occurrence)

Supplanteth (1 Occurrence)

Slams (1 Occurrence)

Slurs (1 Occurrence)

Strife (71 Occurrences)

Confide (31 Occurrences)

Shedding (23 Occurrences)

Slander: End of, is Mischievous Madness
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