Topical Bible: Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Excite Others Against Saints

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Topical Encyclopedia

Unbelief, in the context of the Bible, is not merely a passive state of doubt or skepticism but often manifests as active opposition to the truth of God's Word and His people. Those who harbor unbelief can become instigators, stirring up hostility and persecution against the saints—those who are set apart for God's purposes.

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous instances where individuals or groups, driven by unbelief, incite others against the followers of God. This behavior is not only a rejection of divine truth but also an attempt to undermine the work of God by targeting His representatives on earth.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently encountered opposition from surrounding nations who did not believe in the God of Israel. These nations often sought to lead Israel astray or to destroy them. For instance, in the book of Nehemiah, Sanballat and Tobiah, driven by unbelief and jealousy, mocked and plotted against the Jews who were rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Nehemiah 4:8 states, "And all of them conspired together to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance."

New Testament Examples

The New Testament provides further examples of how unbelief can lead to the persecution of the saints. The early church faced significant opposition from both Jewish and Gentile unbelievers. In Acts 13:50 , we read, "But the Jews incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region." Here, the Jewish leaders, in their unbelief, actively incited others to oppose the apostles and their message.

Similarly, in Acts 14:2 , "But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers." This passage highlights how unbelief can lead to the spreading of falsehoods and the incitement of violence against those who are faithfully proclaiming the Gospel.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, unbelief is a serious sin that not only separates individuals from God but also has the potential to cause harm to the community of believers. Those who are guilty of unbelief and who incite others against the saints are often depicted as being under the influence of spiritual blindness and hardness of heart. Their actions are seen as a direct challenge to God's authority and His redemptive plan for humanity.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns against the dangers of unbelief and the influence of those who oppose the truth. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 , he writes, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." This blindness leads to actions that are contrary to the will of God and detrimental to His people.

Practical Considerations

For believers, understanding the nature of unbelief and its potential to incite opposition is crucial. Christians are called to be vigilant, discerning, and steadfast in their faith, recognizing that opposition is often rooted in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Believers are encouraged to respond to such opposition with prayer, love, and the proclamation of truth, trusting in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 14:2
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... They are guilty of the sins they should reprove, and ... we look them in the face,
especially when they are our ... Thus doth secret unbelief consume the vigor of each ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Of Uncharitable Truth.
... He whose guilty conscience reflects dismal images of himself, is ... God saw he did
ignorantly in unbelief, and upon ... Person were puffed up, when they should have ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vi of uncharitable truth.htm

Travailing for Souls
... He cannot do any mighty work here because of our unbelief; and, if our unbelief
were cast out, and if prayer went up to ... They are also guilty who distract ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/travailing for souls.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... the scum boils up ?� much impatience and unbelief appear. ... but he that desperately
turns into it is guilty of his ... sins of others work for good, as they work in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

God's Glory in Hiding Sin
... it glorifies Christ when a poor guilty sinner cries ... the blessed Spirit take away
thine unbelief, dear heart! ... If ever they offend you, let that atonement which ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/gods glory in hiding sin.htm

The Great Assize
... our hatred of Christ, our neglect of the gospel, our unbelief"all of ... and albeit they
have many sins to which they might well plead guilty, they will be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the great assize.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... Pharisees in Jerusalem, who were not guilty of such ... Unbelief is not the consequence
of just reasoning, but of ... on this ground, may insinuate, that they have the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

An American Reformer.
... Christ declares that there will exist similar unbelief concerning His second coming. ...
Heaven was brought near, and they felt themselves guilty before God ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /18 an american reformer.htm

An American Reformer
... Christ declares that there will exist similar unbelief concerning His second coming. ...
Heaven was brought near, and they felt themselves guilty before God ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 18 an american reformer.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... It is this, that those who are guilty should become the ... of offending particular people,
or when they wish to ... with merely saying, "This is what others say," or ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /