Definition:
To vilify is to speak or write about someone in an abusively disparaging manner. In a biblical context, vilification often involves false accusations, slander, or defamation against individuals, particularly those who are righteous or serving God's purposes.

Biblical Instances and Teachings:

1. Jesus Christ:
Jesus Himself was vilified by the religious leaders of His time. Despite His sinless life and divine mission, He was accused of blasphemy, being in league with Satan, and other false charges. In Matthew 12:24 , the Pharisees said, "This man drives out demons only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons." Jesus responded to such vilification with truth and wisdom, demonstrating the baselessness of their accusations.

2. The Apostles:
The early apostles faced vilification as they spread the Gospel. In Acts 24:5 , Paul is described by his accusers as "a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes." Despite these accusations, Paul and the other apostles continued their mission, relying on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.

3. Old Testament Figures:
Many Old Testament figures were also vilified. For example, David was falsely accused by King Saul of seeking his harm, despite David's loyalty (1 Samuel 24:9-11). Similarly, Nehemiah faced slander from his enemies who sought to undermine his efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 6:5-8).

4. Teachings on Vilification:
The Bible teaches believers to expect vilification as part of their walk with God. In Matthew 5:11 , Jesus says, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me." Believers are encouraged to respond with love and truth, trusting in God's justice and vindication.

5. Response to Vilification:
Scripture advises believers to respond to vilification with grace and integrity. In 1 Peter 3:16 , it is written, "keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ." The emphasis is on maintaining a Christ-like character, even in the face of false accusations.

6. God's Justice:
The Bible assures that God will ultimately vindicate those who are unjustly vilified. In Romans 12:19 , Paul writes, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This promise provides comfort to believers, knowing that God sees and will address all injustices.

Conclusion:
While vilification is a painful experience, the Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that guide believers in how to respond. By following the example of Christ and the apostles, Christians are called to endure such trials with faith, integrity, and hope in God's ultimate justice.(imp. & p. p.) of Vilify.

The Truth Hated in the Christians; So in Measure was It, of Old ...
... or else by not taking a fair survey of the founder, because you make no inquiry
into his sect, you fasten merely on the name, just as if you vilified in it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/chapter iv name truth hated.htm

To Act Well of Greater Consequence than to Speak Well.
... Neither, therefore, is he who can act well to be vilified by him who is able to
speak well; nor is he who is able to speak well to be disparaged by him who is ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter x to act well of.htm

The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing
... he will lay bare his almighty arm, and make those wretches feel the eternal smart
of his justice, show power and name they have so often vilified and blasphemed ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of profane.htm

The Fidelity of the Senses, Impugned by Plato, vindicated by ...
... We may not, I say, we may not call into question the truth of the (poor vilified)
senses, [1609] lest we should even in Christ Himself, bring doubt upon [1610 ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter xvii the fidelity of the.htm

First Sunday in Lent
... Then no offense will be given. "That our ministration [the ministry] be
not blamed.". 9. Who can prevent our office being vilified? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday in lent.htm

Preface.
... proud and self-reliant. The "manhood" of paganism is glorified, and the
"childhood" of the gospel is vilified. The graces of humility ...
//christianbookshelf.org/shedd/sermons to the natural man/preface.htm

The Lord is Risen Indeed
... And in a letter of Pliny to Trajan on the subject, we have indisputable evidence,
that even in the time of Tacitus, hated, vilified, and persecuted as the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xl the lord is.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... of their persons, that they may walk as men of reputation in the world, and as if
all his gifts to others were to be trodden down and vilified, if they seem to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

The Late Work of God in North America
... They vilified, first, the English Ministry, representing them, one and all, as the
veriest wretches alive, void of all honesty, honour, and humanity. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 131 the late work.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... dishonor. But, on our part, let us not refuse to be vilified as concerns
the world, in order to be honored before God and His angels. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm

Vilified (1 Occurrence)
...Vilified (1 Occurrence). Job 24:18 Light he 'is' on the face of the waters, Vilified
is their portion in the earth, He turneth not the way of vineyards. (YLT). ...
/v/vilified.htm - 6k

Vilest (5 Occurrences)

/v/vilest.htm - 7k

Vilifying (1 Occurrence)

/v/vilifying.htm - 6k

Is the United States a Christian nation? | GotQuestions.org

Vilified: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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