The term "withstands" in the biblical context often refers to the act of opposing, resisting, or standing against someone or something. This concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, where individuals, groups, or even spiritual entities are depicted as withstanding others, often in the context of conflict, spiritual warfare, or moral resistance.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, the idea of withstanding is frequently associated with opposition to God's will or His chosen leaders. For example, in Exodus 7:11-13, the magicians of Egypt "withstood" Moses and Aaron by replicating some of the miracles God performed through them. This resistance was ultimately futile, as God's power was demonstrated to be superior.

Another notable instance is found in 2 Chronicles 13:7, where the men of Israel, described as "worthless scoundrels," withstood King Rehoboam. This opposition led to significant conflict and division within the kingdom.

New Testament Instances

In the New Testament, the concept of withstanding is often linked to spiritual resistance. In Ephesians 6:13, believers are exhorted to "take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand." Here, withstanding is portrayed as a necessary part of the Christian's spiritual battle against evil forces.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of withstanding in the context of personal opposition. In 2 Timothy 4:14-15, he warns Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith, who "did me a great deal of harm" and "vigorously opposed our message." Paul advises Timothy to be on guard against such opposition.

Spiritual Warfare

Withstanding is a critical component of spiritual warfare, as believers are called to resist the devil and his schemes. James 4:7 instructs, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This resistance is not passive but requires active engagement in faith, prayer, and adherence to God's Word.

Moral and Ethical Resistance

The Bible also presents withstanding in terms of moral and ethical resistance. In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego withstand King Nebuchadnezzar's decree to worship the golden image, choosing instead to remain faithful to God even at the risk of their lives. Their steadfastness serves as a powerful example of standing firm in one's convictions.

Conclusion

The theme of withstanding in the Bible underscores the importance of standing firm in faith, resisting evil, and opposing anything contrary to God's will. Whether in the face of spiritual adversaries, moral challenges, or personal opposition, believers are called to rely on God's strength and guidance to withstand effectively.

On Receipt of this Letter, Diodorus Made Himself Master of Its ...
... [2002] For, every object that withstands, withstands not itself, but some other
one, either better or worse; as Paul also gives us to understand when he writes ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/45 on receipt of this.htm

A Strain of Sodom.
... Makes uproar at the doors. Lot, suppliant wise,. Withstands: "Young men, let not
your new fed lust. Enkindle you to violate this youth! [1225]. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/2 a strain of sodom.htm

A Treatise on Faith and the Creed.
... are thus set in order in the Creed, that most heretics have endeavored to conceal
their poisons; whom divine mercy has withstood, and still withstands, by the ...
/.../augustine/a treatise on faith and the creed /a treatise on faith and 2.htm

Whence the Contentions of Philosophers have Sprung. Against those ...
... Is it not thus that contradictory and opposing tenets have been introduced, and
all the contentions of philosophers, while one party withstands the opinions of ...
/.../argument xiv whence the contentions of.htm

An Exposition of Luke xxii. 46, Etc.
... captive. But if one withstands and endures, that man is indeed tempted;
but he has not entered into temptation, or fallen under it. ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/iv an exposition of luke xxii.htm

And Many Gifts were Offered to Me with Weeping and Tears...
... of my elders; but guided by God, I neither agreed with them nor deferred to them,
not by my own grace but by God who is victorious in me and withstands them all ...
/.../patrick/the confession of st patrick/section 37 and many gifts.htm

1 Cor. Ix. 1
... As thus: To prevent their alleging, "You may taste of the sacrifices, sealing [103]
at the same time:" for a while he withstands not that statement, but argues ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxi 1 cor ix.htm

The Teaching of the Boisterous and Untaught, Desiring to Love: and ...
... fiends. When an unclean imagination or thought, contrary to the purpose
of thy mind, withstands thee, fail not but fight manly. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxix the teaching of.htm

And when all the Saints were Exulting, Lo, Satan...
... by thy power. If then, thou art powerful, what is that man Jesus like,
who, though fearing death, withstands thy power? If he is ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 4 20 and when 2.htm

But to Know with Certainty, Where and what Anti-Christ Is...
... or self-exaltation, being the highest and fullest contrariety to all this, must
be alone the one great anti-Christ, that opposes and withstands the whole ...
/.../address 117 0 0 but to know.htm

Withstands (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Withstands (2 Occurrences). Romans 9:19 You will say then
to me, "Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?" (WEB). ...
/w/withstands.htm - 6k

Withstood (7 Occurrences)

/w/withstood.htm - 8k

Opposed (23 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of
God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. (See NAS). ...
/o/opposed.htm - 13k

Ordinance (89 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV). Romans 13:2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance
of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. ...
/o/ordinance.htm - 40k

Withstander (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who withstands, or opposes; an opponent; a resisting
power. Multi-Version Concordance Withstander (1 Occurrence). ...
/w/withstander.htm - 6k

Withstanding (2 Occurrences)

/w/withstanding.htm - 7k

Withstand (22 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of
God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. ...
/w/withstand.htm - 13k

Incur (7 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of
God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. (See RSV). ...
/i/incur.htm - 8k

Resist (23 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of
God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. ...
/r/resist.htm - 13k

Resists (4 Occurrences)
... (DBY NAS NIV). Romans 13:2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the
ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. ...
/r/resists.htm - 7k

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