Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, accusations play a significant role in both the Old and New Testaments, often serving as a catalyst for conflict, judgment, and redemption. The act of accusing is frequently depicted as a tool used by both humans and spiritual beings, with varying intentions and outcomes.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, accusations are often associated with legal proceedings and the pursuit of justice. The Mosaic Law provides guidelines for handling accusations, emphasizing the need for truth and fairness.
Deuteronomy 19:15 states, "A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." This underscores the importance of corroborating evidence to prevent false accusations.
The account of Joseph and Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39) is a notable example of a false accusation. Joseph, a man of integrity, is wrongfully accused of attempting to assault Potiphar's wife, leading to his imprisonment. This narrative highlights the potential for accusations to be used maliciously, yet it also demonstrates God's providence, as Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt is part of God's plan.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, accusations take on a more spiritual dimension. Satan, whose name means "accuser," is depicted as the ultimate adversary who accuses believers before God.
Revelation 12:10 refers to him as "the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them day and night before our God." This portrayal emphasizes the spiritual battle believers face and the need for divine intervention and advocacy through Jesus Christ.
Jesus Himself faced numerous accusations during His earthly ministry. The religious leaders frequently accused Him of blasphemy, breaking the Sabbath, and other offenses. In
Mark 14:56-59, false witnesses are brought against Jesus, yet their testimonies do not agree. Despite the baseless nature of these accusations, they ultimately lead to His crucifixion, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.
The Apostle Paul also encountered accusations, both from Jewish leaders and Roman authorities. In
Acts 24:5-6, Paul is accused of being "a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world," yet he consistently defends his faith and mission, using accusations as opportunities to testify about Christ.
Principles and TeachingsThe Bible teaches believers to handle accusations with wisdom and integrity.
Proverbs 18:17 advises, "The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him," highlighting the need for discernment and thorough examination of claims. Jesus instructs His followers to seek reconciliation and resolution in
Matthew 18:15-17, providing a model for addressing grievances within the community of faith.
Furthermore, believers are called to avoid making false accusations.
Exodus 20:16 commands, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor," a principle reiterated throughout Scripture.
James 4:11 warns against speaking evil of one another, emphasizing the destructive power of slander and false accusations.
In summary, accusations in the Bible serve as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the spiritual warfare that believers face. They also underscore the importance of truth, justice, and reliance on God's sovereignty and righteousness.
Greek
1908. epereazo -- to revile... 1908 (from 1909 , "upon" and , "threatening, reviling abuse") -- properly, to
intimidate by using threats and false
accusations "tailor-made" to the situation
...Library
OnAccusations, and the Treatment of Accusers.
... constitutions of the holy apostles. Book II. Of Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons.
Sec. V."OnAccusations, and the Treatment of Accusers....
(OfAccusations against Doctors. )
... The Epistles of Pope Callistus. II. (Ofaccusations against doctors.). Moreover,
let no one take up an accusation against a doctor...
These are the FalseAccusations; the Accusation of Classicism...
... Chapter 38 These are the FALSEaccusations; the accusation of classicism? These
are the falseaccusations; the accusation of classicism...
TheAccusations in the Seventh Item, which Pelagius Confessed.
... A work on the proceedings of pelagius, Chapter 26."TheAccusations in the
Seventh Item, Which Pelagius Confessed. Let us now see...
BlasphemousAccusations of the Jews.
... Part Fifth. From Second Passover Until Third.(Time: One Year.) XLVIII.
BlasphemousAccusations of the Jews. (Galilee.) ^A Matthew...
(Of Marriages among Blood-Relations, and of those who are Born of...
... The Second Epistle. IV. (Of marriages among blood-relations, and of those who
are born of them; and ofaccusations which the laws reject.)....
In the First Book of My Apology I have Dealt with theAccusations...
... In the first book of my Apology I have dealt with theaccusations of dogmatic
error which he endeavours unjustly to fix upon others....
But if He were Dealing Honestly in hisAccusations...
... Chapter X. But if he were dealing honestly in hisaccusations? But if
he were dealing honestly in hisaccusations, he ought to...
If a Bishop Shall be Tried on anyAccusations...
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria.
Canon XIV. If a bishop shall be tried on anyaccusations?...
How Autolycus had Been Misled by FalseAccusations against the...
... Theophilus to Autolycus: Book III. Chapter IV."How Autolycus Had Been
Misled by FalseAccusations Against the Christians. Nor...
Thesaurus
Accusations (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Accusations (5 Occurrences). Mark 15:3 Then, as
the High Priests went on heaping
accusations on Him, (WEY).
...Pontius (4 Occurrences)
... In AD 36 the governor of Syria brought seriousaccusations against Pilate, and he
was banished to Vienne in Gaul, where, according to tradition, he committed...
Pilate (60 Occurrences)
... In AD 36 the governor of Syria brought seriousaccusations against Pilate, and he
was banished to Vienne in Gaul, where, according to tradition, he committed...
Accusation (25 Occurrences)
Accuse (34 Occurrences)
Loyalty (18 Occurrences)
... But, you see, I have examined him in your presence and have discovered in the man
no ground for theaccusations which you bring against him. (WEY)....
Gadara
... BJ, I, viii, 5). It was given by Augustus to Herod the Great in 30 BC (Ant., XV,
vii, 3; BJ, I, xx, 3). The emperor would not listen to theaccusations of the...
Informed (39 Occurrences)
... 23:30 When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you
immediately, charging his accusers also to bring theiraccusations against him...
Fortunate (4 Occurrences)
... Acts 26:2 "As regards all theaccusations brought against me by the Jews," he said,
"I think myself fortunate, King Agrippa, in being about to defend myself to...
Farewell (13 Occurrences)
... 23:30 When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you
immediately, charging his accusers also to bring theiraccusations against him...
Resources
What does the Bible say about false accusations? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Satan is the accuser? | GotQuestions.orgIs God a moral monster? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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