Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "accusers" refers to individuals or entities that bring charges or allegations against others. This concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, both in the Old and New Testaments, and is often associated with themes of justice, righteousness, and spiritual warfare.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, accusers are often seen in legal settings, where they bring charges against individuals. The Hebrew word for accuser, "satan," can mean an adversary or one who opposes. This is evident in the account of Job, where Satan acts as the accuser before God, challenging Job's righteousness: "Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job? There is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.'" (
Job 1:8).
The role of accusers is also highlighted in the legal systems of ancient Israel. In
Deuteronomy 19:15-19, the law provides guidelines for handling accusations, emphasizing the need for multiple witnesses to establish a matter and the consequences for false accusers: "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." (
Deuteronomy 19:15).
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of accusers takes on a more spiritual dimension. Satan is often depicted as the ultimate accuser of humanity.
Revelation 12:10 describes a scene in heaven where the accuser is cast down: "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God.'" (
Revelation 12:10).
Jesus Himself faced accusers during His earthly ministry. In
John 8:3-11, the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, seeking to accuse her and test Him. Jesus responds with wisdom, turning the situation back on the accusers: "When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, 'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.'" (
John 8:7).
The Apostle Paul also encountered accusers throughout his ministry. In
Acts 24, Paul stands trial before Governor Felix, facing accusations from the Jewish leaders. Paul defends himself by stating, "Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me." (
Acts 24:13).
Spiritual ImplicationsThe role of accusers in the Bible is not limited to human interactions but extends to the spiritual realm. Believers are reminded of the ongoing spiritual battle against the accuser, Satan, who seeks to undermine their faith and standing before God.
Ephesians 6:11-12 exhorts believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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." (
Ephesians 6:11-12).
ConclusionThe biblical portrayal of accusers serves as a reminder of the importance of justice, integrity, and reliance on God's righteousness. Whether in legal matters or spiritual warfare, the Scriptures encourage believers to seek truth and stand firm against false accusations, trusting in God's ultimate judgment and vindication.
Greek
2725a. kategoros -- an accuser... an accuser. Transliteration: kategoros Short Definition:
accusers. Word Origin from
the same as kategoreo Definition an accuser NASB Word Usage
accusers (5).
...Strong's Hebrew
7853. satan -- to be or act as adversary... 7852, 7853. satan. 7854 . to be or act as adversary. Transliteration: satan
Phonetic Spelling: (saw-tan') Short Definition:
accusers.
...Library
Challenge to theAccusers as to the Alleged Letter.
... 11. Challenge to theaccusers as to the alleged letter.... I would then again ask my
accusers, Who provided you with these copies? and whence were they obtained?...
Accusers Challenged
... Sermon XLVI.Accusers Challenged.Accusers Challenged Romans 8:33. Who shall lay
anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God who justifies....
On Accusations, and the Treatment ofAccusers.
... Of Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons. Sec. V."On Accusations, and the Treatment of
Accusers.... After What Manner FalseAccusers are to Be Punished. XLIII....
But that I May Fully Show the Perverseness of MyAccusers...
... Address 56: But that I may fully show the perverseness of myaccusers?
But that I may fully show the perverseness of myaccusers...
Athanasius is Found Innocent of what He was Accused; hisAccusers...
... The ECCLESIASTICAL HistorY, BY SOCRATES SCHOLASTICUS. Book I. Chapter XXX."Athanasius
is found Innocent of what he was accused; hisAccusers take to Flight....
Council Held by Theophilus and theAccusers of John in Rufinian??....
... Book VIII. Chapter XVII."Council held by Theophilus and theAccusers of
John in Rufinian??. John is summoned to attend, and not...
Archelaus Goes to Rome with a Great Number of his Kindred. He is...
... He Is There Accused Before Caesar By Antipater; But Is Superior To HisAccusers
In Judgment By The Means Of That Defense Which Nicolaus Made For Him....
The Vast Difference in Morals Between the Christians and their...
... Chapter XXXIV."The Vast Difference in Morals Between the Christians and
TheirAccusers. But though such is our character (Oh!...
He Acted According to the Example of the Saints. Character of his...
... Chapter II. 26. He acted according to the example of the Saints. Character
of hisaccusers. Being careful to avoid such an offence...
The Accusation Shews the Mind of theAccusers.
... Chapter II. 9. The accusation shews the mind of theaccusers. Now if they
had been of sound mind, they would have seen that they...
Thesaurus
Accusers (13 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Accusers (13 Occurrences). John 8:10 Jesus, standing
up, saw her and said, "Woman, where are your
accusers?
...Charges (58 Occurrences)
... Acts 23:30 When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to
you immediately, charging hisaccusers also to bring their accusations against...
Commanding (79 Occurrences)
... information of a plot about to be put in execution against the man by the Jews,
I have immediately sent him to thee, commanding also hisaccusers to say before...
Case (138 Occurrences)
... Acts 23:30 But now that I have received information of an intended attack upon him,
I immediately send him to you, directing hisaccusers also to state before...
False (303 Occurrences)
... See NIV). 1 Timothy 3:11 Women -- in like manner grave, not falseaccusers,
vigilant, faithful in all things. (Root in YLT). 1 Timothy...
Susanna (1 Occurrence)
... She is acquitted, but heraccusers are put to death. The story told in the Septuagint
(87) is essentially the same, though varying somewhat in details....
Accuser (9 Occurrences)
Commanded (553 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Acts 23:35 "I will hear you fully when youraccusers also arrive."
He commanded that he be kept in Herod's palace. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)....
None (573 Occurrences)
... John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said
unto her, Woman, where are those thineaccusers? hath no man condemned thee?...
Charge (379 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:16 My reply was that it is not the custom among the Romans to give up any
one for punishment before the accused has had hisaccusers face to face, and...
Resources
What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened between Paul's third and fourth missionary journeys? | GotQuestions.orgWho is Felix in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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