Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, an agitator is someone who stirs up trouble, incites discord, or causes division among people, often leading them away from the truth or from unity within the community of believers. The term is not explicitly used in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept is present throughout Scripture, particularly in the New Testament, where the early church faced challenges from individuals who sought to disrupt the unity and teachings of the apostles.
Old Testament ContextWhile the term "agitator" is not directly found in the Old Testament, the concept can be seen in various narratives where individuals or groups incite rebellion or lead others astray. For example, Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16) serves as an illustration of agitation against God-appointed leadership. Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, challenged the authority of Moses, leading to a significant conflict within the Israelite community.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, agitators are often associated with false teachers and those who spread heresies or cause divisions within the church. The Apostle Paul frequently warned against such individuals. In
Galatians 5:12, Paul expresses his frustration with those who were troubling the Galatian church by insisting on circumcision as necessary for salvation: "As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves!" . Here, Paul uses strong language to emphasize the seriousness of their disruptive influence.
In
Acts 15, the early church faced agitation from certain individuals who insisted that Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish customs, such as circumcision, to be saved. This led to the Jerusalem Council, where the apostles and elders gathered to address the issue and maintain the unity of the church.
Characteristics of AgitatorsAgitators in the biblical sense are often characterized by their divisive nature, their departure from sound doctrine, and their tendency to lead others away from the truth. In
Romans 16:17-18, Paul advises the believers: "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive" .
Response to AgitatorsThe biblical response to agitators involves discernment, correction, and, if necessary, separation from those who persist in causing division. In
Titus 3:10-11, Paul instructs Titus: "Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned" . This guidance underscores the importance of maintaining the purity and unity of the church while also extending grace and opportunity for repentance.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not use the term "agitator" explicitly, the concept is evident in the challenges faced by the early church and the guidance provided by the apostles. Agitators are those who disrupt the unity and sound doctrine of the faith community, and Scripture provides clear instructions on how to address and respond to such individuals to preserve the integrity of the church.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One who agitates; one who stirs up or excites others; as, political reformers and agitators.
2. (n.) One of a body of men appointed by the army, in Cromwell's time, to look after their interests; -- called also adjutators.
3. (n.) An implement for shaking or mixing.
Greek
60. agoraios -- pertaining to the marketplace, anagitator... pertaining to the marketplace, an
agitator. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration:
agoraios Phonetic Spelling: (ag-or-ah'-yos) Short Definition: a lounger
...Library
Photinus, Bishop of Sirmium. His Heresy, and the Council Convened...
... Opposition thereto. The Three Formularies of Faith. ThisAgitator of Empty
Ideas was refuted by Basil of Ancyra. After his Deposition...
Lii the Christian Doctrine of Wealth
... one man asked him, saying: "Master, speak to my brother that he divide the inheritance
with me," Jesus disclaimed the office of a socialagitator, saying: "Man...
"Jesus or Barabbas. "
... Then said Pilate, "Ye brought me this man as anagitator and see, I have heard your
complaints, and I have myself examined him, and have not found anything in...
Two Questions About Christianity
... that the last day of general teaching which was permitted to him on earth was largely
devoted to demonstrating that he was neither a socialagitator nor a...
Am I My Brother's Keeper?
... brother, the wage-earner, the victim of the cut-down and the lockout?" "Where is
thy brother?" says God again to the unscrupulousagitator, bringing distress...
Knox and Queen Mary, 1561
... daughter. Mary, again, knew Knox as the chiefagitator in the tumults that
embittered her mother's last year, and shortened her life....
Jesus, Pilate and Herod.
... of the people.". Then cried all the priests and Pharisees together tumultuously,
"He is anagitator and a rebel.". Pilate answered...
Development of the Ideas of Jesus Respecting the Kingdom of God.
... His noble nature preserved him from the error which would have made him an
agitator, or a chief of rebels, a Theudas or a Barkokeba....
The Ecclesiastical History of sozomenus
... Opposition thereto. The Three Formularies of Faith. ThisAgitator of Empty
Ideas was refuted by Basil of Ancyra. After his Deposition...
Conclusion.
... With Downing street eager for the conviction of a socialistagitator, and the whole
of society and the mob savage against him, a man would be a fool who would...
Thesaurus
Agitator (2 Occurrences)... also adjutators. 3. (n.) An implement for shaking or mixing. Multi-Version
Concordance
Agitator (2 Occurrences). Luke 23:2 "We have
...Payment (168 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Luke 23:2 "We have found this man," they said, "anagitator among our nation,
forbidding the payment of tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be himself an...
Claiming (7 Occurrences)
... Luke 23:2 "We have found this man," they said, "anagitator among our nation,
forbidding the payment of tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be himself an...
Agitation (3 Occurrences)
Aquila (7 Occurrences)
... 25). Since the word Christus could easily be confounded by him to refer to some
individual whose name was Chrestus and who was anagitator, resulting in these...
Aglow (1 Occurrence)
Anointed (132 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Luke 23:2 "We have found this man," they said, "anagitator among our nation,
forbidding the payment of tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be himself an...
Heretical (1 Occurrence)
... factions." According to this, the Scriptural meaning of the word is no more than
"a factious man" (American Standard Revised Version), anagitator who creates...
Heretic (1 Occurrence)
... factions." According to this, the Scriptural meaning of the word is no more than
"a factious man" (American Standard Revised Version), anagitator who creates...
Resources
Who are Semites? | GotQuestions.orgAgitator: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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