Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "associates" refers to individuals with whom one forms relationships, partnerships, or alliances. These associations can have significant spiritual, moral, and social implications, as they often influence one's behavior, beliefs, and standing within the community of faith.
Old Testament ContextThe Old Testament provides numerous examples and teachings regarding the importance of choosing one's associates wisely. In the wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, there is a strong emphasis on the impact of one's companions.
Proverbs 13:20 states, "He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." This highlights the principle that one's character and destiny are often shaped by the company one keeps.
The Israelites were repeatedly warned against forming alliances with pagan nations, as these associations could lead them away from their covenant with God. In
Deuteronomy 7:3-4 , God commands, "Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following Me to serve other gods." This directive underscores the potential spiritual danger of forming close associations with those who do not share the same faith and values.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the theme of associations continues, with an emphasis on the community of believers and the importance of fellowship within the body of Christ. The early church is depicted as a close-knit community where believers are encouraged to support and edify one another.
Acts 2:42 describes the early Christians: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the issue of associations in his epistles. In
1 Corinthians 15:33 , he warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" Paul advises believers to be cautious about their associations, as negative influences can lead to moral and spiritual compromise.
Furthermore, Paul encourages believers to form associations that promote spiritual growth and accountability. In
Hebrews 10:24-25 , he writes, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Associations and the ChurchThe church is portrayed as a spiritual family where believers are to associate with one another in love and unity.
Ephesians 4:2-3 exhorts believers to "walk with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This passage emphasizes the importance of fostering positive associations within the church to maintain unity and peace.
Associations within the church are also seen as a means of fulfilling the Great Commission. Believers are called to work together to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations (
Matthew 28:19-20). The early church's success in evangelism and growth can be attributed, in part, to the strong associations and partnerships among believers.
Warnings and EncouragementsThe Bible provides both warnings and encouragements regarding associations. Believers are cautioned against forming alliances with those who may lead them away from their faith or compromise their values. At the same time, they are encouraged to seek out associations that will strengthen their faith and promote spiritual growth.
In summary, the biblical perspective on associates underscores the importance of choosing relationships that align with one's faith and values. Whether in the context of friendships, partnerships, or community, the Bible teaches that associations have a profound impact on one's spiritual journey and effectiveness in fulfilling God's purposes.
Greek
4209. porphura -- purple fish, purple dye, purple cloth... deep blue (, 2, 220). Prov 31:22
associates with " ()," ie "righteous .".
Word Origin probably from a redupl. derivation of phuro
...4862. sun -- with, together with (expresses association with)
... with, together with (expresses association with) NASB Word Usage accompanied (1),
accompanied* (1), accompany* (2), along (10),associates (2), besides* (1...
Strong's Hebrew
2273. chabrah -- a fellow... a fellow. Transliteration: chabrah Phonetic Spelling: (khab-raw') Short Definition:
associates.
... of chabar Definition a fellow NASB Word Usage
associates (1).
...4962. math -- male, man
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition male, man NASB Word Usageassociates (1),
few (3), few men (1), men (14), men being few (1), number (2)....
Library
Justa's Adopted Sons,Associates with Simon.
... Homily II. Chapter XXI."Justa's Adopted Sons,Associates with Simon.
"These men having fallen in with Zacch??us, who sojourned...
Letter vi.Associates and Friends.
... LETTER VI.ASSOCIATES AND FRIENDS. My Dear Daughter:"When I was a young
girl, I well remember that my parents judged who were...
The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He...
... CHAPTER I The early life of Malachy. Having been admitted to Holy Orders
heassociates with Malchus. [Sidenote: 1095.] 1. Our Malachy...
He Prays for his Friends whom He Has had asAssociates in Error.
... Concerning Two Souls, Against the Manich??ans. Chapter 15. "He Prays for
His Friends Whom He Has Had asAssociates in Error. 24....
He Has Endeavoured, Indeed, to Brand us with the Stain of this...
... to you further, that he himself declares that in certain orgies and mystical societies
to which he belongs perjury is practised by the votaries andassociates....
But, if it Does not Weary You, Let the Point Out as Briefly as...
... them by surprise. We are told in the Gospel that Judas, one of Christ's
friends andassociates at table, betrayed Him. Let the show...
Knox in St. Andrews Castle: the Galleys: 1547-1549
... probably, as regards these matters, writes from recollection of what Kirkcaldy of
Grange, James Balfour, Balnaves, and the other murderers orassociates of the...
2 Cor. I. 1, 4
... of God. But first, it is necessary to speak of the very beginning, and inquire
why he hereassociates Timothy with himself. For, he...
The First victory for Dissent
... in Connecticut made a most encouraging and important gain, when, in 1722, Timothy
Cutler, Rector of Yale College, and six of hisassociates proclaimed their...
Epistle of Paul to the Philippians.
... Through his pupils andassociates in the preaching of the gospel, who now formed
the living link between him and these churches, and through his letters, must...
Thesaurus
Associates (26 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Associates (26 Occurrences).
... Psalms 38:11 My lovers and
mine
associates stand aloof from my stroke; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
...Justus (3 Occurrences)
... that is called Justus," Colossians 4:11): 1. A Jew by Birth: One of three friends
of Paul-the others being Aristarchus and Mark-whom heassociates with himself...
Rat (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) One who deserts his party orassociates; hence, in the trades, one who
works for lower wages than those prescribed by a trades union....
Korah (51 Occurrences)
... be restored, alleging that "they took too much upon them" (Numbers 16:1-3). On the
morning after the outbreak, Korah and hisassociates presented themselves at...
Korahites (7 Occurrences)
... The record proceeds to speak of the services of "the singers, Heman, Asaph, and
Ethan," and theirassociates, in the pageantry of the bringing of the ark to...
Sons (2429 Occurrences)
... The record proceeds to speak of the services of "the singers, Heman, Asaph, and
Ethan," and theirassociates, in the pageantry of the bringing of the ark to...
Ephesians (4 Occurrences)
... of feeling, so frequent an introduction of coloquial idiom, and so much of
conversational frankness and vivacity, that the readerassociates the image of the...
Associated (9 Occurrences)
Simon (75 Occurrences)
... Such supremacy was never conferred upon him by his Master, it was never claimed
by himself, and was never conceded by hisassociates....
Apocalyptic
... These works are products of a school ofassociates which could guard sacred books
and had prepared hypotheses to explain at once how they had remained unknown...
Resources
Who was Korah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an epistle? What are the Epistles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgAre the miraculous gifts of the Spirit for today? | GotQuestions.orgAssociates: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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