Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "restraints" can refer to both physical and moral limitations imposed on individuals or groups. These restraints are often seen as necessary for maintaining order, righteousness, and obedience to God's commandments.
Physical RestraintsPhysical restraints in the Bible are often depicted in narratives involving imprisonment or captivity. For example, Joseph was restrained in an Egyptian prison after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife (
Genesis 39:20). Similarly, the Apostle Paul frequently experienced physical restraints, being imprisoned multiple times for preaching the Gospel. In
Acts 16:24, Paul and Silas were placed in the inner cell and fastened in stocks, yet they continued to worship God, demonstrating spiritual freedom despite physical constraints.
Moral and Spiritual RestraintsMoral and spiritual restraints are emphasized throughout Scripture as essential for living a life pleasing to God. The Ten Commandments (
Exodus 20:1-17) serve as a foundational set of moral restraints, guiding the behavior of the Israelites and, by extension, all believers. These commandments are not merely prohibitive but are designed to promote love, justice, and holiness.
Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." This verse highlights the importance of divine revelation and adherence to God's law as a means of maintaining moral restraint. Without such guidance, individuals are prone to moral decay and chaos.
Self-Control as a Form of RestraintSelf-control is a fruit of the Spirit (
Galatians 5:22-23) and is a form of personal restraint that believers are encouraged to cultivate. It involves the ability to govern one's desires and actions in accordance with God's will. In
1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul speaks of disciplining his body and keeping it under control to avoid disqualification from his spiritual race. This metaphor illustrates the necessity of self-imposed restraints in the pursuit of holiness and spiritual maturity.
Divine RestraintsGod Himself imposes restraints on evil and chaos in the world. In
Job 38:11, God describes setting limits on the sea, saying, "This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt." This imagery underscores God's sovereign control over creation and His ability to restrain natural forces.
Moreover, God's restraint is evident in His patience and mercy towards humanity. In
2 Peter 3:9, it is written, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Here, divine restraint is shown in God's desire for all to come to repentance rather than executing immediate judgment.
Restraints in Church DisciplineThe New Testament also addresses the concept of restraints within the context of church discipline. In
1 Corinthians 5:11-13, Paul instructs the church to expel the immoral brother, thereby imposing a form of communal restraint to maintain the purity and integrity of the church body. This practice serves as a corrective measure, aiming to restore the individual to fellowship through repentance.
ConclusionIn summary, restraints in the Bible encompass a range of physical, moral, and spiritual dimensions. They are integral to the biblical narrative, serving as tools for maintaining order, promoting righteousness, and reflecting God's sovereign authority over creation.
Greek
1203. despotes -- lord, master... [1203 () implies someone exercising "unrestricted power and absolute domination,
confessing no limitations or
restraints" (R. Trench, 96).].
...Library
Now Whence was It, that a Religion, So Serious in ItsRestraints.....
... Address 35: Now whence was it, that a religion, so serious in itsrestraints?
Now whence was it, that a religion, so serious in...
Proceeding to the History of Israel, Tertullian Shows that...
... Among Their Sins as in Adam's Case. Therefore theRestraints of the Levitical
Law Were Imposed. At length, when a familiar people...
Letter xxvi. (AD 395. )
... 2. I fear, my dear Licentius, that you, while repeatedly rejecting and dreading
therestraints of wisdom, as if these were bonds, are becoming firmly and...
The Natural Supremacy of Reflection
... If we do find within ourselves regards to others, andrestraints of we know not
how many different kinds, yet these being embarrassments, and hindering us from...
Home-Discipline.
... rein and the rod, the treatment of offences against the laws of home, the execution
of the parental authority by the imposition of properrestraints upon the...
God's Barriers against Man's Sin
... "The sea obeys me, and has for its only check the sand; and yet," says he, "my people,
though they haverestraints the strongest that reason could imagine, are...
General Character of Christians.
... as to become perfect"neither doth depravity attain so complete an ascendant over
any who remain in the body, as to divest them of allrestraints, and yield...
The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth. .
... prevalence of religion, in the latter days; of the whole worlds rejoicing under
the auspicious government of the Prince of Peace; ofrestraints laid on the...
Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober...
... which we call miraculous or supernatural: But then, how certain soever it is, that
all created beings are under some particular laws andrestraints, yet it can...
First Sunday after Epiphany
... And he who attempts by therestraints of law to compel the unwilling to renunciation,
is no Christian preacher or ruler; he is but a worldly jailer....
Thesaurus
Restraints (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Restraints (2 Occurrences).
... (WEY). Amos 5:21 I have hated --
I have loathed your festivals, And I am not refreshed by your
restraints.
...Restraint (34 Occurrences)
... Galatians 3:23 Before this faith came, we Jews were perpetual prisoners under the
Law, living underrestraints and limitations in preparation for the faith...
Bridle (12 Occurrences)
... Found in 2 Kings 19:28, where therestraints of God's providence are metaphorically
styled his "bridle" and "hook." God's placing a "bridle in the jaws of the...
Naked (56 Occurrences)
... he made Judah naked" (AV), but Revised Version "he had dealt wantonly in Judah,"
mean "he had permitted Judah to break loose from all therestraints of religion...
Loathed (13 Occurrences)
... ways. (YLT). Amos 5:21 I have hated -- I have loathed your festivals, And
I am not refreshed by yourrestraints. (YLT). Zechariah...
Limitations (3 Occurrences)
... Galatians 3:23 Before this faith came, we Jews were perpetual prisoners under the
Law, living underrestraints and limitations in preparation for the faith...
Fetter (4 Occurrences)
... 4. (p. pr. & vb. n.) To restrain from motion; to imposerestraints on; to confine;
to enchain; as, fettered by obligations. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Restrict (1 Occurrence)
Refreshed (16 Occurrences)
... himself be cursed. (See NIV). Amos 5:21 I have hated -- I have loathed your
festivals, And I am not refreshed by yourrestraints. (YLT)....
Disorderly (8 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Not complying with therestraints of order and law; tumultuous; unruly;
lawless; turbulent; as, disorderly people; disorderly assemblies....
Resources
What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean for a society to be post-Christian? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about anarchy/anarchism? | GotQuestions.orgRestraints: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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