Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, disputes refer to disagreements or conflicts that arise between individuals or groups. The Bible addresses the nature, causes, and resolutions of disputes, providing guidance for believers on how to handle such situations in a manner that honors God and promotes peace.
Old Testament ContextDisputes are a common theme throughout the Old Testament, often arising from issues of justice, property, and interpersonal relationships. The Mosaic Law provided specific instructions for resolving disputes among the Israelites. For example,
Exodus 18:16 describes how Moses judged disputes among the people: "Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions."
The Book of Proverbs offers wisdom on avoiding and resolving disputes.
Proverbs 17:14 warns, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This highlights the importance of preventing conflicts before they escalate.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, disputes among believers are addressed with an emphasis on reconciliation and unity. Jesus taught about resolving conflicts in
Matthew 18:15-17, instructing believers to address disputes privately first, then with witnesses, and finally, if necessary, before the church. This process underscores the importance of maintaining relationships and community harmony.
The Apostle Paul also addressed disputes within the early church. In
1 Corinthians 6:1-8, Paul admonishes believers for taking their disputes to secular courts rather than resolving them within the church. He writes, "If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare you go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints?" (
1 Corinthians 6:1). Paul emphasizes the importance of resolving disputes in a manner that reflects Christian values and witness.
Causes of DisputesThe Bible identifies several causes of disputes, including pride, greed, and misunderstanding.
James 4:1-2 points to selfish desires as a root cause: "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight."
Resolution of DisputesScripture provides guidance for resolving disputes in a way that promotes peace and reconciliation. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom, practice humility, and prioritize love and forgiveness.
James 3:17-18 states, "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness."
The role of forgiveness is central in resolving disputes.
Colossians 3:13 instructs, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
ConclusionWhile disputes are an inevitable part of human relationships, the Bible provides clear principles for addressing and resolving them. By following biblical guidance, believers can navigate conflicts in a way that honors God and strengthens the body of Christ.
Greek
3163. mache -- a fight... Word Origin from machomai Definition a fight NASB Word Usage conflicts
(2),
disputes (1), quarrels (1). fighting, strive, striving.
...3055. logomachia -- a strife of words
... controversy. Word Origin from logomacheo Definition a strife of words NASB
Word Usagedisputes about words (1). a dispute about words....
2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition
... Word Origin from erithos (day-laborer) Definition rivalry, hence ambition NASB Word
Usagedisputes (2), selfish ambition (3), selfishly ambitious (1...
Strong's Hebrew
6041. ani -- poor, afflicted, humble... From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances (practically the same as anav, although
the margin constantly
disputes this, making anav subjective and aniy
...7379. rib -- strife, dispute
... Usage adversary (1), case (11), cause (9), complaint (2), contend (1), contention
(1), contentions (3), controversy (1), dispute (11),disputes (1), indictment...
1697. dabar -- speech, word
... 1), counsel (1), custom (1), customs (1), dealings (2), decree (2), deed (2), deeds
(3), defect* (1), desires (1), dispute (5),disputes (1), doings (1), duty...
Library
TheDisputes of the Faithful to be Settled by the Decisions of the...
... Of Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons. Sec. VI."TheDisputes of the Faithful to Be
Settled by the Decisions of the Bishop, and the Faithful to Be Reconciled....
Disputes Between Eusebius, Bishop of C??sarea, and Basil the Great...
... Book VI. Chapter XV."Disputes between Eusebius, Bishop of C??sarea, and
Basil the Great. Hence the Arians took courage and came...
AndDisputes
... CHAPTER VII "ANDDISPUTES. When Hugh, under this... of debate. If learned men ignored
thedisputes the unlearned would not. Fanatical monks...
With a view to the Good of the Church and the Settlement of...
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria. Canon
XX. With a view to the good of the Church and the settlement ofdisputes?...
Christ Refuses to Interfere in CivilDisputes. (Luke, xii. , 13-15...
... SAMARIA. Section 209. Christ refuses to interfere in CivilDisputes. (Luke,
xii., 13-15.)"His Decision in the Case of the Adulteress....
Reformed Dutch Church.
... It could not ordain ministers, nor judicially decide in ecclesiastical
disputes, without the consent of the Classis of Amsterdam....
Our Scriptures were Received by Ancient Christians of Different...
... is no reason to believe that the number of these bore any considerable proportion
to the body of the Christian church; and, amidst thedisputes which such...
Canonicity.
... III.185), "Julius Africanus alone among the older Fathersdisputes the canonicity
of these fragments." See also Bissell's admission on p.448 of his Apocrypha....
Mahometanism; Image-Worship (Ad 612-794)
... There is but little to tell of the history of those times; for, although in the
Greek empire there were greatdisputes about some doctrines and practices...
The Revision of the Dutch Confession, and the Heidelberg Catechism
... all the world that we render to the word of God alone such due and suitable honour,
as to determine it to be beyond (or rather above) alldisputes, too great...
Thesaurus
Disputes (18 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Disputes (18 Occurrences). Romans 14:1 Now accept one
who is weak in faith, but not for
disputes over opinions. (WEB RSV).
...Judicial (2 Occurrences)
... ju-dish'-al, joo-dish'-al: Among the ancient Israelites in the pre-Canaanite period
disputes within the family or clan or tribe would be settled by the natural...
Disputer (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One whodisputes, or who is given todisputes; a
controvertist. Multi-Version Concordance Disputer (1 Occurrence)....
Blindness (7 Occurrences)
... ju-dish'-al, joo-dish'-al: Among the ancient Israelites in the pre-Canaanite period
disputes within the family or clan or tribe would be settled by the natural...
Questionings (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and
disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings...
Genealogies (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:4 neither to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause
disputes, rather than God's stewardship, which is in faith- (WEB KJV ASV...
Disputing (13 Occurrences)
Opinion (91 Occurrences)
... Do not give yourselves an air of wisdom. (BBE). Romans 14:1 Now accept one who is
weak in faith, but not fordisputes over opinions. (Root in WEB WEY NAS RSV)....
Quarrels (10 Occurrences)
... Titus 3:9 but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, anddisputes about
the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. (See RSV NIV)....
Preacher (27 Occurrences)
... the former. It is alleged that the Wisdomdisputes Ecclesiastes; if it does,
that does not prove that the two are contemporary. It...
Resources
How should Christians handle disputes (Matthew 18:15-17)? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians use mediation to settle disputes? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Roman Catholicism? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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