Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Protesting, in a biblical context, refers to the act of expressing strong objection or disapproval, often in a public manner. While the modern concept of protesting as organized public demonstrations is not explicitly detailed in the Bible, the Scriptures do provide numerous examples of individuals and groups expressing dissent or standing against perceived injustices or wrongs.
Biblical Examples:1.
Moses and Pharaoh: One of the earliest examples of protest in the Bible is Moses confronting Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites from slavery. Moses repeatedly approached Pharaoh with the message from God: "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me" (
Exodus 9:1). This act of protest was divinely ordained and aimed at liberating the oppressed.
2.
The Prophets: The Old Testament prophets often served as voices of protest against the moral and spiritual failings of Israel and its leaders. For instance, the prophet Amos spoke out against social injustices, declaring, "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (
Amos 5:24). The prophets called for repentance and a return to God's ways, often facing opposition and persecution for their messages.
3.
Jesus Cleansing the Temple: In the New Testament, Jesus' cleansing of the temple is a significant act of protest against the corruption and commercialization of religious practices. Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers and declared, "It is written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers'" (
Matthew 21:13). This act demonstrated a zeal for the purity of worship and a stand against exploitation.
4.
The Apostles: The apostles, particularly Peter and John, protested against the religious authorities who commanded them to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. They boldly declared, "We must obey God rather than men" (
Acts 5:29). Their protest was rooted in a commitment to divine authority over human authority.
Theological Considerations:·
Righteous Indignation: The Bible acknowledges the place for righteous indignation, where believers are called to stand against sin and injustice. However, such protests should be conducted in a manner that reflects Christ's love and truth.
·
Submission to Authority: Scripture also teaches the importance of respecting and submitting to governing authorities, as seen in
Romans 13:1-2 : "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This creates a tension between the call to protest against injustice and the call to respect authority, requiring discernment and wisdom.
·
Peaceful Protest: The Bible encourages believers to pursue peace and reconciliation. In
Romans 12:18 , Paul writes, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." Protests should aim to bring about positive change without resorting to violence or hatred.
Conclusion:While the Bible does not provide a direct mandate for modern forms of protest, it offers principles and examples that guide believers in standing against injustice and advocating for righteousness. Protests should be conducted with a heart aligned with God's will, seeking justice, mercy, and humility (
Micah 6:8).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Protest.
Library
Protesting Our Innocence?
... CHAPTER 10PROTESTING OUR INNOCENCE? We have all become so used to condemning
the proud self-righteous attitude of the Pharisee...
Appendix.
... Church of Scotland." The events in the National Church of Scotland which have led
to the separation from her communion, of theProtesting Church, and finally...
The General Conference of 1820
... This state of things had been productive of much irritation among the societies
in Upper Canada,protesting conflicting views and interests mutually injurious...
The Golden Decade, 346-356.
... The proceedings were a drama in three acts, first, submission, the legatesprotesting;
secondly, stormy protest, after the arrival of Eusebius of Vercell??...
The Life of Captain John Paton.
... Theprotesting party were not for joining with those of the Erastian side, till
they should declare themselves fully for God and his cause, against all and...
The Jansenists
... That Vincent clearly saw the danger is shown by one of his letters to a member of
the Jansenist company who had writtenprotesting against the attitude that St...
Presbyterian Worship Outside of the Established Church of Scotland...
... In 1733 the first Secession Church was formed, when Ebenezer Erskine, William Wilson,
Alexander Moncrieff, and James Fisher,protesting against what they...
The Project of French Empire and Evangelization --Its Wide and...
... with them had been borne the Spanish chaplaincies and missions, sustained from the
same treasury, in some honorable instances bravelyprotesting against the...
In Death and after Death
... by side with this we may place the opposite saying of R. Jehudah, called the Holy,
who, when he died, lifted up both his hands to heaven,protesting that none...
Antecedents of Permanent Christian Colonization --The...
... that so soon after the protest of Augsburg was set forth as embodying the common
belief of Protestants new parties should have arisenprotesting against the...
Thesaurus
Protesting (12 Occurrences)...Protesting (12 Occurrences). Matthew 16:22 And Peter,
protesting, said to him, Be
it far from you, Lord; it is impossible that this will come about. (BBE).
...Protested (11 Occurrences)
... Genesis 43:3 And Judah speaketh unto him, saying, 'The manprotesting protested
to us, saying, Ye do not see my face without your brother 'being' with you; (YLT...
Protest (37 Occurrences)
... in writing, in due form, made by a notary public, usually under his notarial seal,
on behalf of the holder of a bill or note,protesting against all parties...
Protests (12 Occurrences)
Impossible (31 Occurrences)
... Impossible (31 Occurrences). Matthew 16:22 And Peter,protesting, said to him, Be
it far from you, Lord; it is impossible that this will come about. (BBE)....
Forewarning (1 Occurrence)
... earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the
land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early andprotesting, saying, Obey...
Forewarned (15 Occurrences)
... earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the
land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early andprotesting, saying, Obey...
Persistently (16 Occurrences)
... I earnestly protested to your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the
land of Egypt, even to this day, rising early andprotesting, saying, Obey...
Betimes (17 Occurrences)
... earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the
land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early andprotesting, saying, Obey...
Barsabbas (2 Occurrences)
... to the 2nd century and first mentioned by Origen, relates that Barsabbas, Justus
the Flatfoot and others were imprisoned by Nero forprotesting their faith in...
Resources
What are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is antifa? How should a Christian view antifa? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Silas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgProtesting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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