Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context: In biblical terms, a faction refers to a group or party within a larger community, often characterized by dissent, division, or conflict. The concept of faction is closely related to discord and strife, which are frequently addressed in the Scriptures as behaviors contrary to the unity and peace that God desires for His people.
Old Testament References: While the term "faction" itself is not explicitly used in the Old Testament, the concept is evident in various narratives. For example, the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron in
Numbers 16 is a clear instance of factionalism. These men gathered a group to challenge the God-given authority of Moses, leading to severe consequences. This event illustrates how factions can arise from pride and a desire for power, disrupting the community's harmony.
New Testament References: The New Testament provides more direct references to factions, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the issue of divisions within the church: "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction" (
1 Corinthians 1:10). Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and warns against the dangers of factions.
In
Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists "factions" among the works of the flesh, contrasting them with the fruit of the Spirit. He writes, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" . This passage underscores the sinful nature of factions and their incompatibility with a life led by the Spirit.
Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, factions are seen as a manifestation of human sinfulness and a threat to the unity of the body of Christ. The New Testament consistently calls believers to maintain unity and peace, reflecting the oneness of God and His purpose for the church.
Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" .
Practical Considerations: In practical terms, addressing factions within a Christian community involves promoting humility, love, and mutual submission. Leaders are encouraged to foster an environment where open communication and reconciliation are prioritized. The teachings of Jesus on forgiveness and peacemaking, as found in
Matthew 5:9 and
Matthew 18:15-17, provide guidance for resolving conflicts and preventing factions from taking root.
Conclusion: While factions are a reality in human relationships, the biblical call is to strive for unity and peace, reflecting the character of Christ and the transformative power of the Gospel.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A coalition of persons within a larger group; a clique.
2. (n.) A party, in political society, combined or acting in union, in opposition to the government, or state; -- usually applied to a minority, but it may be applied to a majority; a combination or clique of partisans of any kind, acting for their own interests, especially if greedy, clamorous, and reckless of the common good.
3. (n.) Tumult; discord; dissension.
Greek
2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition... rivalry Definition: (the seeking of followers and adherents by means of gifts, the
seeking of followers, hence) ambition, rivalry, self-seeking; a feud,
faction...2207. zelotes -- zealous
... 1, 25.77). [This term is also used of the extremefaction of the Pharisees
called " of the Law" (Lk 6:15; Ac 1:13).]. Word Origin...
Library
Epistle Xlvii. Cornelius to Cyprian, Concerning theFaction of...
... Cornelius to Cyprian, Concerning theFaction of Novatian with His Party.
Argument."Cornelius Gives Cyprian an Account of theFaction of Novatian. [2437]...
Epistle xxxix. To the People, Concerning Five Schismatic...
... Epistle XXXIX. To the People, Concerning Five Schismatic Presbyters of
theFaction of Felicissimus. Argument."In Like Manner, as...
On the Contrary, they Deserve the Name ofFaction who Conspire to...
... Chapter XL. On the contrary, they deserve the name offaction who conspire
to bring odium on? On the contrary, they deserve the...
Valens and Ursacius, who Belonged to the ArianFaction, Confess to...
... Chapter XXIII."Valens and Ursacius, who belonged to the ArianFaction, confess to
the Bishop of Rome that they had made False Charges against Athanasius....
Letter from the Emperor Constantine to the Synod of Tyre, and...
... Book II. Chapter XXVIII."Letter from the Emperor Constantine to the Synod of Tyre,
and Exile of St. Athanasius through the Machination of the ArianFaction....
Of Famous Leaders of the ArianFaction.
... Book V. Chapter VII."Of famous leaders of the Arianfaction. The Eastern section
of the empire had received the infection from many quarters....
Epistle xxxvii. To Caldonius, Herculanus, and Others, About the...
... but of his own impulse, disturbing the peace of the brethren he hath rushed forth
with many more, and asserted himself as a leader of afaction and chief of a...
Letter xxi. From Eutyches to Leo .
... to reply to his accusation: but though I was delayed by a serious illness besides
my advanced age, I came to clear myself, knowing well that afaction had been...
Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... compassions, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love,
being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing throughfaction or through...
Epistle Xli. To Cornelius, About Cyprian's Approval of his...
... of His Colleagues Caldonius And Fortunatus, Which Fully Testified to Its Legitimacy;
And Incidentally Repeats, in Respect of the ContraryFaction of the...
Thesaurus
Faction (4 Occurrences)...Faction (4 Occurrences). Philippians 1:17 but the other proclaim Christ of
faction,
not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. (ASV).
...Factious (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Pertaining tofaction; proceeding fromfaction; indicating, or characterized
by,faction; -- said of acts or expressions; as, factious quarrels....
Partisan (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An adherent to a party orfaction; one who
is strongly and passionately devoted to a party or an interest....
Apollos (11 Occurrences)
... The mission of Apollos had met with a certain success, but the breeding offaction,
which that very success, through the slight discrepancies in his teaching...
Zealot (4 Occurrences)
... The Zealots were afaction, headed by Judas of Galilee, who "in the days of the
enrollment" (compare Acts 5:37 Luke 2:1, 2) bitterly opposed the threatened...
Factions (5 Occurrences)
Fashion (24 Occurrences)
... fash'-un (mishpaT; schema, the make, pattern, shape, manner or appearance of a thing
(from Latinfaction-em, "a making," through Old French fatson, fachon...
Epiphanes
... He was called in to settle a quarrel between Onias III and his brother, Jason, the
leader of the Hellenizingfaction in Jerusalem, and Onias was driven out (2...
Principal (28 Occurrences)
... chief, or head; one who takes the lead; one who acts independently, or who has
controlling authority or influence; as, the principal of afaction, a school, a...
Part (2071 Occurrences)
... concern; duty; office. 8. (n.) One of the opposing parties or sides in a
conflict or a controversy; afaction. 9. (n.) A particular...
Resources
What is Federal Vision Theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there Christian sects? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view apartheid? | GotQuestions.orgFaction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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