Topical Encyclopedia
Advocating, in a biblical context, refers to the act of supporting, defending, or pleading on behalf of a cause, individual, or group. This concept is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, where believers are called to advocate for justice, righteousness, and the well-being of others, reflecting the character and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible presents numerous examples and teachings on advocacy, emphasizing the importance of standing up for truth and justice. One of the most profound examples of advocacy is found in the role of Jesus Christ as our advocate before the Father. In 1
John 2:1 , it is written, "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Here, Jesus is depicted as the ultimate advocate, interceding on behalf of believers.
Old Testament ExamplesThe Old Testament provides several instances where individuals acted as advocates. Moses is a prominent figure who advocated for the Israelites. In
Exodus 32:11-14, Moses pleads with God to spare the Israelites after they sinned by worshiping the golden calf. His intercession highlights the role of an advocate in seeking mercy and justice.
The prophets also served as advocates, calling the people of Israel to repentance and urging them to return to God's ways. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos, among others, spoke out against social injustices and called for righteousness. For instance,
Amos 5:24 declares, "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
New Testament TeachingsIn the New Testament, advocacy is further emphasized through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself was an advocate for the marginalized and oppressed, often challenging the religious leaders of His time and advocating for the poor, the sick, and the sinners. In
Luke 4:18-19 , Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, proclaiming His mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
The apostle Paul also encouraged believers to advocate for one another. In
Galatians 6:2 , he writes, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." This call to bear each other's burdens is a form of advocacy, reflecting the love and support that should characterize the Christian community.
Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is described as an advocate in the New Testament. In
John 14:16 , Jesus promises His disciples, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever." The Holy Spirit, as the Advocate, guides, comforts, and empowers believers to live according to God's will and to advocate for His truth in the world.
Practical ApplicationChristians are called to be advocates in their communities, standing up for justice, truth, and the oppressed. This involves speaking out against injustices, supporting those in need, and living out the principles of the Gospel. Advocacy is not merely a social or political action but a spiritual duty that reflects the heart of God and the teachings of Scripture. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit as they engage in advocacy, ensuring that their actions align with God's will and purpose.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Advocate.
Library
Progress of Calvinism
... They despatched preachers to Geneva, where there were already two political factions,
oneadvocating a closer alliance with Savoy, another clamouring for a...
Post-Nicene Mothers
... them for settling the faith of Christianity, it must be acknowledged that the Nicene
and post-Nicene Fathers spent their strength inadvocating and glorifying...
Miscellaneous.
... Unbeliever, are you mocking the Bible because somebody said the Lord created something
of nothing, and at the same timeadvocating spontaneous generation, and...
Victory Over the World through Faith
... another fears lest if he stand up for the truth it will injure his reputation, and
curiously imagines and tries to believe thatadvocating an unpopular truth...
Chapter seventeen
... of non-partisan patriotism, always looking upon all political questions in the light
of their relation to the Kingdom of God, andadvocating measures from the...
Christ the Son of God.
... Messiahship. No man could do the miracles He did "except God be with him;" and
God would not be with one who wasadvocating false claims....
The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia...
... In reference to these new members Paul and Barnabas pursued a bold and independent
course,advocating views which many regarded as dangerous, latitudinarian...
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
... In both Germany and the Netherlands a class of fanatics had risen,advocating absurd
and seditious doctrines, outraging order and decency, and proceeding to...
The Netherlands and Scandinavia.
... In both Germany and the Netherlands a class of fanatics had risen,advocating absurd
and seditious doctrines, outraging order and decency, and proceeding to...
Paul's Last Letter
... panic-stricken sailors on the shipwrecked vessel, or standing alone before Nero
to plead for his life"he had never been ashamed of the cause he wasadvocating...
Thesaurus
Advocating (1 Occurrence)... n.) of Advocate. Multi-Version Concordance
Advocating (1 Occurrence). Acts 17:18
Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him.
...Godspeed
... The injunction does not imply any breach of charity, since it would not be right
to wish anyone success inadvocating what was believed to be false and harmful...
Idle (33 Occurrences)
... Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be
advocating foreign deities," because he preached Jesus and the resurrection....
Foreign (65 Occurrences)
... Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be
advocating foreign deities," because he preached Jesus and the resurrection....
Remarked (2 Occurrences)
... Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be
advocating foreign deities," because he preached Jesus and the resurrection....
Epicurean (1 Occurrence)
... Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be
advocating foreign deities," because he preached Jesus and the resurrection....
Divinities (1 Occurrence)
... Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be
advocating foreign deities," because he preached Jesus and the resurrection....
Dispute (37 Occurrences)
... Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be
advocating foreign deities," because he preached Jesus and the resurrection....
Deities (1 Occurrence)
... Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be
advocating foreign deities," because he preached Jesus and the resurrection....
Philosophers (1 Occurrence)
... Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be
advocating foreign deities," because he preached Jesus and the resurrection....
Resources
Is “eat, drink, and be merry” a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is progressivism? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach situational ethics? | GotQuestions.orgAdvocating: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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