Topical Encyclopedia
The term "maligned" refers to being spoken about in a harmful, false, or misleading manner. In the context of the Bible, being maligned often involves unjust criticism or slander against individuals, particularly those who are righteous or followers of God. The concept of being maligned is addressed in several passages, highlighting both the experience of being unjustly criticized and the appropriate response to such treatment.
Biblical Instances and Teachings1.
Jesus Christ: Jesus Himself was maligned by the religious leaders of His time. They accused Him of blasphemy, breaking the Sabbath, and even being in league with Satan. In
Matthew 12:24 , the Pharisees said, "This man drives out demons only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons." Despite these accusations, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission and responded with wisdom and truth.
2.
Early Christians: The early church faced significant maligning from both Jewish and Roman authorities. In
1 Peter 4:4 , Peter writes, "Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you." This passage reflects the social and verbal persecution early Christians endured for their distinct lifestyle and beliefs.
3.
Apostle Paul: Paul frequently encountered maligning during his ministry. In
Acts 24:5-6 , Tertullus accuses Paul before Felix, saying, "We have found this man to be a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes." Despite these false accusations, Paul continued to preach the Gospel boldly.
Response to Being MalignedThe Bible provides guidance on how believers should respond to being maligned. Jesus taught His followers to expect persecution and to respond with love and prayer. In
Matthew 5:11-12 , He says, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven."
The Apostle Peter also encourages believers to maintain good conduct so that those who malign them may be put to shame by their good behavior. In
1 Peter 3:16 , he writes, "Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ."
Spiritual PerspectiveFrom a spiritual perspective, being maligned is often seen as a test of faith and character. It is an opportunity for believers to demonstrate the love and grace of Christ in the face of adversity. The Bible assures believers that God is aware of their suffering and will ultimately vindicate them. In
Romans 12:19 , Paul reminds believers, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'"
ConclusionWhile being maligned is a painful experience, the Bible offers comfort and guidance, encouraging believers to respond with integrity and trust in God's justice. Through these trials, Christians are called to reflect the character of Christ, who Himself was maligned yet remained faithful to His mission.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Malign.
Greek
987. blasphemeo -- to slander, hence to speak lightly or profanely...... evil (1), blaspheme (4), blasphemed (6), blasphemers (1), blasphemes (3), blaspheming
(4), dishonored (1), hurling abuse (3), malign (2),
maligned (1), revile
...Library
Prefatory Notice.
... rebuilt, among the imagery commemorative of the nation's literary glories, a place
was voted for the bust of the Bedford pastor, once somaligned and persecuted...
That we Should Seek the Verdict of Our Conscience in Every...
... people praise someone if his conscience internally accuses him, in the same way
on the contrary it does a man no harm to be despised,maligned and persecuted...
A Burning and Shining Lamp.
... The Lord Jesus wasmaligned and persecuted because He was the Emancipator of
the Sabbath day from foolish and mistaken notions of sanctity....
The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
... They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh
and blood. What, reproached andmaligned, yet blessed! A...
The Joy of the Lord.
... It is true He wept, He had sufferings, He was tempted, He was ill-treated, cast
out,maligned, accused of evil and rejected, but joy filled His heart....
The Waldenses
... They were branded as heretics, their motives impugned, their charactersmaligned,
their writings suppressed, misrepresented, or mutilated....
Liberty of Conscience Threatened
... The defenders of the papacy declare that the church has beenmaligned, and
the Protestant world are inclined to accept the statement....
The Waldenses.
... They were branded as heretics, their motives impugned, their charactersmaligned,
their writings suppressed, misrepresented, or mutilated....
Aims of the Papacy.
... The defenders of the papacy declare that the church has beenmaligned; and
the Protestant world are inclined to accept the statement....
The Consulship of Eutropius
... We all know how staid and quiet you are, Philip,' said Chrysostom. There now!' said
Eutyches. You've disturbed him andmaligned me. Now begin your guessing....
Thesaurus
Maligned (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Maligned (3 Occurrences).
... 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow
their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be
maligned.
...Malignant (5 Occurrences)
Malignity (1 Occurrence)
Licentiousness (10 Occurrences)
... worship. (See RSV). 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as
a result, the way of the truth will bemaligned. (See RSV)....
Immoral (16 Occurrences)
... (WEB RSV NIV). 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a
result, the way of the truth will bemaligned. (WEB WEY)....
Reviled (25 Occurrences)
... glorified. (See NAS). 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as
a result, the way of the truth will bemaligned. (See RSV)....
Sensuality (9 Occurrences)
... idolatries. (See NAS). 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and
as a result, the way of the truth will bemaligned. (See NAS)....
Result (73 Occurrences)
... souls. (WEB). 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a
result, the way of the truth will bemaligned. (WEB). Jude...
Follow (267 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow their immoral
ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will bemaligned....
Resources
What does the Bible say about hate? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the living Word? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is truth? | GotQuestions.orgMaligned: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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