Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical teachings, the concept of prosecution is not directly addressed in the same legalistic terms as understood in contemporary judicial systems. However, the principles of justice, accountability, and the pursuit of righteousness are deeply embedded in the Scriptures, providing a framework for understanding the moral and ethical dimensions of prosecution.
Old Testament ContextThe Old Testament lays the foundation for justice and legal proceedings among the Israelites. The Mosaic Law, given to the people of Israel, includes numerous statutes and ordinances that guide the community in matters of justice and retribution. For instance,
Deuteronomy 16:18-20 instructs, "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent. Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you."
The role of judges and officials was to ensure that justice was served, which included the prosecution of wrongdoers. The legal system was designed to reflect God's holiness and righteousness, emphasizing the need for fair and impartial judgment.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the focus shifts more towards personal conduct and the internalization of God's laws. While the New Testament does not explicitly discuss the prosecution in a legal sense, it addresses issues of justice and righteousness. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, often emphasized mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation over strict legalism. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (
Matthew 5:6).
The Apostle Paul also addresses issues related to justice and wrongdoing within the Christian community. In
1 Corinthians 6:1-8 , Paul admonishes believers for taking legal disputes among themselves to secular courts, urging them instead to resolve matters within the church. This passage highlights the importance of resolving conflicts in a manner that reflects Christian values and the pursuit of righteousness.
Biblical Principles of JusticeThroughout the Bible, several key principles emerge that relate to the concept of prosecution:
1.
Justice and Fairness: The Bible consistently calls for justice and fairness in all dealings.
Proverbs 21:15 states, "Justice executed is a joy to the righteous, but a terror to the workers of iniquity."
2.
Accountability: Scripture emphasizes the need for individuals to be held accountable for their actions.
Ezekiel 18:20 declares, "The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him."
3.
Mercy and Forgiveness: While justice is paramount, the Bible also teaches the importance of mercy and forgiveness.
James 2:13 reminds believers, "For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
4.
Reconciliation: The ultimate goal of addressing wrongdoing is reconciliation and restoration.
Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for addressing sin within the community, emphasizing the importance of restoring relationships.
In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly discuss prosecution in the modern legal sense, it provides a robust framework for understanding justice, accountability, and the pursuit of righteousness. These principles guide believers in addressing wrongdoing and seeking justice in a manner that honors God and reflects His character.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To follow or pursue with a view to reach, execute, or accomplish; to endeavor to obtain or complete; to carry on; to continue; as, to prosecute a scheme, hope, or claim.
2. (v. t.) To seek to obtain by legal process; as, to prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law.
3. (v. t.) To pursue with the intention of punishing; to accuse of some crime or breach of law, or to pursue for redress or punishment, before a legal tribunal; to proceed against judicially; as, to prosecute a man for trespass, or for a riot.
4. (v. i.) To follow after.
5. (v. i.) To institute and carry on a legal prosecution; as, to prosecute for public offenses.
Greek
2723. kategoreo -- to make accusation... accusation. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: kategoreo Phonetic Spelling:
(kat-ay-gor-eh'-o) Short Definition: I accuse, charge,
prosecute Definition: I
...Library
Titus when the Jews were not at all Mollified by his Leaving Off...
... CHAPTER 9. Titus When The Jews Were Not At All Mollified By His Leaving Off The
Siege For A While, Set Himself Again ToProsecute The Same; But Soon Sent...
The Life of Mr. John Livingston.
... Yet the parliament in summer 1650, sent other commissioners toprosecute the foresaid
treaty at Breda; and the commission of the kirk chose Mr. Livingston and...
The Wicked Husbandmen.
... As some time must necessarily elapse before the young plants begin to bear fruit,
he mayprosecute the other departments of his undertaking at leisure....
How David, when He had Twice the Opportunity of Killing Saul did...
... after my life, and have no concern either day or night, but how to compass my life
and to murder me, which thing I think thou dost unjustlyprosecute; for how...
That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to...
... thyself takest vengeance, and prosecutest it, either by words, by deeds, or imprecation
against the adversary; then God will not afterwardsprosecute it too...
But Let this Pass, for what Follows is of More Importance. I Thank...
... Christ. I will quote the entire passage, andprosecute a fresh and diligent
inquiry to see what it tends to. He says thus. 31. But...
The Life of Mr. James Renwick.
... and in the end, added, "That he would think it a great ease to his mind, to know
and be engaged with a remnant that would singlyprosecute and propagate the...
A Strong Resolution Necessary in the Beginning. ...
... 1. The end of a contemplative life, therefore, being so supereminently noble and
divine that beatified souls doprosecute the same, and no other, in heaven...
The Blossoming Desert.
... With a few small knives, and a handful of olive-stones, he couldprosecute his work
wherever he liked to take his seat, and he frequently took advantage of...
Introductory Note to Gregory Thaumaturgus.
... His own good angel, as Gregory supposes, led him away from Berytus, where he purposed
toprosecute his legal studies, and brought him to the feet of Origen...
Thesaurus
Prosecute (2 Occurrences)... 1. (vt) To follow or pursue with a view to reach, execute, or accomplish; to endeavor
to obtain or complete; to carry on; to continue; as, to
prosecute a scheme
...Implead (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To institute andprosecute a suit against, in
court; to sue orprosecute at law; hence, to accuse; to impeach....
Sue (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To seek justice or right from, by legal process; to institute process in
law against; to bring an action against; toprosecute judicially....
Hold (500 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To maintain in being or action; to carry on; toprosecute, as a
course of conduct or an argument; to continue; to sustain....
Labor (181 Occurrences)
... 15. (vt) Toprosecute, or perfect, with effort; to urge strenuously; as, to
labor a point or argument. 16. (vt) To belabor; to beat. Int....
Follow (267 Occurrences)
... accompany; to attend. 2. (vt) To endeavor to overtake; to go in pursuit
of; to chase; to pursue; toprosecute. 3. (vt) To accept...
Fair (147 Occurrences)
... Contrary to Paul's advice, the master of the ship determined toprosecute the voyage,
as the harbour was deemed incommodious for wintering in (9-12)....
Drive (132 Occurrences)
... the like. 4. (vt) To carry or; to keep in motion; to conduct; toprosecute.
5. (vt) To clear, by forcing away what is contained. 6...
Darius (26 Occurrences)
... It was not found at Babylon, but at Achmetha (Ezra 6:2); and Darius forthwith issued
a new decree, giving the Jews full liberty toprosecute their work, at the...
Proceed (47 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To go on in an orderly or regulated manner; to begin and carry on a series
of acts or measures; to act by method; toprosecute a design....
Resources
How should a Christian view libertarianism? Should a Christian be a libertarian? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Paul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWere the Salem Witch Trials biblical? | GotQuestions.orgProsecute: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
