Topical Encyclopedia
Rioting, as understood in the context of the Bible, refers to violent or disorderly behavior by a group of people, often characterized by chaos, destruction, and a breakdown of social order. The Bible addresses the concept of rioting both directly and indirectly, emphasizing the importance of peace, order, and self-control as virtues that believers should uphold.
Biblical References and Context1.
Acts of the Apostles: The New Testament provides several accounts of riots, particularly in the Book of Acts. One notable instance is the riot in Ephesus, instigated by the silversmith Demetrius, who was concerned about the impact of Paul's preaching on the local economy and the worship of Artemis.
Acts 19:28-29 states, "When they heard this, they were enraged and began shouting, 'Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!' Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia."
2.
Proverbs and Wisdom Literature: The wisdom literature of the Old Testament often contrasts the behavior of the wise with that of the foolish, implicitly condemning riotous behavior.
Proverbs 29:8 notes, "Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger." This highlights the destructive nature of those who incite chaos compared to the peacemakers who seek to restore order.
3.
Moral and Ethical Teachings: The Bible consistently advocates for peace and self-control as fruits of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 lists these virtues: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Rioting, which often involves a loss of self-control and peace, stands in opposition to these virtues.
4.
Civil Obedience and Authority: Scripture also addresses the believer's relationship to civil authorities.
Romans 13:1-2 instructs, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." Rioting, as an act of rebellion against established authority, is thus seen as contrary to God's ordained order.
5.
Historical Context: In biblical times, riots often arose from political, economic, or religious tensions. The Jewish historian Josephus records several instances of unrest in Judea, reflecting the volatile environment in which early Christians lived. Understanding this historical backdrop helps to illuminate the biblical exhortations for peace and order.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, rioting is viewed as a manifestation of human sinfulness and the fallen nature of the world. It represents a departure from God's design for harmonious living and reflects the chaos that ensues when individuals or groups reject divine authority and moral law. The call for Christians is to be agents of peace and reconciliation, embodying the teachings of Christ in their interactions with others.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are encouraged to pursue peace and to be peacemakers in their communities. This involves not only refraining from participating in riots but also actively working to prevent them through dialogue, understanding, and the promotion of justice. Christians are called to be examples of Christ's love and to seek the welfare of the cities in which they live, as instructed in
Jeremiah 29:7 : "Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper."
In summary, the biblical perspective on rioting underscores the importance of peace, order, and submission to authority, while calling believers to be proactive in fostering environments where these values can flourish.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Riot.
Greek
2970. komos -- a village festival, revel... reveling,
rioting. From keimai; a carousal (as if letting loose) -- revelling,
rioting.
see GREEK keimai. (komoi) -- 1 Occurrence. (komois) -- 2 Occurrences.
...Library
Letter xxii. (AD 392. )
... The words of the chosen vessel are these: "Not inrioting and drunkenness, not in
chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying: but put ye on the Lord...
Of the Two Classes of Voluptuous Men, and of their Death, Falling...
... his flock. [And other sheep I sawrioting and luxuriating in one place,
but not, however, leaping about. [290] ]. Chap. II. And he...
Whether Drunkenness is a Sin?
... On the contrary, The Apostle says (Rom.13:13): "Not inrioting and drunkenness.".
I answer that, Drunkenness may be understood in two ways....
Rom. xiii. 11
... "Not inrioting and drunkenness." Not that he would forbid drinking, but the doing
it immoderately; not the enjoying of wine, but doing it to excess (meta...
Of the Love of Offspring as a Plea for Marriage.
... leading vices of the flesh and of the world, [399] which call men off the most from
divine disciplines"the one through the pleasure ofrioting, the other...
Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.
... shows and theaters are not found in the writings of the apostles; however indulgence
in these is "revelry," "living in pleasure," "rioting" and worldliness, of...
How to Conduct Ourselves at Feasts.
... that, "putting off the works of darkness, we should put on the armour of light,
walking honestly as in the day, not spending our time inrioting and drunkenness...
Good-Friday.
... While we regret that so many people in our country should make this day one ofrioting
and extravagance, we are sure that it is in some degree a reaction from...
Love and the Day
... Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not inrioting and drunkenness, not
in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying: 14....
Two views of Life
... mirth and pleasure, into luxury and debauchery, and as satisfying every hunger for
any joy, and as being pulled up short in the midst of hisrioting by the...
Thesaurus
Rioting (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Rioting (1 Occurrence). Acts 19:40 For indeed we are in
danger of being accused concerning this day's riot, there being no cause.
...Riotous (10 Occurrences)
Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:13 As in the day, let us walk becomingly; not inrioting and drunkenness,
not in chambering and lasciviousness, not in strife and emulation....
Rioters (1 Occurrence)
Revellings (2 Occurrences)
... In Romans 13:13 the Revised Version has "revelling" instead of the King James Version
"rioting," and in 2 Peter 2:13, "revel" replaces "riot." Similarly in...
Envying (8 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not inrioting and drunkenness,
not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (KJV WBS)....
Emulation (5 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:13 As in the day, let us walk becomingly; not inrioting and drunkenness,
not in chambering and lasciviousness, not in strife and emulation....
Chambering (1 Occurrence)
... Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not inrioting and drunkenness,
not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying....
Honestly (8 Occurrences)
... Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not inrioting and drunkenness,
not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (KJV WBS)....
Envy (56 Occurrences)
... (BBE NIV). Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not inrioting and
drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying....
Resources
What does the Bible say about rioting? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is antifa? How should a Christian view antifa? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about lawlessness? | GotQuestions.orgRioting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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