Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "striker" is used to describe a person who is prone to violence or physical aggression. This term is particularly relevant in the context of church leadership and the qualifications for elders or overseers. The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral epistles, provides guidance on the character and behavior expected of those who hold positions of authority within the church.
Biblical References:1.
1 Timothy 3:3 : "not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money." In this passage, Paul outlines the qualifications for an overseer, emphasizing that a leader in the church must not be a "striker" or violent. The emphasis is on gentleness and self-control, contrasting with a disposition towards physical aggression or hostility.
2.
Titus 1:7 : "As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money." Here, Paul reiterates the importance of an overseer being free from violence. The term "not violent" is synonymous with "not a striker," indicating that a leader should not resort to physical force or intimidation.
Theological Implications:The prohibition against being a "striker" underscores the Christian ideal of peace and non-violence. Leaders within the church are called to model Christ-like behavior, which includes being peacemakers and demonstrating love and patience. The absence of violence in a leader's life is a reflection of the inner transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit, aligning with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes gentleness and self-control (
Galatians 5:22-23).
Practical Application:In practical terms, the admonition against being a "striker" serves as a guideline for evaluating potential leaders within the church. It calls for a careful assessment of a person's temperament and behavior, ensuring that those in positions of authority are not prone to anger or physical aggression. This standard helps maintain a peaceful and harmonious church environment, where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding rather than force.
Historical Context:In the Greco-Roman world, where physical prowess and dominance were often valued, the Christian community was called to a counter-cultural standard. The early church distinguished itself by promoting peace and non-violence, setting a precedent for Christian conduct that transcended societal norms. The instruction against being a "striker" would have been a significant departure from the behaviors commonly accepted in secular leadership.
Conclusion:The biblical instruction against being a "striker" remains relevant for contemporary Christian leadership. It serves as a reminder of the call to embody the peace and gentleness of Christ, fostering a community that reflects the kingdom of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One who, or that which, strikes; specifically, a blacksmith's helper who wields the sledge.
2. (n.) A harpoon; also, a harpooner.
3. (n.) A wencher; a lewd man.
4. (n.) A workman who is on a strike.
5. (n.) A blackmailer in politics; also, one whose political influence can be bought.
Greek
4131. plektes -- astriker... a
striker. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: plektes Phonetic Spelling:
(plake'-tace) Short Definition: a contentious person Definition: a
striker...Library
Whether any Priest Can Absolve his Subject from Excommunication?
... eight exceptions to the first case: (1) In the hour of death, when a person can
be absolved by any priest from any excommunication; (2) if thestriker be the...
1 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given
to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, nostriker, not greedy of...
Titus i. 5, 6
... Ver.7. "For a Bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed,
not soon angry, not given to wine, nostriker.".... "Not astriker," he says....
Homilies on S. Ignatius and S. Babylas.
... of man the bishop ought to be, says, "For the bishop must be blameless as God's
steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, nostriker, not greedy of...
The Same Methodius: How Christ the Son of God...
... Since the body, when struck or cut by a body, is just so far struck or
cut as thestriker strikes it, or he that cuts it cut it....
The Answer that Christ Looks not Only at the Action but Also at...
... to remove all incitement to anger from the deepest recesses of the soul, ie, that
if your external right cheek has received a blow from thestriker, the inner...
Letter Lxix. To Oceanus.
... must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour,
given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to wine, nostriker...but patient...
The Date of the Beginning of Noonday.
... are, blamelessness, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior,
given to hospitality, apt to teach; "not given to wine, nostriker, not greedy...
On Examining Candidates for the Episcopal Office.
... Let him therefore be sober, prudent, decent, firm, stable, not given to wine; no
striker, but gentle; not a brawler, not covetous; "not a novice, lest, being...
On Assembling in the Church.
... But be thou, O bishop, holy, unblameable, nostriker, not soon angry, not cruel;
but a builder up, a converter, apt to teach, forbearing of evil, of a gentle...
Thesaurus
Striker (3 Occurrences)...Striker (3 Occurrences).
... Numbers 35:24 then the congregation shall judge between
the
striker and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances; (WEB).
...Lucre (5 Occurrences)
... Lucre (5 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, nostriker, not greedy of
filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (KJV WBS YLT)....
Filthy (22 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT NIV). 1 Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, nostriker, not greedy of filthy
lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (KJV WBS YLT)....
Brawler (3 Occurrences)
... Brawler (3 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, nostriker, not greedy
of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (KJV ASV WBS)....
Overbearing (7 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Titus 1:7 for it behoveth the overseer to be blameless, as God's steward,
not self-pleased, nor irascible, not given to wine, not astriker, not given to...
Overthrow (48 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A faulty return of the ball by a fielder, so that thestriker makes an
additional run. Multi-Version Concordance Overthrow (48 Occurrences)....
Lover (55 Occurrences)
... voice. (BBE). 1 Timothy 3:3 no brawler, nostriker; but gentle, not contentious,
no lover of money; (ASV BBE YLT RSV NIV). Titus 1...
Goat (92 Occurrences)
... In Dan. 8:5, 8 it is used as a symbol of the Macedonian empire. (6.) Hebrews tayish,
a "striker" or "butter," rendered "he-goat" (Genesis 30:35; 32:14)....
Irascible (1 Occurrence)
... Titus 1:7 for it behoveth the overseer to be blameless, as God's steward, not
self-pleased, nor irascible, not given to wine, not astriker, not given to...
Fond (6 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 1 Timothy 3:3 not given to excesses from wine, not astriker, but
mild, not addicted to contention, not fond of money, (DBY)....
Resources
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