Topical Encyclopedia
The term "unimpeachable" refers to a state of being beyond reproach, faultless, or incapable of being discredited. In a biblical context, it is often associated with the character and conduct expected of believers, particularly those in leadership positions within the church. The concept aligns with the biblical call to holiness and integrity, reflecting the nature of God Himself.
Biblical References and Context1.
Blamelessness in Leadership: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of being unimpeachable, especially for those in positions of authority within the church. In
1 Timothy 3:2, the Apostle Paul writes, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." The term "above reproach" is synonymous with being unimpeachable, highlighting the necessity for church leaders to maintain a life that cannot be criticized or accused of wrongdoing.
2.
Character of Believers: Beyond leadership, all Christians are called to live lives that are unimpeachable. In
Philippians 2:15, Paul exhorts believers to be "blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." This passage underscores the expectation for Christians to exhibit a lifestyle that reflects their faith and stands out in a morally compromised society.
3.
Imitating Christ: The ultimate model of unimpeachable character is found in Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 4:15 states, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin." Christ's sinlessness serves as the perfect example for believers to emulate, striving to live lives that are beyond reproach.
4.
Integrity and Witness: The call to be unimpeachable is not merely for personal holiness but also for the sake of the Gospel's witness. In
1 Peter 2:12, Peter advises, "Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." The integrity of believers serves as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.
5.
Accountability and Community: The church community plays a vital role in helping believers maintain an unimpeachable life.
James 5:16 encourages, "Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." Accountability within the body of Christ fosters an environment where believers can support one another in their pursuit of holiness.
Theological ImplicationsThe call to be unimpeachable is rooted in the nature of God, who is holy and perfect.
Leviticus 11:44 commands, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This divine standard is not only a command but also a reflection of the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Through sanctification, Christians are empowered to live lives that are increasingly aligned with God's character.
In summary, the concept of being unimpeachable is integral to the Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of integrity, holiness, and a blameless witness in both personal and communal aspects of life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Not impeachable; not to be called in question; exempt from liability to accusation; free from stain, guilt, or fault; irreproachable; blameless; as, an unimpeachable reputation; unimpeachable testimony.
Greek
176. akatagnostos -- not to be condemned, beyond reproach... Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: akatagnostos Phonetic Spelling:
(ak-at-ag'-noce-tos) Short Definition: uncondemned,
unimpeachable Definition: not
...Library
Unimpeachable Justice
...Unimpeachable Justice. A Sermon (No.86). Delivered on Sabbath Morning, June 15,
1856, by the. REV. CH SPURGEON. At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark....
To Bishop Iren??us.
... Secondly this fact must be borne in mind, that the accused party is bound to produce
unimpeachable witnesses, whose testimony even his accusers cannot impugn....
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit as Revealed in his Names.
... rhetorical standpoint. His diction is faultless, his style beautiful, his
logicunimpeachable, his orthodoxy beyond criticism. It...
The Apostolic Experience
... this he had been blinded by the theories on the opposing side, notwithstanding the
brilliant testimonies to the contrary of those whose lives wereunimpeachable...
But Nothing was Difficult to them with whom it was Lawful to...
... Following their example up to the present time all the bishops of Asia"as themselves
also receiving the rule from anunimpeachable authority, to wit, the...
God his Own Interpreter.
... The prophet foretold, in distinct andunimpeachable language, the coming of the
Messiah: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the...
The Epistles of St. John
... The external evidence is particularly good. We learn from theunimpeachable testimony
of Eusebius[1] that it was used by Papias, who was a disciple of St....
Against those who Think that what is Just is not Good.
... In this respect, therefore, the Lord the Instructor is most good andunimpeachable,
sympathizing as He does from the exceeding greatness of His love with the...
Genuineness of the Gospel Narratives.
... as a general council of the churches was known till long after this period;) but
simply from the common perception everywhere of theunimpeachable evidence by...
Canons of the Church of Alexandria.
... A bishop should be elected by all the people, and he should beunimpeachable, as
it is written of him in the apostle; in the week in which he is ordained, the...
Thesaurus
Unimpeachable (1 Occurrence)... in question; exempt from liability to accusation; free from stain, guilt, or fault;
irreproachable; blameless; as, an
unimpeachable reputation;
unimpeachable...Uniformly (2 Occurrences)
Unimportant (2 Occurrences)
Sweat (3 Occurrences)
... med., III, 45:5), can be said to beunimpeachable; but as the agony of our Lord
was unexampled in human experience, it is conceivable that it may have been...
Bloody (19 Occurrences)
... med., III, 45:5), can be said to beunimpeachable; but as the agony of our Lord
was unexampled in human experience, it is conceivable that it may have been...
Resources
What does it mean to be above reproach / blameless? | GotQuestions.orgUnimpeachable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
