Dictionary of Bible Themes – 5931 resistance
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5931 resistance

5931 resistance

Opposition to the demands of the state or other legitimate authorities. Individuals must not resist such demands unless they are contrary to God’s requirements. God will himself judge unjust rulers. Christians should not resist the evil person but, following Jesus Christ’s teaching and example, entrust themselves to God.

God should not be resisted

2Ch 35:21; Ac 7:51; Ac 11:17; Ro 9:19

Individuals should not resist legitimate authorities

Civil authorities Ro 13:1-2 See also Dt 17:12-13; 1Sa 24:6; Tit 3:1-2; 1Pe 2:13-14,17

Religious authorities Heb 13:17 See also Ac 23:5

Parental authority Eph 6:1; Col 3:20; 2Ti 3:2

Resistance of unjust authorities

Resistance to human authorities is justified when they oppose God’s requirements Ex 1:15-17 See also Ex 1:22-2:3; Da 3:13-18; Da 6:6-10; Ac 4:18-20; Ac 5:27-29; Heb 11:23

God will enable Christians, unjustly brought before human authorities, to defend themselves Mk 13:11 pp Mt 10:19-20 pp Lk 12:11-12 See also Lk 21:14-15

God will vindicate those of his people who cannot resist unjust authorities Da 3:28-29 See also Ge 39:20-21; Ecc 8:12; Da 6:19-28

God will himself judge unjust rulers Hos 5:10 See also 1Ki 21:15-19; Isa 1:23-26; Isa 3:11-15; Isa 10:1-3; Isa 59:14-20; Eze 22:27-31; Mic 7:2-4

Resisting evil

Christians should not resist the evil person Mt 5:38-41 See also Mt 5:43-48; Mt 26:52; Lk 6:27-30; Ro 12:19-21

Christians should follow the teaching and example of Jesus Christ and entrust themselves to God 1Pe 2:20-23 See also Isa 53:7-9; 2Ti 4:14

See also

3284Holy Spirit, resisting
4126Satan, resistance to
5215authority
5257civil authorities
5829defiance
6030sin, avoidance
6221rebellion
6251temptation, resisting
8453obedience
8482spiritual warfare
8737evil, responses to
8785opposition