Opposition to the Church from a Violent Individual
The opposition to the Church from a violent individual is a recurring theme in biblical texts and Christian tradition. Paul, before his conversion, exemplified such opposition, having persecuted the Church with zeal, as he himself acknowledged: "I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it" (Philippians 3:6) [1]. This violent opposition is not limited to historical figures; it is a pattern seen throughout scripture, where individuals driven by malice and hatred direct their aggression towards the Church.
The biblical texts describe various forms of opposition, including verbal aggression and physical violence. In III John 1:10, Diotrephes is accused of "ranting against us with evil words" and preventing others from receiving the brothers, even thrusting them out of the church [3]. This behavior is characterized by malice, a concept that is forbidden in Christian teachings (1 Corinthians 14:20; Colossians 3:8; Ephesians 4:26,27) [4].
The Church is described as the body of Christ, comprising many members united together (1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Romans 12:4-5) [5, 9]. This unity is essential to its identity, and opposition to the Church is, in effect, opposition to Christ himself. Jesus taught that those who reject his followers reject him (Luke 10:16; John 13:20), and Paul wrote that persecution of the Church is persecution of Christ (Acts 9:4-5) [not directly cited but referenced in the sources].
In the face of such opposition, Christian teachings emphasize the importance of harmony and care within the Church. The apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthians to be united, as the body of Christ, and to care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25-26) [10]. This unity is not limited to internal relations; it also reflects the Church's relationship with Christ, who is its head (Colossians 3:15; Ephesians 4:4-6) [8].
The biblical texts also provide guidance on how to deal with those who cause division or oppose the Church. Titus 3:10 instructs believers to avoid a factious person after a first and second warning [2]. This approach is grounded in the understanding that the Church is a community that values peace and harmony.
Throughout Christian tradition, the concept of opposition to the Church has been understood in various ways. Some traditions interpret opposition to the Church as opposition to Christ, emphasizing the unity between Christ and his body, the Church [5, 6, 7]. Others highlight the importance of perseverance and unity in the face of persecution.
The historical development of this doctrine is closely tied to the early Christian experience of persecution. The apostolic writings reflect the challenges faced by the early Church, including violent opposition. The theme continues through the patristic era and beyond, with various Christian traditions addressing the issue in their teachings.
Sources
- Philippians “Philippians 3:6 (BBE) — In bitter hate I was cruel to the church; I kept all the righteousness of the law to the last detail.”
- Titus “Titus 3:10 (BBE) — A man whose opinions are not those of the church, after a first and second protest, is to be kept out of your society;”
- III John “III John 1:10 (LITV) — Because of this, if I come, I will recall his works which he does, ranting against us with evil words. And not being satisfied with these, neither does he receive the brothers; and those intending it he prevents, and thrusts them out from the church.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Malice — Springs from an evil heart -- Mt 15:19,20; Ga 5:19. Forbidden -- 1Co 14:20; Col 3:8; Eph 4:26,27. A hindrance to growth in grace -- 1Pe 2:1,2. Incompatible with the worship of God -- 1Co 5:7,8. Christian liberty not to be a cloak for -- 1Pe 2:16. Saints avoid -- Job 31:29,30; Ps 35:12-14. The wicked Speak with. -- 3Jo 1:10. Live in. -- Tit 3:3. Conceive. -- Ps 7:14. Filled with. -- Ro 1:29. Visit saints with. -- Ps 83:3; Mt 22:6. Pray for those who injure you through -- Mt 5:44. Brings its own punishment -- Ps 7:15,16. God requites -- Ps 10:14; Eze 36:5. Pun”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:27: members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:15: 3:15 Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ (see 1:18; Eph 4:4-6). Allegiance to Jesus as Lord must transcend differences and will result in peace (harmonious relationships).”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 3:28: 3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:25: 12:25-26 The church is a unified body, so harmony and care for each other in the church is essential.”