Reshaping Perspective on Current Trials Biblically and Theologically
In biblical and theological contexts, "trial" carries multiple layers of meaning, encompassing legal proceedings, divine testing, and the challenges faced by believers. The concept often intertwines with themes of judgment, purification, and faithfulness.
The Old Testament provides a foundation for understanding trials, particularly in a legal sense. Under Jewish law, trials were formal processes, and information regarding them can be found in discussions of judges and the Sanhedrin [1]. The book of Job, for instance, explores the nature of suffering and divine justice, prompting questions about whether one's fear of God and uprightness should guarantee immunity from hardship [5]. However, the text also suggests that outward appearances cannot always determine the righteousness of individuals, as both the righteous and the wicked may experience similar events [5].
The New Testament expands on these understandings, frequently presenting trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and demonstrations of faith. Jesus' ministry, for example, is described as radically altering the status quo, bringing judgment upon the wicked and purifying the righteous [3]. This purification often involves facing difficult circumstances. The apostle Peter addresses believers who might find it "strange" that God allows His chosen children to be severely tested, explaining that such "fiery trials" are intended to test them, much like fire refines metals by removing dross [8]. This perspective suggests that God has a wise and gracious design in allowing trials, aiming for the spiritual benefit of the individual [8].
The New Testament also emphasizes the eschatological dimension of trials, linking them to future judgment. Jesus' warnings about impending calamities and the "total wreck of the existing state of things" serve as a call to watchfulness and prayer, preparing believers for a judgment that is not merely ecclesiastical or political, but personal and eternal [4]. Paul, in 2 Corinthians, highlights that the present life's goal is to please Christ, an ambition that will be "tested when we stand before Christ to be judged" [7]. While Christ is also an advocate, ensuring confidence of acquittal for believers, actions performed in the earthly body will be assessed and accounted for [7]. Similarly, the apostle Paul testifies before God and Christ Jesus, "who is about to judge living and dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom" [2].
In a legal context, Jewish trials aimed to uncover the truth, allowing falsely accused defendants to prove their innocence and even prosecute their accusers [6]. This dynamic is seen in Stephen's response to accusations in Acts 7. Instead of merely defending himself, Stephen became a witness in God's "prosecution" of his accusers, exposing their stubbornness and unfaithfulness by recounting Israel's history of rejecting those God had sent [9]. This demonstrates how a trial, even when initiated by human adversaries, can become a platform for divine truth and judgment.
The concept of self-examination also relates to trials. Paul encourages believers to "examine himself" before partaking in the Lord's Supper, to ensure they have proper faith in Jesus and discern the Lord's body, understanding that the bread and wine symbolize Christ's crucified body and shed blood [11]. This internal examination is a form of personal trial, assessing one's spiritual state and readiness.
The Holy Spirit is also presented as a witness to the truth, confirming the covenant God makes with His people [10]. This divine witness underscores the seriousness and truthfulness of God's dealings with humanity, including the trials and judgments that are part of His plan.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Trial — Information on the subject of trials under the Jewish law will be found in the articles on [1239]Judges and [1240]Sanhedrin, and also in [1241]Jesus Christ CHRIST.”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 4:1 (Darby) — I testify beforeGod and Christ Jesus, who is about to judge living and dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom,”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 12:49: 12:49 I have come to set the world on fire: Jesus’ ministry radically changed the status quo, bringing judgment on the wicked and purifying the righteous (see 3:16-17; 9:54; 17:29; Deut 4:24; Amos 5:6; Heb 12:29).”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 21:36: Watch . . . pray, &c.--the two great duties which in prospect of trial are constantly enjoined. These warnings, suggested by the need of preparedness for the tremendous calamities approaching, and the total wreck of the existing state of things, are the general improvement of the whole discourse, carrying the mind forward to Judgment and Vengeance of another kind and on a grander and more awful scale--not ecclesiastical or political but personal, not temporal but eternal--when all safety and blessedness will be found to lie in being able to "STAND BEFOR”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 4:6: Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, &c.--Does thy fear, thy confidence, come to nothing? Does it come only to this, that thou faintest now? Rather, by transposition, "Is not thy fear (of God) thy hope? and the uprightness of thy ways thy confidence? If so, bethink thee, who ever perished being innocent?" [UMBREIT]. But Luk 13:2-3 shows that, though there is a retributive divine government even in this life, yet we cannot judge by the mere outward appearance. "One event is outwardly to the righteous and to the wicked" (Ecc 9:2); but yet we must take it on”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 5:41: 5:41-47 Jewish trials sought to discover the truth. Falsely accused defendants could not only prove their innocence but also prosecute their accusers, which Jesus did here.”
- 2 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Corinthians 5:9: 5:9-10 The goal of the present life is to please him (see also Rom 12:1-2; 14:18; Col 1:10; 1 Thes 4:1). This ambition will be tested when we stand before Christ to be judged. The judge is also our advocate, so we are confident of acquittal (Rom 8:1, 33-34). Yet actions done in this earthly body will be assessed and called to account (Acts 17:31).”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 4:12: strange--they might think it strange that God should allow His chosen children to be sore tried. fiery trial--like the fire by which metals are tested and their dross removed. The Greek adds, "in your case." which is to try you--Greek, "which is taking place for a trial to you." Instead of its "happening to you" as some strange and untoward chance, it "is taking place" with the gracious design of trying you; God has a wise design in it--a consolatory reflection.”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 7:1: 7:1-53 Stephen responded to the accusations by testifying about his Lord (cp. Luke 21:12-17). Instead of defending himself against their prosecution, he became a witness in God’s prosecution of them, exposing their stubbornness and unfaithfulness to God. Stephen’s recital of Israel’s past reminded them of their repeated rejections of those whom God had sent. • Stephen’s review of Israel’s history has three principal parts, dealing with the work of the patriarchs (Acts 7:2-16), the ministry of Moses (7:17-43), and the role of the Tabernacle and the Temple (7:44-50). S”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 10:15: The Greek, has "moreover," or "now." is a witness--of the truth which I am setting forth. The Father's witness is given Heb 5:10. The Son's, Heb 10:5. Now is added that of the Holy Spirit, called accordingly "the Spirit of grace," Heb 10:29. The testimony of all Three leads to the same conclusion (Heb 10:18). for after that he had said before--The conclusion to the sentence is in Heb 10:17, "After He had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them (with the house of Israel, Heb 8:10; here extended to the spiritual Israel) . . . s”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 11:28: Let a man examine himself - Let him try whether he has proper faith in the Lord Jesus; and whether he discerns the Lord's body; and whether he duly considers that the bread and wine point out the crucified body and spilt blood of Christ.”