The term "withstood" in the Bible often refers to acts of resistance or opposition, typically in the context of spiritual, moral, or physical confrontations. This concept is illustrated in various narratives and teachings throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the challenges faced by God's people and the strength required to stand firm in faith.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of withstanding is frequently associated with the Israelites' encounters with their enemies and their struggles to remain faithful to God's commandments. For instance, in Exodus 7:11-12, Pharaoh's magicians "withstood" Moses and Aaron by replicating the miracles God performed through them, demonstrating the spiritual opposition faced by God's messengers. The Berean Standard Bible states, "Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and sorcerers, and they, along with the magicians of Egypt, did the same things by their magic arts."

Another significant example is found in 2 Chronicles 13:7, where King Abijah of Judah speaks of how Jeroboam and his followers "withstood" Rehoboam, the rightful king, by rebelling against him. This act of resistance is portrayed as a challenge to the divinely ordained leadership of the house of David.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of withstanding is often linked to spiritual warfare and the defense of the faith. The Apostle Paul frequently encountered opposition in his ministry, as seen in Acts 13:8, where Elymas the sorcerer "withstood" Paul and Barnabas, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. The Berean Standard Bible records, "But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith."

Paul also writes about withstanding in the context of spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:13, urging believers to "take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand." This passage emphasizes the need for spiritual preparedness to resist the forces of evil.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The act of withstanding is not merely a physical confrontation but often involves moral and spiritual dimensions. Believers are called to withstand false teachings and immoral influences, as seen in Galatians 2:11, where Paul recounts how he "withstood" Peter to his face because he was clearly in the wrong. The Berean Standard Bible states, "When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood to be condemned."

This resistance is rooted in a commitment to truth and righteousness, requiring courage and discernment. The ability to withstand is seen as a virtue, reflecting a steadfast adherence to God's will and a refusal to compromise one's faith.

Conclusion

The biblical theme of withstanding encompasses a range of scenarios, from physical confrontations to spiritual and moral challenges. It underscores the importance of resilience and faithfulness in the face of opposition, encouraging believers to rely on God's strength and guidance as they navigate the trials of life.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Withstand.

2. (imp. & p. p.) o/ Withstand.

Although, Even if There Went Before no Testimonies Concerning ...
... had not learned. And of them who heard them, part believed, part, believing
not, fiercely withstood them who preached. Thus while ...
/.../augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /10 although even if there.htm

The Connexion of Christianity with the Jewish History.
... Saint Paul, in his Second Epistle to Timothy, has this similitude: "Now, as Jannes
and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth." These names ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter iii the connexion of.htm

On Receipt of this Letter, Diodorus Made Himself Master of Its ...
... You, however, who allege that the law of Moses comes from the prince of evil, and
not from the good God, tell me who those were who withstood Moses to the face ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/45 on receipt of this.htm

On the Councils, Or, the Faith of the Easterns.
... And though they withstood them not without in their turn raising some scruples,
and inflicting some wounds upon a sensitive piety, yet they withstood them so ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the councils or the.htm

Come, Let us Hear How they Contend for victory: the Guilty Ones ...
... 13. S., Aaron who withstood thee, O Death, with smoke of incense: to him
I gave earrings of gold: and he fashioned a calf."14. ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn liii come let us.htm

Whether a Mann is Bound to Correct his Prelate?
... Objection 2: Further, a gloss on Gal.2:11, "I withstood him to the face," adds:
"as an equal." Therefore, since a subject is not equal to his prelate, he ought ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a mann is bound.htm

The Temptation
... There was seen in men the working of a power that withstood his dominion. With intense
interest he watched the sacrifices offered by Adam and his sons. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 12 the temptation.htm

Why I Believe the Old Book
... It Has Withstood All Assaults. But though so bitterly assailed through
all the ages, the Bible has withstood the assaults of all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk three why i believe.htm

Auxentius on the Giving up of the Basilicas.
... what was read to-day: The Saviour ordered that the foal of an ass should be brought
to Him by the apostles, and bade them say, if any one withstood them: "The ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/sermon against auxentius on the.htm

Daniel, the Praying Captive
... "But the Prince of the Kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but lo,
Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I remained there ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/x daniel the praying captive.htm

Withstood (7 Occurrences)
...Withstood (7 Occurrences). ... Galatians 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I
withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/w/withstood.htm - 8k

Jannes (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary One of the Egyptians who "withstood Moses" (2 Timothy
3:8). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JANNES AND JAMBRES. ...
/j/jannes.htm - 10k

Jambres (2 Occurrences)
... ez, jam'-brez (Iannes kai Iambres, 2 Timothy 3:8): 1. Egyptian Magicians: These
are the names of two magicians in ancient Egypt, who withstood Moses before ...
/j/jambres.htm - 11k

Elymas (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Magician or sorcerer, the Arabic name of the
Jew Bar-jesus, who withstood Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus. ...
/e/elymas.htm - 7k

Uzziah (27 Occurrences)
... Azariah the high priest saw the tendency of such a daring act on the part of the
king, and with a band of eighty priests he withstood him (2 Chronicles 26:17 ...
/u/uzziah.htm - 27k

Qir-hareseth
... In Jehoram's invasion of Moab it alone withstood his attack; and on the city
wall the king of Moab sacrificed his son (2 Kings 3:25). ...
/q/qir-hareseth.htm - 7k

Qirhareseth
... In Jehoram's invasion of Moab it alone withstood his attack; and on the city
wall the king of Moab sacrificed his son (2 Kings 3:25). ...
/q/qirhareseth.htm - 7k

Kirhareseth (2 Occurrences)
... In Jehoram's invasion of Moab it alone withstood his attack; and on the city
wall the king of Moab sacrificed his son (2 Kings 3:25). ...
/k/kirhareseth.htm - 8k

Kir-hareseth (3 Occurrences)
... In Jehoram's invasion of Moab it alone withstood his attack; and on the city
wall the king of Moab sacrificed his son (2 Kings 3:25). ...
/k/kir-hareseth.htm - 8k

Kir-heres (3 Occurrences)
... In Jehoram's invasion of Moab it alone withstood his attack; and on the city
wall the king of Moab sacrificed his son (2 Kings 3:25). ...
/k/kir-heres.htm - 8k

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