Active resistance refers to the deliberate and often forceful opposition to authority or oppression. Within the biblical context, this concept can be explored through various narratives and teachings that illustrate the tension between submission to authority and the call to stand against injustice or ungodliness.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses and Pharaoh: One of the earliest examples of active resistance is found in the account of Moses. God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, directly opposing Pharaoh's oppressive rule. Moses' repeated demands to "Let my people go" (Exodus 5:1) and the subsequent plagues demonstrate a divinely sanctioned resistance against tyranny.

2. The Hebrew Midwives: In Exodus 1, the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, resisted Pharaoh's command to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. Their fear of God led them to defy the king's orders, and God rewarded their courage and faithfulness (Exodus 1:17-21).

3. David and Saul: While David often fled from King Saul's attempts on his life, he also actively resisted by gathering a band of followers and strategically avoiding capture. However, David's resistance was marked by a refusal to harm Saul, respecting him as the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 24:6).

New Testament Teachings

1. Jesus and the Temple Cleansing: Jesus' cleansing of the temple is a notable act of active resistance. By driving out the money changers and overturning their tables, Jesus opposed the corruption and exploitation occurring in the house of God (Matthew 21:12-13).

2. The Apostles and the Sanhedrin: In Acts 4 and 5, Peter and John exemplify active resistance when they are commanded by the Sanhedrin to stop teaching in the name of Jesus. They boldly declare, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29), choosing to continue their mission despite the threats.

3. Paul's Appeals: The Apostle Paul often resisted unjust treatment through legal means. In Acts 16, after being beaten and imprisoned without a trial, Paul demands justice as a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37). His appeals to Roman law demonstrate a strategic form of resistance within the legal framework of his time.

Theological Considerations

The Bible presents a nuanced view of resistance, balancing the call to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7) with the imperative to obey God above all (Acts 5:29). Active resistance is often portrayed as a response to clear instances of injustice, idolatry, or commands that directly contradict God's laws.

Ethical Implications

From a conservative Christian perspective, active resistance is justified when it aligns with biblical principles and is carried out with a spirit of humility and reliance on God's guidance. The examples of resistance in Scripture often involve a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a commitment to righteousness, even in the face of personal risk or sacrifice.