Definition: The term "gainsaid" refers to the act of contradicting, opposing, or speaking against something or someone. In biblical contexts, it often involves resisting or disputing the truth or authority of God's word or His messengers.

Biblical Usage: The concept of gainsaying is found in various passages throughout the Bible, where individuals or groups oppose divine truth or the messengers of God. It is often associated with rebellion, unbelief, and the rejection of divine authority.

Key Scripture References:

1. Luke 21:15 : "For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." In this passage, Jesus assures His disciples that when they face persecution, He will provide them with wisdom that their opponents will not be able to gainsay or refute.

2. Titus 1:9 : "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." Here, the Apostle Paul instructs Titus on the qualifications of church leaders, emphasizing the importance of being able to refute gainsayers—those who contradict sound doctrine.

3. Acts 13:45 : "But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him." This verse describes how some Jews opposed Paul’s preaching of the Gospel, illustrating the act of gainsaying by contradicting and speaking against the message of Christ.

Theological Implications: Gainsaying is often seen as a manifestation of a hardened heart and a refusal to accept divine truth. It is associated with spiritual blindness and rebellion against God. The Bible warns against the dangers of gainsaying, as it leads individuals away from the truth and can result in spiritual ruin.

Historical Context: Throughout biblical history, prophets and apostles frequently encountered gainsayers. These individuals or groups often represented the religious or political establishments that resisted the transformative message of the Gospel. The opposition faced by Jesus, the prophets, and the apostles serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle between truth and falsehood.

Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith and be prepared to defend the truth against gainsayers. This involves a deep understanding of Scripture, reliance on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, and a commitment to living out the Gospel in a way that reflects the love and truth of Christ. Christians are called to engage with gainsayers with grace and truth, seeking to win them over with the love of Christ while remaining steadfast in their convictions.(imp. & p. p.) of Gainsay.

As God's Mercy is Free, So his Judgments are Just, and Cannot be ...
... Chapter 99."As God's Mercy is Free, So His Judgments are Just, and Cannot
Be Gainsaid. Now after commending the mercy of God, saying ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 99 as gods mercy is.htm

Justice and the Reason of Effects
... is tyrannical. Justice without might is gainsaid, because there are always
offenders; might without justice is condemned. We must ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section v justice and the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. x. 28, "Be not Afraid of them ...
... I have proved that the soul can be slain. The Gospel cannot be gainsaid but by
the ungodly soul. ... Life cannot be gainsaid, but by a dead soul. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xv on the words.htm

He Brings Forward the Witness of God the Father to the Divinity of ...
... But as we have mentioned a sign from heaven, I will show you a sign from heaven:
and one of such a character that even the devils have never gainsaid it: while ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xvi he brings forward.htm

Matt. xxvii. 11, 12
... And He gives a reason that cannot be gainsaid, saying, "If I were of this world,
my servants would fight, that I should not be delivered." For this purpose I ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxvi matt xxvii 11.htm

The First Discovery of America
... my advice is that we should draw lots who shall go in her; for that will not be
unworthy of our manhood.' This advice seemed so good that none gainsaid it; and ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/the first discovery of america.htm

The First Discovery of America.
... my advice is that we should draw lots who shall go in her; for that will not be
unworthy of our manhood." This advice seemed so good that none gainsaid it; and ...
/.../lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture iii the first discovery.htm

Elucidations.
... Powerfully as Tertullian states his view of this apostolic "delivering unto Satan"
as for final perdition, it is not to be gainsaid that (1 Corinthians 5:5 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/elucidations.htm

Here Beginneth the Story of Judith
... of him. Which all gainsaid him with one will, and without worship sent home his
messengers void, and set nought by him. Then Nebuchadnezzar ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the story of.htm

On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ...
... therefore in the Resurrection of the dead, is a great commandment and doctrine of
the Holy Catholic Church; great and most necessary, though gainsaid by many ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xviii on the words.htm

Gainsaid (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gainsaid (1 Occurrence). Acts 19:36 Seeing then that these
things cannot be gainsaid, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash. ...
/g/gainsaid.htm - 6k

Gainsay (1 Occurrence)
... The Revised Version (British and American) has "gainsaid" for "spoken against"
(Acts 19:36); "not gainsaying" for "not answering again" (Titus 2:9); "gainsaying ...
/g/gainsay.htm - 8k

Gain's (1 Occurrence)

/g/gain's.htm - 6k

Beauty (98 Occurrences)
... Here is proof that cannot be gainsaid that the Scripture authors sought the aid
of aesthetics as garb for the ethics they taught. So they wrote in poetry. ...
/b/beauty.htm - 45k

Gainsaid: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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