Jump to: Topical • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Origin Heresy, in the context of Christian theology, refers to beliefs or doctrines that deviate from the established teachings of the Bible and the early Church. The term originates from the Greek word "hairesis," which means "choice" or "faction." In the New Testament, it is used to describe divisions or sects that arise from differing interpretations of Christian doctrine. Biblical References The New Testament addresses heresy and false teachings on several occasions, warning believers to guard against them. In Galatians 5:19-21 , the Apostle Paul lists "factions" as one of the works of the flesh, which are contrary to the Spirit: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." In 2 Peter 2:1 , Peter warns of false teachers who will introduce destructive heresies: "Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies that will even deny the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves." Historical Context Throughout Church history, heresies have arisen that challenged core Christian doctrines. The early Church Fathers, such as Irenaeus and Athanasius, wrote extensively against heretical teachings like Gnosticism and Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. The ecumenical councils, such as the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, were convened to address these heresies and to affirm orthodox Christian beliefs. Theological Implications Heresy is considered a grave sin because it distorts the truth of the Gospel and can lead believers astray. In 1 Timothy 4:1 , Paul warns, "Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons." Heresy undermines the unity of the Church and the integrity of its witness to the world. Response to Heresy The New Testament provides guidance on how to respond to heresy. In Titus 3:10-11 , Paul advises, "Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned." The Church is called to uphold sound doctrine, as emphasized in 2 Timothy 4:2-4 : "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires." Conclusion While the Bible warns against heresy, it also emphasizes the importance of love and patience in correcting those who have strayed. In 2 Timothy 2:24-25 , Paul instructs, "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." Topical Bible Verses 2 Peter 2:1-22But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. Topicalbible.org Jude 1:3-16 1 John 4:1-3 1 John 4:1 2 John 1:10 Galatians 2:4 2 Corinthians 11:4 Galatians 1:7 ATS Bible Dictionary HeresyChoice, chosen way of life or faith, sect, school, party. The Greek word properly designates any sect or party, without implying praise or censure. So in Acts 5:17 15:5 26:4,5. In the epistles it denotes a sect or party in a bad sense, implying a refractory spirit, as well as error in faith and practice, 1 1 Corinthians 11:19 Galatians 5:20 2 Peter 2:1. After the primitive age, the word came to signify simply error in doctrine. Easton's Bible Dictionary From a Greek word signifying (1) a choice, (2) the opinion chosen, and (3) the sect holding the opinion. In the Acts of the Apostles (5:17; 15:5; 24:5, 14; 26:5) it denotes a sect, without reference to its character. Elsewhere, however, in the New Testament it has a different meaning attached to it. Paul ranks "heresies" with crimes and seditions (Galatians 5:20). This word also denotes divisions or schisms in the church (1 Corinthians 11:19). In Titus 3:10 a "heretical person" is one who follows his own self-willed "questions," and who is to be avoided. Heresies thus came to signify self-chosen doctrines not emanating from God (2 Peter 2:1). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An opinion held in opposition to the established doctrine, and tending to promote a division or party, as in politics, literature, philosophy, etc.; -- usually, but not necessarily, said in reproach.2. (n.) Religious opinion opposed to the authorized doctrinal standards of any particular church, especially when tending to promote schism or separation; lack of orthodox or sound belief; rejection of, or erroneous belief in regard to, some fundamental religious doctrine or truth; heterodoxy. 3. (n.) An offense against Christianity, consisting in a denial of some essential doctrine, which denial is publicly avowed, and obstinately maintained. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HERESYher'-e-si, her'-e-si (hairesis, from verb haireo, "to choose"): The word has acquired an ecclesiastical meaning that has passed into common usage, containing elements not found in the term in the New Testament, except as implied in one passage. In classical Greek, it may be used either in a good or a bad sense, first, simply for "choice," then, "a chosen course of procedure," and afterward of various schools and tendencies. Polybius refers to those devoting themselves to the study of Greek literature as given to the Hellenike hairesis. It was used not simply for a teaching or a course followed, but also for those devoting themselves to such pursuit, namely, a sect, or assembly of those advocating a particular doctrine or mode of life. Thus, in Acts, the word is used in the Greek, where the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) have "sect," "sect of the Sadducees" (Acts 5:17), "sect of the Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5). In Acts 26:5 the Pharisees are called "the straitest hairesis (sect)." The name was applied contemptuously to Christianity (Acts 24:14; Acts 28:22). Its application, with censure, is found in 1 Corinthians 11:19 m; Galatians 5:20 margin, where it is shown to interfere with that unity of faith and community of interests that belong to Christians. There being but one standard of truth, and one goal for all Christian life, any arbitrary choice varying from what was common to all believers, becomes an inconsistency and a sin to be warned against. Ellicott, on Galatians 5:20, correctly defines "heresies" (King James Version, the English Revised Version) as "a more aggravated form of dichostasia" (the American Standard Revised Version "parties") "when the divisions have developed into distinct and organized parties"; so also 1 Corinthians 11:19, translated by the Revised Version (British and American) "factions." In 2 Peter 2:1, the transition toward the subsequent ecclesiastical sense can be traced. The "destructive heresies" (Revised Version margin, the English Revised Version margin "sects of perdition") are those guilty of errors both of doctrine and of life very fully described throughout the entire chapter, and who, in such course, separated themselves from the fellowship of the church. Greek 139. hairesis -- choice, opinion ... heresy, sect. From haireomai; properly, a choice, ie (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion -- heresy (which is the Greek word itself), sect. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/139.htm - 7k Library Epistles on the Arian Heresy And the Deposition of Arius Whether Heresy is a Species of Unbelief? Of the Heresy of the Messaliani. Of Heresy (Four Articles) The Heresy of Macedonius. The Heresy of Tatian. Whether Heresy is Properly About Matters of Faith? The Heresy Compared to the Hydra of the Poets. The Tales of Poets ... Origin of the Arian Heresy. Of the Heresy of the Audiani. Thesaurus Heresy (2 Occurrences)... maintained. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HERESY. her'-e ... 23. HE Jacobs. Multi-Version Concordance Heresy (2 Occurrences). Acts 24 ... /h/heresy.htm - 12k Sect (10 Occurrences) Colossians (1 Occurrence) Vulgate Heretical (1 Occurrence) Gnosticism Ebionites Ebionism Canon Alexander (5 Occurrences) Resources What is the definition of heresy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Pneumatomachian heresy / Macedonianism? | GotQuestions.org Why did John Calvin have Michael Servetus burned at the stake for heresy? | GotQuestions.org Heresy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Heresy (2 Occurrences)Acts 24:5 Acts 24:14 Subtopics Heresy: Paul and Silas Accused of Heresy: Teachers of, Among Early Christians Heresy: The Propagation of, Forbidden Under Severe Penalties Related Terms |
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