Intimidation, in a biblical context, refers to the act of instilling fear or a sense of inferiority in others, often to manipulate or control their actions. This concept is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, where believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith and not succumb to fear or coercion.

Biblical Instances and Teachings

1. Goliath and the Israelites: One of the most prominent examples of intimidation in the Bible is the account of Goliath and the Israelites. Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior, intimidated the Israelite army with his size and strength, challenging them to send a champion to fight him. The Israelites were "dismayed and greatly afraid" (1 Samuel 17:11). However, David, a young shepherd boy, refused to be intimidated, trusting in the Lord's deliverance. He declared, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37).

2. Nehemiah's Opposition: Nehemiah faced intimidation from Sanballat, Tobiah, and others who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. They attempted to frighten Nehemiah and his workers, hoping to halt their progress. Nehemiah responded with prayer and perseverance, saying, "But I prayed, 'Now strengthen my hands'" (Nehemiah 6:9). His reliance on God and refusal to be intimidated allowed the work to continue.

3. The Early Church: The early Christians often faced intimidation from religious and political authorities. In Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested and threatened by the Sanhedrin for preaching about Jesus. Despite the threats, they boldly proclaimed, "We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). The early church prayed for boldness, and the Holy Spirit empowered them to continue their mission without fear.

Exhortations Against Fear

The Bible frequently exhorts believers not to fear intimidation but to trust in God's protection and strength. In Isaiah 41:10, God reassures His people, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness" . This promise of divine support is a recurring theme, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in the face of threats.

Spiritual Armor and Warfare

Ephesians 6:10-18 provides a metaphorical framework for understanding how believers can withstand intimidation through the "armor of God." Paul instructs Christians to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10), equipping themselves with truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. This spiritual armor enables believers to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, including intimidation.

Jesus' Example

Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, faced numerous attempts at intimidation from religious leaders and even Satan himself. In the wilderness, Satan tried to intimidate Jesus with temptations, but Jesus responded with Scripture, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to God's will (Matthew 4:1-11). Throughout His ministry, Jesus remained resolute, teaching His followers to fear God rather than man: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28).

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that intimidation is a tool of the enemy, used to instill fear and hinder God's work. Believers are called to resist intimidation by relying on God's strength, standing firm in their faith, and trusting in His promises. Through prayer, the support of the Holy Spirit, and the example of Christ, Christians can overcome intimidation and fulfill their divine calling.2 Corinthians 11:20
For you suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
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3 John 1:9-10
I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not.
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1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:
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2 Timothy 2:15
Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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James 1:1-27
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
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Colossians 1:1-29
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,
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(n.) The act of making timid or fearful or of deterring by threats; the state of being intimidated; as, the voters were kept from the polls by intimidation.5401. phobos -- panic flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror
... Definition panic flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror NASB Word Usage cause
of fear (1), fear (37), fearful (1), fears (1), intimidation (1), respect (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5401.htm - 7k

As the Foam Upon Water
... of turbulence, had changed his six hundred from earnest recruits to bright-eyed,
contentious, irresponsible enthusiasts whom only intimidation could manage. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter xx as the foam.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... and the small classes of virtuous citizens of other denominations; and therefore
every effort was made by allurements and intimidation to debauch and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Letter Lxxx. (To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople. )
... account, to be desirous of communion with us, on the ground of their sorrow that
they did not remain constant against violence and intimidation, but gave their ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter lxxx to anatolius bishop.htm

Letter Lix. To the Clergy and People of the City of Constantinople ...
... especially when they dare even to defend their mendacious and perverse views, and
persuade the unsteadfast to agree with them either by intimidation or by ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter lix to the clergy.htm

Of the Holy Basilius, Bishop of C??sarea, and the Measures Taken ...
... to declare to what conclusion he had come. Intimidation was moreover joined
with argument. The reply of the illustrious bishop is ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xvi of the holy basilius.htm

Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ...
... of Avoiding It is the Result of the Subtle and Complex Character of the Government
Use of Force"Force is Used in Four Ways: Intimidation, Bribery, Hypnotism ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter viii doctrine of non-resistance.htm

Whether the Souls who are in Heaven or Hell are Able to Go from ...
... It is also credible that this may occur sometimes to the damned, and that for man's
instruction and intimidation they be permitted to appear to the living; or ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the souls who are.htm

Letter cvi. To Anatolius, Bishop of Constantinople, in Rebuke of ...
... to the disturbance of the whole Church, which has purposed so to misuse a synodal
council, as by wicked arguments to over-persuade, or by intimidation to compel ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter cvi to anatolius bishop.htm

Project of Theodosius to Unify all the Heresies. The Propositions ...
... execution, for the emperor had no desire to persecute his subjects; he only desired
to enforce uniformity of view about God through the medium of intimidation. ...
/.../chapter xii project of theodosius to.htm

On the Councils, Or, the Faith of the Easterns.
... found from the time that the Church began to be harried by disturbances such as
the expatriation of bishops, the deposition of priests, the intimidation of the ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the councils or the.htm

Intimidation (1 Occurrence)
... (n.) The act of making timid or fearful or of deterring by threats; the state of
being intimidated; as, the voters were kept from the polls by intimidation. ...
/i/intimidation.htm - 6k

Into (18988 Occurrences)

/i/into.htm - 8k

Intimidate (4 Occurrences)

/i/intimidate.htm - 7k

Terrorize (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To impress with terror; to coerce by intimidation.
Multi-Version Concordance Terrorize (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/terrorize.htm - 6k

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