Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Intolerance of

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The role of a Christian minister is one of spiritual leadership, guidance, and service within the church and the broader community. However, throughout history and even in contemporary settings, ministers have faced intolerance and opposition. This entry explores the biblical perspective on the intolerance of Christian ministers, drawing from scriptural examples and teachings.

Biblical Examples of Intolerance

1. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of a minister facing intolerance is Jesus Christ Himself. Despite His message of love, redemption, and truth, Jesus encountered significant opposition from religious leaders and others. In the Gospel of John, it is recorded, "He came to His own, but His own did not receive Him" (John 1:11). The Pharisees and Sadducees frequently challenged His authority and teachings, ultimately leading to His crucifixion.

2. The Apostles: The early church leaders, including the apostles, faced severe persecution and intolerance. The Book of Acts details numerous instances where the apostles were imprisoned, beaten, and threatened for preaching the Gospel. Acts 5:40-41 states, "They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."

3. Paul the Apostle: Paul, a prominent figure in the early church, experienced significant opposition throughout his ministry. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-25 , Paul recounts, "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea." Despite these hardships, Paul remained steadfast in his mission.

Reasons for Intolerance

1. Challenge to Established Norms: Christian ministers often challenge societal and religious norms, calling for repentance and a return to biblical principles. This can lead to resistance from those who are comfortable with the status quo or who feel threatened by the transformative power of the Gospel.

2. Spiritual Warfare: The Bible speaks of a spiritual battle between the forces of good and evil. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ministers, as leaders in the spiritual realm, often become targets of this warfare.

3. Misunderstanding and Misrepresentation: Ministers may be misunderstood or misrepresented, leading to intolerance. The message of the Gospel can be perceived as exclusive or intolerant itself, especially when it calls for a rejection of sin and a commitment to Christ.

Biblical Response to Intolerance

1. Perseverance and Faithfulness: The Bible encourages ministers to remain faithful in the face of opposition. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

2. Love and Forgiveness: Christian ministers are called to respond to intolerance with love and forgiveness, following the example of Christ. In Matthew 5:44 , Jesus instructs, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

3. Reliance on God's Strength: Ministers are encouraged to rely on God's strength rather than their own. Philippians 4:13 affirms, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

In summary, while Christian ministers may face intolerance, the Bible provides guidance and encouragement to persevere, love, and rely on God's strength in their ministry.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 15:23
But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and sought him, saying, Send her away; for she cries after us.
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Matthew 19:13
Then were there brought to him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
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Mark 10:13
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
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Luke 18:15
And they brought to him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
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Library

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... A Christian minister is a person who in a peculiar sense is ... We shall rejoice if any
other Christian societies of ... and civil, in an age of intolerance which made ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

The Ecclesiastical Writers. By "The Fathers" we Understand the ...
... interview, was a member and, perhaps, a minister of the ... of what he calls the Gnostic
or perfect Christian. ... good parent fell a victim to the intolerance of the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter i the ecclesiastical writers.htm

The Counsel of Gamaliel.
... was firm and manly, and discovered a spirit which should animate every Christian
minister, and every Christian man; a ... Intolerance was natural to such a sect ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vii the counsel of.htm

Calcutta and the Mission Centres from Delhi to Amboyna
... after the charter of 1813 had removed the legislative excuse for intolerance, Dr.
Carey was ... "Your great work, my dear Jabez, is that of a Christian minister. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vii calcutta and the.htm

The Permanent Significance of the Old Testament
... Against intolerance and persecution the human heart rebels, and with it comes a ... What
sublime ideals even the Christian minister may find in the lives of the ...
/.../chapter vi the permanent significance.htm

The Growth of the Church. The Dawn of the Second Century was Full ...
... were as buoyant as ever; for though intolerance had thinned ... A learned minister of
the Church could now venture to affirm that Christian communities were to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the growth of.htm

The Church of Rome in the Second Century.
... obnoxious to the spirit of intolerance; and if ... drawn the inference that the Christian
congregations then ... equally probable that the young minister from Asia ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the church of.htm

Book Four. The Modern Moravians, 1857-1907.
... Third, there is the work of Christian education ... in Volhynia; and the result of this
intolerance was that ... employ about 120 Diaspora workers, and minister thus to ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/book four the modern moravians.htm

The Congregationalists.
... of the Massachusetts Colony against the charge of intolerance. ... reproof, and co-operation
in every Christian work. ... to it not only from the minister, but from ...
/.../ 101 the congregationalists.htm

Criticism of the Westminster System of Doctrine.
... and most comprehensive system of Christian doctrine ever framed ... broadly denies any
taint of intolerance in the ... Edwards, a zealous Presbyterian minister at London ...
/.../ 97 criticism of the.htm