Topical Bible: Complicity: General Scriptures Concerning

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Topical Encyclopedia

Complicity, in a biblical context, refers to the participation or involvement in wrongdoing or sin, either directly or indirectly. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature of complicity, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and the consequences of being complicit in the sins of others.

Old Testament References

1. Exodus 23:2 : "You shall not follow a crowd to do evil. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd." This verse warns against joining others in wrongdoing, highlighting the danger of collective sin and the importance of standing firm in righteousness.

2. Leviticus 19:17 : "You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him." Here, the Scripture emphasizes the responsibility to confront sin rather than silently condoning it, which would make one complicit.

3. Proverbs 1:10-15 : "My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. If they say, 'Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause...' my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path." This passage advises against joining in the schemes of the wicked, underscoring the importance of avoiding complicity in their actions.

New Testament References

1. Romans 1:32 : "Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things but also approve of those who practice them." This verse highlights the severity of complicity, where even approving of sin is seen as participating in it.

2. 1 Corinthians 5:6 : "Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?" Paul warns the Corinthian church about the dangers of allowing sin to persist within the community, as it can corrupt the entire body, implicating all in the sin.

3. Ephesians 5:11 : "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Believers are called to separate themselves from sinful actions and to actively expose them, avoiding any form of complicity.

4. 2 John 1:11 : "Anyone who greets him shares in his wicked work." This verse warns against even seemingly minor forms of complicity, such as offering support or encouragement to those who are engaged in false teachings or sinful practices.

Theological Implications

The biblical teaching on complicity underscores the importance of personal integrity and the call to holiness. Believers are urged to maintain a clear distinction between righteousness and sin, avoiding any association that might lead to shared guilt. The Scriptures consistently call for active resistance to sin, both in personal conduct and in the broader community, emphasizing the need for vigilance and moral courage.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 50:18
When you saw a thief, then you consented with him, and have been partaker with adulterers.
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Proverbs 29:24
Whoever is partner with a thief hates his own soul: he hears cursing, and denudes it not.
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Romans 1:32
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
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2 John 1:10,11
If there come any to you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
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Library

Review
... appearance, would have discovered the kind of complicity into which ... Is it written
for the mass of general readers? ... for a moment, that the Holy Scriptures are (p ...
//christianbookshelf.org/burgon/inspiration and interpretation/review.htm

On the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead.
... 6214] In general we ought ... the Resurrection of Christ either from the Scriptures -
and this ... really shifts - if we acquit the disciples of complicity - the fraud ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi on the resurrection.htm

Introduction to the De Trinitate.
... of the work, are discussed in the general Introduction, it ... hearers a loyal belief
in the Scriptures which he ... Catholic faith the suspicion of complicity in such ...
/.../introduction to the de trinitate.htm

Elucidations.
... their own provinces, or to a general council, as ... felt bound to separate himself from
complicity with open ... in explaining the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/elucidations.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... The Scriptures, which the day before I could scarcely ... to keep himself clear of
complicity with this ... to an audience with the Adjutant General, Colonel Townsend ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

On the Holy Spirit.
... because we see in it no complicity or composition ... that it was far from attaining
general acceptance. ... to accept, out of reverence for the Scriptures which have ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the holy spirit.htm