In the context of the Bible, "opposing" often refers to resistance or antagonism against God, His people, or His purposes. This concept is seen throughout Scripture, where individuals, groups, or spiritual entities stand in opposition to divine will or the followers of God.

Old Testament Instances

1. Pharaoh's Opposition: One of the most notable examples of opposition in the Old Testament is Pharaoh's resistance to God's command to let the Israelites go. Despite witnessing numerous plagues, Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he continued to oppose God's directive (Exodus 7-11). This opposition ultimately led to the deliverance of Israel and the destruction of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

2. The Nations Against Israel: Throughout the history of Israel, various nations opposed God's people. The Philistines, for example, frequently battled against Israel, as seen in the accounts of Samson (Judges 13-16) and David (1 Samuel 17). These oppositions often served as a backdrop for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness to Israel.

3. Prophets Facing Opposition: Prophets like Jeremiah and Elijah faced significant opposition from their own people and rulers. Jeremiah was persecuted for his messages of impending judgment (Jeremiah 20:1-2), while Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal and the opposition of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 18-19).

New Testament Instances

1. Religious Leaders Against Jesus: The Gospels record numerous instances where the Pharisees, Sadducees, and other religious leaders opposed Jesus. They questioned His authority, sought to trap Him in His words, and ultimately conspired to have Him crucified (Matthew 12:14, Mark 3:6, John 11:53).

2. Persecution of the Early Church: The early Christians faced opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities. The stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60) and the imprisonment of Peter and John (Acts 4:1-3) are examples of how the early church was opposed for proclaiming the gospel.

3. Paul's Ministry: The Apostle Paul frequently encountered opposition during his missionary journeys. In Ephesus, he faced a riot instigated by silversmiths who felt threatened by the spread of Christianity (Acts 19:23-41). Paul also wrote about the "thorn in the flesh," which he described as a messenger of Satan sent to oppose him (2 Corinthians 12:7).

Spiritual Opposition

The Bible also speaks of spiritual opposition, primarily through the work of Satan and demonic forces. 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." Believers are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against such opposition (Ephesians 6:13-17).

Response to Opposition

Scripture provides guidance on how believers should respond to opposition. Jesus taught to love enemies and pray for those who persecute (Matthew 5:44). The apostles encouraged believers to rejoice in suffering for Christ's sake (1 Peter 4:13) and to remain steadfast in faith (James 1:2-4). The ultimate victory over opposition is assured through Christ, who has overcome the world (John 16:33).(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Oppose.436. anthistemi -- to set against, ie withstand
... Origin from anti and histemi Definition to set against, ie withstand NASB Word Usage
cope (1), oppose (1), has opposed (1), opposed (4), opposing (1), resist (5 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/436.htm - 8k

4875. sunanapauomai -- to lie down to rest with, fig. to be ...
... It only occurs in Ro 15:32 in reference to the Roman Christians coming alongside
Paul to "struggle together" against those opposing his important mission to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4875.htm - 7k

1864. epagonizomai -- to contend with or for
... 1864 (from 1909 , "focused " and 73 , "a contest, competition") -- properly, to
(literally, ""), ie with skill and commitment in opposing whatever is not of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1864.htm - 7k

477. antithesis -- opposition
... another; opposition. Word Origin from anti and tithemi Definition opposition
NASB Word Usage opposing arguments (1). opposition. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/477.htm - 6k

1246. diakatelegchomai -- to confute completely
... Ac 18:28, implies that 'he met the opposing arguments in turn (), and brought them
down to the ground ().' It carries also the thought that he brought home ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1246.htm - 7k

On the Opposing Powers.
... Book III. Chapter II."On the Opposing Powers. 1. We have now to notice,
agreeably to the statements of Scripture, how the opposing ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter ii on the opposing powers.htm

Of the Fact that Opposing Powers Turn the Attack, which they Aim ...
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter XIII. Of the fact that opposing powers
turn the attack, which they aim at men, even against each other. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xiii of the fact.htm

The Opposing Passages.
... Augustin to his holy brethren and fellow-bishops Eutropius and Paulus. Chapter
XV."(34.) The Opposing Passages. And yet the passages ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter xv 34 the opposing passages.htm

God is Able to Convert Opposing Wills, and to Take Away from the ...
... A Treatise on grace and free will, Chapter 29."God is Able to Convert Opposing
Wills, and to Take Away from the Heart Its Hardness. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 29 god is able to.htm

Affinity of Christianity, as Absolute Truth, for the Various ...
... THE JEWS. Section 28. Affinity of Christianity, as absolute Truth, for
the various opposing Religious Systems. On the dissolution ...
/.../section 28 affinity of christianity.htm

He Then Explains the Phrase of S. Peter, "Him God Made Lord and ...
... Book V. Section 2. He then explains the phrase of S. Peter, "Him God made Lord and
Christ." And herein he sets forth the opposing statement of Eunomius, which ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 2 he then explains.htm

This the More Striking, if we Consider the Opposing Forces Out of ...
... Against the Heathen. Section 36. This the more striking, if we consider
the opposing forces out of which this order is produced. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 36 this the more.htm

A Question, How it is that in the Apostle's Chapter, after He Has ...
... A question, how it is that in the Apostle's chapter, after he has spoken of the
lusts of the flesh and spirit opposing one another, he adds a third thing; viz ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter viii a question how.htm

Introduction
... Surely not. There is no more real opposition between these apparently opposing
principles, than there is between enmity and pride. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/introduction.htm

He Refutes the Opinion of the Manich??ans as to Two Kinds of Minds ...
... Let them no more say, then, when they perceive two wills to be antagonistic to each
other in the same man, that the contest is between two opposing minds, of ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter x he refutes the opinion.htm

Opposing (13 Occurrences)
...Opposing (13 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Romans 10:21 But unto Israel he says, All the
day long I have stretched out my hands unto a people disobeying and opposing. ...
/o/opposing.htm - 10k

Opposition (22 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of opposing; an attempt to check,
restrain, or defeat; resistance. 2. (n.) The state of ...
/o/opposition.htm - 13k

Dispute (37 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) Verbal controversy; contest by opposing argument or expression of opposing
views or claims; controversial discussion; altercation; debate. ...
/d/dispute.htm - 17k

Adversary (100 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One who is turned against another or others with a design to oppose or resist
them; a member of an opposing or hostile party; an opponent; an antagonist ...
/a/adversary.htm - 40k

Judah (802 Occurrences)
... divisions runs all through the national history of the Hebrews, and was only brought
to an end by the annihilation of one of the opposing factions (Isaiah 11:13 ...
/j/judah.htm - 101k

Zoroastrianism
... The system presupposes a good spirit (Ormuzd) and an opposing evil spirit (Ahriman).
Cf. Fire worship, under Fire, and Parsee. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/z/zoroastrianism.htm - 17k

Kingdom (409 Occurrences)
... divisions runs all through the national history of the Hebrews, and was only brought
to an end by the annihilation of one of the opposing factions (Isaiah 11:13 ...
/k/kingdom.htm - 101k

Obvious (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Opposing; fronting. 2. (a.) Exposed;
subject; open; liable. 3. (a.) Easily discovered, seen, or ...
/o/obvious.htm - 8k

Omri (16 Occurrences)
... For four years there was continued opposition to his reign, Tibni, another claimant
to the throne, leading the opposing party; but at the close of that period ...
/o/omri.htm - 20k

Opponent (13 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One who opposes; an adversary; an antagonist; a foe. 2. (a.) Situated
in front; opposite; hence, opposing; adverse; antagonistic. ...
/o/opponent.htm - 10k

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Opposing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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