Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the term "pelted" refers to the act of throwing stones or other objects at someone, often as a form of punishment, mockery, or persecution. This action is typically associated with hostility and aggression, and it is mentioned in several instances throughout the Bible, illustrating the challenges faced by God's people and the prophets.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, stoning was a common form of capital punishment for various offenses under the Mosaic Law. While the term "pelted" itself may not be explicitly used, the act of throwing stones is evident in several passages. For example, in Leviticus 24:14, the Israelites are commanded to stone a blasphemer: "Take the blasphemer outside the camp. All those who heard him are to lay their hands on his head, and the entire assembly is to stone him." The act of stoning was not only a means of execution but also a communal act of purging evil from among the people, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:7: "The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from among you." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the act of being pelted with stones is most notably associated with the persecution of early Christians. One of the most significant accounts is the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. In Acts 7:58-59, Stephen is dragged out of the city and stoned: "They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.'" The Apostle Paul, who was present at Stephen's stoning, later experienced similar persecution. In 2 Corinthians 11:25, Paul recounts his sufferings for the sake of the Gospel: "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." Symbolic and Spiritual Implications The act of being pelted with stones in the Bible often symbolizes the rejection and persecution faced by those who stand for God's truth. It serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the opposition that believers may encounter in a fallen world. Jesus Himself warned His followers of such persecution in John 15:20: "Remember the word that I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well." The endurance of those who were pelted, such as Stephen and Paul, exemplifies the steadfast faith and courage required to uphold the Gospel message. Their willingness to suffer for Christ's sake is a testament to their unwavering commitment to their faith and serves as an inspiration for believers to remain faithful amidst trials and tribulations. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Pelt.Library Pelted by the Mob at Leeds The Journal of John Wesley Choosing Her Course The Fall of Jerusalem. Epiphanius Intervenes The Martyrdom Three Condensed Parables To Theodore, Bishop of Tyana. At an Irish Funeral Arcadius and Honorius (Ad 395-423) Thesaurus Pelted (1 Occurrence)...Pelted (1 Occurrence). Matthew 21:35 but the vine-dressers seized the servants, and one they cruelly beat, one they killed, one they pelted with stones. (WEY). ... /p/pelted.htm - 6k Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Goodly (46 Occurrences) Trees (179 Occurrences) Pelting (1 Occurrence) Pel'onite (3 Occurrences) Cruelly (26 Occurrences) Seized (118 Occurrences) Stones (244 Occurrences) Resources Who was Shimei in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgCan I really do all things through Christ? | GotQuestions.org Is being gay a sin? Is it a sin to be gay? | GotQuestions.org Pelted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pelted (1 Occurrence)Matthew 21:35 Subtopics Related Terms |
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