In the biblical context, the concept of "supporters" encompasses those who provide assistance, encouragement, and strength to others, often in the pursuit of fulfilling God's will. This support can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial aid. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the importance of being a supporter and receiving support within the community of believers.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the role of supporters is evident in the relationships between key figures. For instance, Aaron and Hur supported Moses during the battle against the Amalekites. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed, but when he grew weary, Aaron and Hur provided physical support by holding up his hands, ensuring victory (Exodus 17:12). This act of support highlights the importance of communal effort and the strength found in unity.

Another example is found in the relationship between Jonathan and David. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, provided emotional and spiritual support to David, even when his own father sought David's life. Jonathan's loyalty and encouragement were pivotal in helping David navigate the challenges he faced (1 Samuel 18:1-4, 1 Samuel 23:16-18).

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further emphasizes the role of supporters within the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul frequently acknowledges and expresses gratitude for those who supported his ministry. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul commends the church for their partnership and financial support, which enabled him to continue his missionary work (Philippians 4:15-18).

The early church is depicted as a community of believers who supported one another in various ways. Acts 2:44-45 describes how the early Christians shared their possessions and resources, ensuring that no one among them was in need. This communal support was a testament to their unity and love for one another.

Spiritual Support

Supporters also play a crucial role in providing spiritual encouragement and guidance. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often exhorts believers to support one another through prayer, teaching, and mutual edification. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 , Paul writes, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." This call to support one another spiritually is foundational to the Christian faith.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The ultimate supporter for believers is the Holy Spirit, often referred to as the "Helper" or "Comforter." Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His disciples as a source of guidance, strength, and support in their mission to spread the Gospel (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit empowers believers to support one another and to carry out the work of the Kingdom.

Practical Application

In practical terms, being a supporter involves actively seeking ways to assist others, whether through acts of service, financial aid, or offering a listening ear. It requires a heart of compassion and a willingness to bear one another's burdens, as instructed in Galatians 6:2 : "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Supporters are vital to the health and growth of the Christian community, reflecting the love and unity that Christ desires for His followers. Through the examples and teachings found in Scripture, believers are encouraged to be both givers and receivers of support, fostering a community that mirrors the selfless love of Christ.

The Arians and the Supporters of the Homoousion' Hold Nocturnal ...
... Chapter VIII."The Arians and the Supporters of the Homoousion' hold Nocturnal
Assemblies and sing Antiphonal Hymns, a Species of Composition ascribed to ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter viii the arians and the.htm

The Age of Absolutism and Unbelief
... the rationalists realised that the Jesuits were their strongest opponents, while
the politicians believed them to be the most strenuous supporters of the ...
/.../chapter vii the age of.htm

But as the Wills of Friends, which are not Seen, are Believed ...
... not have in faith, whence they might be saved; yet they should retain in their memory,
whence we might be helped; in their books our supporters, in their ...
/.../augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /8 but as the wills.htm

Theory of Book I.
... the work"that must be the ideal of the Church, that man and no other, whatever be
the consequence in the way of offending well-to-do supporters whose dream ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jackson/the message and the man/theory of book i.htm

The Downfall, 1616-1621.
... fatal day, the Protestant Convention met in the Hradschin, and then, a little later,
the fiery Thurn sallied out with a body of armed supporters, arrived at ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiv the downfall 1616-1621.htm

Against "The Roaring Lions"
... The election promised to be stormy. The supporters of the Archdeacon, who feared
the hostility of the Numidian bishops, did not wait for their arrival. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv against the roaring lions.htm

The Council of Nic??a.
... Quasi-formal meetings were held, Arius and his supporters met the bishops,
and the situation began to clear (Soz. i.17). To their ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 3 -1 the council.htm

The First Successors of the Apostles.
... supposed that he was one of the disciples with whom Christ walked to Emmaus, and
this ingenious but unfounded guess has gained some modern supporters (eg Lange ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iv the first successors of.htm

Letters of the Council of Sardica to the Churches of Egypt and of ...
... We were not ignorant, but the fact was well known to us, even before we received
the letters of your piety, that the supporters of the abominated heresy of the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iii letters of the council.htm

Knox in Scotland: Lethington: Mary of Guise: 1555-1556
... defenders, as Bothwell later, in similar circumstances, dreaded the assemblage under
the Earl of Moray; as Lennox shrank from facing the supporters of Bothwell ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter vii knox in scotland .htm

Supporters (12 Occurrences)
...Supporters (12 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Acts 17:18 And some of those who were supporters
of the theories of the Epicureans and the Stoics, had a meeting with him. ...
/s/supporters.htm - 10k

Supporter (6 Occurrences)
... Usually, both supporters of an escutcheon are similar figures. 5. (n.) A broad band
or truss for supporting the abdomen or some other part or organ. ...
/s/supporter.htm - 8k

Numbering (35 Occurrences)
... this man, there was Judas of Galilee, at the time of the numbering, and some of
the people went after him: he was put to death, and all his supporters were put ...
/n/numbering.htm - 19k

Gopher (1 Occurrence)
... also meaning "pitch"; hence, along both lines, we reach the probability of some
resinous wood, and pine, cedar, and cypress have all had their supporters. ...
/g/gopher.htm - 9k

Wood (226 Occurrences)
... also meaning "pitch"; hence, along both lines, we reach the probability of some
resinous wood, and pine, cedar, and cypress have all had their supporters. ...
/w/wood.htm - 42k

Writeth (26 Occurrences)
... And Ahab hath seventy sons in Samaria, and Jehu writeth letters, and sendeth to
Samaria, unto the heads of Jezreel, the elders, and unto the supporters of Ahab ...
/w/writeth.htm - 14k

Flight (325 Occurrences)
... this man, there was Judas of Galilee, at the time of the numbering, and some of
the people went after him: he was put to death, and all his supporters were put ...
/f/flight.htm - 38k

Foolish (259 Occurrences)
... BBE). Acts 17:18 And some of those who were supporters of the theories of
the Epicureans and the Stoics, had a meeting with him. And ...
/f/foolish.htm - 36k

Theories (1 Occurrence)
... Theories (1 Occurrence). Acts 17:18 And some of those who were supporters of the
theories of the Epicureans and the Stoics, had a meeting with him. ...
/t/theories.htm - 7k

Meeting (323 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Acts 17:18 And some of those who were supporters of the theories
of the Epicureans and the Stoics, had a meeting with him. ...
/m/meeting.htm - 39k

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