In biblical terms, the concept of "strikers" is often associated with individuals who are prone to violence, aggression, or physical altercations. The term is derived from the Greek word "plēktēs," which appears in the New Testament and is typically translated as "striker" or "violent person." This entry explores the biblical perspective on strikers, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications of such behavior as outlined in Scripture.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Timothy 3:3 · In the context of qualifications for church leadership, the Apostle Paul instructs that a bishop or overseer must not be a "striker." The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as: "not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money." Here, the term "violent" is synonymous with "striker," indicating that church leaders should exhibit self-control and gentleness rather than aggression.

2. Titus 1:7 · Similarly, Paul writes to Titus regarding the qualifications for elders, stating: "As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money." . Again, the emphasis is on the necessity for leaders to avoid being strikers, highlighting the importance of a peaceful and temperate disposition.

3. Proverbs 3:31 · While not using the term "striker" directly, the wisdom literature of the Old Testament advises against envying violent individuals: "Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways." . This verse underscores the broader biblical principle that violence and aggression are contrary to the righteous path.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

The biblical admonition against being a striker is rooted in the broader Christian ethic of peace, self-control, and love for one's neighbor. The New Testament frequently contrasts the works of the flesh, which include violence and strife, with the fruit of the Spirit, which encompasses love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:19-23).

The call for leaders to be free from the tendency to strike or be violent reflects the expectation that those in positions of authority within the church should model Christ-like behavior. Jesus Himself is described as "gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29), setting the ultimate example for His followers.

Practical Application:

For Christians, the avoidance of being a striker extends beyond physical violence to include verbal aggression and contentious behavior. Believers are encouraged to pursue peace and reconciliation, following the exhortation in Romans 12:18: "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." . This pursuit of peace is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel in the life of a believer, reflecting the character of Christ to the world.

In summary, the biblical perspective on strikers is clear: violence and aggression are incompatible with the life of a follower of Christ, particularly for those in leadership. The call to gentleness, self-control, and peace is a central tenet of Christian conduct, serving as a witness to the transformative power of God's love and grace.

Of the Most Excellent Exercise we Can Make in the Interior and ...
... My will is in a simply waiting state, and is ready for all that God shall send;
wherefore I have given my body to the strikers, and my cheeks to them that ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xv of the most.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... quiet, compassionate, merciful, peaceable, without passion, apt to teach, and diligent
to convert, willing to receive and to comfort; no strikers, not soon ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... Some bold spirits among the strikers, having set out together, scaled the two or
three boundary walls by which the granaries were protected, but having reached ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... by the rules and standards which Paul laid down for bishops and presbyters, that
they are to be temperate, soberminded, not given to wine, no strikers, apt to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

Strikers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Strikers (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 50:6 I gave my
back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those who plucked ...
/s/strikers.htm - 6k

Strikes (39 Occurrences)

/s/strikes.htm - 16k

Cheeks (8 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Isaiah 50:6 I gave my back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those who
plucked off the hair; I didn't hide my face from shame and spitting. ...
/c/cheeks.htm - 8k

Striker (3 Occurrences)

/s/striker.htm - 7k

Spitting (5 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Isaiah 50:6 I gave my back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those who
plucked off the hair; I didn't hide my face from shame and spitting. ...
/s/spitting.htm - 7k

Pluck (41 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Isaiah 50:6 I gave my back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those who
plucked off the hair; I didn't hide my face from shame and spitting. ...
/p/pluck.htm - 19k

Plucked (46 Occurrences)
... (See JPS RSV). Isaiah 50:6 I gave my back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those
who plucked off the hair; I didn't hide my face from shame and spitting. ...
/p/plucked.htm - 21k

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