Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8730 enemies, of believers

◄ 8730 enemies, of believers ►

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Christians must expect to face many enemies on account of their faith. Jesus Christ made it clear that such opposition was the inevitable result of commitment to him. Nevertheless, Christians are called upon to love their enemies.

John 15:18-19

Christians are enemies of the world because they belong to Jesus Christ

Opposition to Christians is opposition to Jesus Christ

Particular enemies of Christians

All kinds of people

See also

John 15:21

pp Mt 10:22

Matthew 10:34-36

Family members

See also

Genesis 37:1-11

pp Lk 12:51-53

Micah 7:6
Matthew 10:21
Acts 4:18; 5:28; 8:3; 9:1-2

pp Mk 13:12

2 Peter 2:1

Religious zealots

3 John 1:9-10
John 16:2

Christians may be killed by their enemies

Christian attitudes towards enemies

See also

To love, do good, bless and pray for them

Job 31:29-30
Luke 6:27-29,35; 23:34
Acts 7:59-60
Romans 12:14
1 Peter 3:9
Matthew 6:12-15
Luke 11:4; 23:33-34

To forgive them

Acts 7:59-60
Romans 12:20

See also

To help and show kindness to them

Proverbs 25:21-22
Luke 10:25-37
Exodus 23:4-5

To show kindness to their beasts of burden

Proverbs 24:17-18

Not to rejoice in their misfortunes

Romans 12:21

See also

To win them with kindness

1 Samuel 26:21
1 Peter 5:8

Christians have a spiritual enemy

See also

Satan opposes Christians

Job 1:7-9
Luke 22:31
2 Timothy 4:17-18
1 Peter 5:9

See also

The need to engage in spiritual warfare

2 Corinthians 10:4
Ephesians 6:10-18
1 Timothy 5:14-15
2 Timothy 4:7
James 4:7
Psalms 23:5

God supports his people against their enemies

John 17:15

See also

Deuteronomy 33:27
1 Samuel 12:11
2 Samuel 22:1-3
Psalms 18:2; 43:1; 46:1; 59:1-2; 71:1-4; 91:1-4; 119:134; 140:1-2; 143:9; 144:11
Matthew 10:28-31
Luke 1:69,71; 22:32
2 Timothy 4:8
1 Corinthians 15:26

Death as the last enemy to be destroyed by Jesus Christ