8770 idolatry, in NT
Dictionary of Bible Themes

The NT world included many religions which promoted the worship of idols. Idolatry was thus of continuing importance to NT writers, especially Paul.

Acts 17:16

Idolatry in the Gentile world

See also

Acts 14:11-13; 17:22-23; 19:24
1 Corinthians 8:5
Galatians 4:8
Romans 1:24

Criticism of idolatry

Idolatry leads to other sinful behaviour

Romans 1:20

Verses 22 and 24-25 show the link between idolatry and immoral conduct.

See also

Idolatry is an offence against the doctrine of creation

Acts 17:24-29
Romans 1:22-23

See also

Idols are futile and degrading

1 Corinthians 8:4; 10:19; 12:2
Acts 12:22

See also

Idolatrous worship of human beings

Luke 20:24-25
Acts 28:6

Jesus Christ opposes the hypocrisy which objected to Roman coinage as idolatrous on the grounds that the emperor's head infringed the Ten Commandments

1 Corinthians 10:20

See also

Demonic powers are involved with idolatry

Revelation 9:20; 13:4
Acts 15:20

See also

Food sacrificed to idols

Romans 14:2-3,6
1 Corinthians 8:4-13; 10:14-31
Acts 19:28

See also

Encounters with idolatrous practice

Acts 14:11-18; 17:18-31
1 John 5:21

Spiritual idolatry

"idols" here may well refer to a wide range of God-substitutes.

Matthew 4:3

The temptations of Jesus Christ present three main kinds of spiritual idolatry

Possessions

See also

Matthew 6:24

pp Lk 4:3

Luke 18:23
Philippians 3:19

pp Lk 16:13

Colossians 3:5
1 Timothy 6:10
Matthew 4:6

Prestige and self-esteem

See also

Luke 3:8; 10:29; 18:11-12,21

pp Lk 4:9

Romans 2:19
Matthew 4:8-9

Power

See also

Luke 9:54-55; 23:39

pp Lk 4:6-7

John 18:10-11; 19:10
Philippians 2:6
James 4:6,10

See also

2580 Christ, transfiguration
4190 spiritism
8219 courage
8230 discipline
8276 humility
8320 perfection
8802 pride
8830 suspicion
Dictionary of Bible Themes
© Martin H. Manser, 2009.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       


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