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 17:16Idolatry in the Gentile world See also Acts 14:11-13; 17:22-23; 19:241 Corinthians 8:5 Galatians 4:8 Romans 1:24 Criticism of idolatry Idolatry leads to other sinful behaviour Romans 1:20Verses 22 and 24-25 show the link between idolatry and immoral conduct. See also Idolatry is an offence against the doctrine of creation Acts 17:24-29Romans 1:22-23 See also Idols are futile and degrading 1 Corinthians 8:4; 10:19; 12:2Acts 12:22 See also Idolatrous worship of human beings Luke 20:24-25Acts 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 10:20See also Demonic powers are involved with idolatry Revelation 9:20; 13:4Acts 15:20 See also Food sacrificed to idols Romans 14:2-3,61 Corinthians 8:4-13; 10:14-31 Acts 19:28 See also Encounters with idolatrous practice Acts 14:11-18; 17:18-311 John 5:21 Spiritual idolatry "idols" here may well refer to a wide range of God-substitutes. Matthew 4:3The temptations of Jesus Christ present three main kinds of spiritual idolatry Possessions See also Matthew 6:24pp Lk 4:3 Luke 18:23Philippians 3:19 pp Lk 16:13 Colossians 3:51 Timothy 6:10 Matthew 4:6 Prestige and self-esteem See also Luke 3:8; 10:29; 18:11-12,21pp Lk 4:9 Romans 2:19Matthew 4:8-9 Power See also Luke 9:54-55; 23:39pp Lk 4:6-7 John 18:10-11; 19:10Philippians 2:6 James 4:6,10 See also 2580 Christ, transfiguration4190 spiritism 8219 courage 8230 discipline 8276 humility 8320 perfection 8802 pride 8830 suspicion |



