Definition and Context: In biblical terms, a faction refers to a group or party within a larger community, often characterized by dissent, division, or conflict. The concept of faction is closely related to discord and strife, which are frequently addressed in the Scriptures as behaviors contrary to the unity and peace that God desires for His people.

Old Testament References: While the term "faction" itself is not explicitly used in the Old Testament, the concept is evident in various narratives. For example, the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron in Numbers 16 is a clear instance of factionalism. These men gathered a group to challenge the God-given authority of Moses, leading to severe consequences. This event illustrates how factions can arise from pride and a desire for power, disrupting the community's harmony.

New Testament References: The New Testament provides more direct references to factions, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the issue of divisions within the church: "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction" (1 Corinthians 1:10). Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and warns against the dangers of factions.

In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists "factions" among the works of the flesh, contrasting them with the fruit of the Spirit. He writes, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" . This passage underscores the sinful nature of factions and their incompatibility with a life led by the Spirit.

Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, factions are seen as a manifestation of human sinfulness and a threat to the unity of the body of Christ. The New Testament consistently calls believers to maintain unity and peace, reflecting the oneness of God and His purpose for the church. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" .

Practical Considerations: In practical terms, addressing factions within a Christian community involves promoting humility, love, and mutual submission. Leaders are encouraged to foster an environment where open communication and reconciliation are prioritized. The teachings of Jesus on forgiveness and peacemaking, as found in Matthew 5:9 and Matthew 18:15-17, provide guidance for resolving conflicts and preventing factions from taking root.

Conclusion: While factions are a reality in human relationships, the biblical call is to strive for unity and peace, reflecting the character of Christ and the transformative power of the Gospel.1. (n.) A coalition of persons within a larger group; a clique.

2. (n.) A party, in political society, combined or acting in union, in opposition to the government, or state; -- usually applied to a minority, but it may be applied to a majority; a combination or clique of partisans of any kind, acting for their own interests, especially if greedy, clamorous, and reckless of the common good.

3. (n.) Tumult; discord; dissension.

2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition
... rivalry Definition: (the seeking of followers and adherents by means of gifts, the
seeking of followers, hence) ambition, rivalry, self-seeking; a feud, faction ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2052.htm - 7k

2207. zelotes -- zealous
... 1, 25.77). [This term is also used of the extreme faction of the Pharisees
called " of the Law" (Lk 6:15; Ac 1:13).]. Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2207.htm - 7k

Epistle Xlvii. Cornelius to Cyprian, Concerning the Faction of ...
... Cornelius to Cyprian, Concerning the Faction of Novatian with His Party.
Argument."Cornelius Gives Cyprian an Account of the Faction of Novatian. [2437] ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xlvii cornelius to cyprian.htm

Epistle xxxix. To the People, Concerning Five Schismatic ...
... Epistle XXXIX. To the People, Concerning Five Schismatic Presbyters of
the Faction of Felicissimus. Argument."In Like Manner, as ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xxxix to the people.htm

On the Contrary, they Deserve the Name of Faction who Conspire to ...
... Chapter XL. On the contrary, they deserve the name of faction who conspire
to bring odium on? On the contrary, they deserve the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xl on the contrary.htm

Valens and Ursacius, who Belonged to the Arian Faction, Confess to ...
... Chapter XXIII."Valens and Ursacius, who belonged to the Arian Faction, confess to
the Bishop of Rome that they had made False Charges against Athanasius. ...
/.../chapter xxiii valens and ursacius who.htm

Letter from the Emperor Constantine to the Synod of Tyre, and ...
... Book II. Chapter XXVIII."Letter from the Emperor Constantine to the Synod of Tyre,
and Exile of St. Athanasius through the Machination of the Arian Faction. ...
/.../chapter xxviii letter from the emperor.htm

Of Famous Leaders of the Arian Faction.
... Book V. Chapter VII."Of famous leaders of the Arian faction. The Eastern section
of the empire had received the infection from many quarters. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter vii of famous leaders of.htm

Epistle xxxvii. To Caldonius, Herculanus, and Others, About the ...
... but of his own impulse, disturbing the peace of the brethren he hath rushed forth
with many more, and asserted himself as a leader of a faction and chief of a ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xxxvii to caldonius herculanus.htm

Letter xxi. From Eutyches to Leo .
... to reply to his accusation: but though I was delayed by a serious illness besides
my advanced age, I came to clear myself, knowing well that a faction had been ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xxi from eutyches to.htm

Philippians ii. 4-Jan
... compassions, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love,
being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction or through ...
/.../homily v philippians ii 4-jan.htm

Epistle Xli. To Cornelius, About Cyprian's Approval of his ...
... of His Colleagues Caldonius And Fortunatus, Which Fully Testified to Its Legitimacy;
And Incidentally Repeats, in Respect of the Contrary Faction of the ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xli to cornelius about.htm

Faction (4 Occurrences)
...Faction (4 Occurrences). Philippians 1:17 but the other proclaim Christ of faction,
not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. (ASV). ...
/f/faction.htm - 7k

Factious (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Pertaining to faction; proceeding from faction; indicating, or characterized
by, faction; -- said of acts or expressions; as, factious quarrels. ...
/f/factious.htm - 7k

Partisan (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An adherent to a party or faction; one who
is strongly and passionately devoted to a party or an interest. ...
/p/partisan.htm - 7k

Apollos (11 Occurrences)
... The mission of Apollos had met with a certain success, but the breeding of faction,
which that very success, through the slight discrepancies in his teaching ...
/a/apollos.htm - 16k

Zealot (4 Occurrences)
... The Zealots were a faction, headed by Judas of Galilee, who "in the days of the
enrollment" (compare Acts 5:37 Luke 2:1, 2) bitterly opposed the threatened ...
/z/zealot.htm - 12k

Factions (5 Occurrences)

/f/factions.htm - 7k

Fashion (24 Occurrences)
... fash'-un (mishpaT; schema, the make, pattern, shape, manner or appearance of a thing
(from Latin faction-em, "a making," through Old French fatson, fachon ...
/f/fashion.htm - 21k

Epiphanes
... He was called in to settle a quarrel between Onias III and his brother, Jason, the
leader of the Hellenizing faction in Jerusalem, and Onias was driven out (2 ...
/e/epiphanes.htm - 8k

Principal (28 Occurrences)
... chief, or head; one who takes the lead; one who acts independently, or who has
controlling authority or influence; as, the principal of a faction, a school, a ...
/p/principal.htm - 18k

Part (2071 Occurrences)
... concern; duty; office. 8. (n.) One of the opposing parties or sides in a
conflict or a controversy; a faction. 9. (n.) A particular ...
/p/part.htm - 12k

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