Definition and Context:
Factions refer to divisions or schisms within a group, often leading to conflict and disunity. In the biblical context, factions are typically seen as a negative force that disrupts the unity of the body of Christ. The New Testament addresses the issue of factions within the early church, emphasizing the importance of unity and harmony among believers.

Biblical References:
The concept of factions is addressed in several passages in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul, in particular, speaks against factions and divisions within the church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 , Paul appeals to the Corinthian church, saying, "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. My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: Each of you says, 'I follow Paul,' 'I follow Apollos,' 'I follow Cephas,' or 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?"

In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists factions as one of the "acts of the flesh," warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This passage underscores the seriousness with which factions are viewed in the Christian life, equating them with other sinful behaviors that are contrary to the Spirit.

Theological Implications:
Factions are seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature, reflecting pride, selfish ambition, and a lack of love. They are contrary to the unity that Christ desires for His church. In John 17:20-23 , Jesus prays for all believers, "that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." This prayer highlights the importance of unity as a testimony to the world of the truth of the Gospel.

Practical Considerations:
The presence of factions within a church or Christian community can lead to strife, hinder the work of the Gospel, and damage the witness of the church. Believers are called to pursue peace and unity, as seen in Ephesians 4:3 , which urges Christians to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

To address factions, church leaders and members are encouraged to practice humility, seek reconciliation, and prioritize the common good over personal preferences. Philippians 2:3-4 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Conclusion:
While factions are a reality in human relationships, the biblical call is to overcome them through love, humility, and a commitment to the unity of the body of Christ. By focusing on the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, believers can work towards a harmonious community that reflects the love and unity of God.1370. dichostasia -- standing apart, dissension
... and 4714 , "a standing, stance") -- properly, separate-standings ("standing apart"),
used of which separate people into pointless (groundless) factions. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1370.htm - 7k

139. hairesis -- choice, opinion
... divisive) .]. Word Origin from haireo Definition choice, opinion NASB Word
Usage factions (2), heresies (1), sect (6). heresy, sect. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/139.htm - 7k

There were Three Factions in this City. The First was Composed of ...
... Section 9. There were three factions in this city. The first was composed
of men of? 9. There were three factions in this city. ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 9 there were three.htm

The Eunomians Divide into Several Factions.
... Book V. Chapter XXIV."The Eunomians divide into Several Factions. ... But those who derived
their name from him were subsequently divided into several factions. ...
/.../chapter xxiv the eunomians divide into.htm

Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ...
... Ambrose. Epistle LXIII. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, having died, the
see remained long vacant owing to domestic factions.? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle lxiii limenius bishop of.htm

The Beginnings of Church Reform
... But for nearly 150 years (904-1046), with a few short interludes, the Papacy
was the sport of local factions. At the beginning of ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter i the beginnings of.htm

1 Cor. xi. 17
... [3.] Ver.19. "For there must be also factions among you, that they which
are approved may be made manifest among you.". By "factions ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxvii 1 cor xi.htm

Concerning the Tyrants Simon and John. How Also as Titus was Going ...
... Now, while these factions fought one against another, the people were their prey
on both sides, as we have said already; and that part of the people who would ...
/.../chapter 6 concerning the tyrants.htm

St. Bernard
... The imperial party at Rome had disappeared, but, on the other hand, Calixtus
had established only a truce between the Roman factions. ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter vi st bernard.htm

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Treasure Christians have in the ...
... A sad beginning in such backsliding had been made by factions in their midst, who,
satiated with the Gospel and indifferent to the abundant grace they enjoyed ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/eighteenth sunday after trinity treasure.htm

Letter xvi. To Pope Damasus.
... Jerome once more refers to his baptism at Rome, and declares that his one answer
to the factions at Antioch is, "He who clings to the chair of Peter is ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xvi to pope damasus.htm

Concerning the Banishment and Return of the Holy Liberius.
... was read in the circus, and the multitude shouted that the imperial ordinance was
just; that the spectators were divided into two factions, each deriving its ...
/.../chapter xiv concerning the banishment and.htm

Factions (5 Occurrences)
...Factions (5 Occurrences). ... For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions
among you, aren't you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? (WEB). ...
/f/factions.htm - 7k

Quarreling (17 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Quarrel. 2. (a.) Engaged in a quarrel; apt or disposed to quarrel;
as, quarreling factions; a quarreling mood. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/q/quarreling.htm - 11k

Jealousy (54 Occurrences)
... For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you fleshly,
and don't you walk in the ways of men? (WEB WEY ASV NAS RSV NIV). ...
/j/jealousy.htm - 29k

Strife (71 Occurrences)
... fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you,
aren't you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? ...
/s/strife.htm - 27k

Ordinary (17 Occurrences)
... For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you
fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of men? (See RSV). ...
/o/ordinary.htm - 12k

Outbursts (5 Occurrences)
... to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there
would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings ...
/o/outbursts.htm - 8k

Gossip (7 Occurrences)
... to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there
would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings ...
/g/gossip.htm - 9k

Genuine (9 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Corinthians 11:19 For there also must be factions among you, that
those who are approved may be revealed among you. (See RSV). ...
/g/genuine.htm - 9k

Whisperings (1 Occurrence)
... to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there
would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings ...
/w/whisperings.htm - 6k

Wraths (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wraths (1 Occurrence). Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery,
enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, (ASV YLT) ...
/w/wraths.htm - 6k

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